Celebrate World Book Day in Greater Manchester

World Book Day is an annual campaign focused on helping children access books and develop a lasting reading habit. Over the years, children and teachers have dressed up as book characters and taken part in reading events in schools and libraries to celebrate World Book Day. Dressing up as a book character and stepping into their shoes is a lot of fun!

Manchester makes a strong case for why reading still matters. Literature here isn’t tucked away; it’s part of the public realm. Poems are set into pavements, words climb brick walls, and historic institutions sit within walking distance of independent bookshops and writing centres.

The city centre is home to significant historic libraries: Chetham’s Library, The John Rylands Library, Manchester Central Library and The Portico Library. Alongside these are public libraries serving neighbourhoods across the city, as well as a growing network of independent bookshops that champion emerging writers and diverse voices.

Manchester’s literary reputation is rooted in the writers and thinkers it has produced. Figures such as Anthony Burgess, Emmeline Pankhurst, Lemn Sissay, Carol Ann Duffy, John Cooper Clarke, Elizabeth Gaskell and Jeanette Winterson have shaped national conversations through fiction, poetry and political writing.

This World Book Day, consider exploring a different side of Greater Manchester, visit a historic reading room, browse an independent shelf, or take notice of the words already written into the city’s streets. Reading doesn’t have to be nostalgic or sentimental; it can simply be part of everyday life.

Download a a copy of the Manchester City of Literature map to explore more venues across the city and explore Manchester's rich literary heritage, Manchester Literature Trail.

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Central Library

This iconic city venue, designed by E. Vincent Harris, was first opened in 1934. Following a £50m refurbishment in 2010, taking four years, the Grade II listed building has been brought into the 21st century by combining historic features with cutting-edge design. Take a look at previously…

Chetham's Library

About/History Chetham's is a unique cultural institution in the heart of Manchester combining music, education and heritage. The building that houses Chetham's was built in 1421 to accommodate the priests of Manchester's Collegiate Church and it remains one of the most complete medieval…

The John Rylands Research Institute and Library

For those who set eyes on Deansgate's The John Rylands Research Institute and Library for the first time, 'library' might not be the first word that comes to mind. This masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture looks more like a castle or cathedral. When John Rylands died in 1888, he…

Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Elizabeth Gaskell's House is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass. With 1, 2 and 3 day passes, find out more and…

The Portico Library and Gallery

The Portico Library & Gallery opened in 1806 as a Library and Newsroom and continues to be an active centre of culture for the people of Manchester and beyond. The Library consists of a remarkable 19th century collection of approx 25,000 books, housed in its original splendid Grade II* listed…

Chapter One Books

Chapter One is an independent bookstore and café based in Manchester. Bringing quirky reads, author events and intimate performances to Manchesters Northern Quarter. Grab a coffee and discover something new. The store began out of a family’s love for great books, amazing cakes and…

International Anthony Burgess Foundation

Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) was a prolific novelist, poet, playwright, composer, linguist, translator and critic. He wrote thirty-three novels, twenty-five works of non-fiction, two volumes of autobiography, hundreds of musical works and vast quantities of journalism, but he is perhaps best known…

Instituto Cervantes Manchester

Instituto Cervantes Manchester is a vibrant cultural institution dedicated to promoting the Spanish language and Hispanic culture in the heart of Manchester, England. As a branch of the renowned Instituto Cervantes network, it serves as a dynamic hub for language learning, cultural events, and…

House of Books and Friends

House of Books & Friends are a purpose-led independent bookshop, cafe and events space with an important mission – to combat loneliness through bringing people together and to build and rebuild communities. All of their profits are reinvested into this mission. Opening…

Manchester Poetry Library

Manchester Poetry Library, situated on Oxford Road, is the North Wests first poetry library and an addition to the city’s cultural heritage as a UNESCO City of Literature by the Manchester Metropolitan University. The mission of Manchester Poetry Library, is to widen access to…

Waterstones - Deansgate

Waterstones' mission is to be the leading bookseller on the high street, providing customers with the widest choice, great value and expert advice from a passionate team. Waterstones aims to interest and excite customers and continually inspire people to read and engage in books. The…

Z-arts

Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. A place to express yourself, celebrate your imagination, have fun, be entertained, and dream big! So, whatever your age and whether you’re coming to see a show or make some amazing mini-masterpieces in one of our…