Next month, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough, Wallace & Gromit, Vaughan Williams and Laika the first astronaut dog, at your local library.
For three weeks in February, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences.
Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England, BFI, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space.
After a resoundingly successful debut last summer, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (4-7 Feb), Abraham Moss Library (9-14 Feb), and Wythenshawe Forum (17-20 Feb). The times of the sessions can be found below.
Across the three weeks, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces, plus leap into some brand new experiences too.
Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer will include:
- **New** Hold the World with Sir David Attenborough: Embark on a groundbreaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience, acts as a private guide, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection, including a blue whale, a stegosaurus, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!
- **New** Laika – Witness one of the most poignant true stories in history with Laika, an immersive VR short film from BAFTA and Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia. Adapted from Nick Abadzis’ acclaimed graphic novel, Laika will transport you to the dawn of the Space Age as it tells the story of an unwanted stray dog who became Earth’s first space traveller.
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.
- Berlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day, travel back in time to experience this especially tense period of WWII history from a seat in the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber. Hold tight.
- Phase Space: Escape from the hustle and bustle of life, with this calming, restorative and meditative experience. Feel calmer and more in control in just 7 minutes.
The VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network, a ground-breaking collaboration with eight other library services, including: Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leeds, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.
The Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout February.
Come along to a session at these dates and times as follows:
Wednesday 4th Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library
- Drop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00]
- Drop-In Session [13.00 – 15.00]
- Drop-In Session [16.00 – 18.00]
Thursday 5th Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library
- Drop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00]
- Drop-In Session [13.00 – 15.00]
- Drop-In Session [16.00 – 18.00]
Friday 6th Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library
- Drop-In Session [9.00 – 11.00]
- Drop-In Session [12.00 – 14.00]
- Drop-In Session [15.00 – 16.45]
Saturday 7th Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library
- Drop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00]
- Drop-In Session [14.00 – 16.00]
Monday 9th Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library
- Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details
Tuesday 10th Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library
- Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details
Wednesday 11th Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library
- Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details
Friday 13th Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library
- Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details
Saturday 14th Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library
- Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details
Tuesday 17th Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space
- Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details
Wednesday 18th Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space
- Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details
Thursday 19th Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space
- Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details
Friday 20th Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space
- Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details
