In the vibrant heart of Levenshulme, South Manchester, stands a building that embodies the power of community, perseverance, and creative spirit: the Levenshulme Old Library. Its story is far more than a simple narrative of a closed-down institution; it is a rich tapestry woven from philanthropic vision, grassroots activism, and a passionate belief in the transformative power of arts and culture.
The library's journey began over a century ago, a product of the generosity of the Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie, who saw free libraries as a cornerstone of social mobility and self-improvement, made his fortune and then embarked on a mission to share "the best gift which can be given to a community." His philosophy resonated deeply with the Levenshulme community. In 1904, with a significant £2,500 donation from Carnegie, combined with a remarkable £500 raised by the local community through a "penny on the pound" levy, the Levenshulme Free Library opened its doors.
Designed by architect James Jepson, the building was an immediate source of civic pride, a Grade II listed structure that remains one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the area. Its history is even more distinguished by its connection to renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, who grew up in Levenshulme and credited the library with inspiring his love of architecture. Foster has publicly stated that without his access to the books in this very building, he might never have gone to university.
For over a century, the Levenshulme library served its purpose, a quiet, reliable "storehouse of knowledge" for generations of residents. However, its story took a dramatic turn in the wake of the 2012 austerity cuts. Manchester City Council announced its decision to close the library, a move that sparked outrage and galvanised a local community determined to save its heritage. This was not a passive protest; it was the birth of the Levenshulme Old Library Campaign, a dynamic and creative movement that would define the building's future.
The campaign's success was a masterclass in grassroots activism. The group—a collective of passionate local residents—engaged in widespread protest, including marches, sit-ins, and even a "flash-mob zumba routine," all in an effort to highlight the library's importance. Their efforts succeeded in securing a new library service for the area, which was eventually opened as part of the new Arcadia Leisure Centre in 2016. But the campaigners’ vision went beyond just a new library; they saw the potential for the historic building itself to be given a new lease on life.
The campaign group, officially registered as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), set out on an ambitious fundraising mission. Their goal was to raise £1 million to not only purchase the building but to transform it into a vibrant community arts centre. This vision was presented to the city council through an "Asset Transfer Process," arguing that their plan was "wholeheartedly in keeping with the spirit of the original endowment of the building." Their passion, combined with their organised efforts, paid off. After a two-year period of being empty, the building was handed over to the community, and in 2018, it triumphantly reopened as the Levenshulme Old Library Community Arts Centre.
Since its reopening, the Old Library has flourished, becoming a true hub for Levenshulme and the wider Manchester community. It has fulfilled its promise to become "a vibrant and welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds," offering a diverse range of activities and events that go far beyond its original function as a lending library. The centre provides a home for a variety of arts and cultural activities, including art, music, dance, theatre, and writing classes. It hosts film screenings, talks, lectures, and exhibitions, all aimed at fostering learning, creativity, and connection.
A recent exhibition, "Levolution," showcased the building's own history of protest, featuring images, banners, and other items from the original campaign. The project brought in over 800 visitors and provided paid work for 17 local freelance creatives. It highlighted the centre's role not just as a venue, but as a supporter of the local arts ecosystem. The Old Library is also home to long-term tenants such as the community radio station AllFM 96.9, which broadcasts from the building.
It hosts the Levenshulme Fringe Festival and provides a meeting place for a wide array of groups, including Levy Queer Club, various art clubs (Collage Club, Crochet Club, Zine Club), and the Levy Choir. These regular sessions, often free to attend, provide a space for creative expression and community building, welcoming everyone from total novices to professional artists.
The centre’s commitment to community extends beyond its walls. It has actively worked to improve its outdoor spaces, raising funds through a crowdfunding campaign to transform the "unloved" grounds into a safe and usable community garden. This effort, which focused on creating accessible areas for workshops and gardening projects, further solidified its role as a resource for the entire community. The Levenshulme Old Library stands as a powerful symbol of community resilience.
It is a place where history meets contemporary creativity, where the legacy of a 19th-century philanthropist is carried forward by a 21st-century community group. The building, once saved from closure, now thrives as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to preserve their heritage and build a shared future. It is a place where the love of knowledge, which inspired its original donor, continues in a new form, enriching the lives of everyone in Levenshulme.
