Library of the Month: Didsbury Library
Didsbury Library in the heart of Didsbury village, it was opened in 1915 with a golden key and was a gift from the famous Scottish-American benefactor Andrew Carnegie to the city of Manchester, and what a fantastic gift it was. It was designed by the city architect, Henry Price and is one of the most familiar and loved buildings in Didsbury. The library is full of character with its stunning original features and beautiful style, it really is well worth a visit.
Whilst keeping its original charm the library has perfectly kept adapting to modern times and needs, it is a welcoming space well used by the community. The library offers a wide range of facilities and opportunities including a fabulous collection of books and access to the full library catalogue, free Wi-Fi and computers. Didsbury library hosts a assortment of opportunities for all to learn and relax, including a pre-school story time, Lego club, IT drop-in, reading clubs, French library, school holiday activity. We have just started a new Chess club that is proving to be very popular, people are loving having a little friendly competition in the library. So, in all there is something for everyone, and if you prefer it quiet there is plenty of space to sit and study, read or just enjoy the environment.
The library has been serving its community for well over 100 years, with all you could wish from a library, it also knows the importance of cultural events and has recently hosted local writers, such as Halima Khatun, Francis Prendiville and Eileen Morrison. Didsbury library also plays a part in The Festival of Libraries, this year we hosted the fantastic comic style ‘From Ink to Action exhibition’ exploring climate change, and Playscapes a remarkable piece of interactive theatre.
We have strong connections with residents and run helpful workshops with special guests, such as Bereavement and loss awareness, talk about autism, SCAM awareness. We like to support local initiatives and recently offered a fun craft session at the Didsbury Festival; Didsbury Pride and the Christmas Lights switch on. The library staff team are great at getting involved and knowing what is needed and wanted in and around the library.
The library has a great relationship with its local schools, and knows the value of working with them, just last week Beaver Road Primary students visited the library to explore themes and topics they are studying in school, the children really enjoyed the visit and using the space. Another lovely event was with Kimberly Whittam, the author of this year’s transition read for children going up to high school and a group of local children moving up to high school. It was called A Recipe for Friendships, the first part of the session focused on the children thinking and talking about what they thought would make a good friend, they then spent time decorating cupcakes, while all this was happening, we had lots of great conversations about all thing’s friendship and high school, it was a lovely way to allow children to talk about their worries and excitement about going up to big school!
Didsbury Library aims and works hard to provide a positive experience for all its visitors and community:
‘The service of the staff is of the highest standard, they are lovely, friendly, accommodating and very professional and kind.’ Library user, July 2024
‘Story time is wonderful at the library. It immerses my child in magical, imaginary worlds plus is a fantastic learning experience’ Parent of Theo, 11 months old, June 2024
Have a look at our virtual tour of Didsbury Library, and the webpage to explore even more about Didsbury Library and what it has to offer!
