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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://librarylive.co.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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TZID:UTC
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TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250826T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250326T112759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T095914Z
UID:10751-1756195200-1767200400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:ACTING UP!
DESCRIPTION: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. \nVisit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library from 2 April till 31 December 2025\, with a special display in the first floor Reading Room until 31 May 2025. \nActing Up! is organised by George House Trust\, a charity which provides support\, advice\, information and advocacy services to people living with HIV in Greater Manchester and the wider North West. \nThe exhibition is part of ‘40 years of HIV Activism in Greater Manchester’\, a project marking 40 years of George House Trust and the broader regional response to HIV. \nFree – please drop in. \nPlease consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/acting-up/
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Acting-Up-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250826T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250617T131101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T095723Z
UID:11192-1756195200-1767200400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Piccadilly Radio Archive: Nobody Did It Better!
DESCRIPTION: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 at the station and learn about how the station’s archive is being cared for and digitised by the Archives+ team. Over 750 Piccadilly Radio shows are now available to listen on Central Library’s Sound + Vision pods. \n The project was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, with thanks to National Lottery players. It was supported by Manchester Libraries Trust. \nFree – just drop in.  \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/piccadilly-radio-archive-nobody-did-it-better/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/susie_archive-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250826T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250617T132213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T095821Z
UID:11206-1756195200-1767200400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Punk: The Art of Rebellion
DESCRIPTION:A new exhibition explores how punk exploded from the streets of 1970s Britain – raw\, loud\, and unapologetic. Born of crisis\, it raged against capitalism\, racism\, and conformity. Through music\, fashion\, protest\, and art\, punk gave voice to the voiceless\, challenged gender roles\, and still shapes culture today. \nFree – just drop in.  \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/punk-the-art-of-rebellion/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Artboard-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250826T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250721T132655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T095644Z
UID:11353-1756195200-1767200400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY: LGBT Foundation’s 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:2025 marks 50 years of queer hope and joy for LGBT Foundation—and the heart of the celebrations begins in the centre of Manchester. \nSupported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine\, the 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition at Manchester Central Library invites the public into a powerful\, moving\, and often joyful journey through the stories that shaped five decades of LGBTQ+ life in Greater Manchester and beyond. \nFrom never-before-seen archive materials and oral histories to community artefacts and campaign posters\, the exhibition showcases the resilience\, resistance\, and creativity of LGBTQ+ people across generations. Whether you’re rediscovering the past or encountering it for the first time\, this in-person exhibition places the lived experiences of queer people at the heart of the narrative. \nThe 50 Years of Queer Hope and Joy Exhibition is open to the public on the Lower Ground Floor at the entrance to City Library\, and in the Wolfson Reading Room on the First Floor till 31 December 2025. \nFree – just drop in.  \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/lgbt-foundations-50-years-of-queer-hope-joy-exhibition/
LOCATION:Wolfson Reading Room and Lower Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/LGBTFoundation_Exhibition26June2025-02-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250912T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251216T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250813T090231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T091249Z
UID:11471-1757664000-1765904400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:From Page to Stage: 20 Years of Manchester Literature Festival
DESCRIPTION:Feast your eyes on two decades of literary magic with From Page to Stage\, a photographic exhibition celebrating Manchester Literature Festival’s 20th anniversary.  This intimate collection of photos charts the Festival’s journey from its early days to becoming one of the UK’s most distinctive literary events. Through striking images\, we revisit the unforgettable moments and remarkable voices that have shaped the Festival – from award-winning novelists and poets\, to leading songwriters and musicians\, activists and change-makers. \nFeaturing brilliant photos of homegrown favourites Lemn Sissay\, Jeanette Winterson\, Jackie Kay and Simon Armitage alongside much loved cultural figures Johnny Marr\, Guy Garvey\, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Vivienne Westwood\, these images tell a story of inspired ideas\, playful conversations and communities brought together. From intimate readings to bold\, genre-defying events\, the exhibition captures the energy\, diversity and creativity that defines Manchester Literature Festival.  \nCome and join us in celebrating 20 years of bringing literature to life.  \nImage copyright: Jon Parker Lee. \nFree – drop in. \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/from-page-to-stage-20-years-of-manchester-literature-festival/
LOCATION:Wolfson Reading Room
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Johnny-Marr-4-copyright-Jon-Parker-Lee-MLF-copy-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250922T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250923T081538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T082751Z
UID:11783-1758528000-1767200400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Libraries 175: Celebrating 175 years of the Public Libraries Act 1850
DESCRIPTION:Pop in and view this fascinating exhibition at Central Library – Libraries 175: Celebrating 175 years of the Public Libraries Act 1850. \n175 years ago the Public Libraries Act was passed\, which allowed Local Authorities to raise taxes to fund free public libraries. The borough of Manchester was the first borough in the country to open a free public library under the new Public Libraries Act. Manchester Free Library opened on 6th September 1852 at Campfield. \nCommenting on the exhibition\, Councillor John Hacking\, Executive Member for Skills\, Employment and Leisure said: \n‘Libraries are more than books and always have been. They play an important role at the heart of our communities\, providing huge opportunities for learning and community engagement. The legacy of the Public Libraries Act reminds us that we need to keep investing in these vital spaces and adapting them to make them relevant for the communities they serve.  Libraries have always been places of inspiration which is why they deserve our continued support.’ \nNeil MacInnes\, OBE\, Head of Service\, Libraries\, Galleries and Culture said: \n‘Manchester has a proud history of investing in its libraries.  We work hard to ensure they remain relevant to our communities\, adapting and changing to the current needs and we will continue to look after and promote libraries for future generations. They are and will continue to be the heart and soul of learning\, development and nourishment and long may they remain so.’ \nFree – please drop in. \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/libraries-175-celebrating-175-years-of-the-public-libraries-act-1852/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/libraries-1752-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250924T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251126T160000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250826T132601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T133856Z
UID:11529-1758722400-1764172800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Crafting Connections - Autumn Workshops
DESCRIPTION:Following a hugely positive response to our spring and summer workshops\, Manchester Histories is delighted to offer a brand-new series of 10 weekly (every Wednesday) crafting connections sessions this autumn. \nThese workshops bring people together through fun\, hands-on heritage-inspired activities like weaving\, singing\, sketching and storytelling. Designed with well-being and connection in mind\, each session offers a chance to try something new\, spark memories\, and share experiences in a relaxed and friendly setting over a brew. \nPrevious participants described the workshops as “uplifting” and “inspiring\,” with many saying they helped them reconnect with their creativity\, meet new people\, and reflect on their own histories. \nWhile especially suited to people aged 55+\, these sessions are open to anyone who enjoys creativity\, learning about shared history\, and conversation. \nFree – every Wednesday – book here
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/crafting-connections-autumn-workshops/
LOCATION:Lwr Ground Floor – Manchester Histories Hub
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Crafting-Connections-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251013T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250925T103247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T130441Z
UID:11810-1760342400-1767200400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:South Manchester Camera Club Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:South Manchester Camera Club 2025 Exhibition of Members’ Images.  \nSMCC 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. \nThe Club was formed in June 1952 by a group of friends in Didsbury\, led by Fred Veal FRPS\, FRSA\, the Club’s first President. The aim of the Club was to encourage “good friendship through photography” which is now the Club’s motto. The club has a mentoring scheme for Club members by setting up small interest groups. These groups are each led by a couple of experienced leaders and cover Landscape\, People\, Urban/Street\, Macro Photography\, Astro Photography and a Basic Skills group. \nEach group arranges its own practical outings and review sessions\, where images are shared within the groups and constructive and supportive critique is given to help members improve their photography. Members can join as many groups as they want and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. \nFor more information\, please contact www.smcc.org.uk \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/south-manchester-camera-club-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/thumbnail_Walrus-Gazing.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251105T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251219T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250923T142707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T143151Z
UID:11796-1762329600-1766163600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Our Long Goodbye
DESCRIPTION:Our Long Goodbye is an exhibition of photos\, films and texts that candidly and sensitively show the everyday love and heartbreak of someone you know living with dementia. \nFrom 5 November until 19 December Central Library hosts this tender exhibition\, with the relationship between artist Jenny Harris and her mum at its heart. It is a familiar story; yet one that is rarely spoken about or shown in this way. \nJenny is a drama facilitator and for the last ten years has specialised in creative dementia sessions in care homes\, hospitals and community spaces. When Jenny’s own mum started showing signs of dementia\, her professional and personal world collided irreversibly\, and this exhibition is the outcome of that experience. \nAs well as the exhibition in the central space on the ground floor\, there are two free workshops: \nMeet\, Chat\, Write\, Performance Space 1\, Friday 14 November\, 2.30-4.30pm \nThis is a gentle writing workshop which offers a chance to respond to creative writing prompts\, exploring who and what we love in life. You might have experience of caring for/knowing someone with dementia or you might not. You can expect a range of fun activities and time to yourself to reflect and write in a relaxed setting. Led by Jenny Harris and Lowri Evans. \nCreative Ageing Workshop and Artist Talk/ Q & A\, Performance Space 1\, Wednesday 3 December\, 4 -7.30pm (with a break) \nThis is for anyone interested in older people and the arts. It will be a chance to share ideas about why and how we make this type of work and to find out more about Jenny’s creative process. Followed by a talk and Q and A with the artist and some of the team\, as well as a private tour of the exhibition. Led by Jenny Harris and Lowri Evans. \nAll are welcome to take part in both workshops. To book your place\, please email – ourlonggoodbye2025@gmail.com \nPresented by Jenny Harris \nVisit www.ourlonggoodbye.co.uk for more information \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/our-long-goodbye/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Viviens-reflection-POSTER-image-cropped-for-LL.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20251103T103407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T073850Z
UID:12045-1762513200-1774868399@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Architecture for the People - Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Architecture for the People \nManchester City Architect’s Department\, 1902-2003 \nFor 101 years\, the City Architect’s Department in the Town Hall served the citizens and met diverse civic needs by designing hundreds of different municipal buildings. They ranged from grand airport terminals to the small public lavatories\, from the high profile like the new Free Trade Hall to the hidden away but essential facilities like mortuaries. \nFor the first time\, this exhibition presents a selection of the works delivered under the direction of the seven official City Architects spanning across the twentieth century. In the early days of the Department\, Manchester Corporation controlled gas and electricity undertakings\, most public transport\, schools\, police\, fire and ambulance services\, waste collection\, parks and recreation\, housing\, libraries\, crematoriums and more. Such responsibilities meant a need for new buildings and the upkeep of existing facilities. The City Architect’s Department designed and delivered these\, changing the face of the city and its suburbs\, providing thousands of new homes\, and scores of schools\, libraries\, public baths\, amongst a host of civic buildings. Using archival photographs\, drawings and ephemera\, the exhibition traces the Department and its buildings\, showing how architectural commissions mirrored the constitution of the Corporation and the changing fortunes of the city. \nCurated by Martin Dodge (University of Manchester) and Richard Brook (Lancaster University) \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/exhibition-architecture-for-the-people/
LOCATION:First Floor Exhibition Hall
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251118T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251118T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T064036
CREATED:20250723T135628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T123945Z
UID:11390-1763488800-1763497800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cole Stacey - Live
DESCRIPTION:Cole Stacey performs his debut album live in the magnificent Manchester Central Library\, part of a series of 5 concerts in truly remarkable places. \nImmerse yourself in this remarkable space in the heart of Manchester\, for one of five unique concerts with Cole Stacey as he presents his critically acclaimed debut album Postcards From Lost Places. \nThe concert itself will take place in the Performance Space in Manchester’s iconic Central Library. Internally\, the room sits alongside Archives+\, with the landmark Midland Hotel forming the external backdrop beyond the grand floor-to-ceiling windows. \nBringing together his years of experience on stage\, Cole’s deeply personal solo shows are rooted in storytelling\, directed by a love of popular song and have connection with people and places at their heart. \nSee Cole’s latest video – an acoustic re-imagining of Fade To Grey featuring Midge Ure\, which is climbing the charts. \nPLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EARLY EVENING SHOW STARTING AT 6PM\n\n“A magnificent sound” – Patrick Kielty\, BBC Radio 5 Live \n“Breathtaking\, that incredible voice” – TradFolk \n“He is incredible”– Times Radio \nThe first 20 tickets available for a reduced price of £13 \nBook Tickets by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below or on eventbrite here
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/cole-stacey-live/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cole-Stacey-Live-scaled.jpeg
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