• Wonderland Sunday Funday at Central Library!

    Not quite ready for the end of the holidays? Join us at Central Library for a special end-of-summer extravaganza brought to you by Z-Arts and Manchester Libraries! *FULL PROGRAMME* Yoga and movement sessions for children Performance Space (Ground Floor) Start times: 12pm, 1pm Storytimes Performance Space (Ground Floor) Start times: 12.30pm, 1.30pm Bessie’s Bees (Storytime) […]

  • An evening with Katherine Rundell

    Performance Space

    We are delighted to welcome bestselling author Katherine Rundell to Manchester to celebrate the release of The Poisoned King! The mesmerising follow-up to Rundell's Waterstones Book of the Year 2023-winning Impossible Creatures finds Christopher embroiled in an elaborate rescue mission as he returns to the magical world of the Archipelago. Katherine joins us at Manchester Central Library for a talk, […]

  • This, That, What? Storytime with Katy Ashworth

    Performance Space

    Meet Kiki – her brain is full of brilliant ideas that just won’t stop! Katy from CBBC reads her joyful rhyming story and uses playful activities to help children explore big feelings and wild imaginations. Great for ages 4 – 7, but everyone’s welcome!  Free - book advised. Book tickets here or click 'Book Now' below

  • Pia’s Pet Party! with Serena Patel & Wild Science Animal Encounter

    Performance Space

    Join Serena Patel for a party full of animal fun, stories, a pet quiz and even make your own pet character. Then meet amazing real-life animals in a Wild Science show – maybe even a giant spider! Best for ages 5+.  Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live.  Book tickets here or click […]

  • Supertato Party! with Sue Hendra

    Performance Space

    Come party with Supertato, Katy Ashworth, Pia’s Pet Party & Wild Science Animal Encounter. Plus make a party badge and Party Animal mask with Hya Arts!  There’s a birthday bash at the supermarket, and you’re invited! Join Supertato creator Sue Hendra for silly stories, veggie fun and make your very own veggie superhero to take […]

  • Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week!

    Lower Ground Floor

    Come and celebrate Green Libraries Week with us at Central Library. Pick up free seeds from our seed library and get creative making your very own cress head to take home. A perfect blend of gardening and crafting! Suitable for families. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if you can online or at […]

  • October Half Term at Central Library!

    Looking for something to do over the half term holidays? Check out our half term activity programme coming soon, including arts and crafts, with plenty to see, make and do! . All materials provided, just bring your imagination! Here's what to expect: Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week: Monday 27 October, 2-3pm, Lower Ground […]

  • Stories and songs for Green Libraries Week!

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session in the music library on the first floor of Central Library. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children under 4. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if […]

  • Spooky Library

    Ground Floor

    We’re getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? Read on, if you dare! Face painting Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm - just drop in. £2 per person. Ground […]

  • Spooky Storytime

    Children's Library

    Join Helen and Zoe for a spooky story time, with spooky, but not too scary stories such as Room on the Broom, Wake up Do Lydia Doo and more. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

  • Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration

    Performance Space

    Join us for a vibrant celebration of life, love, and remembrance! 🌟 We're thrilled to bring you Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and special ancient Mexican tradition that's all about honouring our loved ones who've passed on. 🌿💀🇲🇽 In Mexican culture, it's believed that during this time of year, our beloved […]

  • Christmas Extravaganza!

    Performance Space

    Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate all things Christmas. Bring the whole family and get stuck in our craft sessions, listen to Christmas carols perform by local choirs, including Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, and much more! Performance Programme Ground Floor 12 noon - Loreto […]