Library Live

Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds: Artist talk and UK book launch
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Performance Space
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.
The 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.
With 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.
The 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.
Free – reserve a seat via eventbrite here

Attila the Stockbroker: Fiery Words for Hellish Times
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:30
Punk poet, latterly dub poet, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Attila the Stockbroker exploded into public consciousness in 1982-3 via two John Peel sessions and a Melody Maker front cover, and is now celebrating 45 years earning a living doing what he loves.
Fiery Words for Hellish Times is his most topical and incendiary publication yet. As the news goes from awful to worse, these are poems to make you laugh, cry, get angry, and above all, think!
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.
https://flapjackpress.co.uk

Robin Ince: Let the Quiet Ones Rise Book Launch
2026-06-29 18:00 - 19:30
Monday 29th June, 6.00pm – 7.15pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
“It takes insight and empathy to have unpatronising sympathy.”
Let the Quiet Ones Rise: Poems About Standing Up and Standing Out is a collection of instinctual poetry from the deepest part of a neurodivergent heart, and considers the sadness of being alone, but also the happiness of finding people who empower you.
“Profundity, fecundity, brevity and levity, it’s all here.” Shaun Keaveny
“Words of empathy and compassion.” Tanita Tikaram
Robin Ince is a flibbertigibbet. His working life began in stand-up comedy, but he is excited by too many things to take a single path. He was co-creator and, for 16 years, co-host of the multi-award-winning international success The Infinite Monkey Cage. He has written books on the universe (and all the stuff that is in it), the neurodivergent mind, giant killer crab novels, and his deep love of bookshops and libraries. In 2024 he started writing poetry obsessively and he loves the freedom that comes with it.
Robin is two-time Bookseller’s Association Author of the Year winner, a winner of Celebrity Mastermind, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Pointless Celebrities (twice), and his best pointless answers were ‘Alderney’ and ‘Eve Ferret’.

LOVE STORIES etc FESTIVAL
2026-07-17 10:00 - 2026-07-18 20:00
#LoveStoriesEtc romance festival is returning for a third year to Manchester Central Library on 17th and 18th July 2026 for two packed days of exciting author panels, industry expert led workshops, and creative sessions!

LAST FEW TICKETS HERE.

The schedule for Friday 17th July includes…
‘How to Boss Booktok’ with Ash Jayy from The Picture of Romance
‘What Can an Editor do for You?’ with freelance editor Caroline Hogg
A writer’s advice session hosted by the Romantic Novelists’ Association
‘How to look Professional Online on a Budget’ with Branding Expert and Photographer, Claire Gardner from The Authors Lounge
A Book Bedazzling Party
Kindly sponsored by Vinci Books. Escape to the sun with a Sublime Retreats romance by Joy Skye!
A Booklovers tour of Manchester
A Silent Reading Social Event
Why Romance Readers Should Rule The World with Bella North
On Saturday 18th, we’re spoiling you with a bumper Author Day including –
Rosie Walsh, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, Kate Lord Brown,
Cal Speet, Rachel Hore, Jessica George,
Cressida McLaughlin, Kiley Dunbar, Rufaro Faith Mazarura,
Liz Fenwick, Holly Hepburn, Chloe Seager,
Bella Osborne, Jill Mansell, Kirstie Pelling,
Rachel Wood, Libby Page, Beth Moran, Megan Clawson
Bianca Gillam, Matt Cain MBE, Ellis Hunter
Jack Strange, Tessa Bickers,
Catrin Cadogan, Roxy Dunn, Annie Lord
Rosie Storey and Georgia Stone!!
