Wolfson Foundation Provides £250,000 Boost For Manchester’s Children's Libraries

Thursday, 7 July 2016 07:00

The Wolfson Foundation has provided a major funding boost to improve the offer for children in six Manchester libraries.

The Foundation is providing a grant of £250,000 for a programme of mini-makeovers at Gorton, Longsight, Newton Heath, North City (Harpurhey), Withington and Wythenshawe Forum libraries.

The funding will also allow a new programme of digital activities for children to be developed within all six libraries.

New furnishings such as sofas, picture book boxes, new shelving, wall motifs and some quirkier and more striking book display units will be installed across the libraries, creating brighter and more welcoming spaces for children and their families to enjoy.

And thanks to the new funding, from September, local school groups will be able to take part in a variety of digital and literacy skills activities within the libraries - including being offered the chance to learn about stop-motion animation, green-screen filming and creating digital books.

Refurbishment work will take place at the six libraries from Wednesday 6 to Friday 15 July. The libraries will remain open to the public during the work.

Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, (pictured) said: “This funding from the Wolfson Foundation will significantly enhance the facilities on offer for children in neighbourhood libraries right across Manchester. Libraries help our young people to develop a life-long love of learning at an early age and with this magnificent support, we will be able to make these six libraries even more attractive and exciting for local children.”

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “Libraries are a place of inspiration for young people and we are delighted to have supported these exciting and dynamic learning spaces for children throughout Manchester. The Foundation is particularly interested in how libraries can help childhood literacy (including digital literacy) and we are also funding a research study on this subject.

"Education and learning are central to the activities of the Wolfson Foundation, and we have awarded over £20 million to some 220 projects across Manchester, including at the University of Manchester, HOME and Manchester Art Gallery."

More from Local and National News

Volunteers praised for transforming two Northern train stations

West Yorkshire: Volunteers have given two train stations in West Yorkshire a new lease of life.
Road Traffic Collision on Manchester Road in Bradford

Police were called at 17:10 (2nd May) to reports of a collision between a bus and a pedestrian on Manchester Road, Bradford.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm