Families can enjoy an afternoon of football, fairy tales and fun this October half-term, with a live theatre show, a reading and meet and greet with Jill Scott, creative activities…
Take 10 to Read was developed here in Manchester to promote the wellbeing benefits of reading. Designed to support World Mental Health Day, we’ve given away thousands of books, hosted…
This 11 September is Book Club Day UK—a national celebration of book clubs, connection and community from The Reading Agency. This year’s theme is Be a Reading Rebel, celebrating the power of book clubs…
1996 IRA Bombing and the Regeneration of Manchester – 30 Years On Central Library is currently hosting two key exhibitions marking 30 years since the IRA bomb attack devastated Manchester…
Manchester Imagination Library has posted more than 50,000 free books to local children since 2018. Volunteers at Manchester Imagination Library, the charity that runs Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in parts…
1 July to 12 September The Summer Reading Challenge got off to a fantastic start across Manchester, with the Children and Access Team delivering three exciting launch events for local…
Volunteers greatly enhance our Read Manchester offer, whether that is our Literacy Champions or the business community. We want to give a big shoutout to several local companies who have kindly devoted their time to…
Manchester Central Library was buzzing on Manchester Day, 26 July 2026 as the library recorded its busiest Sunday Funday ever! An amazing 7,614 visitors in 5 hours came to see the suite of…
Read Manchester has collaborated with publisher Mama Makes Books and the Great Science Share for Schools to provide 200 books for Manchester pupils involved in the Great Science Share. Pioneered in Manchester, The University of Manchester’s Science & Engineering Education Research and…
The new Read On app guides you through a personalised adventure in books. Explore recommendations, meet challenges, and find your local literary haven—all in one place. The app takes inspiration…
Manchester Libraries has just launched ‘My First Library Card’ – a brand-new library card for babies. Sharing a story with your baby is a chance to relax and spend time together. It’s also a great way for babies…
Some of our library books are spending the summer at Factory International as part of their exhibition and events featuring the work of Ai Weiwei. The books will be on…
Join the rhythm of reading this summer! As the long, sunny days of summer approach, there’s no better time to encourage children to explore new ideas and stories than through the joy of reading. This year,…
We were graced with a group of brilliant students from Manchester Metropolitan University at Longsight Library delivering an activity in our children’s library. They were working on a student commissioned…
Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam continues as Read Manchester's chosen Transition Read for the third year, gifting around 7,000 copies to new Year 7 students in September 2026.
Manchester Libraries are supporting Phoenix Support Group in their launch of their book ‘Phoenix Rising’. The book provides stories and reflections from women who have experienced sexual abuse. Phoenix is…
Thursday 23rd April was World Book Night, the Reading Agency’s annual campaign which aims to celebrate and inspire reading for pleasure. As World Book Day encourages children to read, World Book Night promotes the too often overlooked benefits…
The Lord Mayor of Manchester has released a new collection of poetry celebrating the city’s culture, creativity and industrial roots. In a special debut at Manchester Central Library, Councillor Carmine…
To mark World Book Day, Manchester Libraries have been part of a city-wide effort to help children and young people celebrate the joy of reading and the magic that stories…
A regular look at new books (fiction and non-fiction) relating to Manchester.