See Myself in Books Festival

Over three thousand children from forty-two primary and high schools have participated in this year’s See Myself in Books Festival. Organised by Read Manchester, the festival hosted thirteen authors in schools and libraries across the city to introduce children to a range of diverse and inclusive books.

The Festival is a celebration of reading for pleasure and at the same time inspires children to discover books with diverse characters they can truly relate to. The festival’s origins come off the back of research by the National Literacy Trust that having access to diverse books could help provide a boost to reading enjoyment, with almost 1 in 3 (31.5%) children and young people saying that having books that represent them would make them want to read more, but over half of children (53.1%) saying they experience difficulties finding books with characters or people like them.

Alongside the festival, Read Manchester has also curated two unique sets of ‘See Myself in Books’ book collections promoting ethnic diversity and neurodiversity, with collections distributed so far to more than 50 primary schools. These books are of course also available to borrow in libraries!

One class teacher told us:
“I think events such as this are invaluable. When children from EAL (English as an Additional Language) backgrounds see themselves reflected in books, through characters, cultures, names, or experiences, it helps them feel seen and included rather than like outsiders. This sense of belonging can boost their confidence, participation, and engagement with reading”.

Libraries Annual Report

Earlier this month I took a report on libraries to the Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee. The report gives highlights of the last year and describes how the library service is at the heart of our communities and continues to have a positive impact on people’s lives. Take a read of the report at the Manchester Libraries blog.

Digital Inclusion Annual Report

Earlier this month I also took a report on digital inclusion to the Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee. This report updates the Council’s digital inclusion work, since March 2025, including the implementation of the Digital Inclusion Action Plan. It includes great examples of how we’ve help hundreds of residents become confident online users. Take a read of the report at the Manchester Libraries blog.

Build a Business Celebration Event

The Build A Business Celebration Event took place on 11 March at the People’s History Museum, marking the achievements of participants in the programme from across Greater Manchester. The event welcomed special guest Patrick Grant, well‑known entrepreneur, clothier, and long‑standing judge on The Great British Sewing Bee. He was joined by a panel of three alumni entrepreneurs – Stu Smith, Nancy Martha Chihota, and Marie Petrequin, who each shared their experiences of starting and growing their businesses.

Their contributions offered valuable insights into resilience, innovation and the realities of business development. Feedback from attendees was extremely positive, with one participant noting:

“Fantastic programme”
“Immensely interesting! Fantastic to hear other people’s stories and insights. Bravo!”
“What is happening across Greater Manchester with Build A Business is extraordinary” (Patrick Grant)

Manchester Libraries Podcast!

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast bounces back with a Spring in its step this March. Continuing to dazzle with its fresh new look, line-up, features, and more – presenter Alan Lynch and co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries.

Listen to Episode 13: Cargo Recording Studios + National Year of Reading

Exploring Virtual Reality! – Abraham Moss Library

Abraham Moss Library hosted state‑of‑the‑art VR headsets and a selection of free digital experiences as part of the three‑week Digital Spaces programme delivered across Manchester Libraries, including Central Library and Wythenshawe Forum.
Manchester Libraries were chosen as one of nine library services in England to take part in this innovative initiative, designed to expand digital engagement and make emerging technologies more accessible in community spaces.

Visitors were invited to explore a range of immersive virtual worlds, featuring well‑known figures such as David Attenborough and Wallace & Gromit. At Abraham Moss Library, VR workshops were especially popular with children aged 8+ and their adults. Across eight sessions, more than 100 participants took part, many trying virtual reality for the first time. Children quickly built confidence as they navigated mini‑games and interactive environments, while adults, initially observing, soon joined in with enthusiasm. The sessions created a supportive, family‑friendly atmosphere where participants learned together, shared experiences, and discovered the possibilities of virtual reality.

Business Events – Generator

Over the past month, Generator delivered a new programme of workshops and events, including a popular Networking Evening that brought over 30 local founders and creatives together, alongside five practical, skills‑focused sessions centred on effective communication of business offerings to potential clients.

This month’s workshops included ‘Authentic Selling Through Storytelling’, ‘Social Media Masterclass’, ‘Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Guide for Small Businesses’, ‘Short‑Form Content for Your Small Business’, and ‘An Introduction to Canva’. All workshops were designed to provide business owners with clear, hands‑on strategies and tools which they can apply immediately to support their business. In total, more than 70 people attended workshops across the month.

These activities were delivered in partnership with the Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) of Greater Manchester Libraries and Build a Business. Together, we remain committed to backing local entrepreneurship and helping people turn ideas into real opportunities.

Reopening Welcome Event – Withington Library

Withington Library hosted a warm and welcoming community event to celebrate the reopening of the library following essential improvement works. The event offered a wide range of creative activities, including tote bag decorating, jewellery making, pom‑pom spring crafts and origami animal corner bookmarks. All activities proved popular, with tables full of enthusiastic participants throughout the afternoon.

Guests also enjoyed an afternoon tea featuring cakes, b...

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