Manchester Libraries Trust is proud to be backing the See Myself in Books Festival 2026 with a £2,000 commitment and we are inviting local businesses to be part of it!
Running from 9 to 21 March 2026, the Festival will play a major role in the National Year of Reading, bringing inspiring authors and illustrators into Manchester’s schools and libraries. The programme helps children discover books that reflect who they are and the world around them, while also supporting schools with free book collections and teaching resources.
Last year, the Festival reached 3,469 pupils from 43 Manchester schools, giving children the chance to meet writers who helped them feel seen, confident and excited about reading. In 2026 it will return with two weeks of school and library events, plus a flagship celebration at Stoller Hall for around 350 children, alongside the gifting of new book collections to participating schools.
Featuring authors Maisie Chan, Dapo Adeola and Nathan Bryon with event participants
We are now looking for local businesses who would like to support this work. Any contribution is valuable, whether from a Social Value or community budget, or a small amount of unallocated spend. Every pound goes directly towards putting books into children’s hands and helping build a lifelong love of reading.
Supporters will be acknowledged across festival digital materials and through Manchester Libraries Trust’s channels.
If your organisation would like to get involved, or if you can point us to the right person within your business, please do get in touch by emailing manchesterlibrariestrust@outlook.com
