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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260415T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
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:20260604T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260604T100004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T100004Z
UID:13829-1780560000-1790442000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Bomb 1996: Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Manchester IRA explosion
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Archives+ presents archive material\, photographs and film footage from the Archives+ collections to remember the day when time stood still for the city. This exhibition captures Manchester’s drive to recover and rebuild\, aided by the extraordinary wave of support from people\, communities and institutions across the region and the world. \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/manchester-bomb-1996-commemorating-the-30th-anniversary-of-the-manchester-ira-explosion/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/m81272-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260701T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260829T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260710T132125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T140222Z
UID:14010-1782892800-1788022800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Read to the Beat: School Holidays Programme
DESCRIPTION:School’s out and the Summer Reading Challenge is in! Join us at Central Library and discover a jam-packed programme of free activities for the whole family! From Lego clubs to family crafts\, from film screenings to DJing and Ukulele groups\, there is something for everyone! Make new friends and discover how to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in a fun and interactive way. \nAll activities are free entry – no booking required \nCheck out the full programme below:  \nSouth Asian Heritage Month Crafts – Thursday 23 July\, 1-2:30pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nCreate your very own dholak drums\, inspired by traditional instruments from India! These beautiful drums originated in the Indian subcontinent and have deep roots in South Asian culture. Suitable for children and families aged 5 and up. Come craft\, create\, and celebrate with us! Free – just drop in \nBooks on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade workshops! – Thursday 23 July\, 2-4pm & Saturday 25 July\, 11am-1pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nCrafting workshops for children and their families to make headwear inspired by a favourite book for Manchester Day\, which this year is celebrating the joy of reading and books\, and the city’s link with Barcelona. Would you like to take part in Manchester Day on Sunday 26 July – make a book-inspired head dress or hat and wear it in the city for Manchester Day… come along to the workshop and tell us about your favourite book\, then make a hat. Wear your book-inspired hat to watch the Parade and then take part in the Hat Walk at 3pm on Sunday 26 July\, taking place in Central Library as part of Manchester Day. The Best Hats will win prizes! Free – booking advised. Booking link for Thursday:  Booking link for Saturday \nFrench Storytime – Saturday 25 July\, 1.30-2pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nJoin us for Central Library’s French storytime session. Listen to stories in French and English\, learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in. \nManchester Day: Central Library Sunday Funday  – Sunday 26 July\, 11am-4pm \nJoin us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate Manchester Day. Expect special performances\, exhibitions\, craft sessions\, and lots of fun for all ages! Free entry\, just drop in (face painting: £2 per child). More info here  \nLittle Movers and Shakers – Monday 3 August\, 11-11:30am – Music 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 entry\, just turn up.  \nSummer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave! – Monday 3 August\, 2-3.30pm – Music Library \nMeet DJ Mu-Mu who will demonstrate the art of turntables and vinyl at our Read & Rave activity! Children can bop\, dance\, do a musical worksheet or read! Children will be able to have 5 minutes each on the decks. Space is limited for turntable activity\, but the read & rave is open to all to enjoy the music and reading! Suitable for ages 4-11. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link \nSummer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster session – Tuesday 4 August\, 2-4pm – Music Library \nJoin Jim Wallace for a fun and relaxed beginner ukulele session for children. No experience is needed and instruments are provided. Kids will learn a few simple chords\, play familiar songs\, and enjoy making music together in a friendly\, small-group setting. Suitable for ages 7+. Places are limited\, so booking is required on Eventbrite. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link \nLego Club – Wednesday 5\, 12\, 19\, 26 August\, 1.30-3.30pm & Saturday 8 August\, 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. \nCraft Session: Princess Hat Making – Thursday 6 August\, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nJoin us at Central Library for a fun and interactive craft workshop where we will be making princess hats. We’ll provide all the materials\, just bring your creativity. Free entry\, just drop in.  \nFilm Fridays – various dates below – Friday 7\, 14\, 21 & 28 August\, 1-4pm – Performance Space \nUnleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen\, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry\, just drop in.  \nUkrainian Storytime – Saturday 8 August\, 1.30-2pm – Children’s Library \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 Storytime – Saturday 8 August\, 2-3pm – Children’s Library \nJoin us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English. Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online Free – just drop in.  \nIntergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub – Monday 10 August\, 10-11:30am – Music Library \nIntergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions\, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music\, art\, poetry\, movement\, storytelling\, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library\, the sessions are relaxed\, flexible\, accessible and welcoming to everyone. Free – just drop in.  \nSummer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots! – Monday 10 August\, 2-3pm – Performance Space \nGet ready to move\, groove\, and feel the rhythm! Drumroots brings the heart of Africa to life with high-energy drumming\, vibrant beats\, and joyful vibes. Whether you’re clapping\, dancing\, or drumming along\, this is your chance to connect through rhythm and let the music tell a story. No experience needed\, just bring your hands and your happy feet!! Suitable for ages 4-11. Space is limited. Book your free spot via this Eventbrite link     \nSummer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft – Tuesday 11 August\, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nA relaxed\, drop-in creative session inspired by music. Children can design and decorate their own cardboard guitars using craft materials. Join the “big doodle” artwork which will be passed around for everyone to add to.  Music will play throughout to spark ideas and create a fun\, shared atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry\, just drop in.  \nSTEM Club – Thursday 13 August\, 2-3:30pm – 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 entry\, just drop in \nColouring to Music – Monday 17 & 24 August\, 10.30am-12pm – Children’s Library  \nJoin us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry\, just drop in.  \nCosplay Teen event – Tuesday 18 August\, 12-4pm – Performance Space  \nJoin Manchester Central Library for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. For those aged 12- 18\, families welcome to attend with adults. Come in your best cosplay outfit\, it might be bought or made by hand\, it could be cosplay or wardrobe play\, it can be anime\, manga or book related. The event will be held in the Performance Space which will be closed to the public without a ticket. Photography of participants will only be allowed with express permission of the attendees. Open to young people aged 12-18. All adults must be accompanied by a 12–18-year-old or you may be refused entrance. Find out more via this Eventbrite link   \nCan You Dig It? Britannica Summer Challenge – Thursday 20 August\, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nJoin us at Manchester City Library on 20 August between 2–4pm for Britannica Education’s “Can You Dig It?” Summer Reading event. This fossil-tastic drop-in event will provide a fun\, dinosaur-themed activity kit to every attendee and the opportunity for children to explore Britannica Library to discover cool facts! Free entry\, just drop in.  \nSummer Reading Challenge Singing Puppet Craft Fun! – Tuesday 25 August\, 2-3.30pm – Lower Ground Floor  \nJoin artist Caroline for a fun\, free Summer Reading Challenge activity! Get ready to sing\, play\, and create! Warm up your vocal cords and bring your puppet to life in this exciting craft session! Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry\, just drop in.  \nPride Storytime – Thursday 27 August\, 2-3pm – Children’s Library  \nKick off your Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Manchester Central Library. Join us for a fun and interactive storytime with songs\, rhymes and Pride-themed picture books. Then get crafty! Create your own protest signs and noise-makers\, to celebrate in style and make your voice heard! We will also have a range of LGBTQIA+ children’s books out to have a look at – share your favourites and discover something new! Suitable for children aged 4-7 and their families. Free – just drop in. 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/read-to-the-beat-school-holidays-programme/
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Read-to-the-Beat-Free-School-Holidays-Programme.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260828T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260716T080556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T122324Z
UID:14160-1783929600-1787936400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Ukraine Today Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:This documentary photography exhibition presents the work of Ukrainian photographer Olena Melnykova\, a member of the volunteer team Auto Angel Lviv\, who regularly takes part in humanitarian missions to eastern Ukraine. Travelling alongside volunteers\, she documents the lives of local people\, the work of the team\, and the everyday reality of war. These photographs are not only about destruction\, but also about responsibility\, resilience\, mutual support\, and the quiet determination of those who continue to defend Ukraine. This is not a story of the past. This is Ukraine today. \nAuto Angel Lviv is a Ukrainian charitable organisation that delivers humanitarian aid and vehicles to Ukraine’s defenders\, recovers damaged vehicles from frontline areas\, repairs them\, and returns them to service. Another key part of its work is providing frontline evacuation teams with essential equipment used in the rescue of wounded soldiers. This exhibition supports a fundraising campaign to provide trauma backpacks—essential medical kits used by frontline evacuation teams to deliver life-saving care to wounded soldiers. In addition\, Auto Angel Lviv continuously funds vehicle repairs\, replacement parts\, fuel\, and the recovery and return of repaired vehicles to the front line. Every photograph tells a real story. Every donation helps save lives. \nIf you would like to donate please use this Stripe link \nFree exhibition – just drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/ukraine-today-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2e86e037-35e0-4429-8f22-4ff4fd477602-UKR-Today-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260923T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260702T102905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T103039Z
UID:13984-1783929600-1790182800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:In Her Colours
DESCRIPTION:View the 2026 Women Into Visual Arts and Enterprise exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of women artists from Nigeria and Salford\, plus the finalists from their local women’s arts competition. \nDelivered by Langworthy Cornerstone Association Ltd in partnership with Collabo2Succeed CIC\, the exhibition showcases empowering artistic journeys\, from beginner workshops to final exhibition display and artwork sales. \nFree associated community event on Monday 13 July\, 11am–2pm. \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/in-her-colours/
LOCATION:First Floor Exhibition Hall
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/High-Res-Landscape-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260716T084757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T084757Z
UID:14167-1783929600-1798736400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester's LGBTQ+ Heritage
DESCRIPTION:Explore bold and beautiful material from Queer Up North 1992–2002\, Europe’s first cross-arts LGBTQIA+ festival. Established in 1992 by Tanja Farman and Gavin Barlow as part of the original Manchester Festival\, Queer Up North quickly became a beacon for queer culture\, drawing artists and audiences from across the globe. Over its first decade\, the festival showcased groundbreaking performances and played a pivotal role in shaping Manchester’s identity as an inclusive and vibrant LGBTQIA+ city. \nIn late 2024\, Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Heritage was awarded funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, with additional support from The Granada Foundation. This funding marked a significant milestone in preserving Manchester’s rich LGBTQIA+ heritage\, focusing on the Queer Up North festivals held between 1992 and 2002. \nAll items on display\, unless otherwise stated\, are drawn from the Queer Up North collection held at Manchester Central Library. You can also listen to a fascinating series of oral histories about the festival in our Sound & Vision pods. \nSpecial thanks to Archives+. \nPhoto credit: Pamela Sneed \nFree – drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/queer-up-north-1992-2002-celebrating-manchesters-lgbtq-heritage/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/M800_8_1081-Pamela-Sneed-CREDIT-Unknown.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260716T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260829T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260710T140159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T084742Z
UID:14039-1784188800-1788022800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:New Chapters
DESCRIPTION:UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students from The Manchester College have developed a personal body of work inspired by books selected from Manchester Central Library. \nThe boards on display provide an insight into each student’s individual research\, interests and creative journey. Through exploration and experimentation\, students have investigated ideas\, conducted research\, and tested a range of materials and practical processes to develop their work. \nMany of these Foundation Art and Design students began the course with small portfolios but a great deal of passion and determination. They are now progressing to study a wide range of specialist subjects\, including painting\, drawing\, film\, photography\, textile design\, animation and site-specific practice\, at universities across the country or as emerging creative professionals. \nTo see more exciting\, innovative work and research follow on Instagram:@foundationartanddesigntmc \nIf you would like further information about the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course\, please contact: Fiona Donald –fdonald@tmc.ac.uk or  Sadie Blythin – sblythin@tmc.ac.uk \nFree- please drop in \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/new-chapters/
LOCATION:Wolfson Reading Room
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Board-2_Two-hearts-hiding-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260803T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260806T170000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260716T141930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T142146Z
UID:14182-1785744000-1786035600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Race Centre Summer School
DESCRIPTION:Come along if you are between 15-19 years old\, of any background\, and interested in anti-racism\, local histories\, creative practices. There will be 8 sessions (one morning and one afternoon per day)\, and you can attend all or as many as you wish. Food\, drinks and necessary equipment will be provided. \n \n  \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/race-centre-summer-school/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Summer-School-2026-flyer-cropped-for-LL.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260805T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260805T153000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20191219T093329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T130102Z
UID:4388-1785936600-1785943800@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-2/2026-08-05/
LOCATION:City Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lego-pile.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260805T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260805T190000
DTSTAMP:20260726T032636
CREATED:20260306T131102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T131527Z
UID:13171-1785949200-1785956400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Board Games Café
DESCRIPTION:Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café! Open to all ages and abilities. \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/board-games-cafe-2026-04-01/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Board-Games-Club.jpg
END:VEVENT
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