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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
CREATED:20251127T153720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143117Z
UID:12209-1764144000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Great Hall Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Town Hall closed in January 2018 and work then began on a labour of love: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to repair\, protect and update this architectural masterpiece for future generations. The Great Hall is the Town Hall’s centrepiece. It includes a huge variety of conservation and restoration projects and is a great example of the work we’re doing throughout the building. Our approach to the unique elements of this  space reflects the level of care needed for the whole project. This exhibition looks at just three details of the Great Hall to tell some of the story of the Our Town Hall project. \n\n\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/the-great-hall-exhibition/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260112T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260228T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
CREATED:20251209T121259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T083223Z
UID:12288-1768204800-1772298000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Funny Stuff – Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:A creative and humorous response to grief\, memories and the stuff we accumulate\, hoard and hate to let go\, from Manchester comedy legend\, Lipservice Theatre Company. \nSue Ryding is one half of legendary comedy duo LipService. In 2022 her comedy partner Maggie Fox died and Sue was left with a shipping container full of stage props\, costumes\, wigs\, hats\, shoes\, sheep\, you name it. This exhibition looks at all the “stuff” we accumulate\, hoard and hate to let go. \nIn this humorous and creative response to grief\, Sue struggles to part with a life sized stuffed sheep\, a badger onesie\, some ruby slippers\, a sinking bog\, Charlotte Bronte’s knickers and a host of soft toys. \nTouring anecdotes are combined with archive footage from LipService shows. We follow the stories of things Sue has already given away\, the wicker horse that appeared every night in an improvised panto\, the vintage suitcases turned into a sculpture in Stockport\, the crazy Chief Exec of the Tall Ships Festival who dresses up as a fish! Not all the items will be making it back up the loft ladder\, so the audience is invited to take something home. \nSue is aiming to end up with “the right stuff”\, a small selection that captures the essence of LipService Theatre to go into a national theatre collection. Help Sue on her journey of letting go. \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/funny-stuff-exhibition/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260119T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260220T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
CREATED:20260119T120148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T083357Z
UID:12568-1768809600-1771606800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:My Voice Travelling Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Central Library and The Fed’s My Voice Project are proud to announce the launch of the My Voice Travelling Exhibition – a powerful public showcase of Holocaust Survivor life stories that have shaped Greater Manchester. \n\n\nThe exhibition forms a key part of the Sanctuary Through Story: Inspiring Unity After Hate initiative and brings to life the extraordinary testimonies of Survivors who rebuilt their lives in Greater Manchester. Their stories – rooted in courage\, resilience\, gratitude and hope – offer visitors a deeply meaningful educational experience. \n\n\nThe exhibition helps people of all ages explore: \n\n\nThe dangers of prejudice and antisemitism\nThe importance of empathy\, respect and moral responsibility\nHow diversity strengthens communities\nWhy rejecting hate is essential for a safe and cohesive Manchester\n\n\nThis launch is especially significant following the Heaton Park Synagogue terrorist attack\, offering a space where communities can come together\, reflect and reinforce Manchester’s commitment to unity\, understanding and compassion. \n\n\nThe Travelling Exhibition will ensure these vital lessons reach people of all ages. \nFree – please drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/my-voice-travelling-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260124T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260226T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
CREATED:20251209T115616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T135510Z
UID:12280-1769241600-1772125200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bridge of Sunflowers - Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Drop by the Reading and Ground Floor Oculus area to see this compelling exhibition composed of artwork by young Ukrainian artists from the city of Lviv. This unique collection explores the impacts of the ongoing conflict\, as well as the hopes and dreams of those living through it. \nParticipants were supported by the Sunflower Dreams Project\, which showcases the work of Ukrainian children in exhibitions across the European Union\, the United Kingdom and North America. The project was created and is supported exclusively by a team of multinational volunteers. \nCreative responses from young people in Manchester can be viewed alongside the artwork. These are the outcome of workshops run by creative arts charity Never Such Innocence (NSI)\, who give children and young people a voice on conflict. The workshops were led by expert practitioners – author Nik Perring and artist Alex Hinge. All of the work on display is responding to NSI’s international competition theme for 2025/26 – ‘In Someone Else’s Shoes’. \nThis exhibition is a collaboration between the Sunflower Dreams Project\, Never Such Innocence and Manchester Libraries. \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/bridge-of-sunflowers-exhibition/
LOCATION:Ground Floor and Reading Room
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260207T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
CREATED:20250513T083322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T151418Z
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SUMMARY:VR Headset Experiences
DESCRIPTION:For three weeks in February\, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences.  \nGet ready for brand new immersive experiences with David Attenborough\, and Laika – The First Dog In Space.  Plus\, Wallace & Gromit\, The Berlin Blitz\, Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’\, meditation experiences\, and more.  \nManchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces\, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England\, BFI\, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space.  \nAfter a resoundingly successful debut last summer\, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities\, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (4-7 Feb)\, Abraham Moss Library (9-14 Feb)\, and Wythenshawe Forum (17-20 Feb).  \nAcross the three weeks\, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces\, plus leap into some brand new experiences too. Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings\, the experiences on offer will include: \n\n**New** Hold the World with Sir David Attenborough: Embark on a ground-breaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David\, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience\, acts as a private guide\, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection\, including a blue whale\, a stegosaurus\, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection\, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.\n\n\nWallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!\n\n\n**New** Laika – Witness one of the most poignant true stories in history with Laika\, an immersive VR short film from BAFTA and Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia. Adapted from Nick Abadzis’ acclaimed graphic novel\, Laika will transport you to the dawn of the Space Age as it tells the story of an unwanted stray dog who became Earth’s first space traveller. \n\n\nThe Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti. \n\n\nMonoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women\, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.  \n\n\nBerlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day\, travel back in time to experience this especially tense period of WWII history from a seat in the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber. Hold tight. \n\n\nPhase Space: Escape from the hustle and bustle of life\, with this calming\, restorative and meditative experience. Feel calmer and more in control in just 7 minutes.   \n\nThe VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network\, a ground-breaking collaboration with eight other library services\, including: Bradford\, Cambridgeshire\, Coventry\, Leeds\, Newham\, Nottinghamshire\, Somerset\, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind\, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues\, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys. \nThe Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout February.  \nCome along to a session at these dates and times as follows:  \nWednesday 4 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [13.00 – 15.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [16.00 – 18.00] \n\nThursday 5 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [13.00 – 15.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [16.00 – 18.00] \n\nFriday 6 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [9.00 – 11.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [12.00 – 14.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 16.45] \n\nSaturday 7 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00] \n\n\nDrop-In Session [14.00 – 16.00] \n\nMonday 9 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details \n\nTuesday 10 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details  \n\nWednesday 11 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details \n\nFriday 13 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library  \n\nDrop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details \n\nSaturday 14 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library   \n\nDrop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details \n\nTuesday 17 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space  \n\nDrop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details \n\nWednesday 18 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space  \n\nDrop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details \n\nThursday 19 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space  \n\nDrop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details \n\nFriday 20 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space  \n\nDrop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details\n\nAll sessions are free – 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/vr-headset-experiences-at-the-library-this-june/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Family,Music,VR Experience
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260205T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260205T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233637
CREATED:20260108T093739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T093739Z
UID:12411-1770314400-1770321600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds: Artist talk and UK book launch
DESCRIPTION:Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds by Alan J. Ward is an artist book in the fullest sense: a work conceived\, shaped\, and authored through artistic practice. Developed through sustained collaboration with the community of Grandpré in the French Ardennes\, the book traces stories held within German WWI postcards and transforms them into a living archive of memory\, material culture\, and shared authorship. \nThe launch will take the form of an illustrated conversation moderated by an arts commissioner familiar with Ward’s practice. Ward will be joined by a small panel of academic\, artist\, and language collaborators\, alongside voices from Grandpré. Together\, the discussion will weave local histories with contemporary perspectives\, while reanimating the enduring connection between Manchester and Charleville-Mézières\, the departmental capital. \nWith the support of Alliance Française\, a special display of selected artefacts from Archives+ and the North West Film Archive has been assembled specifically for the evening. These materials document the shared histories between Manchester and the Ardennes\, and sit alongside the themes explored in the book. \nThe evening will conclude with a question-and-answer session\, offering the audience an opportunity to engage directly with the panel\, followed by the chance to purchase signed\, discounted copies of the artist book. \nFree – reserve a seat via eventbrite here
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/nothing-remained-unchanged-but-the-clouds-artist-talk-and-uk-book-launch/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Book Launch
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