Levenshulme Old Library

20/08/2026

Some very good news from Levenshulme Old Library: we've been awarded a Project Viability Grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

For nearly ten years we've been running Levenshulme Old Library as a community arts centre, doing what we can to look after it and make it work for the thousands of people who come through the doors each year, both for our own activities, but also for our building partners like ALL FM 96.9 and Manchester Library of Things, but despite us being in charge of the building, we don't own it or have a lease for it.

Now we have an opportunity to think much bigger about its future. This funding will allow us to work with architects and the people who use the Old Library to develop a long-term vision for the building: what people want from it, how the spaces could work better, what improvements are needed and what it would take to make those ideas happen.

It's also an important step in our work to finally bring the Old Library into community ownership, something which will secure its future for the long term.

There'll be more to come over the next few months, including opportunities to tell us what you want from the Old Library's next chapter.

A huge thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund and also to our wonderful neighbourhood - this isn't just an investment in a lovely old building, it's also an recognition of what our community has brought back to life and of what we can build here together. We're also grateful to Manchester City Council for their continued support for our ambition to bring the Old Library into community ownership.

And while we're planning for the future, we still need your support to keep the Old Library going today. Earlier this year our funding agreement with Manchester City Council came to an end, at the same time as the building's running costs increased significantly. So please - hire a space, come to an event, make a donation or simply spread the word.

https://levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/2026/08/19/a-new-chapter-for-levenshulme-old-library/

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

Thanks to everyone who came down to Old Library for the second IMPROVIDENCE - an evening of completely improvised live music, a fully strange and psychedelic evening.

Specific thanks to Thought Universe, Prima Materia, Brookdale and Zolatec the incredible performances, to Improvidence MCR for bringing it all together and to Tom for these amazing snaps.

We love seeing people use the Old Library to try out creative stuff which interesting, ambitious and unusual - keep 'em peeled for IMPROVIDENCE III.

Interested in putting on something of your own? Levenshulme Old Library is a community-run space which is available to hire for gigs, performances, screenings, workshops and other events. We’re equipped with a PA, mics, stage lighting, a piano and even a harmonium, as well as a projector and screen, and we can usually work with you to make the space fit what you have in mind.

Head to the venue hire section of our site for more info or email us at [email protected] for more information

https://levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/venue-hire/

27/07/2026

Hi folks. Sorry for the short notice on this, but tonight's writing class has been cancelled due to illness. Apologies for the late notice, we've only just found out.

21/07/2026

We had another full house over the weekend here to Levenshulme Old Library for Three Minute Warning - an evening of Palestinian film, literature, poetry, food and art presented by Hannah Spencer.

The evening brought together a film screening, live readings, poetry, visual art and food, creating space to listen to Palestinian voices and hear their stories.

A huge thank you to Hannah Spencer, Comma Press and everyone else who worked with us on such a thoughtful event, to everyone who shared their work, and to everyone who showed up and helped make the evening so welcoming.

We're always proud that Levenshulme Old Library can be a place where different local communities come together to listen and connect through arts and culture.

If this was your first visit, you can find out more about what else goes on at Levenshulme Old Library by signing up to our newsletter.

https://levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/

20/07/2026

Big congratulations to Andy Burnham on the new job.

Some of you might remember Andy (right) from his appearances over the years on the Don and Mike Show on ALL FM 96.9, our resident community radio station here at Levenshulme Old Library.

We've learned today that he's apparently moving onto bigger things. Congratulations to Andy - it's always nice to hear when our community building has helped a local resident with their personal achievements! 🏆

17/07/2026

Know what the best combo is for a summer evening?

A glass of wine and a blank page.

This month's Sip + Scribble heads outdoors to our secluded garden for an evening of wine, writing and good company.

Hosted by writer, poet and wine enthusiast Lucy Edmiston, this relaxed creative writing session takes its inspiration from Summer Holidays. Whether for you that means a week on a Greek island, a drizzly weekend caravanning in Wales or simply a picnic in the park, there will be playful writing prompts, conversation, and a chance to enjoy a glass of wine while you write.

No writing experience needed - just curiosity, a notebook, your tipple of choice and a fondness for a summer evening spent well.

📍 Levenshulme Old Library
📅 Friday 24th July
⏰ 7.30pm-9pm
💵 £6 per person or £10 if you bring a friend

To book a place, drop us a message or DM Lucy directly on Instagram:

16/07/2026

Behind every conversation about migration are real people, and their stories are far richer than the headlines suggest.

Arrivals is a podcast from Levenshulme Old Library exploring the experiences of people who have come from elsewhere in the world to make Greater Manchester their home.

Debra came to the UK from Nigeria as a child. In Arrivals, she talks about trying to fit in at school, finding strength in her faith and the realities of Britain's immigration system.

We endlessly hear people talking about migration. We don't hear nearly enough from the people who have experienced it. Arrivals is a chance to hear directly from people who have come to this country and whose lives, work and communities have helped shape the city region around us.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

https://arrivals.captivate.fm/

15/07/2026