Public Access to University of Manchester Libraries: What Visitors Can Use
John Rylands welcomes visitors without membership. Main Library offers free Community Membership, with borrowing rights and specific limits on computer use.
Published
You can visit the University of Manchester’s historic John Rylands Library for free without becoming a member. Public access to its Main Library works differently: the University offers free Community Membership, which includes entry and limited borrowing. Choosing the right route depends on whether you want to visit a historic library, borrow books or consult research material.[1]
John Rylands: Visiting and Consulting Collections
For a general visit to John Rylands Library, there’s no membership application to complete. The University describes it as a cultural and research library with exhibitions, collections and reading rooms. Its public-access policy also explains that members of the public can consult rare books, manuscripts and archives in supervised reading rooms.[1][2]
Consulting Special Collections has its own arrangements. The Library’s public-access guidance explicitly says you don’t need Community Membership to view them, but viewing must be arranged separately. If you’re interested in a particular manuscript or rare book, follow the Special Collections route before travelling. Signing up for Main Library membership doesn’t replace that arrangement.[1]
What Main Library Community Membership Includes
Community Membership gives members of the public access to the University’s Main Library for one year. Joining is free, and you can renew annually without a charge. This is the route to choose if you want to use Main Library and borrow eligible books.[1]
The borrowing allowance is four books, excluding items classified as High Demand. Every borrowed book is subject to recall at any time, so the allowance needs a little care if you’re collecting material for a longer project. A recall can require you to return a book sooner, and the Library says recalled items are usually due back within seven days.[1]
Apply at Main Library Reception
Take photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, to Main Library reception and complete a membership form. After the form is processed, staff take your photograph and print a card with your picture on the front. The photograph is used to confirm your identity when you enter.[1]
Membership applications can be processed from 8am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Plan your application visit around those processing times. Once you’re a member, bring your card on every visit: the Library says entry won’t be permitted without it.[1]
E-resources Have a Separate Computer Route
Community members can view e-resources using the External User PC. Ask the Library Experience Team at the front desk when you want to use it, because a member of staff must set up the computer before use. Access to these resources is available from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm at weekends.[1]
Those resource-access hours finish later than membership application processing. If you need to join and use the External User PC on the same day, arrive during the earlier application window and speak to the desk about both tasks.[1]
The membership doesn’t include general IT access or printing. The University encourages community members to bring their own devices and connect to UoM Guest Wi-Fi during their visit. For work that needs printing, make another arrangement rather than relying on your membership card.[1]
Set Up Library Search to Manage Your Books
After joining, you can set up an account to manage borrowing through Library Search, the Library’s search and loan-management service. This account lets you see your loans, renew and reserve items, and check whether anything has been recalled. Its purpose is Library Search only. Creating it doesn’t give you IT, Wi-Fi or printing access.[1]
Start with “activate your account” in IT Account Manager. You’ll need your surname, date of birth and library ID number, which is the first seven digits on your card. Confirm that the details returned are yours, then choose a password and complete registration after reading and accepting the terms. If the search brings back incorrect details, ask Library staff for help before continuing.[1]
Sources and checks
These sources were used for this article. Availability, prices and service details can change after the stated check date.
- How can I access the Library as a member of the public? - Library Help
Checked 20 October 2026.
John Rylands Library is free to visit and requires no membership. Community Membership provides one year of Main Library access and is free to join and renew annually. Members can borrow four books, excluding High Demand items, and books can be recalled at any time. Recalled books are usually due back within seven days. E-resources are available through a staff-prepared External User PC during the stated resource-access hours. Community Membership excludes general IT access and printing, while members are encouraged to use their own devices with UoM Guest Wi-Fi. Applications require a reception visit, photo identification, a form and a photograph for the membership card. Applications are processed during the stated weekday and weekend windows, and a membership card is required for entry. Library Search registration enables loan management without granting IT, Wi-Fi or printing access. Account activation uses personal details and the first seven digits of the library card number. Special Collections viewing is arranged separately and does not require Community Membership.
- Social Responsibility | SDG 11: Policies, processes and practices < Social Responsibility
Checked 20 October 2026.
The University describes John Rylands as a cultural and research library welcoming public visitors. John Rylands offers collections, exhibitions and reading rooms. Members of the public can consult rare books, manuscripts and archives in supervised reading rooms.