Libraries What we have for children in libraries

It's storytime at Manchester Libraries

Did you know that Manchester Libraries has a whole host of free storytimes for you and your child?

We love sharing stories at Manchester Libraries. It’s a great way for the family to get together and listen to some brilliant tales. We’re so pleased to welcome everyone to join in the fun!

Storytimes for under 5s

  • Session times: weekdays in termtime
  • Age group: 0 to 4 years unless stated otherwise. Stories and songs for tiny tots.

Sharing a story with your child is a chance for you to relax and spend time together. It’s also a great way for your child to learn new words – even the youngest babies respond to songs, music and rhythm. Storytimes give parents and carers a way to make new friends and discover all that libraries have to offer. Check with your local library for details.

Session times

Central Library - ages 0 to 3 years

  • Tuesdays, 10.30 to 11am and 11.30am to 12 noon
  • Thursdays, 10.30 to 11am and 11.30am to 12 noon

Abraham Moss

  • Tuesdays, 11 to 11.30am

Arcadia - ages 0 to 3 years

  • Mondays, 11 to 11:30am
  • Thursdays, 1.30 to 2.30pm

Avenue

  • Fridays, 11am to 12 noon

Beswick

  • Wednesdays, 11 to 11.30am

Brooklands

  • Mondays, 11am to 12 noon

Burnage

  • Wednesdays, 10.30 to 11am

Chorlton

  • Fridays, 11 to 11.30am

Didsbury

  • Thursdays, 11 to 11.30am

Fallowfield

  • Tuesdays, 10.30 to 11am

Forum

  • Tuesdays, 11 to 11.30am

Gorton - ages 0 to 3 years

  • Thursdays, 10.30 to 11.30am,

Hulme - ages 0 to 5 years

  • Thursdays, 11 to 11.30am

Longsight - ages - to 3 years

  • Thursdays, 11 to 11.45am,

Miles Platting

  • Thursdays, 1.15 to 2pm

Moss Side Powerhouse - ages 0 to 5 years

  • Tuesdays, 11 to 11.30am

Newton Heath

  • Mondays, 11 to 11.30am

North City

  • Tuesdays, 11 to 11.30am

Northenden

  • Fridays, 11 to 11.30am

Withington

  • Wednesdays, 11 to 11.30am

Dual-language Storytimes

These are monthly sessions with stories and songs in other languages. Check with Central Library for the date of the next session.

Central Library

  • Italian Storytime - Saturdays, 11.30am to 12 noon, ages 4 to 7 years
  • Ukranian Storytime - Saturdays, 1.30 to 2pm, ages 4 to 7 years
  • French Storytime (every 2 months) - Saturdays, 2 to 3pm, ages 4 to 7 years
  • Polish Storytime - Saturdays, 2 to 3pm, ages 4 to 7 years
  • Spanish Storytime - Saturdays, 2.30 to 3.15pm, ages 4 to 7 years
  • Mandarin Storytime - Saturdays, 3 to 4pm, ages 4 to 7 years

Little Reads with Manchester Literature Festival

These monthly sessions for children and families are offered by our partners at the Manchester Literature Festival.

  • Central Library - Wednesdays, 11 to 11.30am and Saturdays 11 to 11.30am, ages 2 to 6 years
  • Arcadia - Mondays, 11am, ages 2 to 6 years
  • Longsight - Tuesdays, 11am, ages 2 to 6 years

Sensory Storytime

These monthly sessions are suitable for children with sensory or autism spectrum needs. Places are free but limited, so please contact tracy.rostron@manchester.gov.uk or carole.reynolds@manchester.gov.uk to book.

  • Central Library - Saturdays, 10.30 to 11.30am, ages 4 to 7 years, but flexible depending on individual needs.