The first rate-supported library in Manchester was inaugurated on the 2 Sep 1852 in the Hall of Science, Campfield. Over the years the site of the building has changed numerous times until a permanent home was built in St Peters Square. The functions and departments that the Central Library has provided have also changed and expanded to include, for example, the Henry Watson Music Library, Manchester City Archives, the Networks Centre [Computer Suite] and services for individual communities such as the Chinese Library and the Visually Impaired Unit. See department series for more details. See also M740/2/8/2/47-48, 51-54
