Category Inclusion and diversity

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…

Heartstone Story Circles and See Myself in Books 

Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read.   This is the foundation of Read Manchester’s See Myself in Books campaign which aims to introduce children to a range of diverse…

Manchester’s Libraries of Sanctuary

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…

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.

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…

Pride in the Archives

Lesbians and gay men out and proud - never going underground - logo mimicing London Underground iconic signage in blue and red on white background

Manchester Pride is over for this year, but we are still celebrating the landmark anniversaries of two landmark Manchester charities – 50 years of the LGBT Foundation and 40 years…

Libraries Update – October 2025

Digital Inclusion team running an information stand at Central Library

Get Online Week across Manchester Libraries The Digital Inclusion team took part in Get Online Week, supporting residents to take their first digital steps, such as using the NHS App or…

Empathy Festival 2025 

This month Manchester Libraries spread the message about the power of “jumping into someone else’s story” by taking part in Empathy Lab’s 10 day nationwide Empathy Day Festival. 1056 children…

Access All Ages at The Bridgewater Hall

Library stand with a crocheted Manchester Libraries banner and a full sized crocheted post box with crocheted musical instruments adorning the top.

Manchester Libraries recently took part in a big event at The Bridgewater Hall. The event ‘Access All Ages’ was put on by Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) alongside Intergenerational England. As…

Refugee Week at Manchester Libraries

Between 16th to 22nd June 2025, Manchester Libraries will be hosting a range of activities as part of Refugee Week.  The theme for Refugee Week this year is ‘Community as…

Celebrating UNESCO World Portuguese Language Day

We were joined today by Consul General, Duarte Bué Alves and his colleagues from the Consulate-General of Portugal in Manchester, who have generously arranged a donation of a collection of…

See Myself in Books Festival

Photograph of Authors sat on the stage at Stoller hall with 4 children. The authors are holding books and everyone is smiling

                 Read Manchester’s inaugural See Myself in Books Festival to promote representation in children’s books took place this March.  Devised to complement our…

Manchester’s Libraries of Sanctuary

On 4th March 2025, 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…

Celebrate International Mother Language Day 2025

Every year on 21st February is UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day (IMLD). It is a day to champion language diversity and its connection to cultural and traditional heritage. It is easy…