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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-250430-MCC-DSC_0166-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260129T083202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T083306Z
UID:12703-1770883200-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Shakespeare and Manchester: A Victorian Powerhouse Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:For the first time\, this exhibition tells the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearean theatre in the Victorian era and reveals present day evidence of the city’s innovative engagement with the works of Shakespeare. \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/shakespeare-and-manchester-a-victorian-powerhouse-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260301T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260224T141955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143044Z
UID:12936-1772352000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Building China: People’s Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” invites audiences to encounter China from the kitchen table and the street corner rather than the skyline. Bringing together photographs and prints from the 1950s to the 1980s with field images from the early 2000s and contemporary works\, the exhibition traces urban change through the ordinary spaces where life unfolds. \nAcross work unit housing\, factory yards\, courtyards\, pavements\, parks and markets\, the exhibition foregrounds infrastructure as lived experience. Socialist era photographs reveal campaigns that sought to educate as they built\, capturing moments of collective labour and care. Reform era scenes register development in motion\, with unfinished structures and provisional arrangements shaping everyday routines. Contemporary contributions attend to elevated roads\, pavements and public spaces as shared infrastructures\, animated through drawing\, film and photography that remain attentive to movement and sound. \n“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” offers a portrait of continuous infrastructuring\, understood as the ongoing adaptation of spaces\, rules and materials to meet everyday needs. By bringing the intimacy of routine practices into focus\, the exhibition reframes one of the world’s most discussed urban transformations through the ordinary scenes that sustain it. \nThis exhibition is supported by The Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester. CI is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 and this exhibition forms part of our celebrations. Exhibition launch details will be announced shortly. \nLead curator: Prof Deljana Iossifova (Architecture & Urban Studies)\, University of Manchester \nWith contributions from Deljana Iossifova\, Xin Li\, Qiwei Peng\, Ziqiu Ren\, Rujin Wang and photographs by the late David Lea. \nMore information: Building China: People’s Infrastructure | Events at The University of Manchester \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/building-china-peoples-infrastructure/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Link
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2024-08-18-16.09.31-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260303T144435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T144435Z
UID:13035-1772438400-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Meets Heritage - Echoes of Sahyadri
DESCRIPTION:Exhibition featuring 12 UNESCO Heritage Forts. \nOrganised by Leena Desshmukh\, Founder of Sahyadri CIC UK\, in collaboration with Sahyadri Pratishtan India. \nThis exhibition honours the extraordinary hill forts of the Sahyadri mountain range\, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding universal value. These formidable structures stand as enduring symbols of architectural innovation\, strategic brilliance and cultural legacy. \nCarved into rugged landscapes and rising majestically above valleys and coastlines\, the forts represent centuries of vision\, resilience and statecraft. Their sophisticated defence systems\, water management engineering and harmonious integration with natural terrain reflect a remarkable synthesis of art\, science and military intelligence. \nThrough meticulously crafted fort models\, curated historical narratives and immersive visual presentation\, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with this monumental chapter of global heritage. Visitors are invited to experience the spirit\, strength and enduring legacy of the Sahyadri forts in an educational and culturally enriching environment. \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/heritage-meets-heritage-echoes-of-sahyadri/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_1576.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260529T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260202T150315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T104352Z
UID:12734-1773043200-1780074000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Long Road South to find True North
DESCRIPTION:Take a poetry journey from loss to hope\, from home to infinity\, to find your own personal True North.  \n80 people from Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme\, many affected by homelessness and other issues\, have made poetic paths for all to follow\, opening eyes to a wider world. \nThese restless poems leap from the page into 3-dimensions. Intriguing\, bright and curious poetic paper sculptures\, filled with intense life experience. Navigation tools for the journey – “wish frogs”\, folded globes\, infinity poems. And songs for the journey… \nEchoing the footsteps of the footloose Japanese haiku poet Basho\, our word-magicians lead us onward to help each of us find our own inner Northstar. \nThis year-long project at Caritas Cornerstone Day Centre was co-created by the makers with poet Philip Davenport\, artists Christine Johnson and Darren Marsh. \nFunded by Arts Council England \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/the-long-road-south-to-find-true-north/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260210T141859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143208Z
UID:12821-1773043200-1782838800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Exiles and Descendants
DESCRIPTION:This exhibition from Polonia Northern England uncovers the remarkable history of a Polish community (Polonia) deported and displaced during WWII. Through photographs\, letters\, and personal documents\, it showcases experiences of forced deportation\, war crimes\, refuge\, and significant contributions to Britain’s freedom. The exhibition also explores post-war resettlement in exile in Northern England and community efforts to maintain cultural identity whilst Poland was under communist rule. PNE safeguards and shares this history to strengthen collective memory and fill the gaps in historical records. \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/exiles-and-descendants/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PNE-Banner-Jan-2026-01-1-cropped-for-LL-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260312T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260312T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260304T133940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T134510Z
UID:13088-1773309600-1773324000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
DESCRIPTION:The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’\, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. \n\nAs one of the city’s most respected music institutions\, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop of talented musicians. \n\nAn unmissable opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow\, from the comfort of your library\, this FREE daytime event will showcase performances from a wide range of rising talents across the college\, including intimate sets from solo singers to frenetic full band arrangements. \nIn what will be the first edition of 2026\, the inaugural Access Creative College Live In The Library will feature guest slots from fusion punk/rock band Wholegrain\, three-piece alternative rock/noise rock band Peasant Fool\, and rising indie upstarts  Beeside\, and more!\n\nThe event is open to the public\, and completely free to attend. See you down the front!\n \nFree – please drop in \nPlease consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can\, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/access-creative-college-presents-live-in-the-library/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Live-In-The-Library.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260312T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260312T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260218T100848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T100848Z
UID:12868-1773331200-1773342000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Knowing Yesterday\, Shaping Tomorrow: The Inaugural Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture with Professor Abdul Alkalimat
DESCRIPTION:The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust\, in partnership with the University of Manchester\, is launching a new annual lecture in honour of our founder\, Professor Lou Kushnick. Lou was a tireless advocate for anti‑racist education and a driving force behind both the Education Trust and the RACE Centre. Since his death in early 2025\, he has been deeply missed. \nThis new lecture series celebrates his legacy\, beginning with an inaugural talk by Professor Abdul Alkalimat. Professor Alkalimat – internationally respected scholar-activist and a founding figure in Black Studies in the United States – was a friend and colleague of Lou’s. \nProfessor Alkalimat opens this new lecture series by commemorating Lou’s important work. He will respond to four key questions: Who was Lou Kushnick? Why am I speaking about him? Why was he concerned about racism? And why should we be concerned about racism? His perspective will reflect his African American identity\, but will also connect with the trans-Atlantic perspective he shared with Lou. \nWe welcome friends observing Ramadan and our programme will allow for Maghrib and Iftar. \nThere is a dedicated prayer space in Manchester Central Library. \nComplimentary hot food\, tea and coffee will be provided. \n\nBook your free space on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.\n\n===========================\n\nAbout Professor Abdul Alkalimat\n\nAbdul Alkalimat (born Gerald A. McWorter) is a founder of the field of Black Studies and author of many books and papers about Black liberation. He wrote the first college textbook for the field\, Introduction to Afro-American Studies\, which has seen seven editions\, the last one free and online. A lifelong scholar-activist with a PhD from the University of Chicago\, he has lectured\, taught\, and directed academic programs across the US\, the Caribbean\, Africa\, Europe\, and China. Two of his early contributions were serving as chair of the Chicago chapter of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)\, and co-founding the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) in 1967. Raised in Chicago’s Cabrini Rowhouses\, he is now professor emeritus of African American Studies and Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. \nHis most recent books are: \n* The History of Black Studies\, published by Pluto Press 2021 \n* Dialectics of Liberation: The African Liberation Support Committee\, published by Africa World Press 2022 \n* The Wall of Respect: Public Art and Black Liberation in 1960s Chicago\, co-edited with Romi Crawford and Rebecca Zorach and published by Northwestern University Press 2017 \n* New Philadelphia\, written by Gerald A. McWorter and Kate Williams-McWorter for the New Philadelphia (IL) Association and published by Path Press 2018. \nMuch of his work is freely available at http://www.alkalimat.org.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/knowing-yesterday-shaping-tomorrow-the-inaugural-lou-kushnick-memorial-lecture-with-professor-abdul-alkalimat/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lou-Kushnick-memorial-lecture-design-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260312T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260312T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215321
CREATED:20260206T105022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T142628Z
UID:12781-1773338400-1773342000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985
DESCRIPTION:Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book\, ‘Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985’. \nThe Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It’s where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded\, as well as other influential tracks from The Fall\, Gang of Four\, The Chameleons\, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark\, A Certain Ratio\, Echo and the Bunnymen\, and many more. It was also where David Gedge of the Wedding Present\, Lisa Stansfield and Roland Gift first recorded. \nA true labour of love\, Chris Connelly spent twelve years researching the 360-page hard-back book which features over a thousand pictures and music memorabilia. With over 900 people interviewed\, it also includes essays by artists who recorded there\, who expand upon the times\, hustling to get gigs\, the politics of the day\, and venues played. \nLaunching his book in Manchester City Centre for the first time\, Chris Connelly will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library on Thursday 12 March @ 6pm. \nHe will be in conversation with author and musician Mark Hoyle (of the band Dub Sex)\, who is among the musicians to have recorded at Cargo Studios. Hoyle released his own book ‘Swerve – Dub Sex & Other Stories’ in 2024. \nWhile you’re here…we have a broad selection of books on music which are free to borrow if you have a library card. You can browse our music collection online here or in the Henry Watson Music Library at this event\, and find out how to join the library free here or on the day (just bring along some ID with your home address on to complete sign up and pick up your new library card). \nBook tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’. All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/cargo-recording-studios-1977-1985/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture1.jpg
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