Don't be a Scrooge! Christmas gifts needed to unlock John Rylands Library

(2005-11-29) Manchester City Council

On Wednesday December 7 a reception will be held in the Town Hall to raise awareness of the conservation work being carried out to John Rylands Library on Deansgate and to encourage businesses to dig deep in time for Christmas

In order to highlight the significance of the collections many of them will be on show for guests to see including Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol, illustrated by Manchester artist, Alan Tabor.

A nativity miniature from an illuminated manuscript will be on display and the reception will also have a festive feel with mulled wine and mince pies being served from 6.30pm.

For the past few years, extensive conservation work has been carried out on the library and there is only £2million left to raise, to see completion of the project. Set to re-open in 2006 it is hoped the John Rylands Library will continue to enrich the cultural landscape and be a major visitor attraction in the North West.

The John Rylands Library has been described as the most 'beautiful building in Manchester' by the Lonely Planet Guide. It is undeniably an exquisite example of neo-gothic architecture as well as home to one of the finest and most spectacular collections of rare books and manuscripts spanning five millennia.

The Library's treasures include the St John Fragment, which is the earliest known example of the New Testament in existence and the Rylands Haggadah, an amazingly beautiful example of the Passover story, produced in the fourteenth century.

The Unlocking the Rylands Appeal has secured a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and money from the European Regional Development Fund. The plans include:

* A new entrance wing with modern visitor facilities
* Lift access to all public areas
* A programme of building repairs and conservation
* New exhibition galleries
* Improved book conservation and reader facilities

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council will give a short address on the evening.

He said: "The finest example of neo-gothic architecture in Europe, The John Rylands Library is stunning. We are grateful to all those who have given their time and money to this very worthwhile project and hope that this reception takes us nearer to the final goal. What a great Christmas present that would be!"

Bill Simpson, University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library, said: "The John Rylands Library has some of the most magnificent collections of books and manuscripts to be found anywhere in the world.

They and the beautiful Rylands building are part of Manchester's proud heritage and we would love to have the full support of our business community as we make the final push to secure their future for the city."

The Library will form part of the new £1.25billion Spinningfields development, which is being carried out by Allied London properties in partnership with Manchester City Council.

To make a donation contact the John Rylands University Library, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PP or call 0161 275 8735