Libraries Update June 2025
We’re thrilled to share that Manchester Libraries has won the National Library of the Year Award at the 2025 British Book Awards! This incredible honour recognises our inspiring partnership with the Blue Peter Book Club, a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of reading.
Festival of Libraries | 4 – 8 June
Back for its fifth year, the Festival of Libraries celebrates the power of libraries across Greater Manchester. With 135 events in nearly 150 libraries, enjoy exhibitions, performances, workshops, family fun, and more. See the full programme at Manchester City of Literature.
See events and exhibitions happening in Manchester Libraries – some detailed in the articles below.
Sunday Funday: Out of This World!
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate the final day of Festival of Libraries 2025. Expect special performances, music, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages! See what’s on during the day at Library Live.
Sunday 8 June, 12 noon to 4pm.
The Embassy of Utopia.
The Embassy of Utopia is back for the Festival of Libraries 2025. Artist and writer David Hartley hosts over 60 performances, where bold individuals and community groups have been invited to share reflections on the theme of eco-futures and ecology in the broadest sense. Please visit the library live website to find out more.
Wednesday 4 June, 11am – 7pm
Manchester Central Library
Inspired by Libraries with Shaun Keaveny and Guy Garvey
Join us for a special Festival of Libraries event featuring two of the city’s much-loved voices. Guy Garvey, Mercury Prize winning frontman of Elbow and Shaun Keaveny, long-time BBC 6 Music broadcaster and Community Garden Radio. Visit Library Live to find out more.
Thursday 5 June, 8pm
Manchester Central Library.
Festival of Libraries Fun Day at Z-arts
Celebrate Environment Week with storytelling, live illustration, and book magic from Luna Loves Gardening creators Joseph Coelho OBE and Fiona Lumbers. Enjoy a bat-themed workshop with Emma Reynolds, plus creative drop-in activities inspired by nature and libraries. Book signings, plushies, and more await! Book tickets – only £2.00 and find out more the Z-arts Website.
Saturday 7 June, 10am – 1pm
Festival of Libraries Z – access Day
Discover Z-access Day, a fun and inclusive afternoon of drama, music, circus, art, and storytelling designed especially for families with additional needs. Find out more at Z-arts.
Saturday 7 June, 3pm – 5pm
Manchester Libraries Podcast
The new episode of Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is streaming now on all of the usual platforms. Hear an interview with Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow on his recent collaboration with Central Library, plus a Branch Out special at Chorlton Library and an interview with former Lord Mayor, Paul Andrews, a book review of The Shining by one of our apprentices Carolina, plus a What’s On guide with Gary Parkinson with previews for the Festival of Libraries and a plug for our recent ‘Library of the Year’ award.
Refugee Week 2025
Join us in celebrating Refugee Week with a programme of inspiring events, stories, and community activities across our libraries. Visit the library blog to explore what’s on.
Libraries are cool spaces
From June until the end of September, libraries will be ‘cool spaces’ during times when Manchester is experiencing a heatwave – when temperatures hit or goes over 25°C for three days in a row. Come and use the library, keep cool, take a seat and have a drink of water if you wish. Some libraries have water freely available, and in some libraries you may ask a member of staff for a glass of water, or to fill your water bottle. More info on the library blog.
Threads by Coalesce Dance Theatre
Threads is a powerful story about mental health, friendship and identity. Coalesce Dance Theatre use stories from young people to weave an uplifting contemporary performance about growing up.Visit Library Live to learn more.
Saturday 7 June, 2pm
Central Library
The Apple Trees and the Bees
It is thought that fruit trees and honeybees have co-evolved for millions of years. Join writer James Ellson as he explores the beneficial relationships between us and trees and bees. Free entry, just drop in! Visit Library Live for more information.
Thursday 5 June, 6-7pm
Henry Watson Music Library, Central Library
Jo Hamilton: The Post Office Scandal
Immortalised in ITV smash hit drama, Mr Bates v The Post Office, this is Jo Hamilton’s extraordinary first-hand account of how she built a Post Office that was at the very heart of her community and then, through no fault of her own, lost everything. Visit Library Live for more information.
Tuesday 1 July, 7pm
Manchester Central Library.
Community Policing: all things to all people?
Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival presents Community Policing: All Things to All People – A potted history from the North West Film Archive. Book a free ticket via Eventbrite
Grosvenor East Building, MMU, M15 6BG
Saturday 7th June, 1pm – 2.15pm
