What's on

We offer a wide range of events and activities at our libraries listed below. 

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 .

Christmas events at Trafford Libraries

We’re getting in the festive spirit at Trafford Libraries – with loads of activities to get involved with throughout December! Most of our activities are drop-in but some may require booking, see our Eventbrite page for any bookable events.

Winter Mini Reading Challenge

The Reading Agency’s Winter Mini Challenge starts on Friday 1st December and runs online until Friday 19th February 2024. It’s free for children to take part via the dedicated website where they can claim rewards for reading and reviewing books of their choice.

When children reach their reading goal, they will unlock a limited-edition digital badge and Winter Mini Challenge certificate to print off and keep. For more details and to sign up, visit the website. #WinterMiniChallenge

Robin bookmark craft

Create a fantastic robin bookmark with some of our older books; you can have a little bit of the library perched on every book you read. All sessions are drop-in, but places are limited.

  • Timperley Library, Thursday 7 December, 4:00pm – 6:00pm & Saturday 23 December, 10:30am - 12:00noon
  • Sale Library, Friday 8 December, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Altrincham Library, Saturday 9 December, 2:00pm – 3:30pm & Saturday 23 December, 10:30am – 12:00pm
  • Hale Library, Tuesday 12 December, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Christmas fun days

Come and join in on a great selection of activities at one of our Christmas Fun Days! We’ll have craft sessions, treasure hunts and more, all available for free at participating libraries. Note that the Old Trafford and Sale Library fun days are drop-in, however Partington Library does require a free booking.

Visit our Eventbrite page to book your place or visit your local library, where a member of staff can assist you.

  • Old Trafford Library, Saturday 9 December, 11:00am – 3:00pm (with Limelight Christmas Market)
  • Partington Library, Saturday 16 December, 11:00am – 3:00pm (with Rainbow Café and face painting), book your tickets on Eventbrite

Booster Cushion Theatre for Children present… A Christmas Carol

Booster Cushion Theatre brings the classic story to life in a comical extravaganza for the whole family. With the help of a large 60cm tall pop up book and lots of humbugs, this very entertaining version of the Dicken’s classic tale takes the audience back to Victorian England using mime, voice and a couple of suitcases loaded full of ghosts. An old Dickensian narrator arrives to tell us the news, fresh from London town about the story he has heard of Scrooge. He opens his Big Book but as he does he starts transforming into the different characters. The audience watches as he turns into a grumpy Scrooge, a very goofy Marley and the Three Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Future. Also featuring lots of help from the audience as other characters such as Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Belle. The show runs for approximately 50 mins and is suitable for ages 5 years olds plus.

  • Sale Library, Saturday 9 December, 2:00pm. Free tickets on Eventbrite.

Christmas storytelling

It’s the time of year for some festive storytelling – wrap up warm and enjoy some of our Christmas best. Note that some of our regular Storytime and Rhymetime sessions might also be a bit festive.

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 13 December, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Sale Library, Friday 22 December, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Sewn christmas decorations workshop

Join us for a fun and festive hand to Sewn Christmas decorations crafting workshop. Get into the holiday spirit and unleash your creativity as our talented instructor Caroline Coates guides you through the process of creating beautiful handmade festive decorations. No prior experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this workshop is suitable for everyone. Caroline will provide step by step instructions, teaching you various hand sewing techniques to make unique Christmas decorations. You'll have the opportunity to create a range of festive items to adorn your home or give as heartfelt gifts. All materials are included, so all that's left is to come along and enjoy. Tickets are £3, but contact the organiser if this amount is not currently affordable.

  • Stretford Library, Thursday 14 December, 10:30am to 12:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Christmas family quiz evening

Join us for an evening of family fun, festive trivia and Christmas competition. You will need to book for this free event (one ticket per team). Note that the quiz content is the same at each site.

  • Old Trafford Library, Monday 18 December, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Stretford Library, Thursday 14 December, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
  • Urmston Library, Tuesday 19 December, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Christmas candle workshops (18+)

Join our resident jewellery expert Julia and build your own unique candle casing for a perfect Christmas candle; perfect for a gift or to have as one of your regular Christmas decorations. Sessions are for over 18s only and have a £3 charge per ticket. All materials (and candle) are included.

  • Altrincham Library, Thursday 14 December, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite
  • Stretford Library, Thursday 21 December, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite
  • Urmston Library, Wednesday 20 December, 11:00am – 12:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite

Pendle Productions present… Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto!

Get ready for a festive extravaganza with "Jack and the Beanstalk" to a professional Christmas Pantomime with Pendle Productions. This year’s gigantic professional pantomime at Urmston Library is set to have more sparkle, more dazzle and more magic than you can ever imagine. Pendle Production’s team are promising a spectacular musical pantomime that will make your Christmas season one to remember. Take a wicked Giant Blunderbore, Fleshcreep the Tax Collector and you certainly need a good Fairy Twinkle (with sparkling light up costumes) to make sure everything works out ‘right’ in the end. The Evil Fleshcreep is collecting taxes on behalf of his master (the Giant) and because Dame Tilly Trott has no money, she must sell her beautiful cow Daisy to pay her rent. Jack is conned into parting with Daisy for a worthless bag of Beans, and when Fleshcreep returns, he kidnaps the Princess to be Giant Blunderbore’s wife. Only Jack can save the day and with the help of Fairy Twinkle and you, he climbs the Beanstalk to rescue Daisy and the Princess. Only you can help conquer the giant to ensure everyone enjoys the magical pantomime ending.

  • Urmston Library, Saturday 16 December, 1:30pm. Free tickets on Eventbrite.

Christmas eve plate craft

Have a go at creating a special plate for Santa to use when he visits your house this Christmas (just don’t forget to put some treats out on it on Christmas Eve). All sessions are drop-in, but supplies are limited.

  • Altrincham Library, Saturday 16 December, 10:30am – 12:00pm
  • Hale Library, Saturday 23 December, 10:30am – 12:00pm
  • Sale Library, Saturday 23 December, 10:30am – 12:00pm
  • Timperley Library, Saturday 16 December, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Woollen tree crafts

Craft and decorate your very own mini woolly Christmas tree. A simple and fun activity for all.

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 20 December, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
  • Hale Library, Tuesday 19 December, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
  • Sale Library, Saturday 16 December, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
  • Timperley Library, Thursday 21 December, 3:30pm – 5:30pm 

Christmas craft packs

Get crafty at one of our Christmas Craft sessions, where you can build a Robin Bookmark, some special lollipop stick decorations and a nutcracker puppet to take home with you. All sessions are drop-in, but supplies are limited.

  • Stretford Library, Thursday 21 December, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
  • Urmston Library, Tuesday 19 December, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
  • Woodsend Library, Monday 18 December, 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Upcoming events

Bookbinding workshop

Come and join us for an exciting hands on the bookbinding workshop. Discover the art of bookbinding in a relaxed and friendly environment under the guidance of the talented artist Caroline Coates. During this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of bookbinding from our instructor, who will guide you through the process step by step. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience. This workshop is suitable for everyone who has a love for books and creativity. Tickets are £3, contact the organiser if this amount is not currently affordable.

  • Altrincham Library, Thursday 18 January, 10:30am to 12:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Lino printing workshop

Join us for a day of fun and creativity at our Lino Printing Workshop! This in person event is perfect for art enthusiasts of all skill levels. Discover the fascinating world of lino printing and unleash your artistic side. Our experienced instructor Caroline will guide you through the process, teaching you the techniques and tricks to create stunning prints. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop offers a relaxed and friendly environment to explore your creativity. Meet fellow artists, exchange ideas, and get inspired. Tickets are £3, contact the organiser if this amount is not currently affordable.

  • Sale Library, Thursday 29 February, 10:30am to 12:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Leather purses workshop

Join us for taster in leather purse workshop! Suitable for beginners and those wanting to improve. Vegan alternatives will be available in the session. Tickets are £3, contact the organiser if this amount is not currently affordable.

  • Urmston Library, Thursday 21 March 2024, 10:30am to 12:30pm, book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Silk painting workshop

Artist Caroline Coates will guide you through creating your own small silk painting. Hazel ping with designs and technique. All materials are included.

  • Altrincham Library, Thursday 18 April 2024, 10:30 am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3 Book via 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 2024, 10:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3 Book via Eventbrite.

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 2024, 10:30am to 12:30pm. Tickets are £3 Book via 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 2024, 10:30am to 12:30pm Tickets are £3 Book via 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 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Arts craft group scilight

The wellbeing craft group takes place every Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. We vary the crafts as much as possible to offer something for everyone, such as sewing crafts.

No prior knowledge is needed, and the sessions are free, though we do charge for tea and coffee. If you would like to join the group, email admin@coppicelibraryandwellbeing.org.uk

  • Coppice Library & Wellbeing Centre, Wednesday afternoons 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Beaders group

  • Woodsend Library, Tuesday mornings 10:00am to 12:00 noon, with Patricia Wilson

Chatterbooks groups

For children aged 7 – 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 4:00pm to 5:00pm
  • Altrincham Library, Mondays 4.00pm to 4.45pm every four weeks.
  • Timperley Library, Fridays 4.00pm to 4.45pm every four weeks.
  • Sale Library, Tuesdays 4.00 to 4.45pm every four weeks. This group is currently full but email sale.library@trafford.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the waiting list.

Children's hour

Children’s hour, every Tuesday at 10:30 at Old Trafford Library. Come join us every week for an hour session suitable for children aged 0 – 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

Citizen’s advice drop-in

  • Urmston Library, every Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm

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

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 10.30 to 12:00 noon
  • Urmston Library, every Friday 10:30am to 12:00 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 1:00pm to 1:30pm. Everyone welcome!

Altrincham writers' group

Need a space to work on your creative writing? Want to meet other local writers? Our 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. adults, 18+

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 25 October, 6pm to 8pm. 
  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 22 November, 6pm to 8pm
  • Altrincham Library, Wednesday 20 December , 6pm to 8pm

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 1 hour, one to one session by emailing: trafflocals@trafford.gov.uk or ringing 0161 912 3013.

  • Trafford Local Studies – First Monday of every month 10:00am to 4:00pm

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 50 minute, one to one session with expert genealogist Linford Sweeney by emailing: trafflocals@trafford.gov.uk or ringing 0161 912 3013.

  • Trafford Local Studies – Second Monday of every month 1:00pm to 4:00pm

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 2:00pm to 4:00pm
  • Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, Thursday afternoons 2:00pm 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 groups

  • Altrincham Library, Wednesdays, 10:30am to 12:30pm
  • Coppice Avenue Library, Thursday 2:00pm to 3:30pm
  • Old Trafford Library, Fridays at 10:00am to 12:00pm
  • Partington Library, Mondays at 1:00pm
  • 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 1:00pm

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, 11:00am to 12:00 noon, every Saturday
  • Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, 10:00am to 11:30, every Saturday
  • Old Trafford Library, 11:00am to 1:30pm, first & second Saturday of the month
  • Partington Library, 11:00am to 1:30pm, third & fourth Saturday of the month
  • Sale Library, 11:00am to 12:00 noon, every Saturday
  • Stretford Library, 1:00pm to 3:00pm, third & fourth Saturday of the month
  • Timperley Library, 11:00am to 12:00 noon, every Saturday
  • Urmston Library, 11:00am to 1:30pm, first & second Saturday of the month

Little reads with Manchester Literature Festival is back.

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 11:00am

Local history groups

  • Woodsend Library, first Tuesday of the month 10:00am to 12:00 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 11:00am to 12:00 noon.

Mums support group at Old Trafford library

Join mums and mums to be at the ‘Manchester Bambi Club’ support group. We are a weekly support group run for mums by mums.

We provide a welcoming, safe space to meet, to share our experiences and support one another on our motherhood journey. Why not come along and grab a brew from the café, have a chat and make new friends!

Children under 4 are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Any questions contact us directly at manchesterbambiclub@gmail.com

  • Old Trafford Library, Thursday 10:30am to 11:30am

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 2:00pm to 4:00pm

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 11:00am to 12:00 noon.

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.

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.

  • Altrincham Library, Second and fourth Mondays of the month at 2:00pm
  • Old Trafford Library, Second Monday of the month 4:30pm to 6:00pm
  • Partington Library, First Monday of the month 10:00am to 12:00 noon.
  • Online via Jitsi, First and third Mondays of the month at 10:30am on Altrincham Library Tech And Talk | Jitsi Meet

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 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, (need to book by ringing 0161 912 3560)
  • Urmston Library, Monday afternoons 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 11:00am, 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