Libraries festival back for fifth year

RETURNING for its 5th year, and winner of Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards in 2024, Festival of Libraries is the biggest festival of its type in the country, bringing together all 133 of Greater Manchester's libraries and more.

- PREVIEW BY STEVE COOKE

Reminding us of how precious libraries are to communities, equality, discovery and culture, the festival is filled with exhibitions, performances, installations, workshops, family friendly activities and international collaborations. It is made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England.

Manchester is home to some of the finest historic libraries in the world, including Chetham's Library, The Portico Library, Manchester Central Library and The John Rylands Library, which celebrates its 125th birthday this year.

It will do so with the unveiling of a new Collections Gallery where 40 objects that echo the history and evolution of the library's collections will be displayed, and a new Special Exhibitions Gallery, where The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955-1985 exhibition will be located.

Reflecting the breadth of libraries in Greater Manchester, at the same time as one of its libraries reaches a grand old age, a bold new chapter is beginning in Stockport.

Stockroom will open this spring - reimagining what a modern library can be. Designed with and for local people, but open to all, Stockroom will feature a children’s creative learning space, a café bar, archives, and an event space hosting a vibrant year-round programme.