Brief description
On 13th October 1911, a library service was set up by the City Council in a house on the site of the present building. This had a stock of 1,861 books, as well as a newsroom. It soon became clear that a more substantial service in a purpose-built building was required. The present building was designed by Henry Price, a council architect who also designed Didsbury and Chorlton libraries.
Withington library was one of the first in Manchester to have a young people’s reading room.
Plans were announced in 2017 for a major refurbishment, which will add 2 new meeting rooms, plus new computers and furniture.
Current status: Still open as a public library, run by Manchester city council (2018)
- Year grant given (if known):
- Amount of grant: Partly financed by the Carnegie UK Trust: £5,000 from a total cost of £15,500
- Year opened: 30 May 1927, by the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine (Treasurer of the Carnegie UK Trust and President of the Library Association)
Photo of library today (2017):
© Copyright Gerald England and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Details:
With thanks to Neil MacInnes for this photo.
Old photo of library (postcard):
Nothing in my collection yet
Visited?
Not yet
Web links:
- Withington history: Article on Withington library
- News article: Withington library set for major refurbishment (2017), also on the Manchester libraries blog: Withington library refurbishment
