Libraries across Manchester are set to become ‘Fun Palaces’ during a special, free celebration of the arts and sciences for the whole community.
Manchester Libraries’ Fun Palaces day, on Saturday 1 October, offers activities for everyone from computer coders, amateur bakers and origami enthusiasts to poetry fans, knitting fiends and dancing queens.
The concept behind the Fun Palaces initiative was originally imagined in the 1960s, by theatre director Joan Littlewood and architect Cedric Price, who wanted to create a single space for the arts and sciences, open and welcoming to all.
Today, ‘Fun Palaces’ has become a national initiative, set up by Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings, with the goal of making arts and sciences accessible to everyone, at local, community-led events.
At Fun Palaces, events are offered to bring people together to take part in creative activities, with something for everyone to be inspired by – no matter what your age or ability.
Longsight Library will offer activities including cake decorating, Bollywood dance classes and origami, while Manchester’s Archives + Centre will be on hand to offer a journey into the ‘Fourth Dimension’, using augmented reality technology (10am – 4pm).
Fallowfield Community Library, at the Place at Platt Lane, is offering families the chance to try their hand at poetry, drama, wood carving and even slime-making (10am – 12:30pm).
Gorton Library is offering sessions in jewellery-making, knitting and a special stall for women who are interested in setting up their own business (2 – 4:30pm).
Other libraries offering activities on the day include North City, Wythenshawe Forum, Withington, Newton Heath and Miles Platting.
