Festival of Libraries
Taking place in libraries across Greater Manchester between 12-16 June 2024.
From 12-16 June 2024, Greater Manchester will once again celebrate the Manchester City of Literature Festival of Libraries – which promises a rich tapestry of events for all ages and interests.
Authors, poets, performers, artists and historians will share their love for libraries and literature across the region’s many libraries. The Festival of Libraries’ vibrant programme offers exhibitions, author talks, performances, installations, live music, workshops, and international collaborations. These free events highlight the diverse offerings of libraries, showcasing their role as service, learning and creativity hubs which are open to all.
The University’s Creative Manchester is delighted to be offering a series of free, public workshops for the Festival of Libraries celebrations, partnering with our Centre for New Writing, Linguistic Diversity Collective and Programme in American Studies.
What’s in a Word, and What’s in a Dictionary
12 June 2024, 3pm – Portico Library
This session delves into the meanings of everyday words and idiomatic phrases, offering insights into how dictionaries define words and how language learners acquire vocabulary. Run by the Linguistic Diversity Collective.
Writing for Wellbeing Workshops
13 June 2024, 6pm - Ashton Library, 14 June 2024, 1pm – Heywood Library, 15 June 2024 – Ramsbottom Library
Facilitated by professional writers from the Centre for New Writing, these workshops explore the positive effects of creative writing on mental health and wellbeing.
14 June 2024, 3pm – Portico Library
Participants will engage in blackout poetry, finding meaning in scientific texts by selecting certain words and redacting the rest to create literary and visual works of art. Run by the Linguistic Diversity Collective.
Tasting Children’s Literature – An Edible Readathon
16 June 2024, 1pm – Central Library
An immersive experience and read-a-thon of classic and contemporary children’s literature aimed at young children aged 0-8. Run by the Programme in American Studies staff and students.
12 June 2024, 12pm, 2pm and 6pm – Longsight Library and 13 June 2024, 12pm and 2pm – Longsight Library
An immersive audio experience allowing listeners to walk in the footsteps of those with the misunderstood condition of chronic cough. Run by the ‘Let’s Talk About Cough’ project.
- More information on the Festival of Libraries 2024, including the full programme, can be found on the Manchester City of Literature website.