Librarians, library users, authors and politicians will gather in Manchester on Thursday to mark 175 years since the passing of the first Public Libraries Act.

The Act, which empowered local councils to fund free public libraries through local taxation, laid the foundation for the vibrant network of nearly 4,000 public libraries serving communities across the UK today.

To honour this milestone, charity Libraries Connected – which represents public library services – has organised a special celebration at Manchester Central Library.

The event will feature a keynote address from Baroness Fiona Twycross, Minister for Libraries, alongside powerful testimonials from people whose lives have been transformed by public libraries.

The celebration will also mark the official launch of the Libraries Alliance – a new coalition of public, academic and independent libraries. The Alliance aims to secure long-term investment and political leadership for libraries of all kinds. Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s Librarian at The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, will present the Alliance’s plan of action at the event.

Manchester’s special place in library history

Manchester holds a special place in library history. It was the first borough to establish a free public library under the new Act, with Manchester Free Library opening its doors on 6 September 1852 at Campfield. The books inside were the start of the collection now housed in Central Library. The opening attracted huge crowds and was attended by Charles Dickens, who gave a rousing speech.

“In this institution, special provision has been made for the working classes, by means of a free lending library,” said Dickens. “This meeting cherishes the earnest hope that the books thus made available will prove a source of pleasure and improvement in the cottages, the garrets, and the cellars of the poorest of our people.”

The opening came two years before Dickens set Hard Times in Coketown, the fictional northern manufacturing town generally assumed to be Manchester.

In a rare public appearance, the original visitor book from Manchester Free Library – including Dickens’s signed letter of acceptance to attend the opening – will be on display. Baroness Twycross will be invited to add her signature to the book, which is held in the city’s archives.

Manchester Free Library’s first librarian, Edward Edwards, played a pivotal role in campaigning for the Public Libraries Act. Born in Stepney, East London, Edwards was the son of a builder and a passionate advocate for free access to knowledge.

Libraries Minister Baroness Twycross said:

“I’m pleased to be playing a part in celebrating this important anniversary. What was important 175 years ago remains important today – that public libraries provide free access to endless worlds of knowledge, imagination, and opportunity.”

“Libraries have always been trusted places to provide access to opportunities and pleasure for all. Today they continue that mission – to support literacy and digital skills, reading and culture, as well as bringing communities together. This Government recognises the vital role our libraries play and we are committed to ensuring libraries thrive for future generations to come.”

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:

“It is entirely fitting that this celebration of 175 years of the Public Libraries Act is being celebrated here in Manchester Central Library. We had the first library that was created by the act and Central Library is now the most visited public library in the UK. The city has a proud and pioneering history, and we are committed to continuing that legacy today by investing in these essential public spaces and ensuring they evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.”

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said:

“This event is not only a celebration of the past – it’s a call to action for the future. When public libraries first opened their doors in the 1850s, their mission was to inform and inspire. Or, as Dickens put it, to bring ‘pleasure and improvement’. And that still holds true today – whether that’s by helping people discover the joy of reading, improve their digital skills, start a business or find a job. With the right investment and political leadership, the public library network can continue serving our communities for the next 175 years.”