People across Manchester will soon be able to get even more out of their local libraries with Sunday opening announced for eight venues and extended opening for nine more.
From September this year four of the city’s libraries will now be open on Sundays, with an additional four coming in January 2027. This marks the first time since 2011 that libraries will open on Sundays.
Sunday opening was one of the casualties of austerity under the previous Government, when Manchester was one of the places hardest hit by the impact of cuts. With a now improved budget, which recently topped £1bn for the first time, this announcement is a positive example of the Council being able to build back what was lost during austerity.
This has been made possible through £1.7m of extra funding for libraries which has also seen increased investment in the libraries’ book fund, and events budget.
More than ever the libraries in Manchester have become sanctuaries for so many of our residents. From providing exciting and educational experiences for our youngsters, to hosting thoughtful debate and discussion evenings, to being accessible for anyone to take shelter from heat or cold, they are truly an invaluable resource.
The following will be open on Sundays from September each week from 12-4:
Chorlton Library
Longsight Library
Newton Heath Library
Withington Library
And the following will be open on Sundays from January each week from 12-4:
Manchester Central Library
Didsbury Library
Forum Library (Wythenshawe)
North City Library
On top of this, an additional six libraries will be expanding their hours of operation, starting from Monday, 22 June; and from September three libraries operating in leisure centres will also increase their library staffed hours.
This will be yet another boost for our Libraries service, underlining the importance the Council places on the services provided across the city and the value they hold within our communities.
Until this point many of our libraries have been operated since 2013 in collaboration with a dedicated group of community volunteers, many of whom kept their local libraries going through difficult economic times. On these incredibly valuable foundations, additional funding will allow these community assets to flourish even further.
The libraries which will now be staffed for at least 30 hours a week, from Monday, June 22, will be:
Barlow Moor Library
Burnage Library
Fallowfield Library
Miles Platting Library
New Moston Library
Northenden Library
In addition, from September there will also be increased library staffed hours at the libraries housed in the following leisure centres:
Abraham Moss Library
Arcadia Library
Hulme High Street Library
Please see the attached image below for details of the new opening hours.
Councillor Shazia Butt, Executive Member for Culture, Libraries and Leisure, said: “I’m incredibly pleased that after such a long absence we’re bringing back Sunday opening hours at eight of our city’s libraries.
“We know what a huge miss they have been, and we know the impact that it had all those years ago when we were forced to cut hours. However, with a much-improved financial settlement for the Council we’re able to give our residents the services that not only they want, but they deserve.
“Alongside this we’re also working to expand opening hours of a further nine locations, ensuring that the services on offer are even more accessible throughout the week.
“Over the years the staff who work across our libraries service have created a great environment for anyone who pays us a visit. From our youngest residents to our oldest there is a place for everyone and I’m sure this news will be a welcome surprise.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “When we announced our recent budget, our largest ever, we said from the get-go we wanted to see more investment in our communities and our services.
“With the resumption of Sunday hours we are delivering on that pledge, giving back to our residents what they have not enjoyed for almost 20 years.
“This is a fantastic example of where our priorities are and how the Council is committed to delivering tangible and meaningful change for our communities.”
