UPDATED - Manchester Libraries Children and Families January Newsletter

Central Library family film club 

Spanish Storytime

Saturday 22 January. 2pm to 3pm

Hola ! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time sessions where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story. Storytimes are once a month for 45 minutes starting at 2:00 pm at Central Library (suitable for children aged 4-7).

To book email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk

The best kids' books of 2021, chosen by top authors and illustrators

Booktrust have asked top authors and illustrators including Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell, BookTrust President Michael Morpurgo, BookTrust’s Writer in Residence Dapo Adeola and former Laureates Anne Fine and Julia Donaldson the impossible question: pick just one favourite published in 2021......check out their answers here!

New! French storytime

Saturday 29 January 11am to 12pm. 

Join for our new French storytime in the Children’s library within Central Library. We will share stories in French and English and also a simple craft. This will be suitable for children aged 4-7.

To book a place email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk. 

Harry Potter Night 3 Feb 2022 Magical Journeys 

Magical journeys is the theme for the eighth annual Harry Potter Book Night and we couldn't be more excited! Bloomsbury are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Watch this video to see more.

You can discover the magic in the books by visiting your local library, taking a look at our library catalogue or Borrowbox app.

Children’s e-books and audio books

The 52 - Storey Treehouse Book 4 by Andy Griffiths, Read by Stig Wemyss (Suitable for children aged 7)

Andy and Terry's incredible, ever-expanding treehouse has thirteen new storeys, including a watermelon-smashing level, a wave machine, a life-size snakes and ladders game, a rocket-powered carrot launcher, a Ninja Snail Training Academy and a high-tech detective agency with all the latest high-tech detective technology. Which is lucky, because they have a BIG mystery to solve - Where is Mr Big Nose???Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!

Available now as an Ebook and Eaudiobook on BorrowBox

Chinese New Year celebration at Central Library

Sunday 6 February 12-4pm
Help us celebrate the Year of the Tiger in Central Library on one of our special Sunday openings. Join in the fun as we offer themed family activities and crafts for everyone to enjoy.

This is a free drop in event.

Children’s Mental Health Week

It’s Children’s Mental Health Week from 7 to 13 February. The theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is Growing Together.

Growing Together is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other grow. Take a look here at the brilliant free top tips and resources for families

Portico Sadie Massey Awards

The annual Portico Sadie Massey Awards reading and writing competitions are now open for submissions. Children and young people (aged 7-16) are invited to write a short story set in the North of England or review any book of their choice to be in with a chance of winning some exciting prizes. Closing date: Friday, 18 March. Free to enter.

See here for all details, watch author videos offering writing tips and find book suggestions from northern based authors associated with these prestigious awards.

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