Manchester Central Library to unveil a range of new digital & VR experiences

Manchester Libraries has announced a new digital initiative which seeks to bring exciting new digital experiences to library users this year.

The Digital Spaces programme, launched by The Space, aims to engage communities and transform the way in which they interact with digital creativity. It is supported by the Arts Council and the BFI with funding through the National Lottery.

Manchester’s bespoke programme will encompass a ‘thrilling Virtual Reality (VR) tour’ showcasing a rich collection of VR titles designed to captivate a wide range of audiences.

The VR tour will visit Manchester Central Library in June to coincide with the Festival of Libraries, and other libraries later in the year. Librarygoers will be able to experience several interactive titles with more to follow, including:

• Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: A narrative VR experience for MetaQuest, allowing fans to join a new immersive adventure with much-loved animation characters Wallace and Gromit.
• The Philharmonia’s Lark Ascending: A spellbinding 360 performance by Philharmonia of Vaughan Williams’s beloved piece, featuring Nicola Benedetti.
• Monoliths: An immersive XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust, exploring England’s northern landscape through the voices of three women.

As part of the digital offering this year, libraries will also be using the Marcus Rashford Tributes archive, as an online resource tool for schools and communities. The tributes were placed on his mural in Withington following the racist abuse received after the European Championships in 2021, and have been preserved by Manchester Libraries and Archives.

The project is designed to empower local communities and give library users access to advanced technologies and interactive resources that make digital tools and opportunities accessible to all. It will also ensure comprehensive training for library staff to guide users through exciting digital journeys.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: “Libraries have always been at the heart of our communities and Digital Spaces is a fantastic opportunity to ensure they remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. By embracing innovation, we are opening exciting opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection for people of all ages.”