Teen Cosplayers Take Over Central Library
In August we held our first ever teen cosplay event at Central library. The event was co-created with 15-year-old Amira. Amira contacted us via her school librarian when she was…
Category Events and activities
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…
Turning Great Ideas into Social Impact!
Join us for a day of inspiration, practical advice and expert guidance as we explore how to start a social enterprise. Have an idea that could make a difference in…
MAD – Manchester Activity Day Teens led event in Longsight
In March this year a group of amazing young people from St Peter’s High School in Longsight devised and hosted their own event at Longsight Library. The event was the…
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…
Read Manchester Update Summer 2026
Welcome to our Read Manchester Summer update. We are well into the National Year of Reading now and Read Manchester celebrates a 10-year anniversary this year too! See what we’ve been up to and how you can help us to Go…
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…
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…
Silent Disco Workshops
The introduction of Silent Disco workshops at the start of this year sparked curiosity and excitement from the moment participants arrived – and the experience absolutely lived up to the…
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,…
Success at the Libraries Connected Awards 2026
Manchester Libraries were delighted to come away with awards at this year’s Libraries Connected Awards. The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional…
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…
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…
Music Library Gigs & Workshop Highlights
The Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library has hosted a feast of activities in recent weeks. From amazing multi-lingual DJ Workshops thanks to the 嘢嘢YardYard collective, to author in-conversation…
Planetarium Go!
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring! As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, it has been confirmed that…
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.…
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…
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.