Family Film Club
2026-07-11 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Performance Space
Enjoy a special edition of the Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and a family classic on the library’s huge screen. Screenings start at 1.30pm – drop in from 1pm. Most suitable for under 12s.
Free – drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online.

South Asian Heritage Month Crafts
2026-07-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Create 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 – drop in
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade Workshops!
2026-07-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Crafting 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Sunday Funday - Manchester Day 2026
2026-07-26 11:30 - 17:00 | Ground Floor
We’re celebrating Manchester Day at Central Library!
This year’s Manchester Day celebrates our city’s cultural links with Barcelona. Following Manchester’s appearance at Barcelona’s La Mercè festival in 2025, artists from the city will return the visit. Alongside the international line-up, this year’s event also includes a book-inspired theme.
So, obviously we’re ALWAYS ready to celebrate reading at Central Library. Join us as book characters come to life!
Take a magical journey to Narnia, take a ride in the glass lift (or elevator!) with Willy Wonka, and avoid being recruited by Captain Hook to walk the plank!

Free entry – please drop in (face painting: £2 per child)
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Little Movers and Shakers
2026-08-03 11:00 - 11:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Calling all little groovers! Enjoy a fun, high-energy session filled with music and dance. Get ready to show off some moves – we’ll bring the tunes! Suitable for children up to 4 years old.
Free entry – just drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Summer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave!
2026-08-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Meet 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster Session
2026-08-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join 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.
Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

LEGO Club
2026-08-05 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-19 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-26 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-09-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Lower Ground Floor
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.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Craft Session: Princess Hat Making
2026-08-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join 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.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Film Fridays
2026-08-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Unleash 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.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Summer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots!
2026-08-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Get 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft
2026-08-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
A 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.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

STEM Club
2026-08-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Put 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Colouring to Music
2026-08-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Join 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.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Cosplay Teen Event
2026-08-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. 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.

Crafts
Cosplay competition
Interview with Milliner for TV and film Julia C Walker
Selfie area
Chill out area
Stalls selling related items

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.
Free – please book via this Eventbrite link or click ‘Book Now’ below

Can You Dig It? Britannica Summer Challenge
2026-08-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us 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.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Muslim Dads Read Too!
2026-08-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Library
Join publishing house Little Hibba for a special event inviting Muslim dads to come along and enjoy reading with their little ones!
Bring the whole family to Manchester Central Library’s children library to celebrate more Muslim books in the library.
Expect reading sessions for children, colouring activities, and much more!
Free – book your place on Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Farsi Storytime
2026-08-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Library
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.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Summer Reading Challenge Singing Puppet Craft Fun!
2026-08-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join 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.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Pride Storytime
2026-08-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Children’s Library
Kick 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.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Arabic Storytime
2026-09-05 14:00 - 15:00
Join 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. Free – just drop in.
Free – drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
