Nationwide initiative to provide safe, warm communities spaces for those in need will run until February 2026
Manchester City Council has announced that all 22 libraries in Manchester are participating in the Warm Welcome Spaces programme this winter. The nationwide programme, which runs until February, aims to provide shelter and support to anyone in need through the coldest months. Across the country, more than 5,300 venues have signed up.
Photo by Mark Gambles / Unsplash
In Manchester, all 22 public libraries are taking part this winter. With the support of the city council, they are opening their doors as free, safe, welcoming and warm spaces.
What’s more, Manchester’s libraries are offering a range of extra support, such as free internet and Wi-Fi access, newspapers, and assistance from staff to signpost people to council services and support agencies.
The libraries are also offering age-friendly spaces and some activities, such as weekly storytime for under-5s at 11am (please check which day of the week this runs at any given library). All but Central Library is also offering free, self-service hot drinks.
The participating libraries across Manchester are: Abraham Moss Library; Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre (Levenshulme); Avenue Library and Learning Centre; Barlow Moor Community Library; Beswick Library; Brooklands Library; Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub; Central Library; Chorlton Library; City Library; Didsbury Library; Fallowfield Community Library; Forum Library Wythenshawe; Gorton Library; Hulme High Street Library, Library and Leisure Centre; Longsight Library and Learning Centre; Miles Platting Community Library; Moss Side Powerhouse Library; New Moston Community Library; Newton Heath Library; North City Library; Northenden Community Library; Withington Library; and Z-arts Children’s Library.
Last year, over the winter of 2024-25, the Warm Welcome Spaces supported an estimated 2.6m visitors, thanks to a volunteer network of more than 10,000 people. To find your nearest warm, welcoming space and find out more, see the Warm Welcome Spaces website.
Cllr Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council, says: ‘For many years the council has been a proud supporter of the Warm Welcome Spaces initiative. In Manchester we have been all too aware of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the hardships people have suffered as a result. It’s not an exaggeration to say this work has the potential to be lifesaving. The simple act of offering a person a safe place where they can interact with other Mancunians, to not feel alone or get the help they need, can have a lasting and meaningful impact.’
Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, adds: ‘Over the years the staff at our libraries have provided a huge range of support and help to residents in need. Offering a kind ear of support, a friendly smile, or pointing someone in the direction of additional help, they have made a lasting impact. Our libraries are safe, judgement free places for all of our residents, and if anyone is struggling this winter I would urge them to pop in and let us help them get back on their feet.’
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