World Book Day is an annual charity event which supports the fun of reading and improving children's lives. Did you know only 1 in 3 children say they enjoy reading? Manchester is bursting with literature, you can find poems on the pavements, up the walls and sprawling out to reach literary houses, writing schools, heritage libraries and language centres.
The city centre is home to 4 historic libraries, 23 public libraries plus many more independents.
Manchester is the proud home of writers and radicals such as Anthony Burgess, Emmeline Parkhurst, Lemn Sissay, Carol Ann Duffy, John Cooper Clarke, Elizabeth Gaskell and Jeanette Winterson.
Celebrate World Book Day too at a selection of iconic attractions around Greater Manchester:
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 good coffee. Meet your friends in their café or make new ones with their chatty regulars.
Read MoreInternational 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 for the challenging and hugely influential A Clockwork Orange. He is one of Manchester’s greatest cultural figures. The International Anthony Burgess Foundation, located in a magnificent example of industrial architecture at Chorlton Mill, encourages and supports public and scholarly interest in…
Read MoreInstituto 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 intellectual exchange. The institute offers a wide range of Spanish courses, catering to different levels of proficiency and providing students with a comprehensive learning experience. With its team of experienced and passionate teachers, Instituto Cervantes Manchester creates an engaging and supportive…
Read MoreChetham'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 domestic complexes to survive in England. A "Hospital School and Library" was established on the site in 1653 by Humphrey Chetham to house and educate “poor boys” and to provide free access to university-level books to all. In 1950, the hospital was transformed into a grammar…
Read MoreElizabeth 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 purchase your pass here visitmanchester.com/pass ***** Welcome to the home of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s very own Literary house. A truly hands-on experience that will introduce you to the world of the writer Elizabeth Gaskell and her family through historic period rooms, Victorian style…
Read MoreHouse 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 Hours Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm Sunday: 11am-5pm
Read MoreThe 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 was one of Manchester's most successful industrialists with a personal fortune of £2.75million. The library was commissioned in 1890 by his wife Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her late husband. This world class collection includes the oldest known piece of the New Testament, the St John…
Read MoreCentral 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 hidden heritage spaces and the magnificent Wolfson Reading Room. Alongside an unrivalled hub of information and education, it’s also a new place to meet and socialise, a place to engage with cultural output, a place that invites you to think and contribute, to be entertained and provoked.
Read MoreManchester 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 poetry and to support the creation and performance of new writing at every level from primary school to professional publication. The core collection of Manchester Poetry Library consists of late 19th, 20th and 21st century poetry in English from around the world. They stock journals…
Read MoreThe 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 building, which reflects the social and cultural interests of the early members. Members of the Library are able to borrow from the 19th century collection and enjoy lunch in the library with guests. Membership has included such names as John Dalton, Peter Roget, Elizabeth Gaskell, Stuart Maconie, Val…
Read MoreWaterstones - 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 company's reputation is built upon the knowledge and enthusiasm of our staff, who love great books and are dedicated to finding the titles that our customers want. Waterstones strives to create places where people browse, and a haven that encourages new readers to expand their horizons.
Read MoreZ-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 arts workshops, we hope you enjoy your visit to Z-arts and are inspired by your own creativity. Our mission: to inspire and enable generations of young people from #GreaterManchester and the #NorthWest to use creativity to maximise their potential. We engage with hundreds of thousands of people…
Read MoreDownload 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.
Visit events happening over Greater Manchester
Starting on Saturday 15 February and continuing all year, explore the Guess How Much I Love You™ – A Garden Adventure trail following Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare around the garden. Bounce, hop and stretch like Little Nutbrown Hare, investigate colours, textures and shapes…
With the Easter Holidays quickly approaching (Friday 4th April), a fun, engaging, and educational Manchester family activity is arriving to keep the kids entertained. The Museum of Illusions offers a unique experience that both kids and adults will love! Packed with over 50 mind-bending interactive…
Experience your favourite books come to life in the world of theatre
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was an immediate critical and commercial success. The book was inspired by Alcott’s experiences growing up and is one of the best loved novels of all time. Experience the enduring journey of the March sisters - tomboy Jo, beautiful…
Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Iggety ziggety zaggety zoom! Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and…
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don’t you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost! The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast wicked spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits…who…
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. Expect plenty of fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters, including Monster…
Brand New for 2025! When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy…
Matilda The Musical, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, is heading back out on tour across the UK and Ireland from October 2025. Winner of over 100 global awards, including 24 for Best Musical, the ‘unique and…
To find out more about what's on please visit Whats On in Manchester | The Official Events Guide