Lighting from lanterns, talking in whispers – this is the way to discover the nooks and crannies of the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. Show yourself around the wood-panelled rooms and book-lined galleries at your own pace on Chetham’s own “anti-tour” – AKA Chetham’s Library Unscripted. Once a month (also Thu 6 Dec, Thu 17 Jan and Thu 14 Feb), as dusk falls and the dust settles, the place comes alive. Soak up the unique atmosphere and medieval magic seeping out of the building’s walls, dating from 1653, and experience parts usually off limits – from secret staircases and stone passages to cobbled courtyards and objects normally hidden from prying eyes. Enjoy tomes brought out from the extensive collection to pore over by lamp light in spooky corners, then end up in the Baronial Hall for a glass of wine and the chance to quiz the curators about what your dérive digs up.
Thu 1 Nov, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB, Tel: 0161 834 7961, 6.30pm, £20, www.library.chethams.com
For more things to do in Manchester, click here.
- Words:
- Sarah-Clare Conlon
- Published on:
- Wed 23 Jan 2019
