"Chetham’s Library is not your average book lender. Part of a 600-year-old medieval building complex, including a music school for talented youngsters, Chetham’s is the English-speaking world’s oldest public library. The reading room and archives have been in use since the 17th century, and they remain open to the public, which can enjoy a quiet, dark place of polished wood and the musty smell of history. Between Monday and Friday the library operates a free (there’s a suggested contribution of $5) system of timed admittance, so you can visit on the hour between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, but escorted tours are also available." - MATADOR_NETWORK