Libraries are a hub of connection.

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 across borders.

There are so many wonderful performances taking place over this year’s festival. From dance to theatre to interactive pieces, you won’t want to miss any of them.

Through these events, we are connected through… performance:

Census by Malandra Jacks | 11th and 13th June, Various Libraries

Award-winning duo Malandra Jacks invite you into a world of spellbinding projection,  real voices and unapologetic heart. Census is part theatre, part time capsule: a celebration of communities rarely seen on stage. Working-class communities are brought to the forefront in this ambitious theatre show that uses spellbinding projection, real voices, and unapologetic heart.

These performances include a workshop and a Q&A with Malandra Jacks. In the workshop, you can expect fun games, group activities, and creative prompts that will spark memories and imagination.

The Quest For Planet P by Knotted Project and Hawk Dance | 13th June, Levenshulme Library

Follow Ozmo & Orbi, two brave little aliens, as they set off on an amazing journey to find the perfect planet! 

The Quest For Planet P is 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 grown-ups. The experience lasts 1 hour with no interval, including a 30-minute show and a 30-minute interactive workshop.

Olive Branch by Vanhulle Dance | 10th-13th June, Various Libraries

Olive Branch is 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.

Buzz by Colour The Clouds Theatre Company| 13th June, Sale and Urmston Library

Buzz is a 20-minute theatrical adventure for children and their grown-ups, celebrating the natural world and our part in it. Exploring biodiversity and sustainability, Buzz will help young audiences understand that with kindness, friendship and perseverance, they can make a real difference to the natural world around them.

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.