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 Libraries
Why not set up or join a book club and Be a Reading Rebel?
This 11 September is Book Club Day UK—a national celebration of book clubs, connection and community from The Reading Agency. This year’s theme is Be a Reading Rebel, celebrating the power of book clubs…
From Manchester to Melbourne – library cultural partnership update.
Last year Chorlton Library entered into a unique partnership with the City of Melbourne Libraries in Australia. It has brought Manchester and Melbourne, two UNESCO Cities of Literature, closer together…
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…
Giving something back – how corporate volunteers support Read Manchester
Volunteers greatly enhance our Read Manchester offer, whether that is our Literacy Champions or the business community. We want to give a big shoutout to several local companies who have kindly devoted their time to…
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…
Cool Spaces
From 1st June until 30th September, most of our libraries are acting as ‘cool spaces’ during times when Manchester is experiencing a heatwave – which is when the temperature hits…
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…
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…
Going Underground with Manchester Archives
This week we have a guest blog from Neala, one of our brilliant Archives volunteers here at Manchester Central Library who tells us about a recent staff visit to our…
WIN AN IPAD with BORROWBOX!
Get ready to read with Borrowbox this summer and be in with a chance to win a brand new iPad. It is simple and easy to enter. All you have…
Festival of Libraries 2026
Manchester City of Literature’s Festival of Libraries, the county-wide celebration of Greater Manchester’s 133 libraries, returns between Wednesday 10th – Sunday 14th June 2026. The award-winning festival, which is supported…
Announcing Quiet Storm as this year’s primary to high school Transition Read
Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam continues as Read Manchester's chosen Transition Read for the third year, gifting around 7,000 copies to new Year 7 students in September 2026.
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.…
Nya the Train Dog Visits Central Library
Last Friday we had a really special guest in Manchester Central Library’s children library: children and parents were surprised and delighted to receive a visit from Nya, Transpennine Express (TPE)…