Take 10 to Read with Read Manchester (and the world!)
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…
Category Books
Why not set up or join a book club and Be a Reading Rebel?
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…
Libraries Update – August 2026
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 volunteers pay tribute to Dolly Parton, and tell local families her books will keep arriving
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…
Summer Reading Challenge Read to the Beat Launches Across Manchester!
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…
Giving something back – how corporate volunteers support Read Manchester
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…
A record crowd visit Central Library on Manchester Day to celebrate the National Year of Reading!
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…
The Great Science Share 2026
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…
Read On – the new app to help build a lasting reading habit
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…
My First Library Card
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…
Books at ‘Button Up!’ – Manchester Libraries collaboration with Factory International
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…
Read to the Beat 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
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,…
Sleepy-zine in the library!
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…
Announcing Quiet Storm as this year’s primary to high school Transition Read
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.
Phoenix Rising new book launch
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…
World Book Night 2026 with Read Manchester
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…
Lord Mayor debuts ‘Rattlebag of Poems’ at Central Library
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…
Manchester celebrates World Book Day
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…
Manchester Books no.7 Feb/Mar 26
A regular look at new books (fiction and non-fiction) relating to Manchester.
Sponsorship Opportunity – See Myself in Books Festival
Manchester Libraries Trust, the charity that supports cultural and educational activity in Manchester Libraries, is backing the See Myself in Books Festival 2026 with a £2,000 commitment and they are…