Libraries are a hub of connection for all ages.

This year’s Festival of Libraries theme 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 across borders.

Here’s some of our top picks of the most family-friendly events taking place during the festival 10-14th June, and they’re all completely free to attend.

Tasting Children’s Literature: An Edible Readathon | 11th June, Z-Arts

From the apple that Snow White should not have bitten and the drink that makes Alice’s trip to Wonderland possible to the feast gobbled by the very hungry little caterpillar in Eric Carle’s now classic 1969 story and the nut that the mouse finally gets to savour in Julia Donaldson’s contemporary classic The Gruffalo, food has long played a central role in children’s literature.

This event will be an immersive experience and read-a-thon of classic and contemporary children’s literature. The workshop will engage children in drawing pictures of and telling stories about the foods that come to life in their favourite stories, as well as the foods that mean most to them and their communities.

The Quest for Planet P | Levenshulme Old Library | 13th June, 11am-12.30pm
A heartfelt, dynamic and inspiring story about fighting for the planet we love and showing how even the smallest voices can make a BIG difference. This brand new, interactive dance theatre show is for children under 11 and their grownups. The experience lasts 1 hour with no interval, including 30min show and 30 min interactive workshop.

Buzz at Sale and Urmston Libraries | 13th June, various times
Exploring biodiversity and sustainability, Buzz helps our young audience understand that with kindness, friendship and perseverance, they can make a real difference to the natural world around them.

Look For A Book | Across Greater Manchester libraries | 25th May – 1st June
To find gold, all you have to do is follow the melody! During May half term, hidden in and around the green spaces of Manchester’s libraries will be 500 copies of Corrine Bailey Rae’s Put Your Records On, waiting for young readers to get their hands on and be in with a chance to meet Corinne during Festival of Libraries.

Family Fun Days at Manchester Central Library, Avenue Library, Forum Library and Gorton Library | 13&14 June
There are loads of family fun days at various libraries over this year’s Festival of Libraries, including at Manchester Central Library, Avenue Library, Forum Library, and Gorton Library. There will be fun activities and entertainment for all ages. They will be a celebration of  the libraries, their communities and all the wonderful things that happen in and around libraries. 

Once Upon A Time at Gallery Oldham | All festival dates
Once Upon a Time is a family-focused, fun-filled space where everyone can enjoy brilliant books and special stories. With cosy corners for reading, colourful artwork to explore, and hands-on activities to dive into, it’s a place where creativity comes to life.

Children’s Creative Writing Clubs | Leigh Library, Platt Bridge and Stretford Library | 11&13th June
Become an author and celebrate the magic of libraries with us at writing club.

Olive Branch | Droylsden Library | 12th June 11am-12pm
Join us for a funny and feel-good tale of friendship and the wonder of the natural world, told through a captivating mixture of physical theatre and martial arts. Two strangers meet in a forest and must learn to overcome their differences to help protect mother nature. How will they learn to work together? Will they make it in time to save mother nature? Immerse yourselves in Vanhulle’s forest of wonders, featuring spellbinding acrobatics and a world brimming with imagination.

Go Baby! | Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre | 11th June, 10.30am-12pm
Head to Gallery Oldham for fun and relaxed sensory exploration play sessions for under 2s and their family. Explore and play together in a relaxed and friendly environment. No need to book a ticket, just drop in and enjoy a relaxed session.

Storytelling: Los sueños de Ilán | Instituto Cervantes | 13th June, 12-12.45pm
Join Instituto Cervantes Manchester for a children’s reading session in Spanish featuring El sueño de Ilán (Ilán’s Dream). This gentle, thoughtful story explores how children understand the loss of a loved one and offers a supportive way to talk about grief. Through this unfinished tale from the Coloria collection, young readers are invited to reflect, imagine, and create their own ending.

Scroll down to see every Festival of Libraries event for a family audience below. These events are just a few of the eclectic offerings that are celebrating Greater Manchester’s libraries with little ones, to find out more about this year’s festival and what’s on for all ages, explore the full programme here.