Library of the Month: The Avenue Library
The corner of Victoria Avenue East where The Avenue Library stands is no stranger to landmark buildings. Generations of Blackley film lovers flocked to the classic cinema that stood here through the 1930s to the 1970s.
Today, this ultra modern library and learning centre is still the place to come for books, free Wi-Fi and internet-ready computers as well as a range of activities and events , plus training, advice and qualifications provided by partner MAES.
The talented Blackley Craft and Crochet Group meet twice a week, it’s a real home from home and everyone enjoys a natter and a coffee. The idea for this amazing post box came from a visit the group made to a wool shop in Rochdale where their knit and natter group had one on display, the topper is changed six times a year to represent the seasons and any special events, it has become a famous local art installation!
Avenue Library has a Latin Reading Group (not many of them about!) which is facilitated by our volunteer Steve who wanted to give people the opportunity to learn Latin and the history behind the language. Steve has increased the numbers in his group over the past year and it has now become a popular addition to Avenue Library.
There are also two other reading groups, one for adults and one aimed at children both led by Library staff. The adult Book Club was founded to offer people a space to read different books and to be able to discuss them with other readers. Reading can be a solitary habit and this book club has helped to connect people, by encouraging them to share their love of reading and also to encourage people to read books that they might not have chosen themselves.
The children’s Book Club was set up to give children a chance to help them expand on their schoolwork and to share their love of reading, in addition it has helped children to become more confident and to socialise more.
Children are very much at the heart of everything we do at The Avenue Library, we offer a Hello Saturday craft club and an after school club on a Monday evening. Avenue Library’s ‘Hello Saturday’ is a popular highlight for the children and adults who attend every week to create crafts designed by the staff. This session is very much supported and appreciated by the local community… the number of people who attend proves this! In April, the group celebrated Stephen Lawrence Day with artist Tina Ramos Ekongo where they made wonderful banners to promote peace and acceptance.
In June we welcomed the Year 1 children from E-Act Academy to The Avenue Library to join us for Festival of Libraries where they were thoroughly entertained by poet Dom Berry who gave a wonderful performance of some of his ‘Make Some Noise’ poems.
Staff work in partnership with Yes Manchester, a local employability charity that helps people with CV’s, job hunting, job application and digital support, understanding job descriptions, and job interview preparation. David Parkinson, Employability co-ordinator at Yes Manchester said, “We really value our partnership with the library service that ensures we can extend our reach of support into Blackley and allow us to help more local people.”
Staff from the Citizen Advice Bureau are available to offer advice and support on Tuesdays from 9:30am – 1pm.
Age Friendly Hour – Thursday, 10am to 12am is when our older customers receive a friendly welcome, refreshments and the chance to socialise with others.
Why not take a virtual visit to The Avenue Library? Check out the video tour on Youtube. You can also find the location and opening hours on our website.
