From silent discos to story-time: Festival of Libraries brings energy to Manchester

MCRJourno

Manchester’s Festival of Libraries is back from 4th to 8th June promising five days of creativity, community and discovery across all 133 of Greater Manchester’s libraries.

Now in its fifth year and fresh from winning Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards 2024, the festival is the largest of its kind in the UK, offering an impressive 134 events - almost all free and open to everyone.

Highlights include author talks, writing workshops, exhibitions, comedy, music masterclasses and even silent discos.

The festival celebrates both the historic and the new - John Rylands Library marks its 125th anniversary with a new Collections Gallery, while Stockport’s innovative new Stockroom library reimagines what a modern library can be with creative spaces and a café bar.

A major draw is the Inspired by Libraries series featuring appearances from Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, broadcaster Yasmin Evans, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, and creative Jordan Stephens.

The Embassy of Utopia (2024)

The festival also welcomes international guests from UNESCO Cities of Literature with immersive performances and global collaborations on the schedule.

Family-friendly activities abound, from the Look for a Book treasure hunt hiding 500 copies of Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s book across the city, to Mexican storytime, music workshops, and creative sessions for all ages.

Community events such as Knit and Natter, comedy writing workshops, and DJ masterclasses offer something for every interest.

With nearly all events free and most bookable in advance, the Festival of Libraries 2025 is set to be an unmissable celebration of Manchester’s rich literary and cultural life.

For full details and bookings, visit the Manchester City of Literature website.