Martin Harris Centre, The John Rylands Library

An Inventory of al Mutanabbi Street

6 February - 29 July 2013
This exhibition is the result of a project concieved by poet Beau Beausoleil and artist Sarah Bodman to "re-assemble" the "inventory" of reading material that was lost in the car bombing…

Burning Bright

8 February - 23 July 2013
Focusing on his achievements in the art of books, 'Burning Bright' features designs and prints by the artist and poet William Blake. On display for the first time are some exciting…

Make your own charms

13:00 - 16:00 22 June 2013
Try your hand at making your own charms and talismans, like those used by ancient peoples to ward off danger and dark magic.

Tony Dyson: a hidden history of gay rights campaigning

1 February - 30 June 2013
Tony Dyson began campaigning for gay rights in the late 1950s but by the 1970s his ongoing work had become overshadowed by more strident activism. This intimate display seeks to reveal…

Florence Nightingale: what nursing is and what it is not

12:00 - 13:00 29 June 2013
Florence Nightingale wrote her no-nonsense Notes on Nursing in 1860 - a fascinating guide to 19th century hospital care. Would our modern National Health Service meet her exacting standards?

Gargoyles r us: Gothic Tour

14:00 - 15:00 9 July 2013
Due to popular demand, this Gothic symbolism tour from last year's Medieval Season is now included in our main programme. See the Library in a new light!

It's Wizard!

13:00 - 14:00 9 July 2013
Take a peek at some of the wondrous magical books from our collections. Be amazed…!

Manchester Man

12:00 - 13:00 10 July 2013
Mrs G. Linnaeus Banks' most famous and enduring novel, The Manchester Man, was first published in Cassell's Family Magazine in 1875. Join us in an exploration of this book's evolution…

The Artist and the Book

19:00 - 20:00 10 July 2013
In connection with the artists' books specially commissioned for the Locating Boccaccio exhibition, Dr Sarah Bodman (University of the West of England) will be exploring some of the…

Locating Boccaccio in 2013

11 July - 20 December 2013
On the 700th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition celebrates the enduring popularity of the works of the Italian medieval author Giovanni Boccaccio. Taking a wide-ranging overview…

Enchanting Tales

11:00 - 12:00 13 July 2013
Join the Library's storyteller in one of our beautiful book-lined rooms, for tales of magic, mystery, mayhem and more! Most suitable for families with children aged 5-12, all welcome.

Here be Dragons

12:00 - 13:00 13 July 2013
The walls and ceiling of the Library are full of strange and mysterious creatures - join our tour to seek them out! This tour is most suitable for families with children aged 5-10, but all are welcome.

Manchester Man

12:00 - 13:00 13 July 2013
Mrs G. Linnaeus Banks' most famous and enduring novel, The Manchester Man, was first published in Cassell's Family Magazine in 1875. Join us in an exploration of this book’s evolution…

Explorer Tour: A peek behind the scenes!

14:30 - 15:30 17 July 2013
Ever wondered where some of the Library doors and staircases lead to? Then this is the tour for you!

Tall Tales and Short Sagas: Storytelling for adults

17:00 - 18:30 18 July 2013
Come and listen to some magical tales in one of our beautiful library rooms.

Tour and Treasures

12:00 - 13:00 18 July 2013
Enjoy a closer look at material from the Library's world famous collections and find out more about this magnificent building.

Boccaccio exhibition tour

13:00 - 14:00 20 July 2013
Come and join one of the curators on a tour around the Boccaccio exhibition, hear about the genesis of the project and see some of the items which were not included in the final selection!

Summer of Magic launch

17:00 - 19:00 20 July 2013
To launch our summer activities, come along and watch The Sword in the Stone in the atmospheric surroundings of the Library's Historic Reading Room.

Conservation in action

10:00 - 15:00 23 July 2013
Back by popular demand, our Conservation Team will be hosting an Open Day consisting of Conservation and Preservation issues relating to the collections withing the Library. The team…

Boccaccio exhibition tour

13:00 - 14:00 25 July 2013
Come and join one of the curators on a tour around the Boccaccio exhibition, hear about the genesis of the project and see some of the items which were not included in the final selection!

Book Making summer special

10:00 - 16:00 26 July 2013
Back by popular demand! A repeat of our March book-making session: explore different formats and binding techniques to make your own book. There will be a break for lunch, but lunch…

Hallé Youth Orchestra

19:30 - 22:00 26 July 2013
Stravinsky The Firebird: Suite 1919 Schumann Manfred Overture Sibelius Symphony No.2 Conductor: Jamie Philips The Hallé Youth Orchestra, founded in 2002,…

Hot off the press!

11:00 - 15:00 27 July 2013
Come along and try our Columba Printing Press for yourself and take home some original print-works!

Whimsical Wednesday Workshop: bookmaking

13:30 - 16:00 31 July 2013
Inspired by some of the exquisite bookbindings in the Library's collections, come along to find out how to make your own teeny tiny books.

La Biblioteca

14:30 - 19:30 1 August 2013
2.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Experience The John Rylands Library as you've never seen it before! This promenade performance explores love and heirarchies, both past and present, using…

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

Manchester Museum

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