Learning Programme

A typical group size is 10-18 pupils, but we can accommodate larger groups if notified in advance. A group visit can run from an hour to a half or full day. A group visit includes:

• An hour-long guided, interactive tour.
• A writing workshop where pupils can write their own poetry.
• An informal tour of the university at your request

Dates available for group visits include:

• • Wed 17^th April
  • Wed 1^st May
  • Wed 8^th May
  • Wed 12^th and Fri 14^th June - Libraries Week
  • Wed 26^th June
  • Wed 3^rdJuly
  • Thurs 4^thJuly

To request a group visit, please contact Kaye Tew (k.tew@mmu.ac.uk).  In your email, please include your preferred date, time and the size and age-range of your group. 

We can also assist with visits to other cultural institutions in Manchester by putting you in contact with their learning teams. 

Our collections include books about the teaching of poetry with all age groups. Visit the library and join as a member to access these.

Teachers and others working with children and young people may find these ‘web based teaching resources’ useful.

The Manchester Writing School and the Manchester Poetry Library at Manchester Met have produced a MOOC ‘Introduction to Teaching Creative Writing’ This free, online course will be of interest to anyone wishing to know more about teaching creative writing in a variety of settings, including classrooms. 

Printed resources, including a ‘Scavenger Hunt’ worksheet, Postcards exploring different poetic forms and copies of previous Mother Tongue Other Tongue anthologies are also available either for use during Poetry Library visits or to take away to use, after a visit, at home or in class.  

The Poetry Library Learning Team work directly with schools and other groups on a number of funded, poetry projects.  One of these is the Comino Poet in Residence project, which sees student poets paired with schools and cultural organisations to create Poetry Projects that inspire new writing by children.  Outputs from this and other funded projects is exhibited in the Manchester Poetry Library in July and August each year.  

Our annual Mother Tongue Other Tongue project is a multi-lingual poetry competition open to young people aged 8-18.  Entries are accepted between February and May, with a launch for teachers and other group facilitators offered as part of the Manchester City of Literature ‘International Mother Language’ day celebrations in February. 

Made in Manchester celebrates the many languages spoken in Manchester with a poem that has verses in 74 of the approximately 200 languages spoken. Schools are invited to submit additional verses.  

We support teacher development via CPD and resource sharing events.  Sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed. 

If you wish to discuss an idea or find out how we can support your group, please get in touch via our Poetry Library email address poetrylibrary@mmu.ac.uk  Give as much detail as you can and the relevant member of our team will respond as soon as possible. 

For children under 12 we offer:

• a relaxing space to sit and read with younger children. 
• a range of printed activities and craft materials can be requested from the desk.  There is a Poetry Library post box, where children can leave the pictures and poems they have created or you can photograph them and tag us on Twitter @McrPoetryLibrary.
• family drop-in reading sessions (some multi-lingual) and other events suitable for younger children and families.  Sign up for the mailing list to be kept informed about events.
• a range of online teaching resources designed primarily for use in classrooms but offering a way into poetry for those wishing to use them at home, too. 

For young people aged 13-17 we offer:

• a library space to read or work.
• a Poetry Library scavenger hunt worksheet to explore the library yourself.
• a journal collection a good place to find out about the poetry writing world for aspiring writer.
• a verse novel collection of particular interest to young adult readers. 
• a Writing & Talking Saturday Club for 13-16 year olds runs every Saturday during term time January-June.  See the Saturday Club web page for details or email r.awolola@mmu.ac.uk to apply.

Creative coaching

Do you have a project or an idea you’d love to talk through? Do you have a poem you don’t know what to do with? Are you struggling with creative freelancing and wish you had someone to talk to? We hold drop in’s every Tuesday afternoon 2-4:30pm. Come chat with us! Sign up here for a date and time

Reading and writing workshops

If you are a community reading group or writing group, or can offer a workshop series connected to poetry, we can offer space to host your workshops on Wednesday evenings. We only offer the space for a 6 week residency. Email r.havers@mmu.ac.uk to discuss your interest.

Poetry reading group

From 15th March we’ll be running a lunchtime reading group for staff and freelancers working in the area, who’d like to read more poetry or have a well needed break from work. The group will run 12pm-1pm every Thursday – just show up.

Special events

A year-round programme of poetry events and opportunities for professional development are listed on our what’s on and current projects pages. Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep up to date!

Resources to introduce poetry writing

A range of web-based and printed poetry resources to support those working with children and young people, and resources for writers.

Poetry library tours

Available upon request. Please email r.havers@mmu.ac.uk or enquire at the Poetry Library Welcome Desk.

Our Team working in the Poetry Library are happy to help you learn how to explore our collection. If we don’t have what you are looking for please share your recommendations with us.