January 2021 A New Year a New Start

Live Music in 2021... Where do we go from here?

Join us to explore how the music sector has been impacted during the pandemic, and how artists and businesses are adapting. Organised by the Manchester BIPC and Leeds BIPC as part of the Reset.Restart programme, this panel event is to support those in the music and creative industries. Hosted by Martyn Walsh, the panel will be discussing how to survive in these difficult times, featuring music industry luminaries David Gedge, DJ NikNak, Mix-Stress, Jay Taylor and Lola Mitchell.  

Register for this free event.

Libraries from Home

We've a huge range of services available for you to access from home 24/7. Including 1000's of e-books and audio books, full access to the latest UK and International daily newspapers  and a wide range of the latest magazines for you to download.

All these services are completely free. Just sign in with your library card. 

Manchester - A UNESCO City of Literature

Our friends at Manchester City of Literature have shared this video about why Manchester deserves the UNESCO designation of City of Literature. And libraries are a key part of this. Watch here. They also have a new website with a What's On listing for events, readings and activities in Manchester.

Donate your old Smartphone

Do you have an old smartphone that you don’t need anymore? You can donate it at your local library to help vulnerable people in Manchester. O2, Hubbub and Manchester City Council are working with local organisations across the region, to reduce the digital divide and help people get connected. Read more. 

Ebook of the month

Download the Borrowbox app - you'll find it in your app store and take a look at our latest titles - and there's no need to worry about fines - ebooks return themselves after three weeks. Check out our website for more information on our digital services.

Hints from the Helpdesk Videos

During lockdown measures Manchester & Lancashire Family History have been busy producing a new website. Volunteers have produced videos to help you with your family history. View hints for the Helpdesk videos.

Reset. Restart. For Businesses

It’s a difficult time for small businesses and business owners. That’s why Manchester’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, as part of the British Library’s BIPC, has a dedicated programme to support SMEs. January has four online sessions to help you transform, grow or future proof your business. More info on our blog and events here. 

Citizen's Advice at Longsight Library

With lockdown a major challenge for Citizens Advice Manchester was meeting the needs of people seeking face to face advice. Sometimes people need so see a face when sharing often personal and sensitive issues. So at the click of a button you can have an on screen face to face chat with an advisor at Longsight Library! Find out more here.

Want help with your phone or computer?

Got a tablet or laptop or smartphone for Christmas?  Need help using it? We're still helping you get online with confidence! Perhaps you know someone who has internet access at home but doesn’t have the skills or confidence to use it as effectively as they would like? We’re here to help: Text  07860064128.  Leave your name and area of Manchester where you live. Whether you have a smartphone, tablet laptop or computer, free telephone support is available on a wide range of things from turning your device on, setting up an email address, making video calls, downloading apps, booking your online supermarket shopping, accessing health information etc.  Calls can be made in 15 languages, so if you’d like the call in a different language to English, please let us know. Read more. 

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