Category Events and activities

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

Author Rashmi Sirdeshpande at Saviour Primary as part of the See Myself in Books Festival.

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

Two members of staff are sat in two big armchairs in the middle of the children library. They are each holding a copy of the same book, open on the same page, showing the page to children and parents in attendance. A big group of children and parents are lying or sat on the floor, listening to the two members of staff. In the background, the wall of the children library is decorated with a jungle-themed motif.

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.

Dry January in Manchester Libraries – “Choose Books over Booze”

This January, Manchester Libraries have been working with researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University and local community organisations including Hinterland, Bee Sober and Sober Butterfly Collective as well as national organisations…

Consul General of Romania visit to Central Library.

We were honoured to welcome the Consul General of Romania, Nicoleta Teodorovici, to Central Library to celebrate Romanian Culture Day. She was met by Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for…

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…

Central Library’s Big Language Celebration

A White adult woman, a young White girl and a young Asian girl decorating a white word tree provided by Migrant Support for Central Library's Big Language Celebration

On 13 September we were delighted to celebrate Manchester’s linguistic diversity with a wonderful event supported by Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham. The celebration was part of…

Longsight Library Fun Palace

Longsight Library had another fantastic Fun Palace on the first Saturday of October. Despite the stormy wild weather outside, we had a lovely turn out of folk in the pursuit…

Fun Palaces at North City Library

Children cutting out and collaging pictures

Earlier this month we celebrated Fun Palaces at North City Library with a fantastic selection of free activities for families to take part in ranging from crafts to science to…