Conversation Club
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Manchester is blessed to be such a multicultural city. The meeting of cultures, languages and cuisines provides us all with a richer social fabric and opportunities to learn from one another. This is shown at its best in Central Library’s Conversation Club. Open to English and non-english speakers alike, these relaxed and informal sessions are a chance to develop skills in English, make friends and make use of the library’s facilities.
In Greater Manchester there are between 150 – 200 languages spoken amongst long term residents. With 50% of adults being multilingual and 40% of young people, it’s not surprising that 20% of people don’t consider English as a first language. Although there are practical reasons to learn English, these sessions are designed to help people build real connections and tangible friends through the activity of English language conversations.
The meetings happen on a monthly basis and are a great way for those who are new to the city to meet other beginner English learners and support each other. The library itself is such a welcoming and friendly environment it makes for the perfect place to host such a relaxed and open group of people.
These sessions are for adults but you can find loads more free activities for younger people at the Library Live website. Central Library regularly hosts talks with famous authors, concerts from prestigious Manchester ensembles like Kantos Chamber Choir as well as other wellbeing groups and craft activities. Most of these are offered for free but it is recommended that those who can, make a donation to the library.
