Library of the Month: Longsight Library
Longsight library on the busy A6 (Stockport Road) was built in the mid 1970s using a lot of breezeblocks and had tiny windows. However, a £2.3m refurbishment in 2010 saw most of the old library removed, and a marvellous glass fronted structure developed in its place. In fact, the only visible reminder of the old building is the stone floor tiles on the staircases.
As a result of the renovation Manchester Adult Education Service were able to relocate from their old Centre nearby to the upstairs floor of the library building. Thus, Longsight Library and Learning Centre was born and the partnership between both services is a long-lasting and harmonious one!
A more recent partnership has been developed with Olympias Music Foundation who deliver free music education to families. On 3 nights per week (5 nights from September) you can hear gentle background music throughout the building as tutors of many different instruments deliver 1-1 sessions to young people of all ages. They currently have spaces for Santoor, Harmonium and West African Drumming lessons! Please apply here http://olympiasmusic.com/apply So check them out!
Downstairs the library offers all the usual library fare of books, computers, meetings rooms and many places to sit and study or relax. Most days all these are filled by mid-morning.
The library is decorated with art installations created at our many yearly events such as International Mother Language Day (February), Festival of Libraries (June), HAF (holiday activities for young people), Fun Palace (October), Lego Club and more.
Our library would not be the vibrant place it is without our volunteers and customers. Below is just a bit about a few of our regulars.
Our devoted South Asian gentlemen meet daily to discuss everything under the sun. The group began in the old library i the early 1980s and the baton has been handed on and the group has evolved. It just doesn’t feel right if the late afternoon arrives and they haven’t!
Alex, our lovely digital support volunteer, was unemployed and found it difficult to leave his house but volunteering with us has built his confidence and knowledge and he now has a part-time job in IT. It has been wonderful to see him grow over the last 18 months. He is still volunteering but has recently moved to Withington Library, which is much nearer to his home. We miss him but wish him all the best for the future (lucky Withington).
The Age Friendly Coffee Morning crew led by Liz, Peter and Pat. In situ every Thursday to discuss varied topics from bin collections to the wonders of yoga and everything in between.
Doreen has been running Tiny Tots & Toddler Time for the last 12 years. Every Thursday morning during term time her voice can be heard ringing out from the children’s library with songs, stories and learning. She is loved by everyone.
So, there we have it, a snapshot of Longsight Library (and Learning Centre), a busy, multi-cultural, amazing place to be and long may it continue!
