About

Manchester Libraries Trust, formerly Manchester Central Library Development Trust (registered charity no. 1150161), supported Central Library’s major transformation, raising essential funds for new furniture and equipment, and for educational and cultural programming. It has helped the library become a popular, lively and dynamic destination, since re-launching in 2014. The Trust’s main priority now is to help raise funds to support exciting new educational and cultural activities. Trust support helps Central Library and Manchester Libraries develop innovative ways or working with new partners and audiences, helping to expand and build on programme successes and supporting sustainability in the years ahead.

Meet The Trustees

Brendan O’Shea
Chair

Brendan is a Director at an independent Technology Consultancy which specialises in managing large-scale IT and change programmes. He brings a wealth of professional experience to the Board of Directors Read more about Brendan

Vicky Rosin MBE
Trustee

Vicky Rosin is a BA honours graduate in history and politics with a post graduate CQSW diploma. She worked in Local Government for almost 40 years Read more about Vicky

Selina Ullah
Trustee

Selina is passionate about people and communities, this has led to her involvement in national, regional and local government. Read more about Selina

Jenni Willows
Trustee

Born in Essex and raised in Hertfordshire, Jenni moved to Manchester in 1990 to study Fine Art at Manchester Polytechnic. Jenni is an experienced fundraiser and administrator Read more about Jenni

Hannah Fitzpatrick
Trustee

Hannah Fitzpatrick is a Senior Project Manager for SOS-UK, a student led charity that seeks to transform the education system and supports young people to learn, act and lead for environmental justice.  Read more about Hannah

John Rooney
Trustee

John is originally from Belfast and has lived and worked in local government in Greater Manchester since 1990. Read more about John

Ashley Thorpe
Trustee

Born in Nottingham but making his home in Manchester, Ashley is a children's author and editor also in children's publishing. Read more about Ashley

Nia Thomas
Trustee

Nia (they/them) is an artist and researcher based in Manchester. They joined the library board of trustees in 2024 to champion queer and alternative voices. Read more about Nia

Clare Doyle
Trustee

Clare lives in Manchester and comes from an Irish, Ghanaian and British family.  Reading, books and libraries have been a constant throughout her life – a way to discover the world around her, near and far, and to learn, develop and grow. Read more about Clare

Annual Account & Report

The Development Trust recently produced its first externally examined annual accounts and report which detail its activities and future plans. View the latest trust report on the charity commission website.