Manchester Poetry Library

Creative Tourist

Visit now

Manchester Poetry Library

Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6BR
01612472000
Manchester Poetry Library
MMU
Book now

The North West’s first public poetry library, Manchester Poetry Library is located in the brand-new arts and humanities building (also home to the Manchester Writing School, Centre for Place Writing and Manchester School of Theatre) at Manchester Metropolitan University’s All Saints campus just off Oxford Road.

A public poetry library that welcomes all, Manchester Poetry Library’s mission is to widen access to poetry and to support the creation and performance of new writing at every level from primary school to professional publication. The core collection of Manchester Poetry Library consists of late 19th, 20th and 21st century poetry in English from around the world, plus poetry in translation. As well as pamphlets, books and collections from presses large and small, there’s also access to journals, periodicals and anthologies. There’s even a section of poetry for children and younger readers.

A public poetry library that welcomes all, Manchester Poetry Library’s mission is to widen access to poetry and to support the creation and performance of new writing

The library also has a special focus on poetry as audio recordings and films, and has a record player to enjoy its vinyl collection plus recording facilities. Live performances and exhibitions can also be expected, with regular poetry showcases, launch events, reading groups, creative writing workshops and other get-togethers all taking place in the shared space. Manchester Poetry Library is delighted to open up the conversation around its holdings in different languages, and the team is keen to hear from you. Sign up for a library card, and start exploring a welcome – and welcoming – space in Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.

What's on near Manchester Poetry Library

jonathan schofield giving tour
Until
Manchester
The Kimpton Clocktower Tour

Explore the incredible history behind one of Britain’s grandest and most storied commercial buildings: Manchester’s Grade II listed Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

From £20
Commons at SODA
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Commons at SODA

Commons is a programme of openly accessible, interactive events led by digital artists, showcasing the nuances of our interactions with tech.

Free entry

Where to go near Manchester Poetry Library

The Manchester Museum on Oxford Road Manchester
Manchester
Gallery
The Study
at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum opened The Study on 11 September 2015. A reworking of the entire top floor of its historic Grade II*-listed building, The Study has been reimagined as a space designed to spark wonder, curiosity and a passion for research in all of its visitors.

Manchester Museum Tours at Manchester Museum
Manchester
Museum
Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum isn’t one of the UK’s leading university museums for nothing – it has six million objects in its stores, including a full size T-Rex skeleton, and that’s just for starters.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Kro Bar

Kro Bar, Manchester is an independent pub and music venue housed (somewhat ironically) in the former Temperance Society building.

Universally Manchester Festival 6-9 June 2024
Manchester
The University of Manchester

Celebrating its 200th year in 2024, The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK, and boasts come incredible cultural institutions, found on campus, across Manchester and…

Manchester
Shop
Want Not Waste

Want Not Waste is a student-run, not-for-profit zero waste shop operating out of Academy 1 at the University of Manchester Students’ Union.

Manchester Academy music venue on Oxford Road Manchester.
Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy

The Manchester Academy is a mid size, modern warehouse venue adjacent to the University of Manchester Students’ Union. It lacks any architectural merit and has always been a difficult place…

Cafe at the Museum
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
The Cafe
at the Museum

Manchester Museum’s cafe is run by the people behind award-winning cafe Teacup Kitchen. The menu features home-baked cakes, the finest loose leaf teas and breakfast, as well as a wide selection of mains and meals for kids.

Whitworth Park, Manchester
Manchester
Park
Whitworth Park

This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.

Culture Guides

Author portrait
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.

Two women stand next to an orange car.
Cinema in the North

August brings a huge LGBTQ+ film festival, plus a reggae classic and a spotlight on Japanese animation.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Blondshell by Hannah Bon.
Music in the North

From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Monumental sculptures, charcoal confessions and a show of two paintings only - all this and more in this month's exhibition picks.