Our Impact

A historic library with contemporary reach

For over 200 years, the Portico Library has been a place for reading, debate and discovery.

Today, we connect one of the UK’s most significant independent historic library collections with contemporary audiences through creative programmes, exhibitions and partnerships.

Young people and literacy

The Portico Sadie Massey Awards are at the heart of our commitment to reading and writing.

Now in their tenth year, the Awards support children and young people to develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong relationship with literature.

  • 735 entries in 2025 alone

  • 103 schools engaged in 2025, more than doubling participation since 2019

  • participation from across the UK and internationally

Alongside the competition:

  • over 4,800 young people have taken part in workshops to date

  • targeted delivery supports schools in areas of deprivation, including Pupil Referral Units, Special Schools and hospital schools

This work ensures that access to reading and creative opportunity reaches those who benefit most.

Opening up historic collections

Through Dynamic Collections, we are transforming how historic books are accessed, understood and shared.

  • 18,678 visitors attended two major exhibitions, significantly exceeding the original target of 7,000

  • 32% of visitors were under 29, engaging a younger and more diverse audience than previously reached

This work has established a people-centred approach to collections, combining research, co-creation and public programming.

Skills, participation and wellbeing

Across our programmes:

  • participants develop skills in reading, writing, research and creative practice

  • communities shape how collections are interpreted through co-curation

  • engagement supports wellbeing, reflection and confidence

This work is underpinned by a commitment to inclusion, access and long-term participation.

A wider and more diverse audience

Our work is reaching new audiences and reshaping who the Library is for.

  • significant growth in first-time visitors

  • increased engagement from younger audiences and underrepresented communities

  • stronger connections between the Library and the city around it

This shift is central to our future as a civic and cultural space.

Building long-term impact

Through the Portico Reunited programme, we are embedding this work into the long-term future of the Library.

We are:

  • expanding our programme of exhibitions, events and creative activity

  • developing self-led reading and writing groups to sustain participation

  • creating pathways for volunteers, collaborators and participants to continue their engagement

  • embedding inclusive practice, co-creation and skills development across all activity

This ensures that our impact is sustained over time.

A library for the future

Through Portico Reunited, we will significantly expand our reach and impact.

We will:

  • open the Library fully to the public for the first time in its history

  • increase access to reading, collections and shared civic space

  • expand learning, literacy and creative programmes

  • reach new audiences across Manchester and beyond

This transformation will ensure the Portico remains a vital civic space for reading, creativity and exchange for generations to come.