People across Manchester will soon be able to get even more out of their local libraries with Sunday opening at eight libraries and extended opening for three more.
From Sunday 27 September this year, four of the city’s libraries will now be open on Sundays, with an additional four coming in January 2027. This marks the first time since 2011 that libraries will open on Sundays.
From September this year four of the city’s libraries will now be open on Sundays, with an additional four coming in January 2027. This marks the first time since 2011 that libraries will open on Sundays.
Sunday opening was one of the casualties of austerity under the previous Government, when Manchester was one of the places hardest hit by the impact of cuts. With a now improved budget, which recently topped £1bn for the first time, this announcement is a positive example of the Council being able to build back what was lost during austerity.
This has been made possible through £1.7m of extra funding for libraries which has also seen increased investment in the libraries’ book fund, and events budget.
More than ever the libraries in Manchester have become sanctuaries for so many of our residents. From providing exciting and educational experiences for our youngsters, to hosting thoughtful debate and discussion evenings, to being accessible for anyone to take shelter from heat or cold, they are truly an invaluable resource.
The following will be open on Sundays from 27 September each week from 12-4pm:
- Chorlton Library
- Longsight Library
- Newton Heath Library
- Withington Library
And the following will be open on Sundays from January each week from 12-4pm:
- Manchester Central Library
- Didsbury Library
- Forum Library (Wythenshawe)
- North City Library
During the same week, there will also be increased library staffed hours at the libraries housed in the following leisure centres:
- Abraham Moss Library
- Arcadia Library
- Hulme High Street Library
There will be an additional 33 additional staffed hours per week at those libraries from week beginning 21 September.
This is in addition to the increases that occurred in June 2026, where six libraries expanded their hours of operation
The libraries which benefited from significant additional staffed hours were:
- Barlow Moor Library
- Burnage Library
- Fallowfield Library
- Miles Platting Library
- New Moston Library
- Northenden Library
Councillor Shazia Butt, Executive Member for Culture, Libraries and Leisure, said: “I’m incredibly pleased that after such a long absence we’re bringing back Sunday opening hours at eight of our city’s libraries.
“We know what a huge miss they have been, and we know the impact that it had all those years ago when we were forced to cut hours. However, with a much-improved financial settlement for the Council we’re able to give our residents the services that not only they want, but they deserve.
“Alongside this we’re also working to expand opening hours of a further nine locations, ensuring that the services on offer are even more accessible throughout the week.
“Over the years the staff who work across our libraries service have created a great environment for anyone who pays us a visit. From our youngest residents to our oldest there is a place for everyone and I’m sure this news will be a welcome surprise.”