![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Greater-Manchester.jpg\")
Chetham’s Library is offering an exclusive after-hours tour this December (Image: Universal Images Group via Getty)<\/p>\nIt offers visitors a ‘unique and magical experience’Chetham’s Library is offering an exclusive after-hours tour this December (Image: Universal Images Group via Getty)<\/p>\n
One of Manchester\u2019s oldest buildings<\/a> is opening its doors for visitors this month for night only, giving them a chance to experience it all decked out for Christmas<\/a>. Chetham\u2019s Library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world and is located in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n Nestled inside the Chetham\u2019s School of Music on Long Millgate in the city centre, this magnificent medieval building dates back to 1421. This makes it several centuries older than John Rylands, Manchester\u2019s other famous historical library.<\/p>\n The library has been in continuous use since 1653 and features over 100,000 printed books, with more than half dating back to before 1851. With atmospheric dark-wood panelling and stacks upon stacks of books, stepping inside the library really does feel like entering a different world – and one that feels even more magical at this time of the year.<\/p>\n Now visitors can experience the library after hours while it’s decorated for Christmas as it opens exclusively after-hours on Friday, December 19. It\u2019s a chance to explore the library\u2019s medieval stone passages and secret staircases, and marvel at all of the books.<\/p>\n It\u2019s the sort of place which feels like it\u2019s straight out of Hogwarts or from a Charles Dickens\u2019 novel. The after-hours visit takes place once the library has closed to the public and night has fallen.<\/p>\n Visitors will be able to see inside rooms and passageways which are normally closed to the public, for a \u2018unique and magical experience\u2019. A tour guide will take around this impressive 600-year-old building, explaining its history and sharing its secrets.<\/p>\n The after-hours tour takes place on Friday, December 19 at 6pm. Tickets cost \u00a313 and can be bought on the library\u2019s website here.<\/a> The tour is suitable for adults and young people over 14.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that due to the nature of the building, lighting will be low in some areas. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting Chetham\u2019s library and the medieval buildings.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Chethams-Library-will-be-open-on-December-19-so-visitors-can-experience-the-Christmas-decorations-.jpeg\")
The library will be decorated for Christmas (Image: \u00a9Sara Porter)<\/p>\n![\"Chetham\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Chethams-Library.jpg\")
Visitors can experience the library once it has closed to the public (Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n