Chetham's Library, Manchester (must see)

Chetham's Library, established in 1653 as part of Chetham's Hospital along with Chetham's School of Music, stands as the oldest public reference library in the United Kingdom. It was founded by Humphrey Chetham to provide education for deserving children and to offer a scholarly resource. Since its inception, the library has remained active, functioning as an independent charity. It welcomes visitors without charge from Monday to Friday, though appointments are necessary. Tours can be arranged through the library's website.

The library boasts a vast collection of over 100,000 printed volumes, with 60,000 predating 1851. These encompass works from the 16th and 17th centuries, periodicals, local history materials, and assorted ephemera. Chetham's Library has earned recognition as an Accredited Museum by the Arts Council England and its entire collection is designated as nationally and internationally significant under the Arts Council England scheme.

Among its treasures are portraits of notable figures such as William Whitaker, the Reverend John Radcliffe, Robert Thyer, the Reverend Francis Robert Raines, and Elizabeth Leigh. Noteworthy among its fine art pieces is an Allegory with Putti and Satyrs, attributed to the 16th-century Netherlandish artist Vincent Sellaer.

A notable segment of the library's holdings pertains to Belle Vue Zoo and Gardens, a prominent entertainment venue and zoological center in Manchester from the 1830s to the 1980s. This collection includes numerous posters, programs, photographs, and business documents of the owner, John Jennison. Much of this material has been digitized and made accessible online through grants obtained by the library, notably a £45,000 grant in 2014.