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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260905T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260905T150000
DTSTAMP:20261022T212137
CREATED:20260302T111357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T144111Z
UID:13016-1788616800-1788620400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Arabic Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English.\n\nLearn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in. \nFree – 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/arabic-storytime-2/2026-09-05/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Arabic-Storytime-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260908
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTSTAMP:20261022T212137
CREATED:20250513T083322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260912T133631Z
UID:10988-1788865200-1789297199@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:VR Headset Experiences
DESCRIPTION:This September\, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough\, Wallace & Gromit\, Matthew Bourne\, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. \nFor three weeks in September\, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. \nManchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces\, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England\, BFI\, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space. \nAfter a resoundingly successful debut last summer\, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities\, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (8-12 Sept)\, Longsight Library (14-16)\, Gorton Hub (17-19 Sept)\, Abraham Moss (23 Sept)\,  New Moston (23 Sept)\, The Avenue (24 Sept) and Newton Heath (27 Sept). The times of the sessions can be found below. \nAcross the three weeks\, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces\, plus leap into some brand new experiences too. \nAmongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings\, the experiences on offer will include: \n\nHold the World with Sir David Attenbrough: Embark on a groundbreaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David\, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience\, acts as a private guide\, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection\, including a blue whale\, a stegosaurus\, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection\, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.\nWallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!\nThe Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.\nMonoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women\, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.\n**New** Doorstep Duets – An absorbing VR180 capture of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures by immersive filmmakers Neon8.\nDigital Spaces : People in Places films – short films from the local communities.\n\nThe VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network\, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services\, including: Bradford\, Cambridgeshire\, Coventry\, Leeds\, Newham\, Nottinghamshire\, Somerset\, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind\, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues\, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.\n\nThe Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout September. \nCome along to a session at these dates and times as follows:\n\nTuesday 8th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nWednesday 9th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 17.00]\n\nThursday 10th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nFriday 11th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\n\nSaturday 12th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 16.30]\n\n*******\nMonday 14th Sept to Wednesday 16th Sept – Sessions @ Longsight Library \n\nSession times TBC – Standby for further details\n\n\n*******\nThursday 17th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00 pm]\n\n\nSaturday 19th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [9:30 am to 11:30 am]\n\n*******\n \nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ Abraham Moss \n\nDrop-in Session [3:30 pm to 5:00pm]\n\n*******\nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ New Moston \n\nDrop-in Session [6:00 pm to 8:00pm]\n\n*******\n \nThursday 24th September – Session @ The Avenue\n \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\n******* \nSunday 27th September – Sessions @ Newton Heath Library \n\nDrop-in Session [12:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\nAll sessions are 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
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/vr-headset-experiences-at-the-library-this-june/2026-09-08/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Family,Music,VR Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TheGrandGetaway_KeyArt_16_9_Logos.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260912T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260912T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T212137
CREATED:20250513T083322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260912T133631Z
UID:14676-1789200000-1789232400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:VR Headset Experiences
DESCRIPTION:This September\, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough\, Wallace & Gromit\, Matthew Bourne\, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. \nFor three weeks in September\, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. \nManchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces\, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England\, BFI\, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space. \nAfter a resoundingly successful debut last summer\, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities\, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (8-12 Sept)\, Longsight Library (14-16)\, Gorton Hub (17-19 Sept)\, Abraham Moss (23 Sept)\,  New Moston (23 Sept)\, The Avenue (24 Sept) and Newton Heath (27 Sept). The times of the sessions can be found below. \nAcross the three weeks\, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces\, plus leap into some brand new experiences too. \nAmongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings\, the experiences on offer will include: \n\nHold the World with Sir David Attenbrough: Embark on a groundbreaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David\, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience\, acts as a private guide\, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection\, including a blue whale\, a stegosaurus\, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection\, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.\nWallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!\nThe Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.\nMonoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women\, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.\n**New** Doorstep Duets – An absorbing VR180 capture of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures by immersive filmmakers Neon8.\nDigital Spaces : People in Places films – short films from the local communities.\n\nThe VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network\, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services\, including: Bradford\, Cambridgeshire\, Coventry\, Leeds\, Newham\, Nottinghamshire\, Somerset\, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind\, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues\, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.\n\nThe Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout September. \nCome along to a session at these dates and times as follows:\n\nTuesday 8th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nWednesday 9th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 17.00]\n\nThursday 10th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nFriday 11th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\n\nSaturday 12th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 16.30]\n\n*******\nMonday 14th Sept to Wednesday 16th Sept – Sessions @ Longsight Library \n\nSession times TBC – Standby for further details\n\n\n*******\nThursday 17th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00 pm]\n\n\nSaturday 19th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [9:30 am to 11:30 am]\n\n*******\n \nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ Abraham Moss \n\nDrop-in Session [3:30 pm to 5:00pm]\n\n*******\nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ New Moston \n\nDrop-in Session [6:00 pm to 8:00pm]\n\n*******\n \nThursday 24th September – Session @ The Avenue\n \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\n******* \nSunday 27th September – Sessions @ Newton Heath Library \n\nDrop-in Session [12:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\nAll sessions are 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
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/vr-headset-experiences-at-the-library-this-june/2026-09-12/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Family,Music,VR Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TheGrandGetaway_KeyArt_16_9_Logos.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260919T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260919T150000
DTSTAMP:20261022T212137
CREATED:20260902T135937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T140048Z
UID:14520-1789824600-1789830000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Comic Book Swap
DESCRIPTION:Comic Book Swap with zine and comic strip making for ages 11 plus. \nCome and swap your comic books and stay to make a Zine\, chat to other comic book fans and find out about our collections. Bring your comics to swap\, stay to make a zine\, or your own comic strip and chat to other comic book fans. Find out about our digital and physical collections of comics\, manga\, and graphic novels. For children and young people aged 11 plus. Join us in Central Library\, downstairs near the children’s library. There will be snacks! \nFree drop in – reserve a spot here or click on ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/comic-book-swap/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Comic-swap-banner-1-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260919T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260919T160000
DTSTAMP:20261022T212137
CREATED:20260813T102147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T075151Z
UID:14326-1789826400-1789833600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Italian Kids present La Pimpa
DESCRIPTION:Join Italian Kids for a fun-filled afternoon and celebrate La Pimpa\, the beloved Italian children’s book character created by Altan. Enjoy themed crafts\, stories and games! Italian Kids is an association of Italian-speaking parents who meet regularly to allow their children to make new friends\, play\, sing and practise Italian together. \nFree entry – book tickets here or click Book Now below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/italian-kids-present-la-pimpa/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Italian-Kids.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260926T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T140000
DTSTAMP:20261022T212137
CREATED:20260826T112436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T112436Z
UID:14482-1790424000-1790431200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Storytime & Singalong: European Day of Languages 2026
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the European Day of Languages with Instituto Cervantes at Manchester Central Library! Come along as we sing and bring stories to life in English\, Spanish\, Polish and Italian. \nWhether you are looking to introduce your child to new sounds\, practice a second language\, or simply enjoy the magic of live storytelling\, this interactive session offers a fun\, welcoming space for listeners of all ages. \nTo mark the occasion\, our storytellers bring the beloved children’s book The Gruffalo to life in four languages\, celebrating the rich linguistic diversity of Europe! \nThe Gruffalo is a renowned children’s tale written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It follows the story of a quick-witted mouse taking a stroll through the forest\, who fends off potential predators—a fox\, an owl\, and a snake—by inventing a terrifying imaginary creature called the Gruffalo\, only to be shocked to encounter the actual monster later on. \nThe storytelling will be followed by a multilingual singalong and a craft workshop led by Magaly Flores. In collaboration with Società Dante Alighieri\, Manchester City of Literature and Manchester Libraries. \nRecommended age: 3-7. Free multilingual activity in Spanish\, English\, Italian and Polish. \nFree – book your free place on Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below. \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/storytime-singalong-european-day-of-languages-2026/
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/European-day-of-languages-cropped-for-ll.png
END:VEVENT
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