Manchester Labour councillor Gavin White has welcomed the return of Sunday opening at Withington Library, saying the expanded hours will make an important community asset more accessible to residents in Withington and Old Moat.
From this weekend, Withington Library will open every Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm, as part of Manchester City Council’s wider expansion of library opening hours across the city.
White said:
Pleased to see that Withington Library will now be open on Sundays from 12noon to 4pm from this weekend onwards.
He added:
We know how vital this fantastic community asset and space is for everyone in Old Moat and Withington.
White is a Manchester City councillor and serves as the council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development.
Sunday opening returns after 15 years
Manchester City Council announced earlier this year that Sunday opening would return to several libraries for the first time since 2011.
Withington is one of four libraries opening on Sundays from September, alongside Chorlton, Longsight and Newton Heath. Four more — Central Library, Didsbury, Forum Library and North City Library — are due to follow from January 2027.
The council says the expansion has been made possible by £1.7 million in additional funding for libraries, which is also supporting increased spending on books and events.
More than somewhere to borrow books
Withington Library, on 410 Wilmslow Road, provides free Wi-Fi, computer and internet access, newspapers and magazines, printing facilities, meeting rooms and a local studies collection alongside its book-lending service.
The library first opened in 1927 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2018. Further improvements are being carried out in 2026, including replacement windows and the installation of an air-source heat pump.
Manchester rebuilding library provision
The return of Sunday opening forms part of a wider council investment programme in neighbourhood services.
Manchester’s 2026-27 budget includes funding for longer library opening hours, alongside investment in community events, affordable housing, high streets and district centres.
The council has said Sunday opening was among the services lost during earlier austerity measures and that the additional funding now allows it to restore provision.
White welcomes greater access
For White, the change is about ensuring residents have more opportunities to use a valued local institution, particularly families, students and people who may struggle to visit during the working week.
The return of Sunday hours strengthens Withington Library’s role as a community space — giving residents more time to read, study, access digital services and make use of a well-established local facility.
