Beswick – September’s library of the month!
Beswick Library used to be housed in a former pub; The Bobbin on Grey Mare Lane. It was a bit grim outside, but had a lovely atmosphere inside! Fast forward to present day – we’re in an amazing, bright, modern, glass-fronted library in a building we share with The East Manchester Academy.
Beswick Library has become a bustling hub of activity, especially as staff assist residents with parking permit applications under the new Eastlands resident parking scheme. This scheme has replaced the long-standing Etihad parking program that operated on matchdays near the Manchester City stadium. The change is driven by the opening of the Co-Op Arena, a new 23,500-capacity indoor venue next to the Etihad Stadium, which operates daily from midday to 11 pm.
In addition to their work with parking permits, the library staff have recently collaborated with the National Grid to commemorate the dismantling of Manchester’s last two remaining gasholders. These towering structures, once key to the city’s gas supply and a symbol of East Manchester’s industrial past, have been removed as modern technology has rendered them obsolete.
The National Grid partnered with Beswick Library to engage the local community in preserving the heritage of these landmarks. A photography exhibition at the library showcased images of the dismantling process, highlighting the scale and complexity of the gasholders. Two pieces of the Saxon Street gasholder are now on display in the library, along with a film documenting the dismantling, which was premiered at a special event for residents and students from East Manchester Academy. Read more about these East Manchester landmarks at the Manchester Evening News.
The library also hosts a variety of community-focused programs. The Beswick Young Company (BYC), a satellite of the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Young Company, runs weekly sessions at the library during term time. Launched in June 2022, BYC was created in response to a need for more arts opportunities for young people in Beswick, Openshaw, and Clayton, as identified by the Local Exchange Ambassadors and supported by One Manchester.
Beswick Library also offers Chatty Crafts a bi-weekly gathering every Thursday morning from 10 am to 12 pm. Originally planned as a series of three community consultation sessions, Chatty Crafts has continued for nearly two years, thanks to confirmed funding from One Manchester, which will keep it running from April 2024 through September 2025. The group has created crafts exhibited at the East Manchester Community Festival and the Royal Exchange, with one highlight being a crafting session with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in February 2024.
Additionally, the library hosts a Dementia Cafe on the first Tuesday of every month, providing a welcoming space for people living with dementia and their carers. For older residents, the “Grand Day Out” group meets every Monday afternoon from 2-4 pm for a chat and a brew, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Finally, Beswick Library plays a vital role in supporting local families through “The Bread & Butter Thing” (TBBT) sessions every Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm. With the help of over 40 members and 6+ volunteers, these mobile food clubs make life more affordable for those on low incomes, strengthen community bonds, and reduce food waste.
Beswick Library is more than just a place for books—it’s a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of services and activities that enrich the lives of local residents.
