Light up your Saturdays in October - take part in the Diwali lantern parade. Celebrate Dashehra Diwali Mela at our family lantern making workshops. Everyone at the workshops can take part in the main procession on Saturday 14 October. The procession will lead into the spectacular finale performance and firework display in Albert Square. Don’t […]
Manchester Central Library is proud to host a display inspired by the British Library's new exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic. From Friday 20 October 2017, visitors will be able to discover fascinating facts about the History of Magic at Manchester Central Library. Displays will launch simultaneously in 20 public libraries across the UK […]
Start your adventure here! This practical workshop introduces parents and children to the wonderful world of animation, and shows how to work together to create basic stop frame animation. What is the Family Learning Festival? It's a national celebration to mark and inspire a love of learning in family life. It takes place in October […]
Central Library is a mysterious, secret-filled place. Who knows what hidden knowledge lies between the pages of its many books? Read up on the spirit of scientific investigation and come find out for yourself, discovering how science has affected the story-lined corridors of Manchester Central Library over the centuries. Get elbow deep in moonrocks and […]
Darken the doors of Central Library for our spooky Halloween event. Dare to visit the creepy crypt and take part in a ghastly game, hear chilling rhymes from the creature in the corner and then take part in the trick or treat trail with your carefully crafted goody bag. Suitable for families No need to […]
To celebrate Explore Your Archive Week, join us to celebrate 120 years of the Disabled Living charity. Join us as we find out how the charity has changed over the years by using their archive images in a range of fun activities for all the family. Free - just drop in
Calling all Witches, Wizards and Muggles. You are invited to enter a magical wizarding world at Central Library! This Harry Potter inspired event includes: The Battle of the Wizards All is not what it seems as a Deatheater, an agent of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, has been seen stalking the library. Fearing that Voldemort has returned and is trying […]
Get your festive season underway with our annual family extravaganza. Listen to a fantastic line-up of local choirs and bands and enjoy a mince pie with us. Create your own Christmas crafts. There will be performances and activities galore and Father Christmas will be here! For full details visit archivesplus.org
Storytime doesn’t get more glamorous than this! Manchester Libraries are proud to be working with Queer Contact and The Family Gorgeous to present their first Drag Queen Storytime at Central Library. Drag Queen Storytime is exactly what it sounds like, drag queens reading stories to children in libraries. The aim is to capture the freedom […]
Join us for a celebration of Chinese arts, crafts and culture on one of our exclusive Sunday openings.
A very special afternoon of reading loveliness at Central Library. We will be sharing stories, making crafts, and discovering digital fun using our favourite books to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Free – please drop in
Break out the popcorn and get down to Central Library to watch a selection of great family films. Why not explore the library before or after the film? There will be plenty of crafts to keep everyone busy and entertained whilst the film is showing. Come down and enjoy the fun! Event Days: Tuesday 3 […]
01 Jun 2026
Music Q&A: ‘THE BEAUTIFUL DEATH OF OZZY OSBOURNE’ with KEITH KAHN-HARRIS
Pay What You Can
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
