Portico Library : Attraction of Manchester

The Portico Library is a subscription library in central Manchester, north-west England.

It was established following a meeting of Manchester business people in 1803 which resolved to found an “institute uniting the advantages of a newsroom and a library”. Money was raised through members’ subscriptions and it opened in 1806.

The library, mainly focused on 19th century literature, is housed in a Grade II* neo-classical listed building, designed by Thomas Harrison (architect of The Lyceum, Liverpool which appears to have inspired the founders of the Portico), and built by one of the founders, David Bellhouse.

Today, the building also houses a gallery. The ground floor now consists of public house, whilst the library remains upstairs.