About this event
Take a front row seat anywhere in Greater Manchester for the Festival of Libraries 2025.
- Who is this event suitable for? For everyone.
- Is booking required? No, you can just turn up.
- Contact: contact Manchester - City of Literature
- Event organiser: Manchester - City of Literature
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.
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. The new galleries will open at The John Rylands Library on Thursday, 15 May 2025 and will be featured as part of the Festival of Libraries programme.
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. More than just a library, there’s room for everyone: to make noise, meet friends or find a bit of peace, play, take part, think and do new things. Details of how Stockroom will celebrate the Festival of Libraries will be revealed as part of its much-anticipated launch.
- More on the Festival of Libraries 2025 – Manchester City of Literature – click on each event to find out more information and book tickets.
- View Festival of Libraries events in the borough of Rochdale
Disclaimer
Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent/guardian before taking part in any event or activity.