What's on

Sunday Funday – Festival of Libraries Celebration

Performance Space

Join us for an afternoon of fun with the family as we celebrate the Festival of Libraries, showcasing what Central Library has to offer and including our amazing crafts and face painting offers, amongst many other treats. Free – drop in – please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one […]

Craftivism

Performance Space

Manchester Histories is excited to be working in partnership with Scary Little Girls and Greenham Women Everywhere to bring three fantastic events to Manchester Histories Hub and the Performance Space in Manchester Central Library from Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 August.  Join us as Common Ground explores the stories and significance of Greenham Common protest camps […]

The Lowry Saturday Spectacular Takeover

Performance Space

Join The Lowry team at Central Library to get a taste of their newest free family exhibition: Julia and Axel – celebrating 30 Years of Favourite Stories. From arts and crafts to interactive storytelling and engaging workshops, plus a chance to watch one of the stories on the big screen, the whole family can have fun […]

Back to School Activity

Performance Space

Sharpen your pencils and get your sports kit ready – it’s back to school! Come and decorate your own gym bag and more. Suitable for ages 4–11 Free – just drop in. Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes.

Heritage Open Days: Family Event

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Central Library and Archives+? Join us on this fun, fact-filled library trail as we take you into the depths of our treasured venue. Tours take place on the hour - see links below to book: 1pm tour - book here 2pm tour - book here 3pm […]

Black British Book Festival on Tour

“Manchester has been unveiled as one of cities taking centre stage in a summer tour to celebrate the Black British Book Festival this year. In its third year the Black British Book Festival is Europe’s largest celebration of black literature and a fast-growing and a widely acclaimed event showcasing black authors and providing a platform […]

European Day of Languages Storytime

Hello! Ciao! Hola! Bonjour! Celebrate European languages and learn some new vocabulary with a very special storytime, as we share stories in Spanish, Italian, French and English, with craft activities. The event is hosted with Manchester's Alliance Française, Instituto Cervantes and Società Dante Alighieri. Suitable for children aged 4-7 Free - drop in - please consider making a […]

Little Reads Family Day with Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola

Performance Space

Author Nathan Bryon and illustrator Dapo Adeola’s loveable character Rocket has already taught us about space in the award-winning Look Up! Then she tackled ocean pollution in Clean Up! Now, in Speak Up! she’s back to save her local library which she is horrified to learn is closing for lack of funding. Hear how Dapo and Nathan […]

£5

The Welcome Roadshow

Performance Space

Get ready Greater Manchester! The Welcome Roadshow is coming to Manchester Central Library on Monday the 23rd this October half term, bringing the magic of dance, circus skills and craft workshops. We're visiting all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, offering FREE workshops. It's not just about honing your dance, circus and craft skills; it's about connecting with your […]

Spooky Sunday: Horrible Family Halloween Party!

Central Library opens its doors to little spooks and ghouls for a fun-filled family spectacular. Fearsome face painters, spooky silent disco, creepy crafts and maybe a few treats and scary surprises. Fancy dress is absolutely encouraged. So dust down your capes, polish your broomsticks and enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with ghoulish delights! £10 per […]

£10

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration

Archives+ Ground Floor

Join us for this special ancient Mexican celebration celebrating the cycle of life. Dia de los Muertos features traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, followed by themed activities and craft workshops. An example of an ofrenda, a Mexican altar typically present in Mexican households at this time of the year, will be on […]

Under the Little Red Moon

Performance Space

Join Lulu, Monty and their friend Tom on a vibrant and colourful journey in English Touring Opera’s new opera for babies, which explores the development of language with the help of music and movement. Composed by Russell Hepplewhite. Suitable for babies aged 6−24 months. Free - booking required below