SCONUL and Manchester Public Libraries screening: The Librarians

Join colleagues for an evening of discussion and networking in Manchester on 4 December 2025

SCONUL and Manchester Public Libraries are pleased to announce a joint event which includes the screening of The Librarians, a documentary following a group of embattled librarians fighting for intellectual freedom amidst an unprecedented wave of book banning across America.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A facilitated by Katy Woolfenden, SCONUL Board member and Deputy University Librarian and Director of Education, Experience and Strategic Insights, University of Manchester. Panel members include Neil MacInnes, Strategic Lead for Libraries, Galleries and Culture at Manchester City Council, Alex Wheeler, Academic Liaison Librarian and Tutor (Library and Information Management) and Rachel Beckett, Co-Chair of SCONUL and Director of Library and Cultural Services, Manchester Metropolitan University.

There will also be the opportunity to discuss further and network with colleagues afterwards at the Salutation Pub.

This event is open to all – friends and family are very welcome to join us.

Schedule:

Date:

Thursday 4 December

Venue:

School of Digital Arts (SODA) cinema, 14 Higher Chatham Street, Manchester, M15 6ED

Register:

Tickets are free but you need to register to attend as seats are limited, please email sconul@sconul.ac.uk for booking details.