Every library in Manchester is a ‘warm space’, that is an attractive welcome safe free space that residents of all ages can come in and stay warm all day in a positive environment with lots of resources.
Here’s some of the resources and support available:
· Hot drinks – available from 30th October 2023 until February 2024. The self-service hot drinks are free, but if you are able to, please make a donation in the donation box in the library.
· Comfortable seating and welcoming spaces for all ages.
· Free Internet.
· Free Wifi.
· Newspapers.
· Information and advice.
· Staff who can signpost to other support agencies.
· Digital drop-ins one day a week.
· Under 5s story times once a week at 11am. Ask your local library for more details.
Free Sim Cards in all Manchester Libraries
Any Manchester resident (over 18 years) who is struggling to pay for data on their device can now get a free sim that comes loaded with free data! Sims come with free internet access for a total of 6 months, no monthly top up required. All you have to do is call into your local library. Find out more.
Getting Help Online at Your Local Library
Do you know someone who has the Internet access at home but doesn’t have the skills or confidence to use it and find support this winter? Well, they’re not alone and help is at hand at your local library and from those friendly folk at Let’s Get Digital by texting 07860 064128.
Age Friendly Libraries
All libraries in Manchester now have ‘Age Friendly Libraries’ status and proudly display the new Manchester Age Friendly Library Logo! Everyone is invited to call in for a drink and a chat at our weekly Age Friendly drop-ins for older people, where you can access information and enjoy an activity or craft socialise.
Here is the list of the Age Friendly Drop Ins across Manchester. For more details about the activities happening, you can contact your local library here where the staff will be able to help you.
North Manchester
· Abraham Moss Library Drop In Monday 10am-11am.
· Avenue Library Drop In Thursday 10-11am
· Beswick Library Drop In Thursday 10-11am.
· Miles Platting Library Drop In Tuesday 11am-12pm
· New Moston Library Drop In Wednesday 11am-12pm
· Newton Heath Library Drop In Friday 10am-12.30pm
· North City Library Drop In Thursday 10am-11am.
Central Manchester
· Arcadia Library Drop In Monday 10am-11am
· Gorton Library Drop In Thursday 10am-11am.
· Hulme High Street Library Drop In Tuesday 11am-12pm
· Longsight Library Drop In Thursday 10am-11am
· Moss Side Powerhouse Library Wednesday 11.30am-12.30am
South Area
· Brooklands Library Drop In Tuesdays 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm
· Chorlton Library Drop In Tuesday 10am-11am.
· Didsbury Library Drop In Friday 10am-11am
· Fallowfield Library Drop In Monday 1pm-3pm
· Forum Library Drop In Tuesday 10am-11am
· Northenden Library Drop In Tuesday 2pm-4.30pm
· Withington Library Drop In Monday 10am-11am.
A Warm Hub for Families
With the cold weather just around the corner, this winter Manchester Libraries are aiming to help our lovely library families as much as we can during this current cost of living crisis. As well as the free Wifi and Internet, loads of books, free hot drinks and newspapers a few of our libraries are also offering toys and games for children and families to enjoy whilst visiting the library. There’s more information about all the games available here.
The six libraries offering toys and games are:
· Forum Library in Wythenshawe
· Longsight Library
· Newton Heath Library
· North City Library in Harpurhey
· Powerhouse Library, Moss Side
· Withington Library
Further Support and Advice
Staff in all libraries will be able to signpost you to organisations that can support you.
This booklet also provides lots of useful information.
Books to Go Housebound Service
If you have issues accessing your local library, we can deliver books and other items to you. We can also help you find support and advice to keep you warm and well at home this winter. There’s more information here or give the Books to Go staff a ring on 0161 227 3800.