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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. The exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. Visit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library from 2 April till 31 […]
The Manchester Manhole Collective is proud to present Manc Holes and Beyond, the world’s first exhibition celebrating the art and design of manhole & drain covers. These well-trodden yet often overlooked works of art that adorn the streets, roads & pavements of Manchester and beyond. Amaze at how these heavy industrial designs exemplify art at […]
Brought to you by the recently awarded ‘Library of the Year’, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back for a fantastic fifth episode. Filled with all kinds of facts, features and library-based fun, this month's big interview finds Full Volume sitting down with esteemed artist, illustrator and all-round good guy Stanley Chow. From how The […]
Looking for something to do over the holidays? Check out our half term activity programme. All materials provided, just bring your imagination! Free entry, no need to book. Take a look at the full schedule below: Lego Club, Tuesday 27 May, 2-3pm, Lower Ground Floor Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your […]
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 […]
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 […]
Exploring the natural world through literature and between UK and China, this exhibition is a culmination of a nine month project that forges a lasting connection between the UNESCO Cities of Literature and of Lifelong Learning. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
The Embassy of Utopia came to Manchester Central Library in June 2024 as part of Festival of Libraries for its UK premiere, and was a collaboration between Manchester UNESCO City of Literature and Capital of Culture 2024 Tartu UNESCO City of Literature. Due to popular demand, we are running this event again for Festival of […]
Join us at Central Library for a fun and informal chat about art. Our ‘neighbours’ from Manchester Art Gallery will be bringing reproductions of works of art to the library. Get to know art works through talking with others. No previous knowledge of art needed. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a […]
Let your imagination run wild in this art session where anything can happen! All materials provided, including canvas, children’s paint, and more: just bring yourself! Suitable for ages 7+. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless […]
Join us at Central Library for a thought-provoking session about sustainability. Imagine it’s 2050 and we have reached our zero-carbon targets. Manchester Museum is opening an exhibition called Carbon Ruins that celebrates this achievement. What items from “the past” (the 2020s) would be featured in the exhibition? Drop into Central Library and meet staff from […]
James Ellson presents The Apple Trees and The Bees - symbiotic relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans Join us for an engaging discussion about the relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans. It is thought that fruit trees and honeybees have co-evolved for millions of years. In this talk former detective now crime writer and smallholder […]
Manchester City of Literature and Manchester Libraries present this special Festival of Libraries event. Join us at Manchester Central Library for a special one-off event featuring two of the city’s most distinctive and much-loved voices — Guy Garvey, Mercury Prize–winning frontman of Elbow and presenter of BBC 6 Music’s Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, and Shaun […]
Join us for an engaging and interactive session delivered by Equans, where you’ll find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about plastic, but never dared to ask. You will also learn more about recycling and learn how to re-use plastic bottles to make mini greenhouses! Suitable for ages 7-12. Please bring a single-use plastic […]
Get ready to embark on an exciting digital journey with Wallace & Gromit and Vaughan Williams this Summer. For two weeks in June, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of digital experiences for the public. We are thrilled to announce that Manchester Libraries are one of the nine library services […]
Threads is a poignant and powerful story about mental health, friendship and identity. This latest work from Coalesce Dance Theatre uses stories from young people across the North of England to delicately weave together an emotive and uplifting contemporary dance and physical theatre performance about growing into adulthood. threads turns the spotlight on mental health […]
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate the final day of Festival of Libraries 2025. Expect special performances, music, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages! Highlights include: Out of this World! 2pm - 3.30pm Join Wendy from Daresbury Laboratory and Dan Worsley, children’s author and […]
Have an interest in science? Enjoy getting creative with words? Join Wendy from Daresbury Laboratory and Dan Worsley, children’s author and storyteller as they collaborate to create an extra-terrestrial event that mixes science fact and science fiction. Prepare to believe the unbelievable as Dan takes you on an interplanetary journey using his mind-boggling storytelling skills. […]
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 […]
This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the voting page for the fifth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 16th June. • Doors open: 17:00 • 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 […]
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.
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 […]
Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes of Manchester proudly present the Hispanic Film Club. Join us for this month's film, Relatos Salvajes (Wild Tales). 'This comic film from Argentina satirises the country’s corruption and complacency. Each story leads you through the protagonist’s increasing states of irk and agitation, building the pressure until they finally explode […]
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? All these questions – and many more – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take […]
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
Join us at Manchester Central Library for a fantastic afternoon for the whole family dedicated to Refugee Week 2025. Watch a family favourite on the big screen and join themed craft sessions. Free entry, just drop in! Check out our full programme below: 1pm-4pm: Film Screening with Crafts Join us for a screening of The […]
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 […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Kim Moore. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 10th June via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this […]
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 […]
CRIME CENTRAL RETURNS 25 JUNE 2025 With the brilliant Rachel Wolf, H Critchlow and Antony Johnston! 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 all coming to Manchester! Go behind the scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent […]
Singer songwriter Hannah Brine launches her debut album Blue Sky Now with a live gig at the Manchester Central Library. Inspired by the Great American Songbook, with a voice & song writing style likened to Carole King, Norah Jones and Rumer, Hannah writes & performs lush ballads & lively jazz anthems, telling tales of growth […]
Singer songwriter Hannah Brine launches her debut album Blue Sky Now with a live gig at the Manchester Central Library. Inspired by the Great American Songbook, with a voice & song writing style likened to Carole King, Norah Jones and Rumer, Hannah writes & performs lush ballads & lively jazz anthems, telling tales of growth […]
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 […]
We are hugely excited to welcome bestselling author V.E. Schwab to Manchester Central Library as we celebrate the publication of her new genre-defying, unforgettable novel Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. From the author of the incredible standalone novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue comes a spellbinding queer love story following the desires and dreams of […]
Join us for an evening exploring the fascinating Assheton family of Middleton. Meet a medieval Middleton Bowman and discover everyday life through close-up encounters with original historic documents from the Assheton collection. Free event with refreshments. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of […]
Blink Publishing and Manchester Libraries present an evening with Jo Hamilton at Central Library. 'My first big discrepancy came in the shape of a £2,000 shortfall that just made no sense at all. Of all the things that kept me awake once in the thick of the nightmare that unfolded, it was being stuck in […]
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group, improve your English, and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. 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
Explore the history of independent radio in Manchester from the birth of Piccadilly Radio in 1974 through to Key 103’s 1990s heyday. This free exhibition tells the story of the DJs, programme makers and listeners through audio, photography and ephemera. Listen to clips from your favourite DJs, find out what it was like to work […]
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.
