The Gothic library was built during the 1890s

A public appeal is being made to help renovate one of Britain's most beautiful libraries.

More than �3m is needed towards the cost of improving the John Rylands library in Manchester.

The Deansgate building houses some of the world's oldest books.

The library is one of Europe's finest examples of 19th Century Gothic architecture, but is not ideal for modern use.

It was built during the 1890s and was one of the first buildings in Manchester to be lit by electric light.

Delicate exhibits

Plans for improvements include building a new entrance with exhibition areas and wheelchair access, so that more people can see the historic book and manuscripts which are locked away.

The library also houses Manchester University's special collection of more than a million manuscripts and books.

Dr Stella Butler, from the John Rylands library, said: "We need public money to be able to refurbish the building.

"There is a lot of essential conservation work needed including replacing the roof over the reading room which is seriously deteriorated."

To put more exhibits on display, the library also needs to make changes to the heating and ventilation system to achieve the best environmental conditions.