Our latest first-floor exhibition comes courtesy of the team currently working on the Our Town Hall Project to repair, renovate and refurbish Manchester's iconic Town Hall. Extraordinarily little is known about the artisans who built the Town Hall between 1868 and 1877, and certainly no photographs exist. But fast-forward 150 years and today’s skilled workers […]
The images in this display, in the oculus area on the Ground Floor, are from TiPP projects working in partnership with regional Youth Justice Services. They capture movements of creativity by some of society's most underserved communities. This project fosters collaboration between professional artists and young people, promoting connections between young people and the environment. […]
In 2024, Manchester Central Library celebrated ten years since its major transformation, and 90 years since its grand opening by King George V on 17 July 1934. This display in the Wolfson Reading Room celebrates it's many achievements and successes over those ten years. As the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Manchester’s libraries, and one […]
An insightful exhibition in memory of Sir Tony Lloyd (1950-2024) - a popular politician who represented three different constituencies in the Greater Manchester area for a total of 36 years across five decades. He served as the country's first Police and Crime Commissioner before becoming the first Mayor of Greater Manchester, returning to Parliament in […]
‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]
Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Un Métier Sérieux. It's the start of a new school year at the secondary school, where Pierre, Meriem, Fouad, Sophie, Sandrine, Alix, and Sofiane, a committed and close-knit group of teachers, are reunited. They are joined by Benjamin, a young and inexperienced substitute teacher, […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Mike Garry. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th February via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. Performance slots are allocated on a […]
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. NEXT EVENT: Wednesday 26th February An hour chat with special guests Susy Aspley, Nick Quantrill and Eve Smith - followed by a Q & A and book signing! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing […]
Join us for French Storytime to listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Suitable for children aged 4-7 Free - please drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes […]
Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time monthly sessions, where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4-7 Free - just drop in. please consider making a […]
In 2024, Manchester was crowned the first ever European Capital of Cycling, recognising the city’s commitment to making cycling safer and more accessible for all. As part of International Women’s Day, the aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition celebrates the achievements of women in cycling and explores themes of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, representation and visibility […]
“We had dreams, goals, prospects, and we were working towards them…Everything was perfect! And now…” No family, no home, no language… The Rising Sun is a documentary about a happy life that was destroyed by Russia, leaving darkness, uncertainty and fear ahead. This is the heart breaking story of a young woman who, with her […]
The pioneering Manchester Corinthians women’s football team was established during 1948-49. They toured the globe promoting the sport, Manchester and female endeavour at a time when women’s football was banned by the Football Association. Experiencing tours to Portugal, Germany, South America, North Africa, Italy, France and Spain during the 1950s to 1970s, the Corinthians also […]
International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March. Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together […]
Bring the family along to join in our Mandarin and English Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin then English and it will be a chance for the children to have some fun and learn some new words. This session is suitable for children aged 4 - 7 years old. Free - Please make […]
At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam […]
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. Free - just drop in
‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]
'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]
'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group? Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library.
Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. […]
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. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
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! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support […]
‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]
Welcome to the second edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:15 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Tuesday 25th March, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lateral G. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th March via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential […]
The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023. The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025. It is another incredible opportunity to connect with […]
The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023. The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025. It is another incredible opportunity to connect with […]
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is marking its 40th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 items, showing how privacy and information rights have played a pivotal role at prominent times during the past four decades. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
Join our free weekly boardgames sessions! Try new games, rediscover old favourites and make new friends. Open to all ages and abilities. Boardgames provided - just bring yourself. Free, no need to book – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]
Bring on the Easter Holidays! Join us at Central Library for a full programme of activities for the whole family. Expect craft sessions, Lego clubs, and much more, including: Italian Storytime, Saturday 5 April, 11.30am-12 noon, Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) Our monthly sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes […]
Our monthly sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
