• Northern Publishers Roadshow

    Performance Space

    With new publishers and our popular chatty table, the Northern Publishers' Fair is BACK! From trade to independent publishing, this book fair showcases what the North does best - you'll find a treasure trove of books from literary fiction, genre fiction, translated books, non-fiction, children's, memoir, essays, short stories and poetry. Phew! Publishers, agents and […]

  • Crime Central

    Performance Space

    Calling all Crime Fiction fans... Not long now until the next Crime Central!! This month, Rob Parker is welcoming Paul Burke, Ajay Chowdhury and Adam Simcox to Central Library! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are […]

  • Manchester Confucius Institute presents: The Chinese story of bamboo: Sustainability in Material and Culture

    Performance Space

    Join us for our next public talk with Manchester Confucius Institute to learn about the Chinese story of bamboo with Fang Zong. Bamboo, as a model of sustainability, is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions of material application and cultural representation. This talk explores the dual identity of Chinese bamboo both as a vital ecological resource […]

  • Indonesian Film Screening: Levitating (2026)

    Performance Space

    This screening is presented to you by Nuansa: Indonesian Film Pop-Up in collaboration with Manchester Central Library and Library Live. Delve into the world of spirit-fuelled trance parties in the island nation of Indonesia with the screening of Levitating, a film directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, which recently competed at the Sundance Film Festival. There will […]

  • Research Stories Told Live

    Performance Space

    Researchers have captured their work in a single image. Now they're sharing the stories behind them. Join us for an evening of true stories told live by this year’s Images of Research 2026 finalists. Working with Heard Storytelling, a selection of finalists will take to the stage to tell personal stories from their experiences of […]

  • The Puppet Folk Experience celebrates The Muppet Christmas Carol!

    Performance Space

    SORRY THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. A LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW!! THE PUPPET FOLK EXPERIENCE celebrates THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL A Live Tribute Show The Puppet Folk Experience is proud to present a “most sensational” festive tribute show, bringing acoustic mayhem, heart and humour to audiences this Christmas. Featuring two lifelong Muppet fans and a […]

  • Rob Parker Book Launch!

    Performance Space

    Join the much loved author and Crime Central host for this special event! Blackwells Bookshop and Manchester Libraries invite you to join us on Thursday 28th January for the launch of A PROMISE TO THE DROWNED, the third book in Rob Parker's thrilling crime series featuring salvage diver Cam Killick. Doors: 5.30pm Starts: 6pm Books […]

  • Love Stories etc Romance Festival 2027!!

    Performance Space

    #LoveStoriesEtc Romance Literary Festival is back for its fourth spectacular year, taking over Manchester Central Library on 10th-11th September 2027. We’re cooking up the ultimate line‑up to bring you all the swoony, bookish vibes you can handle - think electric author panels, hands‑on creative sessions, and industry‑expert workshops. Two joy-packed days. Endless inspiration. Join us. We already […]