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…
Category Education and learning
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,…
Forum Library Creative Space update
Its been an exciting few months at the Forum Libraries Creative Space where we have hosted an array of unique and diverse performances for the people of Wythenshawe to enjoy.…
Read Manchester Spring Update
Welcome to our Read Manchester Spring update. We are well into the National Year of Reading now, with lots of exciting events coming up both nationally and locally. Since January, we’ve been out and about for World Book Day and celebrated…
Children’s Gardening Week
Children’s Gardening Week runs from 23 – 31 May 2026, just in time for the school holidays! The aim of National Children’s Gardening Week is to inspire children’s curiosity, whilst…
See Myself in Books Festival
Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read. This is the driver behind Read Manchester’s See Myself in Books campaign, which aims to introduce children to a…
New Funding for Henry Watson Music Library
Arts Council England (ACE) has awarded Manchester City Council (Manchester Libraries) £52,942 to enhance the Henry Watson Music Library on the 1st floor of Grade II* listed Manchester Central Library.…
Generator Case Study: Potting Herbs with Gale Whitby
On 4th March 2026, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure and Neil MacInnes Head of Libraries, Galleries and Culture, took a report on Manchester Libraries to…
Green At Manchester Libraries
On 4th March 2026, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure and Neil MacInnes Head of Libraries, Galleries and Culture, took a report on Manchester Libraries to…
How Are Manchester Libraries Supporting Businesses?
On 4th March 2026, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure and Neil MacInnes Head of Libraries, Galleries and Culture, took a report on Manchester Libraries to…
Easter Holidays Children’s Crafts
Looking for something arty to keep your hands and brains busy over the next school holidays? Check out the following activities in your local libraries… Creative kids can design and…
Libraries Report 2026
Earlier today, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure and I, took a report on libraries to the Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee. The report describes how the…
Manchester Central Library Story Times
Get your little ones involved with The National Year of Reading by coming along to one of our free story times. Manchester Central Library offers a welcoming space for families…
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…
See Myself in Books festival is back!
The See Myself in Books Festival returns to Manchester from 9 to 20 March, featuring 13 diverse authors and illustrators. Designed to promote inclusivity in children's literature, the festival allows children to engage with relatable characters and cultural stories, enhancing their reading experience. A special event will be hosted on 12 March.
Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture at Central Library
Our Archives+ Partners the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust and RACE Centre are launching the annual lecture in honour of their founder Professor Lou Kushnick. The event hosted at Central…
15,000 packs: Bookstart blooms in Manchester
Bookstart is thriving in Manchester and here at Manchester Libraries we’re really proud to take the lead in delivering a variety of Booktrust programmes and supporting their campaigns. Last year we delivered over 15,000 Bookstart Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, and Additional Needs packs and resources to families across the city. However even more important is…
Big Garden Birdwatch, Walk & Craft
The RSPB and Manchester Libraries invite you to join us on Saturday 24th January 2026 to take part in two special Big Garden Birdwatch activities. To celebrate the UK’s biggest garden…
Winter Holiday Activity Fund Sessions in Libraries 2025
This winter we will be hosting 14 sessions in 6 libraries, especially for children aged 10 – 16 who are eligible for free school meals. We have many exciting and…
Manchester Libraries Launch Youth-Friendly Standards
This year we have been looking at our Youth Friendly Standards, consulting with young people from all over Manchester to obtain their views and feedback to help launch a new…