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Join us for a collaborative study event on Libraries and Learning in the North West, in association with Global Link. Our four speakers, Ellen Werner (University of Manchester), Lois Wignall (University of Liverpool), Dr Keith Vernon (University of Lancashire) and Dr Alison Lloyd Williams (Global Link), will explore histories of reading and the evolution of public libraries in the North West over the past 500 years. With virtually no public libraries in Britain until the 19th century, Chetham’s Library in Manchester (1653) was an early outlier, placing the North West at the forefront of public learning. The 18th century saw the rise of subscription (membership) libraries, while the educational Victorian ideals of the 19th century led to the 1950 Public Libraries Act - establishing a service for all and the beginnings of the modern public libraries we know today. Our speakers will draw on case studies of annotated books, historical research and community projects to paint a vivid picture of the evolution of this key institution, and the crucial role libraries still play today.

Please note this event will be for in-person attendance only and will not be recorded.