For me, Manchester is a city full of fascinating stories, from the Industrial Revolution to its current status as a city of innovation. I’ve had an affection for Manchester even before I came here, and the city was one of the main reasons I chose to study for master’s degree in England. And now that I’m actually living here, I’ve truly fallen in love with this city.

In fact, Manchester has a wide variety of interesting places that can cater to almost every type of person.
The extraverted can find different places to meet their friends and new people. Also, people who are a bit introverted, like me, can enjoy finding quiet places for themselves.

In this blog, I’d like to share a not-so-secret secret about one of my favourite places in Manchester, the one I visit most often, but I rarely share this secret with anyone. The place that I’m about to talk about is the Manchester Central Library, which is the largest serving library in England.

There are three reasons why the Central Library has become my favourite place in Manchester:
1. Aesthetics: The Central Library exhibits its timeless architectural circular design, which incorporates Pantheon-style stone columns, making it one of the most important landmarks for residents, students, and travellers living or passing through Manchester. I love this

 place because of its classic atmosphere, given the vast collection of antique books lining the walls of the circular building. It makes me feel like I was transported back in time to a place full of awe and intellectual serenity.

2. Tranquillity: Inside the building, there’s a reading room located in the centre of the first floor. For me, it’s the most peaceful place in the city. It was so quiet that you could even hear the sound of someone opening a bag in the distance. Therefore, visitors always try to make it as quiet as possible when entering this room, and it becomes an unspoken rule that everyone knows. This reading room is my favourite spot in the entire library. Reading books or working in a quiet place like this helps me escape from the unstoppable noise outside, and I can actually concentrate on what I really need to do in front of me with deep concentration. I often find myself being highly productive here. Personally, the charm of this room lies in the respect for the rule of silence among its users, making it a magical, peaceful place that welcomes those who truly love tranquillity.

3. Convenience: What I also enjoy, and what makes me spend almost the whole day in this library, is the facility. Central Library has spacious desks, comfortable seating, and power outlets for charging around the building. There are enough restrooms, a nice café, and a small gift shop. In addition to its convenient inside, the library is located in St. Peter’s Square, where people can easily commute to other attractions. It is within walking distance of local tram and bus stops, as well as shops and restaurants around the vibrant city centre.

Honestly, Central Library has gradually become an important part of my student life here for over 6 months. I have a feeling I will be sad and miss this peaceful place very much after I graduate and have to leave Manchester to go back to my home country at the end of this year.

Written by Benya Irlam, a current MSc IME student. 

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