Hundreds of thousands of people paraded the streets of Manchester to catch a glimpse of King George V and Queen Mary open Manchester Central library on July 17, 1934.
Yesterday’s official reopening may not have been such a grandiose event, but they do say it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
And that most certainly applies to the newly refurbished 80-year-old library, with its remarkable archives and facilities.
Thought to have originally been based upon the 2nd century Parthenon in Rome, the renovated library now has something to offer to everyone from far and wide – attracting new and veteran library users from far and wide.
Despite the huge renovations, the Central Library still retains some of its classical charm. Look upwards to the magnificent dome ceiling and the quote from Proverbs 4 still remains.
It says: “Wisdom is the principal thing therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.
“Exalt her, and she shall promote thee. She shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her.
“She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she shall deliver to deliver to thee.”
Three-and-a-half years have passed since the library closed its doors before embarking on an ambitious £50million transformation into the modern era.
Manchester City Council hope the investment will help attract a staggering 2million visitors per year – two times that of pre-2010.
NEW AGE: Millions have been spent in bringing library into modern era
Hundreds of thousands of books have now been put back on the shelf in their rightful home after spending nearly four years in a Cheshire salt mine.
Neil Macinnes, Head of Libraries hosted the ceremony to unveil the plaque for the library’s time capsule.
The time capsule is the focus of the library’s first exhibit. Mr Macinnes said: “What we’ve managed to do in the library is embrace the best of what we had with the new.
ARCHIVES+: Users can interact with the new facilities
“This library is fit for purpose for a world-class city like Manchester. It’s got amazing new facilities and I think there’s something for everyone.”
Unveiling the plaque for the time capsule was 91-year-old Maude Ball, who also attended the original opening and later worked at Central Library.
Ms Ball said: “I think it’s fabulous – really lovely. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of it. I’ve been in the Great Hall.
“That’s not altered, so it’s nice to see it as it was.”
The 91-year-old also told MM that one of her favourite author is British historical writer Philippa Gregory.
Helping Ms Ball was 11-year-old Shazman Hussain of St Margart’s CofE Primary in Whalley Range.
HISTORY: Maude Ball, Shazman Hussain and the Mayor unveil the plaque
Among the children from 14 Manchester schools was Marjorie Welsh, who was also present at the ceremony in 1934
Ms Welsh was just one of many senior citizens attending the event who were also present at the library’s original opening almost eight decades ago.
The 85-year-old brought her a rare piece of history in the form of a commemorative handkerchief, which was handed out to the people at the front of the crowds at the original opening.
250,000 children were given the commemorative handkerchief to mark the library’s royal opening in 1934.
Ms Welsh told MM: “The library’s lovely. I think it will be wonderful for Manchester and bring a lot of people, and it’s so modern too.”
Lord Mayor, Councillor Naeem ul Hassan was also present at the grand reopening and looked forward to welcoming Manchester into its new state of the art resource and library.
“It is great to see how many activities and exciting things to see in this library,” he said.
“I’m also thrilled to have spent some time with our older guests and have listened to their stories and experiences of Central Library.”
IMPRESSED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Naeem ul Hassan getting grips with the equipment
In the depths of Britain’s second largest lending library is the designated children’s library which themed on The Secret Garden by Cheetham-Hill born author Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Any children who are new to the pleasures of reading can still get their fill of mod-cons among the books, in the ‘gaming area’.
The brand new Archives+ centre is a sophisticated collecting of Manchester’s most important historical archives.
Different collections of artefacts and collections will allow the public to gain a better insight into their beloved Manchester.
Focusing on themes such as Industry and Innovation, Pastimes, Places and Manchester Communities, the permanent archives are extremely interactive.
Dan Proctor, Design Director of Mather & Co who designed the state-of-the art centre said: “It was important to bring them [the archives] into the digital age, so that more people can interact and learn about their local and family history.
On hand to give a first-hand account of Manchester’s history is the ghost of 19th century Library Manager Edward Edwards.
The otherworldly entity charts the history of Manchester since the opening of the UK’s first public library here in 1852.
Actors in the roles of a Manchester suffragette and World War I soldier complete the story of Manchester’s history.
Also attending the reopening was retired Manchester couple Dorothy and Alan Robertson.
The pair were looking for information about family ancestors and their involvement in a local literary group society of which LS Lowry had also been a member.
HISTORY REPEATING: Dorothy Robertson recalls the original opening in 1934
Speaking of the 1934 opening, Dorothy said: “I was eight at the time. Alan was still in his crib.
“I remember the square being completely packed and someone lifting me up above the crowds to see the building being opened.”
Visitors to the £1.55million Heritage Lottery funded archives will also be able to work with the genealogy team to help them trace their families’ ancestors.
Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Rosa Battle told MM the ‘the reborn Central Library is nothing short of spectacular’.
The renovations of the reading room help the library retain its traditional ambiance of a place to escape into the depths and imagination that books bring.
Other new facilities to the newly reopened library include a the British Film Institute Mediatheque, the Henry Watson Music Library and a collection of rare books.
There is also a special collections including the library’s oldest book – a 13th century copy The Codex Justinianus.
The doors of the revamped Central Library are open to the public from 9am on Saturday March 22.
Central Library will thereon be open Monday to Thursday 9am-8pm and Friday to Saturday 9am-5pm.
Main image courtesy of ricardo266, with thanks.
