Lots to do at Summer Libraries Festival

GREATER Manchester Festival of Libraries, the celebration of the county’s 133 libraries that proved so popular when it debuted last year, is back again for 2022.

The festival, which takes place from Wednesday, June 15, to Sunday, June 19, is supported by Arts Council England and once more features a varied programme of free events that highlights everything libraries have to offer such as wellbeing, culture and creativity, digital and information, and reading.

Mass participation will play a huge part. The “Look for a Book” treasure hunt, which takes place between May 16 and 22 will invite young people to search for 50 copies of “The Boy with Wings”. Finders will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to a meet author Lenny Henry in Manchester.

Events being arranged for Tameside include an “Inspired by Libraries” talk on June 15; a Writing for Wellbeing Workshop (6 to 7.15pm) and a children’s story time on June 16; and a “Carrot to the Stars” workshop for children on June 18, based on the picture book by Rejis Lejonc.

Full details will be available shortly at www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries and www.manchestercityofliterature.com/event/festival-of-libraries-2022

The “Inspired by” strand of events, that saw contributions from the likes of Elbow’s Guy Garvey and BBC 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie last year, has another incredible line-up including “Coronation Street” actress Julie Hesmondhalgh as well as Jay Blades from “The Repair Shop”.

Last year Greater Manchester Festival of Libraries featured 80 free events with more than 50 artists involved, taking place in all 10 boroughs. More than 1,200 people participated with almost 5,000 joining in online events.

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “Libraries are very important to Tameside Council as we have demonstrated over the last 12 months by opening the new Droylsden Library at Guardsman Tony Downes House which has proved extremely popular.

“Our libraries provide vital free access to information, learning opportunities and reading for pleasure for everyone in Tameside. They are creative hubs that are vital to building communities and to increasing residents’ knowledge and skills or simply to help them read for pleasure as part of our Tameside Loves Reading campaign.”