Libraries open up a world of books and a universe of experience in the literary galaxy.

Are you a budding astronomer, adventurer, or time traveller? For this year’s Festival of Libraries we have plenty of space themed events that will take you to outer space – or through the constellations of the Manchester sky.

To kick off Festival of Libraries 2025, Look For a Book is a massive half term finders keepers where over 500 copies of Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s book Am I Made of Stardust will be hidden in and around the green spaces of Manchester’s libraries. A city-wide game from 23^rd May to 1^st June, some winners will get the incredible opportunity to meet Maggie during the festival!

Dame Maggie says, “Libraries are such amazing places to fuel your rocket and jet off into all the places books can take you, for families to get together, and spend time having fun together. To take part in Look For A Book, follow your local Manchester library on social media to get the clues, then head out to parks, schools, libraries near you to get your hands on your copy and get exploring.”

If you are interested in extraterrestrial tales and shining stories, join children’s author Dan Worsley for a 90-minute session of storytelling and creative writing where you will unpack science facts, learn about the James Webb Space Telescope and use an infrared camera! As part of a series of Out of this World creative storytelling events during the Festival of Libraries, you can join different ones across the city, either on 7th June at Ramsbottom Library or Farnworth Library, or 8th June at Urmston Library or Manchester Central Library.

The Poetry of Humphry Davy will take place at Manchester Poetry Library 6.30-8pm on 5th June, where participants will read some of Davy’s poems and discuss them, examining the many ways in which the arts and sciences come together in his work.

Ready to dance into another dimension? Join Stockport libraries on 5th June for a Silent Disco at Great Moor Library! There will be fabulous tunes and refreshments for when you need to catch your breath. Bring friends for a communally quiet boogie or come alone for a silent jiggle!

Finally, travel through time and space with an audio drama workshop, Movies for the Mind, at Prestwich Library on 5th June. You will learn principles of sound-based storytelling and talk about your favourite films and tv shows and how they use sound to dazzling effect.

Learn the art of designing characters, making exciting dialogue and using immersive soundscapes to create mesmerising stories. You will leave the workshop buzzing with ideas for a theatre of the mind.