Update on the John Rylands Next Chapter project

19 Sep 2024

Since February 2024, the John Rylands Library has been undergoing extensive building work as part of the Next Chapter project.

We've been working with HH Smith since then and have now entered Phase 2 of the project (details below). Here is a re-cap of key changes under Phase 1, which focused on developing the entrance area, creating a new event space and Imaging Lab, and extending the plant deck.

Scroll through the slideshow below to view our progress in these areas. Photographer credit: Sean Conboy.

Entrance area

Our contractors, HH Smith, have closed and dismantled the glass revolving doors and power assisted door; they are installing steelwork for the new entrance portal. Visitors have been using a temporary entrance on the left-hand side of the building. Meanwhile, a new reception desk and shop layout are in the design stages. Outside the building, the contractors are improving drainage to reduce flooding risk. The entrance area is scheduled for completion in March 2025.

Event space

The area that formerly housed the cafe and part of the shop is being transformed into the new event space. This space will provide increased capacity for teaching sessions and a more suitable environment for academic and public events. This space is now separated from the entrance area by a glass partition screen. HH Smith has installed adjustable shading screens to manage light levels and increase privacy from outside. They've also installed air conditioning, added cabling for new AV kit and fit new ceiling panels to control sound levels. The event space is due to be completed in October 2024 and will open in January 2025.

Imaging lab

The Imaging Lab is situated in a storage room formerly used to store the French Revolution collections. The Lab serves as a new base for our Imaging Team, bringing together the former two photography studios plus the Imaging office into one large space. To allow direct and easy access to the Lab from the stores, HH Smith created a new breakthrough into the lift lobby of Yellow; and will install a small ramp to provide accessibility for trolleys containing special collections items to move straight from the stores to the Lab. They have also removed asbestos and installed ducting for the new chillers. The Lab will have five workstations as well as space for imaging assistants, and new AV capabilities for workshops, presentations and collaborating with researchers. Work in this space is due to be completed in October 2024. 

Plant deck

The contractors have been installing a larger plant deck. The plant deck is a structure built over the roof of the 1960s extension that the new air chillers will be placed on. T his will be twice the size of the existing deck (pictured above partly dismantled). This is to make space for two further chillers to provide temperature-controlled air to the new Imaging suite.

What's coming for Phase 2

Phase 2 of the project includes: 

• Upgrading staff spaces: Wolfson Room and Printed Books Office will have improved power, data and ventilation
• Upgrading teaching and meeting spaces: Education and Christie Rooms will have modern track lighting repaced and the floor of the Education Room will be restored
• Refurbishment of gallery spaces (former cross corridor and Rylands Gallery spaces) and some small works to the Spencer room. A permanent collections gallery will allow us to display items such as the Rylands Beatus and Hebrew MS 36 Bible. The Secret Public will be the first exhibition in the new special exhibition gallery
• Improving the boiler room for better insulat ion to prevent hot air travelling up through the building overheating the rooms above.
• New wayfinding and building interpretation to improve the visitor experience

Operational impact during Phase 2

• Some Rylands staff have vacated their offices and relocated to The Reading Room Gallery and Seminar Room ahead of Phase 2 until late October/early November. We still have some hot desks for visiting staff - please ask Dom Marsh or the Building Care Team to locate one for you
• Some teaching sessions will be relocated into the Historic Reading Room or are being delivered on campus
• The building remains open to the public although the spaces they can visit may alter as building work on level 1 progresses

We will update on Phase 2 in the new year. In the meantime, find out more about John Rylands Next Chapter on our website.