Manchester Launches UK's First 5G-Powered Public Library

A public library in Manchester has become the first in the country to integrate full 5G connectivity, offering ultra-fast access for local residents and students.

May 31, 2025 • By Hannah McLeod, The Angle Watch

Manchester Central Library has become the first public library in the UK to be fully powered by 5G technology. Launched in collaboration with Vodafone and the city council, the rollout marks a milestone in bridging digital divides in urban Britain.

Visitors to the library now experience internet speeds that rival high-end commercial spaces. Free Wi-Fi reaches speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, enabling seamless streaming, real-time research, and virtual reality experiences.

One of the library’s standout features is a new digital learning hub that includes VR stations, coding workbenches, and augmented reality exhibits. The aim is to provide young learners and job-seekers with access to cutting-edge tools once reserved for private institutions.

According to library director Sarah Thomlinson, 'This is more than an upgrade—it's a reinvention of what a library can be. We’re not just about books anymore. We’re about empowerment through connectivity.'

The infrastructure investment is part of Manchester’s broader 'Smart City' strategy. Funding was secured via a joint grant from Innovate UK and local enterprise partnerships, totaling £1.7 million.

Critics have raised concerns about data privacy and long-term maintenance, but supporters argue that such connectivity is essential for inclusion in a rapidly digitalising world. Local schools have already begun integrating field trips to the hub into their ICT curricula.

Manchester Council plans to assess usage patterns over the next six months before deciding whether to replicate the model in other libraries across the city. Early reports indicate high uptake and strong community support.