Oldest library in Britain looking to hire new librarian in Manchester

Chetham’s Library in Manchester, Britain’s oldest, is hiring a new librarian to look after its books at the Harry Potter-esq building.

Located inside Chetham’s School of Music in the city centre, the beautiful sandstone building dates back to around 1421 – and looks like it belongs in Hogwarts.

It has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years and is regarded as the oldest surviving site in Manchester as well as the oldest free public reference library in the English-speaking world.

Alongside a stunning collection of early printed books, its collection includes a wealth of ephemera, manuscript diaries, letters and deeds, prints, paintings and glass lantern slides.

The library is also an accredited museum, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Looking after around 100,000 printed books and rare reads – including Isabella Banks’ The Manchester Man – the successful applicant will be responsible for the library’s ‘archival repository’ as well as forging links with researchers and academia.

The successful candidate will be expected to ‘support the vision of the Library by both leading the strategic development and day-to-day management’.

The role will also involve working closely with both internal and external stakeholders. 

Internal stakeholders include the Feoffees of Chetham’s School of Music and Hospital, the Library Committee and the Joint Principals of Chetham’s School of Music. 

External stakeholders include Manchester City Council, University of Manchester, other libraries and archives in the region, members of the Small Museum Network, and national and regional sector bodies.

The job listing reads: “Chetham’s Foundation is a unique cultural institution and charity in the heart of Manchester combining music, education, and heritage.

“We are home to three extraordinary places – Chetham’s School of Music, Chetham’s Library, and The Stoller Hall. We believe in the power of music and creativity to unite people, and we are committed to educating and inspiring new generations of musicians and thinkers.

“Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the English speaking world, based in buildings dating to 1421 – the oldest surviving site in Manchester – and still open to readers and visitors, with a growing events programme celebrating the collections and historic connections with Marx, Engels and other notable visitors.”

The salary for this role starts at £48,846 – £53,432 per annum.

Benefits include free catered lunches during term time, access to an on-site gym and free tickets to concerts. Applications close on Friday January 12th, 2024, at 9am. Interviews will be held on Monday, January 22nd.

To find out more or apply for the role, click HERE.