BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Library Live - ECPv6.15.13.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://librarylive.co.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Landscape-Image-for-Shakespeare-Exhibition-2026-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260301T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260529T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/North-Star.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
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:20260407T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260418T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
CREATED:20260319T105340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T095046Z
UID:13156-1775552400-1776531600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:School Holidays Programme
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Central Library for two weeks of school holidays fun! Expect child-friendly gardening activities\, storytime sessions\, Lego\, STEM clubs and much more! Suitable for families: \n Little Movers and Shakers – Tuesday 7 April\, 11-11:30am\, Music Library (Central Library\, 1st Floor) \nCalling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session. We’ll bring the music\, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children up to 4 years old. Free – just drop in. \nGardening Club – Wednesday 8 April\, Monday 13 April\, 2pm-4pm\, Lower Ground Floor \nCalling 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 – just drop in. \nLego Club – Thursday 9 April\, 2-4pm\, Wednesday 15 April\, 2-4pm\, Saturday 18 April\, 2-3pm\, Lower Ground Floor \nDo 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! First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. \nNya the Train Dog: A Tale of Safety and Smiles – Friday 10 April\, 11:30am-12:30pm\, Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) \nFamilies are invited to Manchester City Centre Library for a special chance to meet Nya\, the TransPennine Express therapy dog who has captured hearts across the rail network. She’ll be in the children’s section for strokes\, cuddles and photos\, and visitors can pick up a free copy of her brand-new children’s book.  Nya the Train Dog: A Tale of Safety and Smiles is a warm\, gentle story that introduces simple safeguarding and rail safety messages through Nya’s real-life adventures. Free – just drop in. \nMatilda Inspired Family Library Workshops delivered by the Palace Theatre – Tuesday 14 April\, 10-11am\, 11:15am-12:15pm and 1-2pm\, Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) \nCome along and spend an hour with Phelps the librarian\, a kind\, wise librarian who LOVES stories. Phelps spends lots of time listening to the wild and wonderful tales Matilda creates and knows quite a bit about telling stories herself too – thank you very much! Phelps could use your imagination to help with the next story! These workshops are interactive storytelling workshop held at Central Library\, designed for primary school aged children and their families. There will be a facilitator in role as the character of Phelps. These sessions will last approximately an hour and are free to access but we recommend booking your places in advance to avoid disappointment. Book your free place on Eventbrite here  \nLittle Reads – Wednesday 15 and Saturday 18 April\, 11-11.30am\, Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) \nBrought 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 to 6\, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. \nSTEM Club – Thursday 16 April\, 2-4pm\, Lower Ground Floor \nPut your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science!  Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. Free – just drop in. \nSpring Crafts\, Friday 17 April\, 2-4pm\, Lower Ground Floor \nJoin us at Central Library for a spring-themed craft session suitable for families. All materials provided\, just bring your creativity! Suitable for ages 5-11. Free – just drop in. \nUkrainian Storytime – Saturday 18 April\, 1:30-2pm\, Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) \nПривіт! Join our monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words\, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in. \nArabic and Mandarin Storytime – Saturday 18 April\, 2-3pm\, Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) \nJoin us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic\, Mandarin and English. Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in. \nFamily Film Club – Saturday 18 April\, 1-4pm\, Performance Space (Ground Floor) \nCalling all budding cinema fans! Join us for our family film club. Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen. We might even have free popcorn! Screenings start at 1.30pm. Most suitable for under 12s. 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 \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/school-holidays-programme/
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Central-Library-Half-Term-Activity-Programme-2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260408T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260430T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
CREATED:20260227T142747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T142919Z
UID:12991-1775635200-1777568400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Voices of the City
DESCRIPTION:Voices of the City exhibition is a powerful and welcoming photography exhibition of a creative project which celebrated identity\, belonging and community. \nCreated by Community Arts North West\, the project brought together a group of diverse young people and adults to tell their stories by working with drama facilitator and physical theatre director\, Julia Wilson of SmallActs theatre company\, to explore character\, costume and movement. Their journey was captured in striking photographs by Shirlaine Forrest (whose work includes photographing Taylor Swift\, Stormzy and Billie Eilish). \nExperience powerful photos\, discover real stories\, and enjoy the chance to see the city (and its young people) in a new way. The result is a unique\, multi-generational exhibition full of energy\, imagination and real voices from our city. You might recognise a face or even a bit of yourself. \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============================= \nPlus\, free launch event. Drop in to the Oculus Space on the ground floor on Wednesday 8 April\, 1-3.30pm\, for an informal launch with live music. \nStay for a relaxed Q&A (2 -3.30pm) in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor with young people\, creative producer Michelle Udogu\, and photographer Shirlaine Forrest. \nVoices of the City is funded by BBC Children in Need and The Granada Foundation. \nPhotograph: Shirlaine Forrest
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/voices-of-the-city/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CITY-COUNCIL-PHOTO-IMG-20260206-WA0001-ll-crop-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260409T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260409T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T200727
CREATED:20191219T093329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T095452Z
UID:4388-1775743200-1775746800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:LEGO Club
DESCRIPTION: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. \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/lego-club-2/2026-04-09/
LOCATION:City Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lego-pile.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR