Home to 4 historic libraries, 23 public libraries plus many more independents. 2 Universities in the City Centre with a student population of 98,000, plus 2 writing schools. More than 40 arts and culture festivals, including Manchester Literature Festival. More than 10 independent publishers such as Carcanet and Comma Press. The home of writers and radicals such as Anthony Burgess, Emmeline Pankhurst, Lemn Sissay, Carol Ann Duffy, John Cooper Clarke, Elizabeth Gaskell, Jeanette Winterson.

Manchester: A UNESCO City of Literature.

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Festival of Libraries

Manchester City of Literature’s Festival of Libraries returns for 2023. This county-wide celebration of Greater Manchester’s 133 libraries will take place from 7-11th June 2023. The festival, which is supported by Arts Council England, will feature…

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Manchester Multilingual City Poets

Manchester City of Literature and partners have introduced Manchester’s inaugural team of Multilingual City Poets, three talented creatives who have been appointed to produce a series of original works on behalf of the City. The City’s…

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Keep in touch with all things Literature in Manchester. We regularly share opportunities, events and news for writers, readers and everyone in between.

Hosting a literature event?

If you are arranging or hosting a literature event in Manchester which is open to a public audience, and would like us share via our network, submit your details here and we’ll share it far and wide!

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“Book collection is an obsession, an occupation, a
disease, an addiction, a fascination, an
absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby.
Those who do it must do it.”

JEANETTE WINTERSON