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 by Arts Council England, features a vibrant programme that highlights the library network’s full offer, across wellbeing, culture and creativity, digital and information, and, of course, reading.
Almost all of the events at Festival of Libraries are free to attend, or operate a ‘Pay What You Can’ ticket policy. Festival of Libraries won Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards 2024 and was named the second Most Inclusive Literature Festival by Inclusive Books For Children in 2025.
Here are some of the highlights in Manchester City Council libraries…
Census by Malandra Jacks: This is what happens when a working-class community tells its own story. A bus ride. A bingo card. A memory you didn’t know you shared. Wythenshawe Forum Library on Saturday 13 June.
Writing for Wellbeing: Expressing yourself and crafting an object have long been studied and considered a way to relieve stress and emotional turbulence. Chorlton Library Tuesday 9th June.
Lifelong Learning Summer Roadshow: Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops where you can create your own floral buttonhole and jewellery, design a personalised craft box and discover new opportunities at our Gateway to Lifelong Learning information session. 12 June Central Library.
Manchester City of Learning: DJ Workshop: Are you aged 19-30? Interested in learning how to DJ? Come along and get involved with Reform Radio at this interactive DJ workshop. Wythenshawe Forum 11 June.
A Dance for my Foremothers: A tribute to the women that started revolutions at kitchen tables at Central Library on Saturday 13th June.
Manchester City of Learning: Spin the Wheel: The King’s Trust invite you to Beswick Library to get chatting with their Spin the Wheel activity as part of Festival of Libraries 2026. 11 June drop in.
MMU Manchester Skill Map: Join us for an interactive activity connecting Manchester residents to skills, opportunities and each other. 11 June Central Library.
Manchester City of Learning: Museum Learning Workshop This Festival of Libraries, head to Withington Library and help change the world with this family friendly placard making workshop. 13 June drop in.
Nollywood Hair!: Join Oghomwen Adeyinka-Edward as she follows the threads (and braids!) of culture that tell us how belonging, identity, politics, and gender can be expressed in something as simple (and sometimes very complex) as a hairstyle. Hulme High Street Library 11 June.
Celebrate Festival of Libraries with Gorton Library’s Fun Day.
Gorton Library Funday will be an exciting and fun affair. Join artist Emma Martin as she creates silly cups, Manchester Museum will be bringing along some of it’s animal exhibits, and HOME are doing a special session for under 5s. With Dare 2 Be Different, Dragon’s Voice Tai Chi, a LEGO STEM challenge, chess activities and Book Doctors all taking part, it’s set to be a fantastic afternoon for everyone. Gorton Library, 13 June 2 – 4.
Family Fun Day at Avenue Library: Take part in Hello Saturday at Avenue Library and celebrate all things libraries and literacy! No need to book, just drop in. 13 June from 11am.
Manchester Central Library Sunday Fun Day: Join us at Manchester Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate Festival of Libraries 2026 with a jam-packed programme of events for the whole family. 14 June 12 till 4pm.
Festival of Libraries Family Fun Day at Forum Library: Join us for an afternoon of fun activities and entertainment for all ages. We will be celebrating the library, its community and all the wonderful things that happen in libraries. 13 June 2 till 4pm.
Choirs Manchester – Live Performance: Choirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. 13 June 2pm Central Library.
Critical AI Literacies: Roundtable Discussion & Exhibition: Join MMU’s Digital Society (DISC) research group for a roundtable discussion and exhibition exploring the political, social and cultural impacts of AI and digital technology. Chorlton Library 11 June.
