What Manchester Central Library Offers Beyond Borrowing Books
Free wifi, computer access, musical instruments and research collections, with practical details on booking and building accessibility.
Published
Manchester Central Library offers ways to get online, make music and consult specialist collections alongside borrowing books. Manchester City Council, which runs the library service, confirms free wifi and free computer use for members, while the Henry Watson Music Library provides instruments you can play for free. Some activities need advance arrangements, particularly instrument bookings and access to rare music.[1][2]
Wifi and Computers: What’s Free and What Needs Membership?
If you’re bringing a laptop, tablet or phone, you can connect to the library’s free wifi. Using a library computer has separate conditions, so decide which equipment you need before planning your visit.[1]
| Option | Cost | Session Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Wifi on your own device | Free | Connect your laptop, tablet or phone |
| Library computer for members | Free | Up to two hours at a time, with extensions possible if a computer is available |
| Library computer for members aged 60 or over, or visually impaired members | Free | Up to three hours a day |
| Library computer for non-members | £2 | Up to one hour, with proof of identity required |
Joining the library is free, so consider membership before paying for a computer session. The council recommends booking because computers can be busy. You can arrange a session by contacting the library, speaking to staff in person or booking your next session while already using a library computer.[1]
Allow for an earlier finish than the building’s closing time. Computer access ends 15 minutes before the library closes, which matters if you’re working towards a deadline. An extension also depends on availability, so book around the published session allowance rather than relying on extra time.[1]
Getting Help With Online Skills
Library staff may be able to help you get online. For help using the internet or improving your digital skills, the council also directs residents to its Digital Inclusion team. Text 07860 064128 or email digitalinclusion@manchester.gov.uk, including your name and the area of Manchester where you live. Describe what you’re trying to do when you make contact so the enquiry has a clear starting point.[1]
Making Music at the Henry Watson Music Library
The Henry Watson Music Library is Central Library’s specialist music resource. Its instruments include piano, drums and guitar, with free use available for learning, playing a tune or making music with friends. If you’ve been looking for somewhere to try an instrument, this is a specific service worth asking about.[2]
There are also computers for composing music and a mixing desk for DJing. To book an instrument or music workstation, email henrywatsonmusiclibrary@manchester.gov.uk. Name the instrument or workstation you want to use when enquiring, rather than assuming that any available music space will have the equipment you need.[2]
For listening and study, the collection includes printed music, books about music, CDs and DVDs. You can consult music periodicals with historical back runs and collected editions, and the library lists Music Online and Naxos Music Library as its two streaming services. That gives listeners and musicians several starting points, from a recording to the printed music or writing surrounding it.[2]
Rare Music Needs Advance Notice
Pre-1850 music, rare material and Henry Watson’s own collection are held in strong rooms. These books can be consulted in Central Library’s search room with at least one day’s notice, and you can make an appointment to view them. Arrange this part of a research visit ahead of time. The music library also accepts requests for orchestral or choral sets, which is a separate route worth enquiring about if you’re sourcing music for a group.[2]
Step-Free Access and Facilities Inside
Central Library has level and ramped access, automatic doors at ground level and lifts serving every floor. The council describes all exhibition areas, meeting rooms and public spaces as wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available on every floor, with step-free access, handrails and space for wheelchair users.[3]
A changing place is on the lower ground floor, and water for assistance dogs can be provided on request. If you’re arranging a music session or search-room appointment, mention any particular access requirements in the same enquiry so you can plan around both the activity and the facilities you’ll need.[2][3]
Sources and checks
These sources were used for this article. Availability, prices and service details can change after the stated check date.
- Use wifi or a library computer | Use wifi or a library computer | Manchester City Council
Checked 20 October 2026.
Manchester libraries provide free wifi for personal devices and free computer use for library members. Member computer sessions last up to two hours at a time, with extensions dependent on availability. Members aged 60 or over, or visually impaired members, can use computers for up to three hours a day. Computer access ends 15 minutes before closing. Non-members pay £2 for up to one hour and must provide proof of identity, while joining the library is free. The council recommends booking and lists contact, in-person and existing-session booking routes. Staff may help people get online, and the Digital Inclusion team provides a contact route for internet and digital skills support.
- Henry Watson Music Library | Henry Watson Music Library | Manchester City Council
Checked 20 October 2026.
The Henry Watson Music Library offers free use of instruments including piano, drums and guitar. Music facilities include composition computers and a DJ mixing desk. Instrument and music workstation bookings use henrywatsonmusiclibrary@manchester.gov.uk. Resources include printed music, music books, historical periodicals, collected editions, CDs, DVDs and the Music Online and Naxos Music Library streaming services. Pre-1850 and rare material and Henry Watson’s collection are held in strong rooms, with search-room consultation requiring at least one day’s notice. Orchestral and choral sets can be requested.
- Disabled access | Manchester City Council
Checked 20 October 2026.
Central Library has level and ramped access, ground-level automatic doors and lifts to every floor. The council describes exhibition areas, meeting rooms and public spaces as wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets on every floor have step-free access, handrails and wheelchair space. A changing place is on the lower ground floor. Water for assistance dogs can be provided on request.