Category Libraries

Progress on Our Vision For 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…

A Range of Services In 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…

Infographics of Manchester Libraries in 2025

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.

Full Volume Podcast is back for 2026!

Back with a bang in 2026, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with a feast of audio treats. With a new look, lineup, features, and more – presenter Alan…

Libraries Update – February 2026

Bridge of Sunflowers artwork

Bridge of Sunflowers: Ukrainian Art – Central Library Manchester Central Library has been delighted to host Bridge of Sunflowers, an exhibition composed of artwork by young Ukrainian artists from the…

Libraries Update – December 2025

Photograph of the delegation being greeted by Lord Mayor Cllr Carmine Grimshaw and Galleries and Culture Neil MacInnes

Henan University Visit – Central Library On Wednesday 3 December Manchester Central Library was honoured to host a delegation from Henan University and the Chinese Consulate in Manchester on an…

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…

Celebrating Non-Fiction November 2025

To celebrate Non-Fiction November, Read Manchester has spent the past month working with publishers and authors to promote non-fiction and gift fantastic fact books to pupils of Manchester schools. We’ve had…

Libraries Update – November 2025

Gabby Roslin, Andy Burnham greeting library customers with Councillor Hacking

Libraries as Warm Spaces This winter, every library in Manchester is again a warm, safe and free space that residents of all ages can come in and stay warm all…

Christmas Opening Hours 2025

With the Christmas period around the corner, please see our Christmas opening hours for access to your local library over the coming weeks. Our online services will be available throughout…

Full Volume Podcast: Tynah Matembe + Cole Stacey

In its penultimate edition of 2025, Full Volume is back with another treasure trove of library-related gold. This month, host Alan Lynch sits down with award-winning money coach, global speaker…

Non-Fiction November with Read Manchester

A child reading a non-fiction book in the children's section at Manchester Central library

When we think of reading for pleasure, we often first think of novels – but fiction is only part of the story. National Non-Fiction November is an annual celebration of…