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8 events,
SMCC welcomes everyone to visit Manchester Central library to view a wide selection of members’ images. Pictures have been captured across a wide section of our members representing their individual skill, technique and style. SMCC is an active, friendly and progressive photography club offering a wide range of speakers, outings and events. The Club was […] 
Explore bold and beautiful material from Queer Up North 1992–2002. Established in 1992 by Tanja Farman and Gavin Barlow as part of the original Manchester Festival, Queer Up North quickly became a beacon for queer culture, drawing artists and audiences from across the globe. Over its first decade, the festival showcased groundbreaking performances and played […] 
As a working-class artist and photographer, Tricia Ashworth has always been fascinated by what society deems ordinary. The beauty, the nuances, humour, strength and steeliness of everyday life in the ordinary. This exhibition of portraits, from the north-west and beyond, explores and celebrates the extraordinary. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to […] 
Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns for September: Listen Here A Wythenshawe Forum Library - Creative Space Special, featuring actor Andrew Ellis, Music Evermore, Paint Pots, Ken's Keep Fit Class, Wythenshawe Youth Theatre. Plus, an exclusive interview with acclaimed author, Tony Fletcher and much more! Tune in now here! 
An exhibition of architectural models by students from the Manchester School of Architecture of early nineteenth buildings in Berlin and Manchester created to celebrate the bicentenary of the brief visit of the Prussian court architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841) to Manchester on July 17 1826. During his ‘English’ journey Schinkel was brought into direct contact […] 
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For over 30 years, Karen McBride has documented the people, places and music that have shaped Manchester. Her new exhibition brings together a personal collection of black-and-white photographs, stories and memories from behind the camera. The work follows on from her book, 'Just a Girl from North Manchester', and explores a lifetime spent documenting musicians, […] 
Hosted by the charity Women in Sport, this photo exhibition celebrates everything women bring to coaching. Still in 2026, women are still undervalued and underrepresented in sports coaching. Women in Sport's research has found that 30% of female coaches report being bullied (twice as many as men) and are 18% less likely to say their […]
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Join us for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing - an eye-opening 50-minute film bringing together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence and why it matters for things like: Extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living. The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster […] |
11 events,
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]
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A bilingual poetry reading and conversation exploring poetic craft, creative vision, and the nuances of poetry translation. The Instituto Cervantes in Manchester invites you to the second session of its “Poetry Encounters” programme, this time featuring a discussion between Argentinian poet Claudia Masin and author and academic Charlotte Shevchenko Knight. Poetry Encounters was created with the aim of promoting […]
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Join Manchester Histories and Queer Up North for a panel discussion exploring what today’s queer cultural spaces can learn from Queer Up North, cultural activism and the radical past. Looking back at the festival in the context of the AIDS crisis, Section 28 and wider movements for LGBTQ+ rights, the conversation asks what should be […] |
7 events,
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An evening with staff of the Manchester School of Architecture celebrating the 1826 visit to Manchester of the Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel which will include discussion of the making of architectural models of buildings in Manchester and Berlin, an exploration of the influence of his visit and an opportunity to play Schinkel Bingo. Free - […] |
6 events,
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Join our friendly group and spend a cosy afternoon meeting new people and learning a new skill! Have a go at knitting, cross-stitch and hand embroidery in a relaxed environment. All materials provided, just bring yourself. All levels welcome. Pay what you feel. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […] |
9 events,
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Featured
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. Free – just drop in. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or […]
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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 […]
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Get ready to celebrate Fun Palaces weekend at Central Library with a whole afternoon dedicated to the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar! Join us for an afternoon of traditional Chinese music, interactive workshops and lantern-making with Manchester Confucius Institute, Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music and more. Programme: […] |
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8 events,
Join Manchester Histories for Threads of a City: The Manchester Tapestry Project, an ambitious community artwork celebrating the stories, people and heritage of Greater Manchester. Together, communities are helping to create 30 large tapestry panels exploring different aspects of the city-region’s history, from 1853 to the present day. Now it’s time to bring those stories […]
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Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Manchester’s Civic Week with a spectacular showcase of the best of our city’s heritage as industrial powerhouse and modern icon of global communities! Discover the History of Civic Week 1926 - 2026 Archives Exhibition (Ground Floor) 125 years of Manchester Tramways exhibition - explore the history of Manchester's electric tramways […]
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The ReUnion is a powerful live performance celebrating the Cultural Heritage, Music and Memories of the cast consisting of women of African/Caribbean descent who are honoured to be 'Embracing Their Next Chapter' and incorporating their lived experiences. It explores identity, belonging, resilience and joy all whilst acknowledging the realities of racism in everyday life and […] |
11 events,
Calling all chess players! Head to our handling tables area and put your skills to the test. Meet other players and meet your match at this informal and fun drop-in session with other chess enthusiasts. Part of the Cultural Welcome Week at Central Library. Open to all ages and abilities. Free - drop in Please […]
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Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session! There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we're just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. […]
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]
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Come down to the Henry Watson Music Library for this relaxed, beginner‑friendly Vinyl DJ workshop - part of the Cultural Welcome Week at Central Library. Led by vinyl DJ and host Maimuna (DJ MuMu), this session is all about connection, creativity, and enjoying music together in a friendly, social setting. You’ll learn the basics of cueing, […] |
13 events,
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Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting. For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to venues across Manchester - and he will be returning to Central Library for another evening of strumming and good company for […]
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Calling all students! Get to know your Central Library inside out with this behind the scenes tour. Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library? What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles? What do George […]
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Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Come along a special Cultural Welcome Week edition of our free weekly boardgames sessions. Open to all ages and abilities. Free - drop in Part of the Cultural Welcome Week programme at Central Library. Please make a donation to support our […] |
11 events,
Exhibition of unseen photographs of Vivienne Westwood by Paul Wolfgang Webster 
Exhibition of photographs of Tony Wilson in 1996
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Brought to you by the Windrush prize in collaboration with Dr Kate Dorney, Senior lecturer in drama at Manchester University. Join us for our fifth workshop! We're taking it to Manchester, where we'll be offering practical playwriting tips, advice on story and structure, writing resources, and guidance on how to apply. Meet fellow British Caribbean […]
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Join us for a hands-on music production and DJ workshop at Central Library this October. Part of our Cultural Welcome Week programme. Welcome back your host and tutor Niah Jemijog for a 2 hour session designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels. This small group session will cover the […] |
10 events,
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RNCM presents… At the Henry Watson Music Library is a brand new series of concerts for 2026. Taking place in the historic music library of Central Library, these concerts will introduce audiences to the talented roster of musicians currently studying at the esteemed music College. From soloists to singer-songwriters, classical to pop, this lunchtime series […] |
11 events,
Manchester Literature Festival brings another blockbuster programme of events to Library Live at Central Library this October. The Festival will be showcasing over 120 authors, poets, and thinkers from across the globe. In this National Year of Reading, it’s especially timely to be spreading the joy of reading and celebrating storytelling – bringing families, friends […]
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Get ready for the Central Library Vintage & Vinyl Fair this Autumn! Part of the Cultural Welcome Week at Central Library, this new fair promises to be a vibrant forum for fashionistas and creatives to browse, buy and sell amongst the books. Setting-up shop in the historic Henry Watson Music Library for the first time, […]
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Bestselling Canadian author Emily St. John Mandel joins us to discuss her electrifying new novel Exit Party – exploring parallel worlds, political unrest and blurred realities. In a near-future Los Angeles emerging from conflict, Ari Walker and her friend Gloria are going to a party. But the party becomes the site of something inexplicable, drawing Ari into a mystery that will haunt her across […] |
11 events,
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Beloved poet, broadcaster and performer Ian McMillan launches his moving and inventive new collection Red River Valley. Drawing on family life, everyday absurdities and the impact of austerity on the South Yorkshire village where he has lived all his life, Ian creates poems that are funny, poignant and full of humanity. Renowned for his warmth, wit and extraordinary live readings, he brings language vividly to life […] |
12 events,
Exhibitor Wolfgang Webster: 'My experience of working with Vivienne Westwood remains a rare and significant chapter in my photographic journey. It revealed a powerful connection between fashion, culture, inclusivity and protest. It also showed me how someone from the world of fashion could step outside that world and stand shoulder to shoulder with people fighting […] 
Exhibitor Wolfgang Webster: 'In 1996, I had the opportunity to photograph Tony Wilson - the man many called Mr Manchester. Hacienda FAC51 impresario, television presenter, record label owner and one of the most influential cultural figures to emerge from the North of England. Thirty years later, I find myself looking back through these photographs with […]
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Beloved poet, broadcaster and performer Ian McMillan launches his moving and inventive new collection Red River Valley. Drawing on family life, everyday absurdities and the impact of austerity on the South Yorkshire village where he has lived all his life, Ian creates poems that are funny, poignant and full of humanity. Renowned for his warmth, wit and extraordinary live readings, he brings language vividly to life […]
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Beloved author, screenwriter and Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce brings his trademark wit and warmth to a moving conversation about books, imagination and the stories that shape our lives. Inspired by his new non-fiction book, A British Childhood, as well as many of his own favourite reads, Frank reflects on what it means to grow up in Britain today, […] |
12 events,
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Beloved author, screenwriter and Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce brings his trademark wit and warmth to a moving conversation about books, imagination and the stories that shape our lives. Inspired by his new non-fiction book, A British Childhood, as well as many of his own favourite reads, Frank reflects on what it means to grow up in Britain today, […]
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […] |
11 events,
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Two of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed, contemporary authors, Louise Kennedy and Wendy Erskine, join BBC 6 Music broadcaster Deb Grant for an unmissable conversation about storytelling and identity. Louise Kennedy (Trespasses) introduces Stations, one of the most anticipated novels of 2026, a moving and immersive story of first love, friendship, freedom and reinvention that spans decades and explores the choices that echo throughout our […] |
12 events,
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Two of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed, contemporary authors, Louise Kennedy and Wendy Erskine, join BBC 6 Music broadcaster Deb Grant for an unmissable conversation about storytelling and identity. Louise Kennedy (Trespasses) introduces Stations, one of the most anticipated novels of 2026, a moving and immersive story of first love, friendship, freedom and reinvention that spans decades and explores the choices that echo throughout our […]
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Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two of the world’s most visionary poets read and discuss their sublime poetry, exploring political engagement and the interplay between survival and testimony. Over five decades, American poet Carolyn Forché has established herself as both ‘a poet of witness’ and an indefatigable human rights activist. Beautifully crafted, her poems are testimonies, enquiries and wonderments. Her anthology, Against Forgetting, […] |
12 events,
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Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two of the world’s most visionary poets read and discuss their sublime poetry, exploring political engagement and the interplay between survival and testimony. Over five decades, American poet Carolyn Forché has established herself as both ‘a poet of witness’ and an indefatigable human rights activist. Beautifully crafted, her poems are testimonies, enquiries and wonderments. Her anthology, Against Forgetting, […]
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An afternoon exploring the supernatural with writers Jenn Ashworth, David Gaffney, Beth Barker and Nicholas Royle – four contributors to Brutalist Ghost Stories, a haunting new anthology inspired by Britain’s post-war architecture. Blending literary fiction with the uncanny, these original stories reimagine Brutalist buildings as places where history, memory and the supernatural collide. From Preston Bus Station and the Barbican to Forton Service […] |
16 events,
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An afternoon exploring the supernatural with writers Jenn Ashworth, David Gaffney, Beth Barker and Nicholas Royle – four contributors to Brutalist Ghost Stories, a haunting new anthology inspired by Britain’s post-war architecture. Blending literary fiction with the uncanny, these original stories reimagine Brutalist buildings as places where history, memory and the supernatural collide. From Preston Bus Station and the Barbican to Forton Service […]
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Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş. We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft. Suitable for children aged 4+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions will take place […]
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Aged 12 – 16 and love reading? Join our teen book club. We don’t have a set text we simply come together to chat about what we have read over the last month. At the same time, we might do a craft, zine making, make a reading journal or bookmark etc. We are a friendly […] |
13 events,
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An inspiring conversation with acclaimed author and campaigner Natasha Walter about building a more connected and hopeful future. Drawing on her powerful and urgent new book Feminism for a World on Fire, Natasha explores how the challenges facing women today - from inequality and online misogyny to climate change - are deeply interconnected and why our responses can be […]
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The Poet Laureate Simon Armitage returns to present his exhilarating new verse translation of Gilgamesh, one of the world’s oldest and most compelling, surviving works of literature. Originating in ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, this epic tale follows King Gilgamesh through adventures, battles and profound personal loss. The poem explores themes that remain strikingly […]
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Join acclaimed musician, songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin for a special evening celebrating his powerful new novel, The Left and the Lucky. Set in Portland, Oregon, the novel tells the story of Eddie, a solitary house painter, and Russell, the vulnerable small neighbour who slowly changes his life. Heart wrenching yet uplifting, The Left and the Lucky is a […] |
12 events,
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Join acclaimed musician, songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin for a special evening celebrating his powerful new novel, The Left and the Lucky. Set in Portland, Oregon, the novel tells the story of Eddie, a solitary house painter, and Russell, the vulnerable small neighbour who slowly changes his life. Heart wrenching yet uplifting, The Left and the Lucky is a […]
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Spend an evening with one of Britain’s greatest contemporary writers as M. John Harrison discusses his remarkable new novel, The End of Everything, with acclaimed writer Helen Mort. Set in a fractured near-future where Europe has been mislaid, governments barely function and mysterious new life forms emerge from the sea, this unsettling and darkly funny novel follows a scavenger […] |
14 events,
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Spend an evening with one of Britain’s greatest contemporary writers as M. John Harrison discusses his remarkable new novel, The End of Everything, with acclaimed writer Helen Mort. Set in a fractured near-future where Europe has been mislaid, governments barely function and mysterious new life forms emerge from the sea, this unsettling and darkly funny novel follows a scavenger […]
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Ever wanted to know more about Manchester's archive collections? Drop in and join us for a look at our brand new Archives catalogue, and try it out with guidance from our friendly Archives team. The catalogue is free to use online by everyone, whether you’re at home, in our Libraries or on the move. We have […]
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […] |
14 events,
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Lady Hale, the first female President of the UK Supreme Court and author of the Women’s Prize longlisted With the Law on Our Side, joins acclaimed writer Lara Feigel, author of Custody: The Secret History of Mothers, for a compelling conversation on law, family and power. Drawing on real cases and lived testimony, Lady Hale opens up the […]
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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. |
11 events,
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See Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz (Trust) discuss his brilliant new novel Ply. Set centuries from now, Ply follows an orphan in a city on the brink of profound change, drawn into an underground world of art, music and risk - and a discovery that could reshape reality. A novel of ideas built from a story of people, it […] |
12 events,
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Dave Haslam, author of the memoir Sonic Youth Slept on My Floor and books including My Second Home: Sylvia Plath in Paris, 1956, leads us through strategies to express a true story or life events in a way that incorporates imagination, subjectivity, novelistic elements, and unconventional structures. The workshop is aimed at aspiring and early career writers and will […]
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Take part in a joyful day of stories, theatre, music, dancing, crafts and family fun. Help create some magical shoes with The Elves and the Shoemaker in an interactive show from Peoplescape Theatre, packed with music, puppetry, clowning and storytelling. Strut your stuff with author and West End musical theatre star Robert Tregoning in a confidence-boosting event inspired by his latest […] |
11 events,
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Take part in a joyful day of stories, theatre, music, dancing, crafts and family fun. Help create some magical shoes with The Elves and the Shoemaker in an interactive show from Peoplescape Theatre, packed with music, puppetry, clowning and storytelling. Strut your stuff with author and West End musical theatre star Robert Tregoning in a confidence-boosting event inspired by his latest […] |
10 events, |
11 events,
Our half term programme is back! Come and find out why people say we are the ‘perfect place for school holidays. 10/10'! Full Schedule Mimi and the Golden Touch Monday 26 October, performances at 11am and 2pm Performance Space Everyone at her school has something unique that expresses who they are: soft lemur tails or […]
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Everyone at her school has something unique that expresses who they are: soft lemur tails or beautiful golden wings. Everyone, that is, apart from Mimi. Until one day, she befriends a boy called Sonni and the most incredible thing happens... she sprouts donkey ears! Overjoyed with her new friend, Mimi sets off on a quest […] |
12 events,
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Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children under 5. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]
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Calling all budding gardeners! Get potting at our interactive session for the whole family. We’ll provide all the equipment you need for your gardening skills to bloom! Free – drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online |
12 events,
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Join us for a storytime session with local author Moniza Hossain! Expect readings from Ritu in the Sun followed by a craft session where you will design your own rub-on henna tattoos! All materials provided. Free – drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash […]
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What if a story could inspire an invention? Join Science Owl and Dr Renee for a fun, hands-on workshop where reading meets creativity, imagination, and invention. We'll begin by reading a picture book together, then explore a real-world environmental challenge inspired by the story. With the help of Science Owl's scientists and engineers, you'll design, […] |
11 events,
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Come and join us at Central Library for half-term footie-themed fun for all the family. We’ve partnered with British Gas and Barclays Women’s Super League for an afternoon of free activities. Enjoy a theatre performance of Footy Fairy Tales, crafts, activities with the National Football Museum and claim your free copy of newly published Match […] |
11 events,
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Get your dancing shoes on and join us for a family day rave at Manchester Central Library, with a specially curated playlist for Black History Month! Suitable for families. 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. […] |
11 events,
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Join us at Manchester Central Library for an afternoon of spooky storytelling and Halloween crafts! Suitable for children. Free entry (face painting: £2 per child). Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library. |
10 events,
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Join us and Colibri Mexican Folkdance for a vibrant celebration of life, love, and remembrance! We’re thrilled to bring you Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and special ancient Mexican tradition that’s all about honouring our loved ones who’ve passed on. In Mexican culture it’s believed that during this time of year […] |
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.
