One of our favourite branch libraries, Newton Heath Library is really at the top of its game. It’s a popular and well-loved local library in a verdant spot on the Rochdale Canal, close to the city centre and a haven for nature watchers where you can watch colourful canal boats and native wildlife float by. Newton Heath Library is always vibrant and busy – a true community hub providing a lifeline for local people with a strong offer for all ages from pre-school Story Time to teens and a popular coffee morning for older folk. 

We’ve recently extended the opening hours and abolished lunchtime closures which gained a whopping extra 13 hours a week, proving very popular with customers. We’re now open from 9am through to 5pm every day except Thursday and Sundays and you can also catch us open late til 8pm on Mondays.  

There’s also a great range of brand-new facilities including two smart new meeting rooms which are light, bright and airy. The largest is suitable for a wide range of different purposes such as hosting social groups, craft sessions and our popular weekly coffee mornings. The second is a smaller 1-to-1 room suitable for a variety of uses including Councillor Surgeries, NHS/MCC customer services consultations, Citizens Advice Bureau advice sessions and job interviews. Charges are very reasonable with a discounted rate for non-profitmaking organizations and community partners. Our summer 2022  programme for children and young people saw us make great use of these beautiful and useful spaces.  

The extra space created has allowed us to rationalise our existing meeting room into a cool space for young people to hang out, with some great facilities for teens including a full-size professional ping-pong table and other games. The Holiday Activity Fund sessions for local young people has seen the Summer and Christmas holidays offer a terrific range of activities including jewellery making, writing rap and performing a traditional Sierra Leone song with musicians and performers. All this and a free packed lunch – what’s not to love! We’re looking forward to more HAF fun this Easter! 

Library staff have worked hard with local partners McrActive and Winning Hearts and Minds to reshape our teen offer and engage local young people with creative and positive activities including ping-pong, games, canoeing skills, karaoke and music. Our Ping-Pong Tournament went down a storm with games and prizes for all ages!  

We’re proud of our status as an Autism-Friendly Library and our weekly Lego Club and Hello Saturday art club for children continues to attract new families as we love to celebrate cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year pictured below.   

 The Women’s Euros championship in July 2023 saw us hosting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to create a Manchester anthem and offer an orchestral taster session for all ages.  

We work closely with local Councillors to support a strong cohesive community spirit in Newton Heath and offer a wealth of things to do here and socialising is a big part of it – local residents often celebrate their birthdays with us! 

Our Age Friendly social groups are popular with knitting, crafting, IT help and Book Clubs on offer, plus regular Community Fun Days and special events. We work hard with local schools to help children and families from our community get the best from what’s on offer to really raise attainment levels. Inviting local school children to attend our author events or digital education workshops such as Greenscreen PhotoBooth,  StopMotion Movie-making or Code Club events are key aspects of our offer to schools and local families. We frequently visit neighbouring schools with information and resources to promote and support literacy at home with parents and children. 

All in all, Newton Heath Library is really at the top of its game and, with plans for a lively spring and summer, including Easter holiday activities for children, teens and families, and a Coronation party to plan,  there’s even more to come!  

Why not drop in to Newton Heath Library – you’ll find us on Old Church Street in Newton Heath M40 2JF or call on 0161 234 4474 or email us – newtonheathlibrary@manchester.gov.uk 
Opening Hours: 

Mon 9am – 8pm 

Tues 9am – 5pm 

Wed 9am – 5pm 

Thurs – Closed 

Fri   9am – 5pm 

Sat 9am – 5pm