LibAnswers: Customer Services

The public areas of John Rylands Research Institute and Library and the Elsevier Reading Room are fully accessible to wheelchair users. We also welcome assistance dogs.

Parking

Due to its location there is no parking at the Library.  There are several car parks within walking distance. The nearest NCP car parks are on Watson Street, New Quay Street and Blackfriars Street.

Manchester City Centre Parking - NCP website

Accessible parking is available within central Manchester:

Dolefield - 4 Bays

Accessible parking in Manchester

Entering the Library

Entrance to the Library is through a modern extension that links to the Historic building.

The modern extension is fully accessible, with level access.

We have a power-assisted entrance door to the left of the revolving door, operated by a push button. Please be careful, the floor is slate and can be slippery in wet weather. We have mats to keep the floor dry.

The reception desk is on the right where staff will greet you and welcome you to the Library.

There are portable folding stools available in the Atrium which you can take with you as you explore the Library.

Visiting the Library

There is lift access to all floors except the Historic entrance and toilets.

There are steps with a hand rail leading to the Historic entrance and toilets.

The corridors are wide with flat stone flags.

The Historic building is lit by the original lights so the light levels are lower.

In the exhibition space and Rylands Gallery the lighting levels are low to protect the collection items on display.

There are large print (black on white) versions of all text in the exhibitions.

There are chairs on all levels.

There is one accessible toilet in the basement of the modern building.  A RADAR key is required to access this facility, a key is available at the main reception desk.

Our staff wear purple clothing and can be found in all areas of the Library if you need further assistance.

Please contact us if you require further information.