Library Live

The Ministry of Lost & Found
2018-06-23 11:00 - 16:00 UTC
Pick up a map, it’s time to get lost on a quest around Central Library!
A long, long, time ago, the government commissioned intrepid explorer, Philias Finder, to start The Ministry of Lost & Found – a secret department tasked with protecting the most curious and precious objects ever lost or found.
To celebrate the Ministry’s 123rd anniversary, you’re invited to join in the first-ever lost and found expedition and unlock the secrets of the most classified department in history. Pick up your map from the Lost  & Found Office and let the mysterious staff from the Ministry lead the way. It’s time to go on a quest around Central Library!
Find your house on a giant map in the Archives, discover the tiniest insects on earth in the Performance Space and play hide and seek in the Reading Room. Look out for Leo Lost, from a long line of losers, Frankie Found, from a fabulous family of finders, and help Mr Quaver, who is feeling low, re-discover his musical mojo. There’ll be juggling, hula-hooping and dressing up too, not forgetting storytime, crafting and a treasure hunt for you.  See and do, make and play, remember your picnic and stay for the day. We look forward to welcoming you to The Ministry of Lost & Found.
Age range: 0-11 years
Free event, no need to book*
*Some activities have limited capacity and require booking on the day at the venue
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME: download our event map to find out more about the activity programme and to plan your day. Download here – Ministry of Lost & Found Map

The Ministry is committed to ensuring a more accessible and enjoyable experience for visitors with additional needs or with specific requirements. We have tried to make our activities as accessible as possible and have provided extra information on what each activity includes on the brochure for the day. If you have any questions about accessibility at the Ministry, please don’t hesitate to email jude@z-arts.org.
The Ministry of Lost & Found is a commission by Library Live | Creative Partners: Z-arts and Manchester Art Gallery | Commissioning Partners: Arts Council England, Manchester City Council, Manchester Central Library Development Trust, The Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Granada Foundation, GMCA, Greater Manchester Arts

Mischief Makers!
2018-07-02 00:00 - 2018-09-08 23:59
The Summer Reading Challenge is back so come and be a Mischief Maker with Manchester Libraries! Join at any library to get your free pack of goodies and collect rewards for reading along the way. Read six or more library books of your choice and enter our grand prize draw. The Challenge is accompanied by an array summer-long fun activities.
For more info ask inside the library or visit manchester.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge
Free – please drop in

Bee a Reader this summer!
2018-07-02 08:00 - 2018-09-23 17:00
We’re buzzing to have teamed up with Bee in the City this summer. Come into Central Library and start ticking off the super-size and little bees in your trail map. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds.
Free – please drop in

Saturday Spectacular: Bee Amazing...Bee a Reader!
2018-07-21 12:00 - 16:00
An afternoon of free family fun as we get creative with all things Bee inspired. Take a seat, enjoy the animated film, bee crafts and illustration. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds. And as if that wasn’t enough, sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge and join thousands of others reading six books or more this summer! Visit readmanchester.org.uk for more information.

Family Fun!
2018-08-09 13:00 - 2018-08-31 15:00 | Performance Space
Break out the popcorn and join in the fun for these free family film screenings. Lots to enjoy, including free craft sessions.
Event dates and film classification below:
Thursday 9 August (U)
Friday 10 August (PG)
Tuesday 14 August (U)
Thursday 16 August (U)
Tuesday 21 August (12)
Friday 24 August (PG)
Tuesday 28 August (U)
Friday 31 August (PG)

Manchester Comics and Reading (MCR) Festival
2018-08-18 10:00 - 16:00
We are proud to announce the first Manchester Comics and Reading (MCR) Festival at Central Library!
This is a triple event special. That’s right, three in one day. We have a traditional comic event, an anime / manga showcase and a cosplay event all rolled into one day and venue, but in three very distinct zones. Meet creators, join us for seminars, enjoy our comic trade and celebrate your fandom.
More information to come in the upcoming weeks. If any creators or traders would like to join us for the event please message the event page here.
The team that bought you the Oldham Comic Con are also bringing an amazing range of guest illustrators and writers to the Manchester. Guests already announced include Nick Brokenshire, Ian Richardson and Al Ewing.
Keep up to date at the Manchester Comics and Reading Festival Facebook page.

Junior Jam: Movie Music
2018-09-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Free jam-packed music session for children aged 4-8. Help your little ones develop their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. Presented by creative music charity Brighter Sound and led by Kabantu – a quintet of award-winning musicians and music educators, known for their infectious rhythms and beautiful melodies from around the globe.
In this session, compose and perform your own Hollywood soundtracks to your favourite films with Katie and Delia!
Two 50-minute sessions at 10am and 11am
For more information contact info@brightersound.com or phone 0161 830 3899
Supported by Youth Music as part of the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England. The project is made possible by funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.
Free – booking required

Fun Palaces
2018-10-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
‘Everyone an Artist, Everyone a Scientist’
Come along to the Fun Palace for a day filled with crafts, skills, demonstrations and activities. Listen, watch, take part, share and get inspired!
You’ll find Fun Palaces across the city on Saturday 6 October at:
Fallowfield 10.30-12.30
Wythenshawe Forum 2.00-4.00
North City 12.00-4.00
Longsight 12.00-4.00
funpalaces.co.uk
Free – just drop in

Family Reading Day
2018-10-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a day of fictional fun as popular children’s authors, illustrators and performers bring stories to life. Be sure to pack your imagination, and take an unforgettable journey to Moominvalley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful. Join multi-award winning author and illustrator Steve Antony and his lovable character, Mr Panda – read stories together and learn how to draw your own Mr Panda. Celebrate the joy of song and singing in Kid Carpet’s lively, interactive gig containing a unique mix of live music, comedy and ping pong balls.
Judith Kerr’s most famous creation is 50 years old! Come and help us celebrate at our Tiger Tea Party. Z-arts will be providing free art and crafts all day in our Market Place, and we have a special story den where we will be setting the scene for imaginations to run wild!

Booking required – click Book Now for further details

Dashehra Diwali Mela: Lantern making workshops
2018-10-13 11:00 - 16:00 | City Library
Make a fabulous lantern for Dashehra Diwali Mela celebrations at these free family workshops. All those taking part in either workshop will join the main procession onSaturday 20 October, leading into the spectacular finale performance and firework display in Albert Square. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting event!

For families with children aged 7+

Two workshops between 11am-1.30pm and 2-4pm

(Please only book a ticket if you can attend the Diwali Lantern Parade on Saturday 20 October).

Free – booking required

Workshop 1: 11am-1.30pm Book here
Workshop 2: 2-4pm Book here

Dashehra Diwali Mela: Lantern making workshops
2018-10-20 11:00 - 16:00 | City Library
Make a fabulous lantern for Dashehra Diwali Mela celebrations at these free family workshops. All those taking part in either workshop will join the main procession onSaturday 20 October, leading into the spectacular finale performance and firework display in Albert Square. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting event!

For families with children aged 7+

Two workshops between 11am-1.30pm and 2-4pm
Free – booking required
(Please only book a ticket if you can also attend the Diwali Lantern Parade on Saturday 20 October).

Workshop 1: 11am-1.30pm Book here
Workshop 2: 2-4pm Book here

Science@Central
2018-10-23 11:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Drop in to Central Library for the day and experience the thrill of science. From doodle pens to getting hands on some of our amazing treasures there will be so much to do.
Free family event – just drop in

Ibn Al-Haytham: Mysteries of How We See
2018-10-23 11:00 - 2018-10-24 20:00, 2018-10-26 11:00 - 20:00, 2018-10-27 11:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Celebrate Manchester Science Festival and join 1001 Inventions to discover the world of 11th century Arabian scientist, Ibn Al-Haytham. Watch legendary actor Omar Sharif in an exciting short film, explore how we see with a camera obscura and engage in fun demonstrations of light, optics and vision.
Suitable for ages 7+
Free family event – just drop in

Junior Jam: Rock 'n' Roll Ukuleles
2018-10-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Free jam-packed music session for children aged 4-8. Help your little ones develop their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. Presented by creative music charity Brighter Sound and led by Kabantu – a quintet of award-winning musicians and music educators, known for their infectious rhythms and beautiful melodies from around the globe.
Become a ukulele rock star! Strike a power chord and play along to songs from the super-cool sixties with Ben and Ali.
Two 50-minute sessions at 10am and 11am
For more information contact info@brightersound.com or phone 0161 830 3899
Supported by Youth Music as part of the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England. The project is made possible by funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.
Free – booking required

Family Halloween Party
2018-10-27 19:00 - 2018-10-28 00:00
Dare you spend a spooky evening inside Central Library? We are opening our doors for a very special Halloween Party!
We’ve heard rumours that Dracula and his Bride will be wandering the corridors preparing for their Fiendish Feast!
After the Fiendish Feast why not do the ‘Monster Mash’ with Frankenstein’s Monster and Mr Pumpkin Head at our creepy Silent Disco. If you fancy a break from dancing you can snuggle down and watch a spooky film or get crafty with creepy activities.
This event is aimed at children aged 7-11 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £2.99 per child. Free entry for adult’s accompanying children.
FANCY DRESS ENCOURAGED!

Saturday Spectacular: World War One Remembered
2018-11-17 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
An afternoon for all with a talk on Manchester Hill, a chance to handle original World War One archives with Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society, find out about the family history DNA project and arts and crafts for families.
Free – please drop in

Manchester Print Fair: Winter Fair
2018-11-24 10:30 - 16:15 | Performance Space
Join Manchester Print Fair for a day of shopping from local independent makers, fun and festive workshops for all the family, curated by partners G.F SMITH papers, and sit for 3 Minute Portraits from Fred Aldous!

Christmas Extravaganza
2018-12-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Get your festive season underway with our annual family extravaganza. Listen to a fantastic line-up of local choirs and bands, create your own Christmas crafts and enjoy a mince pie with us. Performances and activities galore, and Father Christmas will be here!
Free – please drop in

Saturday Take Over
2019-01-19 12:00 - 16:00
It’s a children’s take over today! Manchester school children have chosen a Victorian and Time Travelling theme for the activities and content for our popular January family spectacular. Pop in and join us for free family fun. We’re sure you’re going to love it!
Free – please drop in

Holocaust Memorial Day 2019
2019-01-27 12:00 - 16:00
On this day of reflection we will be screening the UK Premier of the film, Who Will Write Our History, which tells the story of historian Emanuel Ringelblum who defied his captors to ensure the Oyneg Shabes archive would survive the war. Performances by young people throughout the afternoon and family activity sessions based around this year’s theme, ‘Torn from Home’.
Film screenings start at 12.30pm and 2.15pm
Free – please drop in

Chinese New Year Celebration
2019-02-10 12:00 - 16:00
Come and welcome in the Year of the Pig at Central Library!
Beginning with a Lion Dance at the front of the Library to let the new year in, there will be music and dance performances, and a demonstration of the Chinese Tea Ceremony. Plus we have lots of crafts and activities for you to try, all of them free!
Free – just drop in

Clore Art Studio Costume Factory
2019-02-18 13:00 - 2019-02-19 15:00 | Lower Ground Floor Link
In preparation for World Book Day on the 7 March, let us help you get your character ideas flowing and costumes started! Come along for inspiration and assistance in designing, cutting and stitching felt masks, headdresses and logos to bring your Gruffalos and Gangsta Grannies to life.
Costume Factory sessions will also take place at Manchester Art Gallery.
Free – please drop in

International Women's Day – Family Event
2019-03-09 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day with an afternoon of free activities for families. Pop in and enjoy a range of craft making, watch films and see some of our amazing archives, created by famous suffragettes.
Free – please drop in

Saturday Spectacular - Game Changers Project
2019-04-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
For our latest Saturday Spectacular family event we welcome the Game Changers project which has taken place in all 10 Greater Manchester local authorities over the past few months. There will be lots to see and lots to do, including crafts with a Women’s Suffrage theme.
Young people across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester will come together to recreate the Women’s Bazaar of 1912, as part of a project to empower them to become campaigners of the future.
The Game Changers project, which has been made possible with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is exploring the Suffragists movement – helping the youngsters learn about the peaceful methods they used to campaign – unlike the more militant and more famous Suffragettes.
The young people have created artwork as a tribute to the suffragists including banners, sashes and posters that will be on display at the library, along with stalls and showcasing their talents in a performance and mock debate – to recreate the historical event.
Frances Nutt, Artistic Director at Tandem Theatre, based in Salford, who is running the Game Changer project, said: “The high-profile role of Emmeline Pankhurst and the more militant activities of the Suffragettes can sometimes overshadow others who campaigned for women’s suffrage.
“We wanted to highlight the lesser known Suffragists, who used law abiding methods to campaign, to be an inspiration to young women today, as campaigning for women’s rights is still as relevant.
“The young people have enjoyed attending art workshops and skills workshops to help them become effective campaigners and leaders of the future by building self-esteem, social skills, confidence and raising aspirations and are looking forward to the taking part the event at Central Library.”
For more information on the project go to https://tandemtheatre.com/game-changers/
Suitable for families
Free – just drop in

What was the Peterloo Massacre?
2019-04-17 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for this interactive role playing family event exploring what happened in the lead up to the protest. Make banners, sing ballads, and choose a side. There will be a role for everyone taking part!
Suitable for all ages
No need to book – just drop in

Charles Hallé Celebration
2019-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
We celebrate 200 years since the birth of Anglo-German pianist and conductor Charles Hallé, founder of the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester. Join us for a film screening, family crafts, afternoon tea and much more.
Suitable for all ages
No need to book – just drop in

Polish Heritage Day
2019-05-04 14:00 - 16:30 | Performance Space
Join the Friends of Polish Veterans Association (SPPW) Manchester to celebrate Polish Heritage Day. There will be a special screening of the Polish history film, The Last Witness, plus Q&A with the film director, Piotr Szkopiak. Polish food will be available to sample, plus craft activities, Polish family history research and a selection of books and DVDs about Poland’s WWII history. Join us and celebrate our shared history and culture!
Free event, suitable for all ages 2-4pm (except film – 15 years min age)
Please book free tickets for the film screening below.

Saturday Morning Kids TV
2019-05-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Performance Space
Whilst the array of choice and ways we can watch TV obviously has its benefits, sitting down to watch TV as a family has faded in recent years. Back in Season 2, Pilot Light TV Festival started their throwback Saturday Morning Kids TV events which were a blast! The idea was simply to show up in your PJ’s, tuck into some cereal and watch some great kids TV. This year for Season 4, they are teaming up with CBeebies & CBBC to present a morning of Kids TV for the whole family to enjoy!
During the first half of the event we’ll be hanging out with CBeebies finest in Clangers, Numberblocks, Timmy Time, My Petsaurus, Olobob Top, Pabloand Tinpo! After a quick break we’ll be back with some great episodes from CBBC shows Shaun the Sheep, Scream Street, Dennis & Gnasher and the return of Tracy Beaker in The Dumping Ground!
Set your alarms, get your PJ’s on and join us for a whole morning of the best Kids TV courtesy of CBBC and CBeebies at Central Library!
Admission is free – pre-booking to secure your place is advised!
