Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast

• Episode 6: Kimberly Whittam

  With Summer in full swing Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns for its spectacular sixth edition.     With more features than the complimentary newspapers in the BIPC, this month’s episode sees host Alan Lynch sitting down with acclaimed Manchester children’s author Kimberly Whittam. Kimberly’s new book ‘Quiet Storm’ has just been selected to be Manchester Libraries’ transition read 2025 – with 8,000 copies of the brilliant book gifted to local pupils to help them get ready for secondary school. Set in Manchester, ‘Quiet Storm’ tells the story of Storm who has never liked to stand out from the crowd, and is based in part on the author’s own experiences as a quiet and sometimes shy child. Find out more in the Full Volume interview. From the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office), representatives Louise Murphy and Ellis Quinn, come in for a chat about their fascinating new exhibition ‘Our Lives, Our Privacy’ which has been a popular success at Central Library in recent months. Alan takes a deep dive with the duo as they mark the 40th anniversary of the ICO with this exhibition, and reflect on key moments in history when people’s right to privacy or access to information has been affected – positively or negatively – and the role they have played in protecting our rights. There’s a finely tuned feature with the New Horizons Choir, as choirmaster Tom and members of the group tell us about how they and Central Library have worked in perfect harmony over the years, plus the high notes you too could hit in life as part of their community choir. Continuing our blockbuster ‘Branch Out’ two-part special, Alan is joined by chair of the Manchester Libraries Trust Brendan O’Shea; Head of Libraries, Galleries and Culture Neil MacInnes, and Sally, the current Manager of Chorlton Library, who all appear on the podcast to offer their perspectives on the freshly refurbished space.     Elsewhere, Alan and his trusty sidekick Gary Parkinson bring you all the best of What’s On across Manchester Libraries this month, including plugs for the Board Games Club at Central Library, a ‘Behind The Scenes Tour’, and the Age Friendly events at Moss Side Powerhouse and Gorton Hub. Plus, there’s a sneak preview for the highly anticipated “Oasis Week” at Central Library coming this July, which will feature exclusive live sets, quizzes, Q&As, and so much more.  

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• Episode 5: Stanley Chow

  Brought to you by the recently awarded ‘Library of the Year’, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back for a fantastic fifth episode.  Filled with all kinds of facts, features and library-based fun, this month's big interview finds Full Volume sitting down with esteemed artist, illustrator and all-round good guy Stanley Chow. From how The White Stripes helped launch his artistic career to Grammy Nominations and his love of Manchester, there’s also chat of his recent collaboration with Central Library. Tune-in to get the full scoop. A blockbuster ‘Branch Out’ feature finds our host Alan Lynch reporting back to the studio about the grand reopening of Chorlton Library. Speaking to some of the longstanding staff there about their memories of the library and their opinions on its glamourous makeover, Alan also chats to former Lord Mayor Paul Andrews who was also in attendance for the big reveal.   Elsewhere, brace yourself for an in-depth analysis of Stephen King’s psychological horror classic ‘The Shining’ from one of Central Library’s brightest new recruits.   Plus, Alan and his plucky What's On sidekick Gary Parkinson bring you all the best events happening across Manchester Libraries this month, including the return of the award winning Festival of Libraries in June, which features “Out of this World” Sunday Funday at Central Library, the arrival of some high tech VR Headsets, and hot picks from your favourite local libraries. Plus, listen out for the very exciting news of Manchester libraries being awarded the prestigious ‘Library of the Year’ at the recent British Book Awards 2025. More on that in the episode. ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips, exclusive interviews, book reviews, and much more. Receiving rave reviews and overwhelming support from listeners, the podcast has so far featured special guests such as celebrated author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, plus Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries, Galleries, Culture and Youth, Play and Participation Services Neil MacInnes OBE, Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach speaking about his exhibition 'Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce', BBC broadcaster and esteemed newspaper columnist Emma Barnett, and more.  ‘Episode 5: Stanley Chow’, the fifth episode of ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ is on all major streaming services now.   Turn it up, and tune in to Episode 5 of Full Volume – now: https://push.fm/fl/actjsf7o-80012 Watch out for Episode 6 in June…

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• Episode 4: Emma Barnett

  Springing into the new season, FULL VOLUME: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back with a brand new episode for April. Packed with fantastic features, the lead interview this month finds our host Alan Lynch going head-to-head with top political journalist Emma Barnett. Perhaps best known for hosting the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4 and Woman's Hour, Emma is also an esteemed columnist and author. Recently appearing at Central Library to talk about her new book 'Maternity Service', you can hear her chatting candidly about Manchester, maternity and motherhood on the latest podcast. Plus, later in the show, as a fellow mum and Central Library's new Interim Manager, Stephanie Hogan, heads into the book review corner to share her experiences and give her verdict on Emma's 'Maternity Service'. Elsewhere, Alan takes a trip out to Gorton Hub for this month's 'Branch Out' segment. Speaking to members of the community on World Book Day, he gets the skinny on some of the wonderful events and services on offer there such as 'That Bread & Butter Thing'. And listen out for young book lover Oliver and his Guinness World Record breaking ambitions...Ben Reed of the charity Music For The Senses also makes an appearance to talk about an exciting new Guitar amnesty and art trail project taking place across the city this Summer. And of course there's the usual round up of exciting happenings across Manchester Libraries for the month ahead, with Alan's faithful sidekick Gary Parkinson dropping by with his picks of the bunch and a chat about the grand re-opening of Chorlton Library. Standby for more on Chorlton in the next edition.... FULL VOLUME: Episode 4 'Emma Barnett' is streaming now. Tune in and turn it up!

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• Episode 3: DJ Paulette

  Now in its third episode, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with another feast of features for its listeners.This month's big interview comes from the legendary DJ Paulette, who speaks to the podcast about her incredible life, brand new book, and her involvement in the upcoming Black British Book Festival at Central Library. The Branch Out feature finds host Alan speaking to the Archives+ department of Central Library, and gets the scoop on the fantastic new Local Images website. There's a book review of a certified classic, Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone, by an avid reader and our youngest contributor yet. Plus Alan and his What's On sidekick Gary Parkinson deliver the skinny on all the best and most interesting events happening across Manchester Libraries this month, including Gorton Library's Death Cafe's, the long-awaited reopening of Chorlton Library, Lego Club, festivals, and much more. Turn it up, and tune in to Episode 3 of Full Volume - now!  

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• Episode 2: Barrie Leach

  Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back with an epic sequel. The follow-up to the inaugural podcast finds our host Alan Lynch chatting to celebrated photographer Barrie Leach about 'Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce', a new exhibition at the Manchester Central Library. This Month's 'Branch Out' feature goes behind the scenes at the Wythenshawe Forum library where Alan learns more about the portfolio of creative projects and sensational services being provided there. Elsewhere, we go crate digging with Nick Georgiou who tells us more about his highly popular 'Vinyl Listening Club'. In the Book Review corner, Producer Thom Williams revisits the David Nicholls classic 'One Day', following the release of its smash Netflix adaptation. Plus, Alan is joined by his formidable sidekick Gary Parkinson to deliver the skinny on all the hottest new events and happenings coming up in Manchester Libraries over the next few weeks. Turn it up, and tune in to Full Volume's Episode 2 now!

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