As part of Greater Manchester's 'festival of libraries', hundreds of libraries across the region including Oldham will host a raft of literary entertainment this summer, kicking off with a 'look for the book' challenge of a Blue Peter presenter's novel.

The festival seeks to open a "new chapter" this summer, with writers, artists, musicians and poets preparing to fill the region's 133 libraries with performances, trails, talks and crafts.

The family-friendly festival kicks off with a 'look for a book' challenge, taking place during the May half-term holiday from Monday, May 27, to Sunday, June 2.

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The challenge will see 500 copies of Konnie Huq's 'Fearless Fairy Tales' hidden in and around the green spaces of Manchester's libraries, lying in wait to be found.

In this shake-up of classic tales, readers won't meet damsels in distress but will be captivated by characters like Sleeping Brainy, whose dream is to become Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Those who follow the clues will get a copy of the book and they will also have the chance to meet Konnie during the festival to find out more about her writing and days as a Blue Peter presenter between 1997 to 2008.

Look for a book is the introduction to the Festival of Libraries which sees Greater Manchester's entire library network put on a programme of exciting and celebratory activities from Wednesday, June 12, to Sunday, June 16.

All of the libraries across Greater Manchester are taking part, from historic and internationally renowned libraries like Central Library, the Portico and John Rylands Research Institute and Library to the A to Z of community libraries, which go from Abraham Moss Library to Z-Arts Children's Library.

In Oldham, all 12 libraries will be hiding 50 copies of Konnie's book and every activity in the programme is free to take part in.

Once the book has been found, they will then go into a draw and winners will get to meet Konnie.

Festival of Libraries’ partners include: Archives+, Central Library, Chetham’s Library, John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Poetry Library, NHS Libraries, The Portico Library, Working Class Movement Library, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Institute Cervantes Library and Greater Manchester libraries (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan).

Konnie said: “I’m thrilled that Fearless Fairy Tales is off on a great adventure of its own around Greater Manchester’s green and community spaces for Look For A Book.

"I'm proud to be supporting libraries, this is such a fun way to share the range of services and activities they offer.

"Good luck treasure hunters and I look forward to seeing the winners in June."

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