Beyond the Books

Discover the amazing work that takes place behind the shelves at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. In 'Beyond the Books', the library hosts expert interactive pop-up labs, printing demonstrations, collections encounters, and free bookable tours of the new exhibition, Transitions in Print. 

Libraries are more than storage spaces for the works of authors, artists, scientists, and scholars. They are custodians of printed worlds, made up of distinct yet connected parts, most of which are usually hidden from visitors. Learn about the equipment and techniques that the Imaging and Collections Care teams use and access the ‘Facsimile Collection’ with the Reader Services team in the stunning Historic Reading Room.

This special event highlights different parts of the library that constantly evolve in response to new research and technology. Meet the staff that most visitors never see and find out how innovation has impacted their different professions.

This day of activities is drop-in but pre-booking is required for the Transitions in Print tours. If tickets are sold out for the tours, there will still be lots of exciting activities to get involved with throughout the day, including 'Collections Encounter' and Print Press demonstrations.