Your priorities: libraries
Manchester has always loved its public libraries.
We opened the country’s very first one – in 1852 – by public demand.
We know they still matter to you – these precious gems in our communities. We know because last year you made nearly three million visits to our 22 libraries.
This includes the magnificent Central Library standing proud in the city centre – an attraction in its own right. One of the most visited libraries in the country with a million-and-a-half visits last year.
They’re free to use – and not much is these days. Places you can visit at no cost and go home with a bag full of books.
But your library offers so much more than books. These days they’re the beating heart of their communities – often part of schools, or sports halls and leisure centres
These are community hubs, serving residents’ needs and improving the quality of life of so many:
- helping make children ready for school
- a social lifeline for many older people
- a cultural resource for young and old.
They’ve all got free wifi so you can use:
- the internet on a library computer
- wifi on your own device.
Our children
Reading is so important to children’s development that every new baby in Manchester will now get their very own library card when we register them at birth.
Kids who start young, handling books, and being read to, are likely to do better at school. And in later life develop broader skills and lead healthier, happier, even wealthier lives.
At our libraries kids can get the benefit right from the start, there’s lots of activities like Tiny Tots and Toddler times every week – free story and song session for tots. Everyone’s welcome – mums, dads, grandparents and carers. It’s a great way to meet and make new friends, and give your child a fantastic start in life at the same time.
Pop in to your local library for:
- a world of books: Ebooks, talking books, pop-up books
- magazines and E-magazines, newspapers
- DVDs and CDs
- your family tree research.
They are:
- venues for our community events
- activity centres for all ages
- book delivery services for housebound people and carers
- even local business support centres.
They hold regular:
- reading groups
- work clubs
- computer training
- loads of fun stuff for kids like coding clubs and lego clubs.
And if you’ve not caught up yet with what our libraries now offer online, 24 hours a day – and night – then you really are missing out on a wonderful, wonderful world.
Visit our library pages to find out more.