Did you know Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature. Manchester Libraries are proud to be a partner.
Manchester City of Literature has just launched a brand new website and video promoting the city, it’s writers and readers.
Manchester Libraries and the Promotion of Reading.
Manchester Libraries and Read Manchester are proud to be one of the key partners, celebrating the joy of reading and literature in many new and exciting ways over the years.
There’s nothing better than getting the opportunity to meet your favourite author or discover a new writer! over the years we’ve been working with our friends at the Manchester Literature Festival and publishers and bookshops across the UK to bring the best to Manchester, recent (pre Covid) events included Celeste Ng, Tom Kerridge, Angie Thomas, Joe Sugg and even Harry Potter!
Making it easy to discover your new favourite book is important to us. Have you seen our new Manchester City of Literature displays at Central Library? Regularly topped up with fresh new books, themed displays and staff picks to help you choose your next read.
Most of our libraries are now open in a manner that is safe for customers and staff. You can check the latest information here.
If you prefer not to visit the library buildings, not a problem. Manchester Libraries is available online 247 for your reading needs. We’ve 1000’s of ebooks and audio books for you to download right now.
We’ve also developed a huge range of digital activity for children and adults online. Check out the full range on offer on our main blog. Weekly activities for adults include the Friday lunchtime quiz and the Book Express video review challenge. We’ve also got our own Virtual Book Club on Facebook for you to chat with other book lovers and share what you are reading!
There’s been lots in the news this year about how more people than ever have been reading during lockdown. ‘Escaping’ for just 10 minutes a day by reading a book or magazine can really reduce your stress levels and improve your well-being. We’ve been working with ReadMCR and the National Literacy Trust on various projects including the Take 10 campaign.
Reading Well is another campaign we are very proud of being part of. Organised by The Reading Agency across the UK, all libraries in Manchester have sets of books focused on various issues. Ranging from collections for young people dealing with issues of body image, stress and bullying to information and self help books for carers and people living with Dementia.
Have you heard of Reading Ahead? This will be returning again in 2021! It’s a great project for people who haven’t picked up a book for years or aren’t confident readers. Everyone receives a diary and pack of goodies and is encouraged to read six things over the summer. Whether it’s six bestselling books, or sharing six bedtime stories with your child, it all counts. Everyone who completes the challenge receives a certificate and is entered into the prize draw! Look out for it at your local library and Adult Ed centre next year.
