Libraries are a hub of connection, we’re all connected through stories.

This year’s Festival of Libraries tagline is “Bound Together, Connected Through Stories” and now, more than ever, we want to highlight the ways we can connect through over 100 of Greater Manchester’s libraries. The festival will encompass more than 100 events between the 10th and 14th June, promoting creativity, hosting amazing performances, and bringing communities together.

Why not try your hand at some of the creative workshops taking place across the festival? There’s a huge range of things to try and all the workshops are free to attend.

Through these events, we are connected through… Creativity:

Census by Malandra Jacks |  13th June, 3.30pm onwards, Wythenshawe Forum
Join a hands-on exploration of storytelling. You’ll get to know people, learn playful techniques and practical skills for preserving your own stories. A welcome space to collect and preserve working class voices, experienced and histories. Through fun games, group activities and creative prompts award-winning duo Malandra Jacks will spark memories and imagination. Those who wish can also take part in an informal audio-recording session, offering personal anecdotes that may feature in the performance of Census (in the evening).

Comics: Printed Cinema | 13th June 10.30am-12.30pm, Bolton Central Library
Join Mike V. Derderian a.k.a. “Sardine” a professional comic book artist for this dynamic talk and hands‑on workshop around comics. Mike will discuss how comics are no different than being at the movies, showing the links between panels and the big screen.

What Do Animals Know About Your Health? | 11th June, 5.30-6.30pm, Bury Library
One of the big ideas in the world of healthcare today is One Health – it proposes that your health, the health of the animals around you, and even our eco-system, are all connected. Changes to the ecosystem affect our health too. In this enlightening workshop of quizzes and interactive games, you will learn about One Health with researchers and students of Public Health, and discover how we are all more connected, and in more ways, than we might think.

Comic Creativity Galore | 10-14th June, Various Libraries 
Join various cartoonists, including Marc Jackson (pictured below), for a crazy-fun, comics and cartoon art workshop. You’ll learn how to create characters for comics, all the basics of how they can be made, whilst breaking the rules and having fun all at the same time. You’ll celebrate drawing and having fun, taking away the concerns about getting things ‘right’ or having it ‘perfect’.

Writing for Wellbeing | 9th June at Chorlton Library and 11th June at Cheadle Library
Expressing yourself and crafting an object have long been studied and considered a way to relieve stress and emotional turbulence. We are told that “talking helps” and that making “something out of nothing” can make us feel better. Writing is a form of speech. And so, as part of the Festival of Libraries, we would like to invite you to take part in a Writing for Wellbeing Workshop, which will be facilitated by professional writers from the Centre for New Writing at The University of Manchester.

Nollywood Hair | 11th June, 7-8pm, Hulme High Street Library
Nollywood’s vibrant storytelling and iconic hairstyles have not only reflected Nigerian culture but also inspired hair fashions in Nigeria, across Africa and beyond. Afros, braids, threading, weaves, cornrows, pink wigs, locs… The hairstyles of Nollywood stars have become famous in their own right. Fans of Nollywood – or just amazing hair – will enjoy the insights of writer and producer Oghomwen Adeyinka-Edward, who has turned fandom of Nollywood hair into a serious topic of research.

DJ Workshop with Reform Radio | 11th June 12-4pm, Wythenshawe Forum
Are you aged 19-30? Interested in learning how to DJ? Come along to Wythenshawe Forum and get involved with Reform Radio at this interactive DJ workshop. This taster session will give you hands-on experience on the decks.

Haunted Homes: A Horror Writing Workshop | 12 June, Swinton Library (16+)
In this chilling workshop, you will look at horror fiction of the page and screen, questioning who and what belongs in the home. You’ll then put pen to paper and reclaim what belonging means to you, as you explore how horror can help you to confront and understand your anxieties creatively. The workshop will include discussions and guided writing activities. You don’t need any writing experience to attend, and there will be no pressure to share anything during the workshop. If you’re a horror buff at heart this event will be for you.

Cinema Club Workshop | 11th June, 11-12pm at Wigan Library
A relaxed programme introducing key ideas in film analysis and storytelling, including visual language, theme development, genre, and script fundamentals. Facilitated by Fatima Golshani Mehr, MA graduate of Screenwriting (University of Manchester) and a professional writer known for her strong craft and disciplined storytelling approach.

Inspiring new writing with Europeana | 11th June 11-12pm, Online
Find out how to use Europeana.eu’s vast database of European digital culture heritage to enhance your writing and research practice. Europeana is Europe’s digital museum, library, and archive. It’s a practical, accessible and free online resource you can enjoy for learning, for work, or just for fun. Choose from millions of images, sounds, videos and texts to create inspiring writing prompts, or search the database to find answers to your research questions.

A Non-Technical Introduction to Making Video Games | 13 June, Oldham Central Library
This event is an incredible opportunity for budding game developers to learn the basics of how a video game is made. The event, led by BAFTA Breakthrough game developer and games researcher Stanley Baxton, will give you a hands-on experience with the no-code Bitsy engine. This software lets you develop games right from your browser, giving anyone access to starting their own development. The event is a celebration of the ever-growing DIY game community. Just make sure not to forget your phone or laptop so you can get involved.

Rewriting the Waterways | 13th June 11am-12pm, Sale Library
This inclusive workshop involves reading short extracts from poems and life writing by black and white authors to explore the relationship between the region’s industrial canals and histories of enslavement in Africa and the Americas. Participants can contribute their thoughts, feelings and creative ideas about encountering this uncomfortable history of the canal, or are welcome to have a quieter and more reflective experience. No previous experience of poetry or creative writing is required.

Dance for my Foremothers | 13th June 12-2.30pm, Manchester Central Library
Dance has long brought people together, and is a key part of the Baganda People of Uganda. This workshop explores how dance can challenge authoritarian rule, focusing on how Baganda dances strengthen community and empowerment. Led by Peninah Wampamba, a researcher of indigenous practises and women’s health, the session connects dance with politics, health and decolonisation. Participants will also take part in the dancing themselves.

Critical AI Literacies: Roundtable Discussion & Exhibition | 1o-12 June, Chorlton Library
Join MMU’s Digital Society (DISC) research group for a roundtable discussion and exhibition exploring the political, social and cultural impacts of AI and digital technology. The exhibition will explore the risks and responsibilities that come with adopting AI tools into education; new challenges that come with automating major political and business decisions; the impact of AI on creativity; its environmental impact, and much, much more.

These events are just a few of the eclectic offerings that are celebrating Greater Manchester’s libraries, to find out more about this year’s festival, explore the full programme here.