Books that Matter

Books that Matter is coming to Manchester for the first time through a collaboration between Atrapavientos, Creative Manchester at the University of Manchester, and the John Rylands Library as part of the Festival of Libraries.

You are invited to take part by gifting a book that has meant something to you, adding a short dedication, wrapping it, and bringing it to the John Rylands Library on Friday 12 June to exchange for another book.

Please note that you will need to register in advance via Eventbrite to take part. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign on your behalf.

How does it work?

Ahead of the day

• Choose the book you're donating.
• Write a message in the front of the book for its new recipient
• Wrap the book up to hide its identity. Feel free to reuse wrapping materials or use newspaper.

On the day- Friday 12 June

• Come to The John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH anytime between 10.30am and 4.00pm.
• Head to the Reading Room on level 2 to find the Books that Matter desk
• Show us your Eventbrite booking number and drop off your book
• Collect a book gifted to you by an anonymous reader.

While you’re at the Rylands check out new exhibition The Forgotten Library to explore Enriqueta Rylands’ personal book collection. Join a free curator tour of the exhibition at 11am and 1.30pm.

Share your Books that Matter experience with us on social media @thejohnrylands #BooksThatMatter

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Host or Publisher John Rylands Research Institute and Library