Guided tours
The Secret Public exhibition tour
Book tickets
'The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955 - 1985' is the launch exhibition in the newly re-designed temporary exhibition gallery at the John Rylands Library. Join curator Mat Bancroft for a tour of the exhibition that looks at how LGBTQ performers shaped popular culture.
The exhibition contains rare and unseen materials from the library's collections and journeys from the 1950's outrageous rock n' roll of Little Richard through to the landmark pop of Pet Shop Boys.
The tour will begin in the Special Exhibition Gallery on the first floor.
Historic Building tour
Book tickets
Exhibition and Public Engagement with Research Team
Join the Exhibition and Public Engagement team at the Rylands for a behind-the-scenes tour of our beautiful neo-gothic library.
Opened in 1900 by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands, The John Rylands Library is a globally-renowned research institute and special collections library holding one of the finest rare books collections in the world. In this exclusive tour, you’ll be able to have a look at parts of the historic building that our visitors don’t usually get to see, including the hidden warren of vaults and cellars that run beneath the library’s sunny cloisters.
This tour will start in the library’s modern entrance and last for either 30 minutes (morning) or 45 minutes (afternoon).
Due to the historic nature of the building this tour will encompass some areas that do not have step-free access. For any accessibility enquiries please get in touch via email:
Printing Press demonstration
Book tickets
Exhibition and Public Engagement with Research Team
Join the Exhibition and Public Engagement team at the Rylands for a hands-on demonstration of our antique Colombian Printing Press.
Invented by American engineer George Clymer in 1813, this fully-functional press is still in regular use today, with our own model being around 200 years old. At the session you will have the opportunity to see the press in action, learn about the collection of early printed books held at the Rylands, and receive a unique commemorative print to take home yourself.
The Printing Press Demonstration will take place on the first floor next to the entrance of the Special Exhibition Gallery, and will last either 30 minutes (morning) or 45 minutes (afternoon). This area is fully accessible.