The Working Class Movement Library on the Crescent is one of those places that loads of people have never visited. Yet it really is a 'hidden gem'. Never mind the stately homes of the rich and sourful, this Victorian building houses a one-off collection of artefacts depicting working class struggles through the ages.
From books to badges, from political pottery to strike leaflets, the Library, founded by Ruth and Eddie Frow, is a unique and welcoming centre crammed full of meaningful history.
On Friday 23rd February, between 2pm and 5pm, the Library is holding a drop-in aimed at anyone who still hasn't visited the place
"We're targeting Salfordians who've always meant to come in for a nosey" says the Library's Lynette Cawthra "If you've kept meaning to drop into that big Victorian house on the Crescent, today's the day! We're offering an opportunity to explore and find out more about how to get involved with the Library.
"Our ground floor displays offer a great starting point for you to find out more about the sort of treasures we have here, on subjects like the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 - when armed cavalrymen and soldiers attacked a large peaceful crowd in Manchester - and about the women who campaigned one hundred years ago for the right to vote" she adds.
There will also be a special display about political activist and writer Thomas Paine, who was born in February 1737. A tradition grew up, at the time of government crackdowns on people protesting after the Peterloo Massacre, for folk of a radical disposition to gather together to celebrate Paine's birthday, so the timing is apt. And there's free tea and cake too...
The drop-in afternoon is a part of a HiDDEN8 event, promoting eight local hidden gems, including the Jewish Museum, the Museum of Transport, Chetham's Library and the Greater Manchester Police Museum (see here for full details). There's also a 'hiding' competition, to take photos of yourself hiding in one of the hidden gems, with the best one each week being crowned on Twitter (see here for details)
HiDDEN8 at the Working Class Movement Library
Friday 23rd February, 2pm - 5pm free
51 Crescent, M5 4WX
0161 736 3601
For further details see the website – click here