Manchester is home to the UK’s first public library

The oldest public library in the nation, Chetham's Library, is situated in Manchester. The first free public library was established in 1853, making it the first location to offer a free lending service without a membership. After the Public Libraries Act was established in 1850, Sir John Potter, the mayor of Manchester at the time, decided to start fundraising to buy a structure and fill it with books. The community helped by contributing cash and books to start the endeavor.

Even the royal family gave its support to this cause; Prince Albert sent the Mayor a note of encouragement and sent 18 books. "be freely available to individuals of all classes without distinction," Prince Albert stated in his letter. Also highly supportive and actively involved in getting this initiative off the ground was Charles Dickens.

The library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world and is still in operation today. Its extraordinary collection of more than 100,000 printed books, which dates back to the 17th century, is well known. The structure that Robert Owen first opened for the Hall of Science served as the library's first location. This was situated close to the current Air and Space Hall of the Museum of Science and Industry in Campfield, Manchester.