The doors of libraries across Manchester are once again being thrown open this winter to combat the cost of living crisis. Council bosses in the city have revealed all 24 of Manchester's libraries will be open to those in need of support.

For the past two years, Manchester has proudly been a supporter of the Warm Welcome Spaces Campaign, with the city signing up to the pledge again this winter.

The council said the campaign aims to provide safe, welcoming and stigma-free places for people in need of support during the colder winter months. A spokesman said: "Whether it is accessing free wi-fi, a hot cup of tea or the companionship of other people, our 24 libraries across the city will be open to those who need them."

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The range of support available includes:

  • Age friendly spaces
  • Free hot drinks – available until February 2025 (excluding the Central Library)
  • Comfortable seating and welcoming spaces for all ages
  • Free access to the internet
  • Free wi-fi
  • Free newspapers
  • Information and advice
  • Staff who can signpost to other support agencies.
  • Digital drop-ins one day a week
  • Under 5s story times once a week at 11am (more detail available via your local library)

The council recently announced additional help on offer for pensioners and people in receipt of benefits or council tax credit.

An additional £200,000 has also been made available for the voluntary sector as well as £190,000 for the Holiday Activity Fund, which provides activities and free meals for children during the school holidays, added the spokesperson.

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Heading towards winter we are very much aware that the cost of living crisis still continues to affect many families across Manchester. This is why, more so than ever, we as a Council continue to do our utmost to support people who may be struggling.

"Our participation in the Warm Welcome Spaces programme, combined with our cost-of-living support package shows we are committed entirely to helping any many people as possible during this difficult period."

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “The cost of living crisis, combined with the additional hardships winter can bring mean this time of year can be especially difficult for people who are already struggling.

"The Warm Welcome Spaces scheme provides a lifeline for people in need of support, whether that is just a cup of tea, a supportive person to listen, or the wealth of additional support they can access via our libraries service.

"While it is a situation we wish did not exist, I am proud that Manchester will continue to play its part in combating the impact the cost of living crisis continues to have."

There are currently 4,453 Warm Welcome Spaces across the UK, with a map of those in Manchester available through the website here.