What's on

You can find more information about some of our events on the Rhymetime and Storytime, Readers' groups and Trafford Library Eventbrite pages has listings for events where you need to book a place. You can also visit our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Partington Leap Into Play initiative

We're very pleased to announce that Partington Library is part of the new Leap into Play initiative - which aims to provide a fantastic list of family-based activities and events for local Partington residents.

We are working alongside the Early Help Hub and The Hideaway, with a special treasure hunt running throughout March. If you manage to visit all three of the sites and then hand in your complete hunt card to The Hideaway; you can collect a goodie bag and enter a prize draw to win a free trip to the Sea Life Centre in Manchester. Further information and resources are available to collect at Partington Library, the Early Help Hub and The Hideaway.

Upcoming events

Pyjamarama day Friday 17 May

We’ll be celebrating Pyjamarama at Trafford Libraries; with plenty of bedtime themed activities for everyone to enjoy. If you pop into your local library on Pyjamarama Day we’ll have activity sheets to complete, book displays to enjoy and more.

In addition, we have a number of drop-in sessions through the week – space is limited on the Bedtime Storytimes, so  arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Bedtime Storytime sessions

Join us for some special, sleepy storytime sessions –pyjamas and slippers are encouraged and you could even bring your favourite bedtime bear to listen in too. Any age welcome, aimed at ages 5 and under. 

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 15 May, 5:15pm – 6pm
  • Sale Library, Friday 17 May, 4:15pm – 5pm
  • Stretford Library, Thursday 16 May, 5:15pm – 6pm
  • Urmston Library, Tuesday 14 May, 5:15pm – 6pm                      

Trafford Sleep and Therapy Services family drop-in sessions

Trafford Sleep and Therapy Services will be providing some pop-up sessions at Trafford Libraries to provide some fantastic resources and guidance for all things sleep related. 

  • Old Trafford Library, Tuesday 14 May, 11am – 12:30pm
  • Sale Library,  Friday 17 May, 11am – 12:30pm 

An evening with Louise Cahill

If you have an interest in travel, journalism or photography join Louise Cahill an award-winning journalist, photographer and accomplished public speaker for an evening of stories from her career. Including staying in an Arctic snow hotel, making a puppet in Prague, swimming with a wild dolphin and judging horses at the Calgary Stampede. Louise is looking forward to sharing her adventures and answering your questions.

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 22 May. Free tickets on Eventbrite

Paper crafting workshop – paper roses

Join artist Caroline Coates as she shows you how to create paper craft paper roses to make beautiful bouquets of forever flowers. You will be taught the techniques step by step and can choose from a range of papers, all of which will be provided.

  • Timperley Library, Thursday 23 May, 10:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3. Book on Eventbrite.

Springtime Craft Sessions

Join us for some spectacular spring crafts as part of our “Look for a Book” celebrations over the half-term – all craft sessions are drop-in with limited supplies.

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 29 May, 2.30pm – 4pm and Saturday 1 June, 2pm – 3.30pm
  • Hale Library, Tuesday 28 May, 2.30pm – 4pm and Saturday 1 June,  2pm – 3.30pm
  • Old Trafford Library, Friday 31 May, 1pm – 3pm
  • Partington Library, Saturday 1 June, 1pm – 2.30pm
  • Sale Library, Friday 31 May, 2.30pm – 4pm and Saturday 1 June, 2pm – 3.30pm
  • Stretford Library, Wednesday 29 May, 12pm – 1.30pm
  • Timperley Library, Thursday 30 May, 2.30pm – 4pm and Saturday 1 June, 2pm – 3.30pm
  • Urmston Library, Tuesday 28 May, 1pm – 2.30pm
  • Woodsend Library, Thursday 30 May, 2.30pm – 4pm

Family history help day

Book a free one to one session and learn how to:

  • research England and Wales census
  • research birth, marriage and death records
  • how to research Caribbean records with genealogist Linford Sweeney (booking essential)
  • explore genealogy websites Ancestry and Find My Past
  • use The British Newspaper Archive
  • view historical maps
  • collect free research guides and resources
  • loan library stock and buy local history books

The event is organised and led by the Trafford Local Studies team, based in Sale.

  • Old Trafford Library (Limelight Centre), Thursday 30 May 10am to 4pm.

Festival of Libraries 12 - 16 June

Free yoga taster sessions

Come and try one of our fantastic regular yoga sessions free of charge during Festival of Libraries. No booking required just turn up on the day but spaces are limited and on a first-come-first-served basis. Mats can be provided.

  • Urmston Library, Chair Yoga, Monday 10 June, 2.30pm
  • Urmston Library, Mat Yoga, Wednesday 12 June at 10.30am
  • Altrincham Library, Chair Yoga, Friday 14 June at 10.30am

Introduction to Canal Boat Art

Come join us for a fun and creative event at Sale Library where you can learn the basics of Canal Boat Art. Led by professional crafts maker, Caroline Coates, and taking inspiration from the Bridgewater Canal which runs adjacent to Sale Library, you will learn the traditional art of painting canal boat roses.

You will be guided step-by-step in how to paint the beautiful flowers and will go away with your own wooden panel filled with painted roses. Whether you are a complete beginner or an enthusiast wanting to develop your skills, this session is for you.

  • Sale Library, Wednesday 12 June, 10:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3. Book on Eventbrite

Author Talk and creative writing workshop with Reshma Ruia

Join us for an author talk and creative writing workshop with local, award-winning author Reshma Ruia. Reshma writes novels, short stories and poetry. Her latest novel Still Lives was awarded the 2023 Readers’ Choice award and is long-listed for the Peoples’ Book Prize. The evening will include a reading followed by a Q&A with Reshma, who will then run a creative writing workshop. Reshma’s books will also be available to purchase at the end of the event. 

  • Old Trafford Library at Limelight, Wednesday 12 June, 5:30pm. Free tickets on Eventbrite

Meditation and relaxation

Take thirty mins to stop, be still and breathe. Enjoy some simple meditation practices scientifically proven to help reduce stress and encourage a sense of stillness and wellbeing. Suitable for all.

  • Timperley Library, Thursday 13 June, 10.30-11am. A free Festival of Libraries event. Book on Eventbrite.

Family history help session

Interested in finding out about your family history? Then why not book a slot for a free one to one family history help session at the Trafford Local Studies Centre? Sessions last 1 hour. Book now to start your family history journey. 

Made in Manchester – Author talk with Brian Groom

Join us at Urmston Library for an evening with journalist and writer, Brian Groom, where he'll discuss his latest book, Made in Manchester - a people’s history of the city that shaped the modern world. Like Brian’s bestselling Northerners, this definitive history expertly combines pacey narrative with vividly drawn portraits; a rich and vivid history of Britain's second city through the people who have made it.

  • Urmston Library, Thursday 13 June, 7pm. A free Festival of Libraries event. Book on Eventbrite.

Ten minute portraits

Choose between a naturalistic or Japanese manga-style portrait and within just ten minutes local artist, Wingyu Yeung, will have captured your likeness and you can take home a personal and unique memento of Festival of Libraries 2024. Tickets will be allocated on the day on a first-come-first-served basis and some queuing may be necessary.

  • Sale Library, Saturday 15 June, 1- 4pm free event

Mosaic making workshop

Make your own mosaic coaster with talented artist Caroline Coates. You will be taught the techniques step by step and all resources will be provided.

  • Stretford Library, Thursday 20 June, 10:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3. Book on Eventbrite.

Introduction to jesmonite workshop

Make your own mosaic coaster with talented artist Caroline Coates. You will be taught the techniques step by step and all resources will be provided.

This is an introduction to crafting using the amazing eco-resin jesmonite. Artist Caroline Coates will show you how to use this colourful, lightweight material to create a mini pot and a coaster. Learn different effects and create your own unique pieces. Jesmonite sets very quickly, so your pieces will be ready the same day to take home with you!

  • Urmston Library, Thursday 18 July, 10:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3. Book on Eventbrite.

Regular events

Art club

Come meet other art lovers in our informal group run by staff. We show you different projects and techniques and you can use the space to get creative and meet others. Some materials are provided, but you can bring your own.

  • Urmston Library – Tuesday afternoons 1pm to 2pm

Beaders group

  • Woodsend Library, Tuesday mornings 10am to 12 noon, with Patricia Wilson

Chatterbooks groups

For children aged 7 to 11 years old who love stories and illustrating or want to get more enjoyment from them. Book a place by emailing libraries@trafford.gov.uk

  • Stretford Library, First Saturday of the month 1:30pm to 2:30pm
  • Urmston Library, First Tuesday of the month 4pm to 5pm
  • Altrincham Library, Mondays 4pm to 4:45pm every four weeks.
  • Timperley Library, Fridays 4pm to 4:45pm every four weeks.
  • Sale Library, Tuesdays 4pm to 4:45pm every four weeks.

This group is currently full but if you would like to be added to the waiting list, email sale.library@trafford.gov.uk.

Children's hour

Come join us every week for an hour session suitable for children aged 0 to 5 for stories, rhymes and other activities.

No booking required, just turn up early as spaces are limited.

  • Old Trafford Library, Every Tuesday 10:30am to 11:30am
  • Partington Library, Every Friday 2pm to 3pm
  • Woodsend Library, Every Tuesday 11:15am to 12:15pm

Citizen’s advice drop-in

  • Urmston Library, every Friday 10am to 4pm

Community navigator drop-in sessions are also available in the main library.

  • Sale Library, every Wednesday 10am to 4pm

Coffee mornings

Come into our libraries for a hot drink and chat at our regular coffee mornings. The sessions are free but there may be a small charge for refreshment top ups.

  • Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, Thursday morning 10:30am to 12 noon
  • Urmston Library, every Friday 10:30am to 12 noon.

Creative writing groups

Scribblers writers’ group

Want to write but can’t get started? Made a start but don’t know how to carry on? Finished, but not sure what to do next? Then come along to Scribblers Writers’ Group.

If you would like to be involved or to receive further information about the workshops, email libraries@trafford.gov.uk or come into a library and speak to a member of staff.

  • Urmston Library, third Saturday of the month 1pm to 1:30pm. Everyone welcome

Altrincham writers' group

Need a space to work on your creative writing and want to meet other local writers then drop-in sessions are a place to share your writing with others or write independently, with optional prompts for inspiration.

Email libraries@trafford.gov.uk to get involved. For adults, 18+

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesdays, 6pm to 8pm
    • 8 May
    • 5 June 

Family history

Family history help sessions

Learn how to research your family tree using genealogy websites: Ancestry, Find My Past and more at the Local Studies centre.

Book your one hour, one to one session email: trafflocals@trafford.gov.uk or call: 0161 912 3013.

  • Trafford Local Studies – First Monday of every month 10am to 4pm

Caribbean family history help sessions

Learn how to research Caribbean family trees using genealogy websites: Ancestry, Find My Past and more at the Local Studies centre.

Book your fifty minute, one to one session with expert genealogist Linford Sweeney, email: trafflocals@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 3013.

  • Trafford Local Studies – Second Monday of every month 1pm to 4pm

Jewellery group

Get bedazzled and bejewelled at our regular jewellery making group, that is now community led. Some materials will be available but feel free to bring your own.

  • Urmston Library, Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm
  • Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, Thursday afternoons 2pm to 3.30pm

Knitting, crochet and quilting groups

Several libraries run knitting, crochet or quilting groups, they are free to attend and popular. They discuss a wide variety of things including sewing, crochet, knitting and cross stitch. The groups are suitable for beginners, right through to experts.

Knitting and crochet groups

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesdays, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Knitting groups

  • Coppice Avenue Library, Thursday 2pm to 3:30pm
  • Old Trafford Library, Fridays at 10am to 12 noon
  • Partington Library, Mondays at 10pm
  • Sale Library, Saturdays at 10:30am
  • Stretford Library, Saturdays at 10:15am
  • Urmston Library, Mondays at 1:30pm
  • Woodsend Library, Fridays, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Crochet group

  • Urmston Library, Wednesdays at 1pm

Davyhulme quilters group

  • Urmston Library, second and forth Thursdays at 1:30pm

LEGO® Brick Building Clubs Saturday meet ups

Saturdays at Trafford Libraries get creative, learn new skills and have fun at our monthly LEGO® Brick–Building Clubs. There will be Duplo® available for our younger builders to join in the building fun too. Everyone is welcome.

There is no need to book, you can just turn up but spaces are limited.

  • Altrincham Library, 11am to 12 noon, every Saturday
  • Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, 10am to 11:30am, every Saturday
  • Hale Library, 11am to 12 noon, every Saturday
  • Old Trafford Library, 11am to 1:30pm, every Saturday
  • Partington Library, 11am to 1:30pm, every Saturday
  • Sale Library, 11am to 12 noon, every Saturday
  • Stretford Library, 1pm to 3pm, every Saturday
  • Timperley Library, 11am to 12 noon, every Saturday
  • Urmston Library, 11am to 1:30pm, every Saturday

Little reads with Manchester Literature Festival

Join Miriam once a month at Stretford Library for a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books.

The sessions are most suitable for children aged 2 to 6 but all the family is welcome. Don’t forget your favourite cuddly toy. No need to book, just turn up. There is more information on the Little Reads website.

  • Stretford Library, second Thursday of the month 11am

Local history groups

  • Woodsend Library, first Tuesday of the month 10am to 12 noon.

Makaton awareness group

Join a friendly group drop in where you can learn about Makaton and some of the basics including alphabet, greetings, travel etc.

Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.

In addition to children and adults with communication and learning difficulties and the community around them – for example, teachers, health professionals, friends, public service bodies etc. Makaton is increasingly used by the general public to aid communication.

  • Urmston Library, every Wednesday 11am to 12 noon.

Readers' groups

There are monthly readers' groups at your local library, see our Readers' groups page for details.

Rhymetime and storytime

See our Rhymetime and Storytime page for details.

Scrabble club

  • Urmston Library, every Monday 2pm to 4pm

Join in for some fantastic word crafting fun and get to know other Scrabble fans while you do! All skill levels welcome, no booking required.

Sensory play

Come and join us at Urmston Library for our fun and interactive sensory play session for babies and toddlers. Sensory play has been proven to support a child's development, motor skills and learn mindfulness from a young age.

We will have lots of exciting objects and materials for your child to play, learn and interact with. These are drop-in sessions so there's no need to book.

  • Urmston Library, every Monday 11am to 12 noon.

Stay and play at Old Trafford Library

Come and join us at Old Trafford Childrens Library for our fun and interactive stay and play session for babies and toddlers. We will have lots of exciting objects and materials for your child to play, learn and interact with. These are drop-in sessions so there's no need to book. Ensure to park your buggy in the outdoor space outside the children’s library.

  • Old Trafford Library, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

Tea and tech

Come along to one of the tea and tech sessions for help and advice about anything technology related or just to chat about the subject.

We meet face to face in the libraries just ask a member of staff on the day and they will point you in the right direction.

  • Altrincham Library, Second and fourth Mondays of the month at 2pm
  • Old Trafford Library, Second Monday of the month 4.30pm to 6pm
  • Partington Library, First Monday of the month 10am to 12 noon.
  • Online using Jitsi, First and third Mondays of the month at 10.30am on Altrincham Library Tech And Talk | Jitsi Meet

There is also an online meeting twice a month at 10.30am on Jitsi, a free web based video chat service that doesn’t require you to download anything to use on your device.

Yoga - chair

Join us for 30 minutes of gentle stretches and breathing exercises. Suitable for all levels and abilities and no previous experience of yoga is needed.

No booking, just turn up on the day (but spaces are limited).

  • Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, Monday afternoons 12 noon to 1 pm, (need to book by ringing 0161 912 3560)
  • Urmston Library, Monday afternoons at 1.30pm and Fridays at 11am, £2 (card payment preferable)
  • Altrincham Library, Tuesdays at 11:.30am and Fridays at 10.30am, £2 (card payment preferable)
  • Online on Zoom, Fridays at 11am, free class (email libraryevents@trafford.gov.uk for Zoom link)

Yoga - gentle mat

This Hatha Flow Yoga class is ideal for beginners or those who want to practise yoga mindfully and slowly.

Incorporating traditional yoga poses alongside functional movements; the class provides the opportunity to safely stretch, strengthen and mobilise the whole body, whilst allowing the breath to slowly relax muscles.

Bring your own mat. No booking just turn up on the day (but spaces are limited).

  • Urmston Library, every Wednesday at 10.30am, £2 (card payment preferable)

Online activities

Trafford Libraries' social media

Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds to keep up with all the activities going on at Trafford Libraries.

Books and reading – useful websites

Fun ideas for keeping your kids occupied