Library sights in Northwest England
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John Rylands Library
Less a library and more a cathedral to books, Basil Champneys' stunning building is arguably the most beautiful library in Britain and one hell of a way for Rylands' widow to remember her husband, John. It's a breathtaking example of Victorian Gothic, no more so than the Reading Room, complete with high-vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. The collection of early printed books and rare manuscripts is equally impressive, and includes a Gutenberg Bible, the earliest extant of a New Testament text and the country's second-largest assembly of works by Britain's first printer, William Caxton. A £16 million refit has resulted in the addition of a surprisingly tasteful…
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Chetham's Library & School of Music
Built in 1421, this is the city’s oldest structure that’s still completely intact – and was where Messrs Marx and Engels used to study (by the big bay window in the main reading room). It's only open by prearranged visit, as it is part of a national school for young musicians.
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Central Library
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