Formed in 2012, Manchester Libraries Trust supports Manchester’s libraries service – a cornerstone of cultural and educational support, literacy promotion, digital literacy, and economic growth.
Manchester Libraries 22 venues are located in the heart of the city’s local communities, serving as hubs for digital inclusion by offering free computer and Wi-Fi access, alongside a wide range of local authority and public service information and advice services. Libraries enhance the lives of Manchester residents and are integral to the city’s infrastructure.
Raising over £700,000 for Central Library’s major transformation in 2014, the Trust was also pivotal to the success of the Library Live cultural programme, match funding major Arts Council England grants to develop a vibrant and diverse programme of events and activities for a broad range of communities. More recently, the Trust has helped purchase the historically significant Assheton of Middleton estate collection, Manchester’s oldest surviving archive collection, which dates back to the 12th century, and has supported developmental work on the rich Piccadilly Radio Archive the Rashford mural tributes to ensure future generations can access and learn from them.
In 2024, the charity changed it’s original name from Manchester Central Library Development Trust to Manchester Libraries Trust, to reflect it’s wider support of activities across the Manchester Libraries estate, as well as Central Library.
Recent support made possible with public donations and grants includes:
Find out more about how you can support us
View our latest annual accounts & report
