LEGO Club
2026-09-05 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | 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

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

Little Reads
2026-09-16 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 – 6, but all family members are welcome.
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

Italian Kids present La Pimpa
2026-09-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
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.
Free entry – book tickets here or click Book Now below

Storytime & Singalong: European Day of Languages 2026
2026-09-26 12:00 - 14:00
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.
Whether 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.
To 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!
The 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.
The 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.
Recommended age: 3-7. Free multilingual activity in Spanish, English, Italian and Polish.
Free – book your free place on Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Manchester Literature Festival presents Little Reads Family Day
2026-10-24 10:30 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Take part in a joyful day of stories, theatre, music, dancing, crafts and family fun. Help create some magical shoes with The Elves and the Shoemaker in an interactive show from Peoplescape Theatre, packed with music, puppetry, clowning and storytelling. Strut your stuff with author and West End musical theatre star Robert Tregoning in a confidence-boosting event inspired by his latest picture book Dylan, Daisy and the Disco Ball. Explore storytelling through movement with dancer Magdalen Bartlett. Book tickets for the individual events and drop in for some free crafts. Suitable for ages 3+.
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking links:
The Elves and the Shoemaker, 10.30am – 11.15am | £6 – Book tickets here
Dance with Magdalen Bartlett, 12 – 12.40pm | Free but booking recommended – Book tickets here
Robert Tregoning – Dylan, Daisy and the Disco Ball, 1.30pm – 2.15pm | £6 – Book tickets here
