Manchester Libraries Launch Youth-Friendly Standards
This year we have been looking at our Youth Friendly Standards, consulting with young people from all over Manchester to obtain their views and feedback to help launch a new set of standards.
Earlier this year we invited young people from schools, libraries, community groups and via social media to take part in our youth consultation project. Over 280 young people aged 11 – 18 took part, including 25% who had never used a public library and 77% who hadn’t visited a public library in over a year. As well as finding out why they did, or didn’t, visit the library and what might encourage them to visit, we also wanted to know what was important to them.
Comfy areas to sit and access to computers with free Wi-Fi came top of the list, followed by choice of books, which was very encouraging to see, when recent National Literacy Trust research shows that young people are reading less Children and young people’s reading in 2025 | National Literacy Trust
Students from St Peter’s RC High School in Longsight have taken part in the consultation in a more in-depth way. The students are part of our Libraries Rising, Youth Engagement Network and are currently co-creating a MAD (Manchester Activity Day) session at Longsight Library in March 2026. As part of the project, they had sessions at Manchester Central Library and Longsight Library, to see what libraries are about, exploring and debating what they thought was ‘hot or not’ about both libraries and discussing the results of the original consultation. Including feedback, such as why signs should tell them what they can do, rather than should not do, and tweaking the wording of the standards, as well as the order of importance.
The final phase was to ensure there was nothing in the standards that we could not deliver, and to get final ratification with Manchester Youth Council Manchester Youth Council Instagram. The members of the youth council had lots of great feedback and only made one change to the standards, adding the word ‘clean’ to toilet facilities. We also asked if they thought there should be a better name for the standards, but they quickly decided that it already fits in well with the existing Age Friendly Standards Case Study: Libraries in Manchester | Centre for Ageing Better and Child Friendly City aims Children’s Rights – Child Friendly City Manchester
Library Youth Friendly Standards
- A free, safe and inclusive space to just sit and be, where teens feel welcome.
- Access to computers, free Wi-Fi and places to charge phones and laptops.
- A wide choice of books from lots of genres, including manga and graphic novels.
- Space to study, with computers and resources that are up to date and accessible.
- A warm and friendly welcome from staff.
- Social engagement and activities, with opportunities to socialise and learn new skills.
- Accessible for all young people.
- Volunteering opportunities.
- Clean toilet facilities and water filling points.
- Books, online resources and signposting to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Our new standards will be getting a great look and full launch in the new year. We will be adopting these standards when planning library activities, training staff and looking at our library spaces and resources to make libraries accessible and inviting to all members of our community.
Since we started the consultation we have already had more activities for young people happening in libraries such as; Teen Book Club at Central library, GSCE Book Club at Withington library, Young Writers Group at Beswick Library and Comic Book Club at Abraham Moss Library. Look out for more sessions for young people coming soon and come along to the MAD (Manchester Activity Day) at Longsight Library on Saturday 7th March 2026 where you can find out what young people have to say about the standards and join in with youth -led activities.
Thanks to all the young people who took part in our consultation and to St Peter’s RC High school and Manchester Youth Council for your invaluable input.
