Reports emerged in 2008 that the Central Library needed essential renovation to repair and modernise its facilities.
The library faced asbestos problems and needed work to maintain its 'structural integrity'.
The Central Library closed from 2010 to 2014 for refurbishment and expansion.
During the closure its collections were stored in the Winsford Rock Salt Mine; some of the books in the stack joined collections at Greater Manchester County Record Office.
Some of its services were available at a temporary location nearby.
During renovation, a temporary community library for the city centre was established on Deansgate.
Central Library re-opened on 22 March 2014 after a £40 million re-design.
The project delivered by Laing O'Rourke won the Construction News Judges Supreme Award in June 2015.
It was described as an almost impossibly complex project completed on schedule and within budget.