Manchester Poetry Library

Whether you’re a reader, a writer, a rhymer or a free-verser, you’ll find plenty to inspire you at the Manchester Poetry Library.

Situated in MMU’s Grosvenor Building on Oxford Road, next to All Saints Park, this free public library opened in 2021 and is the first of its kind in the North West. Anyone can go in and browse, and if you want to take books home, it’s free to become a member.

Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of contemporary poetry from 1900 to today in various languages and formats. The words flow out of journals, pamphlets, zines, artwork, games and vinyl. Clear your head in your lunch hour by listening to Dylan Thomas read ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’, or Benjamin Zephaniah performing ‘In times like these’.

There’s a cute and colourful children’s library, an events space (‘speak slowly’ says a note stuck to the reading podium), and workspaces where you can write, read and gaze out of the window waiting for inspiration to strike. (Clue – have a look on the shelves behind you).

The library holds regular exhibitions, writing workshops and poetry readings – head to their social channels for details of what’s coming up. If you’re curious about poetry, or just want to introduce more creativity in your life, this is your place.