Read to the Beat: School Holidays Programme
School’s out and the Summer Reading Challenge is in! Join us at Central Library and discover a jam-packed programme of free activities for the whole family! From Lego clubs to family crafts, from film screenings to DJing and Ukulele groups, there is something for everyone! Make new friends and discover how to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in a fun and interactive way.
All activities are free entry – no booking required
Check out the full programme below:
South Asian Heritage Month Crafts – Thursday 23 July, 1-2:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Create your very own dholak drums, inspired by traditional instruments from India! These beautiful drums originated in the Indian subcontinent and have deep roots in South Asian culture. Suitable for children and families aged 5 and up. Come craft, create, and celebrate with us!
Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade workshops! – Thursday 23 July, 2-4pm & Saturday 25 July, 11am-1pm – Lower Ground Floor
Crafting workshops for children and their families to make headwear inspired by a favourite book for Manchester Day, which this year is celebrating the joy of reading and books, and the city’s link with Barcelona. Would you like to take part in Manchester Day on Sunday 26 July – make a book-inspired head dress or hat and wear it in the city for Manchester Day… come along to the workshop and tell us about your favourite book, then make a hat. Wear your book-inspired hat to watch the Parade and then take part in the Hat Walk at 3pm on Sunday 26 July, taking place in Central Library as part of Manchester Day. The Best Hats will win prizes!
Booking link for Thursday: Booking link for Saturday
French Storytime – Saturday 25 July, 1.30-2pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us for Central Library’s French storytime session. Listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7.. Free – just drop in.
Manchester Day: Central Library Sunday Funday – Sunday 26 July, 11am-4pm
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate Manchester Day. Expect special performances, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages! Free entry, just drop in (face painting: £2 per child). More info here
Little Movers and Shakers – Monday 3 August, 11-11:30am – Music Library (1st Floor)
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children up to 4 years old. Free entry, just turn up.
Summer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave! – Monday 3 August, 2-3.30pm – Music Library
Meet DJ Mu-Mu who will demonstrate the art of turntables and vinyl at our Read & Rave activity! Children can bop, dance, do a musical worksheet or read! Children will be able to have 5 minutes each on the decks. Space is limited for turntable activity, but the read & rave is open to all to enjoy the music and reading! Suitable for ages 4-11. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Summer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster session – Tuesday 4 August, 2-4pm – Music Library
Join Jim Wallace for a fun and relaxed beginner ukulele session for children. No experience is needed and instruments are provided. Kids will learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs, and enjoy making music together in a friendly, small-group setting. Suitable for ages 7+. Places are limited, so booking is required on Eventbrite. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Lego Club – Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26 August, 1.30-3.30pm & Saturday 8 August, 2-3pm – Lower Ground Floor
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free, just drop in.
Craft Session: Princess Hat Making – Thursday 6 August, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for a fun and interactive craft workshop where we will be making princess hats. We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity. Free entry, just drop in.
Film Fridays – various dates below – Friday 7, 14, 21 & 28 August, 1-4pm – Performance Space
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in.
Ukrainian Storytime – Saturday 8 August, 1.30-2pm – Children’s Library
Привіт! Join our monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.
Arabic Storytime – Saturday 8 August, 2-3pm – Children’s Library
Join us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English. Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online Free – just drop in.
Intergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub – Monday 10 August, 10-11:30am – Music Library
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, accessible and welcoming to everyone. Free – just drop in.
Summer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots! – Monday 10 August, 2-3pm – Performance Space
Get ready to move, groove, and feel the rhythm! Drumroots brings the heart of Africa to life with high-energy drumming, vibrant beats, and joyful vibes. Whether you’re clapping, dancing, or drumming along, this is your chance to connect through rhythm and let the music tell a story. No experience needed, just bring your hands and your happy feet!! Suitable for ages 4-11. Space is limited. Book you free spot via this Eventbrite link
Summer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft – Tuesday 11 August, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
A relaxed, drop-in creative session inspired by music. Children can design and decorate their own cardboard guitars using craft materials. Join the “big doodle” artwork which will be passed around for everyone to add to. Music will play throughout to spark ideas and create a fun, shared atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop in.
STEM Club – Thursday 13 August, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science! Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. Free entry, just drop in
Colouring to Music – Monday 17 August, 10.30am-12pm & Monday 24 August, 10.30am-12pm – Children’s Library
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry, just drop in.
Cosplay Teen event – Tuesday 18 August, 12-4pm – Performance Space
Join Manchester Central Library for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. For those aged 12- 18, families welcome to attend with adults. Come in your best cosplay outfit, it might be bought or made by hand, it could be cosplay or wardrobe play, it can be anime, manga or book related. The event will be held in the Performance Space which will be closed to the public without a ticket. Photography of participants will only be allowed with express permission of the attendees. Open to young people aged 12-18. All adults must be accompanied by a 12–18-year-old or you may be refused entrance. Find out more via this Eventbrite link
Can You Dig It? Britannica Summer Challenge – Thursday 20 August, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Manchester City Library on 20 August between 2–4pm for Britannica Education’s “Can You Dig It?” Summer Reading event. This fossil-tastic drop-in event will provide a fun, dinosaur-themed activity kit to every attendee and the opportunity for children to explore Britannica Library to discover cool facts! Free entry, just drop in.
Summer Reading Challenge Singing Puppet Craft Fun! – Tuesday 25 August, 2-3.30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join artist Caroline for a fun, free Summer Reading Challenge activity! Get ready to sing, play, and create! Warm up your vocal cords and bring your puppet to life in this exciting craft session! Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop in.
Pride Storytime – Thursday 27 August, 2-3pm – Children’s Library
Kick off your Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Manchester Central Library. Join us for a fun and interactive storytime with songs, rhymes and Pride-themed picture books. Then get crafty! Create your own protest signs and noise-makers, to celebrate in style and make your voice heard! We will also have a range of LGBTQIA+ children’s books out to have a look at – share your favourites and discover something new! Suitable for children aged 4-7 and their families. Free – just drop in.
