The Corporation Wedding Cake

Given a day in Manchester, I decided to start off in the Central Library to see what it was like after it's refurbishment and to get some course reading done. There are three reasons why I ended up staying there for most of the whole day:

- The idea of shopping didn't appeal, especially as it started to rain.

- I fell in love with this wonderful building as soon as I arrived at the impressive Reading Room. A joy to spend many hours in this massive circular room with its huge columns. A room with long tables, Art Deco lighting, space for up to 300 readers and a hushed atmosphere.

- And (most important of all) a mini Blipmeet took place. Beewriter realised I was going to be there and she came along with Kathymay. We had a drink and a chat in the brilliant cafe and Archive area of the library and did a tour of the Fourth Floor with it's moving bookshelves. Really nice to meet both of them.

On the M6 heading South.

Central Library, Manchester
A stunning circular building, often likened to the Pantheon in Rome. Apparently whilst it was being built in the 1930s local people were intrigued. They were used to rectangular buildings and the shape of the girders used seemed to make little sense. It has been called 'The Corporation Wedding Cake' and 'St Peter's Square Gasometer'. It was opened in 1934 by King George V and has recently been 'Reborn', refurbished and extended. A wonderful place I will return to.