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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T214946
CREATED:20251127T153720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T135307Z
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:20260522T214946
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:20260522T214946
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:20260522T214946
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:20260522T214946
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:20260522T214946
CREATED:20260210T141859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T135412Z
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:20260415T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T214946
CREATED:20260428T082933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T065250Z
UID:13536-1776240000-1790442000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cultural Masterplanning - How Manchester changed the way we make cities
DESCRIPTION:A major new exhibition at Manchester Central Library explores the process of Cultural Masterplanning and how creative interventions in urban spaces undergoing redevelopment can reconnect fragmented places with their past and allow us to look to a dynamic shared future. These playful interactions change how transformation feels and help us involved and  that change is happening with us\, not to us. \nShowcased across the Exhibition Hall and Wolfson Reading Room at Central Library from April to September 2026 are glimpses of buried histories of lives and industry which sparked curiosity and conversation about places in transition such as Ancoats\, Central Library itself and Mayfield Depot\, as well as examples from Glasgow and London. \nCitizen Manchester takes a deep dive into the extraordinary transformation of Central Library and Town Hall Extension\, Manchester’s historic twin treasures whose restoration began in 2014 and continues to lead the city’s rebirth as a global icon blending heritage and innovation. Citizen Manchester records and celebrates the creation of the first ever Modern City. From April to August 2026 Central Library’s Exhibition Hall and First Floor corridors of Central Library will feature photographs and artefacts from the transformation\, allowing viewers a close-up look at the rich patina and textures captured within the walls of these beloved spaces. \nThe Lost World of Mayfield has returned to the First Floor Reading Room of Central Library\, showcasing archival treasures from Mayfield\, the area now transformed by a thriving green space including a brand-new public park and the transformed Mayfield Depot. This area behind Manchester’s Piccadilly Station was formerly a wasteland whose industrial heritage was largely forgotten so much that few locals knew its original name.  Currently on show are artefacts and images from the Mayfield Pattern Book\, Graham’s Dye Recipe Book and the Mayfield Grit Walk story cards which uncover the history of Thomas Hoyle and Sons Calico Printing Works and the dwellings and bathhouse which served the residents and workers following its demise. \nThe Cultural Masterplanning exhibition has been curated by Sam Hallas and produced by Dan Dubowitz of FLEX Manchester School of Architecture in collaboration with Manchester City Council\, Archives+\, and Manchester Art Gallery. It can be viewed in the Exhibition Hall at Central Library until the end of June 2026 and continues on the First Floor and Reading Room with Citizen Manchester\, Grit Walks and the Lost World of Mayfield on display until the end of September 2026. \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/cultural-masterplanning-how-manchester-changed-the-way-we-make-cities/
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1000027525.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260507T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260531T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T214946
CREATED:20250812T090518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T125148Z
UID:11455-1778140800-1780246800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Full Volume Podcast Episode15: Shaun Wilson
DESCRIPTION:Presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries. \nThis May\, Alan sits down with rising Cumbrian author Shaun Wilson\, who tells all on his acclaimed debut novel ‘Malc’s Boy’. Shaun will be coming to Central Library later this month in person for a special author Q&A\, hosted by Tony Walsh \nPlus\, coin collectors will love our special feature with Steve Ingham who tells us all about the Numismatics Society who meet once a month at Central Library. Alan once thought he’d found a rare Rupert the Bear 50 pence\, until the penny dropped… hear more about it in this episode. \nElsewhere\, Elle takes us to reviewers corner once again as she sinks her teeth into the new novel by poet Neil Rollinson called “The Dead Don’t Bleed”. Hear her two cents on it here. \nPlus\, Alan heads to Chorlton and Didsbury Libraries to get the scoop on their latest happenings\, plus news of their involvement in the Chorlton Arts Festival and Didsbury Arts Festival respectfully. \nAnd there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month\, a choice archive clip from the Piccadilly Radio archive of when the Pope came to Heaton Mark\, and all the usual fun and games. \nTurn it up\, and tune in to Episode 15 now \nWatch out for a new episode next month….
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/full-volume-podcast-episode-7-with-john-robb/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Music,Podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FULL-VOLUME-MAY-2026-POSTER.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260526T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T214946
CREATED:20260319T105340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T100442Z
UID:13156-1779786000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Half Term Holidays Programme
DESCRIPTION:Looking for some family fun over the holidays? Check out our full half-term activity programme. With crafts\, games\, and activities to be found across the library every day of the holidays\, come and discover a world of fun right here in the library. All materials will be provided – you just need to pack your imagination! \n\nChildren’s crafts for Eid\n\nTuesday 26 May\, 2-4pm\nLower Ground Floor\nJoin us at Central Library for an interactive craft workshop as we prepare for Eid. We will provide all the materials to make Eid-themed bookmarks\, just bring yourself! Suitable for children. Free entry\, just drop in. \n\nDucklee Adventures Storytime\n\nWednesday 27 May\, 2-3pm\nChildren’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)\n\n\nJoin local children’s author Sabrina Martins Alauf for a gentle storytelling and colouring session inspired by her children’s book series\, Ducklee Adventures. Children and families will meet Ducklee\, a curious and kind-hearted little duck who explores friendship\, discovery and gentle adventures. The session will include an introduction to the story\, an interactive chat with the children and Ducklee-themed colouring activities. Free entry\, just drop in.\n\n\nRailway-themed Crafts\n\nWednesday 27 May\, 2-3.30pm\nLower Ground Floor\nJoin us for an interactive craft session as we draw the curtain on the 200th anniversary of the invention of the modern railway. We’ll be making some lovely paper trains and a colourful railway track. Suitable for children aged 4-10. All materials provided\, just bring yourself. Free entry\, just drop in.\n\n\nFarsi Storytime\n\n\nThursday 28 May\, 11-12\nChildren’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)\nJoin us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free entry\, just drop in.\n\nPolish Heritage Month Family Crafts\n\nThursday 28 May\, 1-4pm\nPerformance Space\nJoin us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios\, and much more! We’ll provide all the materials\, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Free entry\, just drop in.\n\n\nLEGO Robotics Workshops (children)\n\n\nFriday 29 May\, 2-4pm \nLower Ground Floor\nIn this hands-on LEGO robotics workshop\, children work in small teams to design and build their own racing robots without step-by-step instructions\, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. They then program their robots using simple block-based coding to detect and avoid obstacles using motion sensors. Once complete\, robots are tested through fun challenges\, racing and navigating courses\, combining engineering\, teamwork and creativity in an engaging session. Recommended age: 8-13. Free entry\, just drop in.\n\n\nItalian Storytime\n\nSaturday 30 May\, 11.30am-12 noon \nChildren’s Library (Lower Ground Floor) \nOur monthly sessions are interactive and fun\, involving a blend of themed stories\, rhymes and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases while gesturing\, chanting and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.\n\n\nSpanish Storytime\n\n\nSaturday 30 May\, 12pm–12.45pm\nChildren’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)\nHola! Join María at our monthly sessions to listen to a story in Spanish\, learn phrases and vocabulary\, and have fun! We end each session with a simple craft to make something related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.\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/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:20260528T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260528T120000
DTSTAMP:20260522T214946
CREATED:20260508T090617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T090617Z
UID:13638-1779966000-1779969600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Farsi Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 4-7. \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/farsi-storytime/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Farsi-Storytime.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260528T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260528T160000
DTSTAMP:20260522T214946
CREATED:20260508T090908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T090908Z
UID:13641-1779973200-1779984000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Polish Heritage Month Family Crafts
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios\, and much more! We’ll provide all the materials\, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! \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/polish-heritage-month-family-crafts/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Polish-Heritage-Month-Family-Crafts-scaled.jpg
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