Manchester Libraries February Newsletter  Welcome to Manchester Libraries February Newsletter! Along with many other exciting events, this month we are celebrating LGBT+ History Month. Join us for a special Valentines Day performance from acclaimed poet Afshan D’souza-Lodhi. We are also delighted to host a talk from sci-fi writer Paul Magrs to celebrate the relaunch of his much-loved ‘Brenda and Effie’ novels. Want to get involved? Then why not tell us about your favourite book with LGBTQ+ themes? If that’s not enough we’ve also been busy compiling a list of top new queer fiction, so let’s get reading! |
What happens when falling in love is a political act?This Valentines Day 14th February Manchester Libraries presents a specially commissioned video from award-winning poet and playwright Afshan D’souza-Lodhi. Afshan will be performing her poetry and discussing what it means to fall in love as a queer Muslim woman. Afshan has written and directed film and radio plays and edited many anthologies. She has an essay featured in Picador’s collection by Muslim women called ‘Its Not About The Burqa’.Tune in to the video launch on the Manchester Libraries Facebook page.  |
International Mother Language Day 2021Did you know around 200 languages are spoken in Manchester? Manchester City of Literature invite you to celebrate International Mother Language Day from 16th-28th Feb with a bonanza of events from around the city with a focus on celebrating friendship and food. Library storytimes in different languages at 11.00 from 15th – 19th, plus a full day of events on 20th, just head to the libraries facebook page. #MCRIMLD21. Check out all the events here. |
An evening with fantasy genius Paul MagrsJoin acclaimed fantasy and sci-fi writer Paul Magrs for a special evening celebrating the re-release of his much loved ‘Brenda and Effie’ novels. Paul published his first novel in 1995 when he was 26. He has lectured in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2019 he published his book on writing, ‘The Novel Inside You’. In 2020 Snow Books republished his Brenda and Effie Mystery series of novels. He lives and writes in Manchester.Tune in to the live stream on Paul’s Facebook page, 7pm Friday 19th February.  Eat the Archives!Join Theatre Chef Leo Burtin on an online culinary journey through our archives, where stories come alive through taste and you can join in from home. Cook your dish in advance using our recipe and together taste the dishes inspired by the stories in our archive as Leo tells you of the personal histories and lives behind each meal. A must for foodies who love stories as a side order. Join Manchester Jewish Museum at 7pm online on Thursday 25th February, get your ticket here. |
Pride in Ageing Oral History ProjectDo you have a story to tell? The Lesbian and Gay Foundation and Manchester Libraries Archives+ are currently recording oral history interviews with LGBTQ+ people 50 and above who live in or have a connection to Greater Manchester. Interviews can take place over the phone or via video call. Check out their website for more information and to get involved! |
Get ready for the New Words Book Festival The New Words Books Festival reveals a dazzling digital literary line-up for March 2021 event; Poets Martina Evans and Rebecca Goss, writers Donald S Murray and Naomi Booth, Brontë experts Adelle Hay, Claire O’ Callaghan and Sophie Franklin are amongst participants. Short story writers Sarah Schofield and SJ Bradley will also be joined at the Arts Council funded festival by poets Alan Baker and Dr James Davies. Visit the Time to Read website for more information. |
LGBTQ+ fiction available to click and collectWe’ve created a brand new list of the latest LGBTQ+ books and some of our favourite classics. All available for you to click and collect for free from your local library! Just log in to your account online and place a reservation. Check out the full list of books here. Ebook and audio book of the monthThe Last Family in England by Matt HaigMatt Haig is the bestselling author of The Midnight Library and Reasons to Stay Alive. Meet Prince, the canine narrator of this tragi-comic tale of family life. As with all Labradors, he has devoted his entire existence to preserving the happiness and security of his human masters. Not that his human masters realise this, of course. After all, when the Hunter family rescued him, they had no idea that they were the ones who were really being saved. Discover this gem of a book on e-book and audio book right now. We have unlimited copies for you to download here. 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. Get audio ebooks! |
| Reset. Restart. Social media where do I begin?Have you decided that you want to change direction and harness the power of social media but you don’t know how to do it? This workshop with Lisa Maynard-Atem will help you get started! In this one hour session, Lisa will take you through how to navigate the world of social media when you are beginner. Places will go quickly so make sure you sign up now to avoid disappointment. |
Newsbank LGBTQ+ Special ReportsLGBTQ+ History Month is one of the Special Reports Newsbank are featuring this month. Login to your NewsBank resource for more info, read our Newsbank blog post or watch this short video to see how to access Special Reports. Tells us about your favourite book!Tell us about your favourite book with LGBTQ+ characters or themes! We’d love to see images and videos submitted by you for our social media pages to show the wide variety of books and share the love of reading throughout LGBT History Month in February. Want to take part? Record a 1-min video of yourself talking about why this book is your favourite or take a picture (of the book, of you and the book, whatever you fancy) and write a little about your choice.Submit your contributions here. Or send them by email. Word Central open mic nightFlapjack Press and Manchester Libraries welcome you to February’s celebration of poetry and open mic. Hosted by the brilliant Tony Curry with special guest Elizabeth McGeown! Tune in to the live stream on Facebook Thursday 4th February from 7.30pm here. |
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| Spotlight on ServicesWhether you’re a life-long library member or newly signed up, make sure you’re using all the free library services available to you. Did you know there’s an…Online catalogue and an app so you can search for and reserve or renew books from anywhere.Our Online reference library gives you access to free language courses, digital newspapers and magazines, music streaming and business resources.Free ebooks and audiobooks mean you can download the latest bestsellers to read or listen on any device, there are no overdue charges, they return themselves and they’re free to download. |
| Support usThanks to donations ands grants many of our events and exhibitions in Manchester Libraries are free. You can make a donation in any library or visit Manchester Central Library Development Trust to make a donation or join the Library Lovers scheme. |