Manchester Festival of Libraries: creative workshops and crime fiction stars at The Portico

As part of Manchester City of Literature’s Festival of Libraries, the Portico is running a trailblazing programme of workshops and lectures, including a standout talk from acclaimed crime fiction expert Martin Edwards, which collectively embody the creativity and fun with which the library makes literature accessible to all.

Workshop | Inspiration from Centuries Ago | Wed 15 Jun | 2.30pm-4pm | Free | More info

The library’s festival series begins on Wednesday (15 Jun) with a workshop led by Dr. Shahireh Sharif. Free to book, visitors will learn how to write creatively using the Portico’s books, crafting opening sentences in a serene atmosphere.

The Palmer Crime Lecture Series: A Life of Crime | Wed 15 Jun | 6.30pm-9pm | £3 (£30 with book) | Tickets

Later that day, award-winning crime fiction historian Martin Edwards opens the Portico Library’s Palmer Crime Lecture Series with a discussion of his new book, The Life of Crime: Detecting the Histories of Mysteries and their Creators.

Painting workshop | Bringing Literature to Life: Wuthering Heights | Thu 16 Jun | 6pm-8pm | £25-£30 | Tickets

A collaboration between the Portico and Creative Society Manchester, guests will bring Wuthering Heights to life in a unique painting class based on the Emily Bronte classic.

Festival of Libraries Open Afternoon | Sun 19 Jun | 1pm-4pm | Free | More info

On Sunday (19 Jun) at noon, the library opens its doors especially for the Festival of Libraries, inviting guests to take in the singular Portico atmosphere and explore their ongoing ‘In The Margins’ exhibition which examines the representation of ethnic, national and gender identity in the Portico Library’s historic collections. Later on, visitors can join a workshop on ‘Trauma, Identity and the Collection’ – part of the Portico’s commitment to diversifying its inventory.