Top 10 Libraries in England, United Kingdom

Open to all visitors seven-days-a-week, this superb building by Sir Colin St John Wilson offers events, special exhibitions and a Treasures Gallery that displays over 200 items, including Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible and lyrics by the Beatles.

Welcome to The John Rylands Library, one of the world's finest collections of rare books and manuscripts. The John Rylands Library is part of The University of Manchester. Please note that we open at 12noon on Mondays and Sundays

The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. It founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.

This distinctive circular building is a beautiful piece of classical architecture and one of Oxford’s most iconic sights. It's named after the royal physician, John Radcliffe, who had left money in his will to purchase land, build a library, purchase books, and pay a full-time librarian. The camera (the word means simply ‘room’) was built 1737 – 1749 and designed by the leading architect James Gibbs.

Opened in 1964 to celebrate the life and works of Shakespeare, this center houses the author's collections and provides a meeting place for literary scholars and researchers.

A multi-purpose arts venue in the heart of Solihull town centre. The Core Theatre comprises a 336 seat raked theatre fully equipped technically with stage flying system, sound and lighting. A smaller multi-use Studio seating up to 130 is equipped for small scale theatrical presentations, music events, workshops, walk-in conferences and day sales etc. The Courtyard Gallery and Art Space is an exhibition space as well as an area for creative activities, which is also available for hire. Contact us to hire any of the spaces. The busy venue hosts a varied mix of professional and amateur events including music, drama, comedy and dance. Most areas are available to hire and successful events are held almost every night ranging from local drama groups to national commercial promoters who find The Core Theatre a thriving, successful venue with loyal and supportive audiences. See hire pages for details of How to hire. The venues’ eatery ENCORE serves hot and cold snacks and drinks plus full catering for functions and events. Box Office is just across the main foyer of our modern, accessible building which is shared with Solihull Central Library and Solihull Connect the one-stop-shop facility for Solihull Council as well as the other new teams and groups recently arriving into Solihull's flagship community venue and information hub.