The first week of October marks National Libraries Week, an annual event designed to celebrate the importance of libraries and the crucial role they play within society. If reading or a good audiobook has helped you through lockdown, then from Monday 5 until Saturday 10 October you can keep that passion for the written word going by getting involved with a host of events at Manchester Central Library. In addition to banishing all overdue fees on books returned throughout the week (no matter how high the fee!), this beloved Manchester venue will be heading online to keep you entertained. Here’s what to look out for…
Got something to say? Say it during this special National Libraries Week open mic night. Hosted by Flapjack Press, this event is a celebration of poetry and the spoken word and will feature a guest appearance by performer and poet Attila the Stockbroker. If you’d like to perform yourself, you can book a slot – otherwise you can tune into the live-stream when it starts at 8pm on Wednesday 7 October.
Hulme Library’s weekly Book Group heads to Zoom to discuss The Testaments by acclaimed Canadian author Margaret Atwood. This literary-loving bunch usually meet on the first Wednesday of each month but will be back at it again next Wednesday (14 October), this time to delve into and dissect The Good Immigrant, a collection of powerful essays and testimonials edited by Nikesh Shukla.
Can’t make it to any of the above? Why not take part in a Storytime Session instead? These family-friendly events are perfect for kids and take place Mondays to Fridays at 11am direct from Manchester Library’s Facebook page. Sophia Hatfield’s beloved Super Sloth will be featured this week – but it’s always worth tuning in. You never know what adventure awaits!
www.manchester.gov.uk/centrallibrary
- Words:
- Simon Bland
- Published on:
- Mon 5 Oct 2020
Kick start National Libraries Week with a special in conversation event with local author Sarah Butler. A writer and literature activist, Butler has released three novels to date including Ten Things I’ve Learnt About Love, Before The Fire and Jack and Bet, and has been a lecturer in creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University since 2018. During this free event, Butler will be chatting about her work, reading an excerpt from her latest novel Jack and Bet and taking audience questions – all live and online.