Library Live

Clore Art Studio Costume Factory
2019-02-18 13:00 - 2019-02-19 15:00 UTC | 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!

Saturday Spectacular - Made in Manchester poem celebration
2019-05-18 12:00 - 16:00 | City Library
Come and get creative with artist Emma Martin as we celebrate the Made in Manchester poem by creating an artwork sculpture. The soon-to-be-launched poem is inspired by all things Manchester and has been written in dozens of community languages. Emma has used this to work with over 2700 children from 9 schools to make some fabulous artwork. Today you can come and help transform this into an amazing sculpture which will be displayed in Central Library for all to see.

Saturday Spectacular: When I Was a Child
2019-05-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
To celebrate the Get Creative Festival, join us for an afternoon of inter-generational family activities. Why not share some of your skills or have a go at creating vintage inspired crafts. Bring all the family for a chance to create something fantastic together.
Suitable for all ages
Free-please drop in

People’s Landscapes – Unearthing Passion and Protest
2019-07-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Developed out of their work at local National Trust properties with a connection to Peterloo, artists Grace Surman, Gary Winters and their children will lead a creative family workshop exploring ideas around collective action, democracy and children’s rights. Expect craft-based activities, discussion on what you think matters, personalised portraits and banging a drum.
This commission has been supported using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and with additional support from Art Fund.
This event is part of the National Trust’s People’s Landscapes programme, exploring the role our own places have played in social change.
This is a family event, all children to be accompanied by a participating parent/adult.
Part of Trust New Art, the National Trust’s programme of contemporary arts
Learn more about Peterloo and the National Trust
Learn more about People’s Landcapes
Learn more about the two new films are inspired by protest, rights and responsibilities
Drop in sessions: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
The drop-in events begin on the hour and last for approximately 40minutes.
Free – booking recommended

Saturday Spectacular
2019-07-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Media Lounge
Join us to make posters to mark the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre using pens, inks and quills. Join in with our board game challenge and much more.
Free – please drop in

Peterloo Poems by Manchester People
2019-08-06 14:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join us for this special event where we’ll have poets reading their own poems on the themes of Peterloo, with an audience to cheer them on.
Or if you are a mum with a young child bring them in the afternoon to our fun rhyming session ‘We’re Going to St Peters Fields.’
This event is organised by Seven Arches Publishing

THE MINISTRY OF LOST AND FOUND
2019-09-14 11:00 - 16:00
A LONG, LONG TIME AGO, THE GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONED THE MINISTRY OF LOST
& FOUND — A SECRET DEPARTMENT TASKED WITH PROTECTING THE MOST CURIOUS AND PRECIOUS OBJECTS EVER LOST OR FOUND.
Calling all secret agents, the Ministry has been thrown into chaos and Frankie Found needs your help to find Leo Lost. Frankie has called everyone she knows, and Leo still can’t be found!
Since the Ministry’s 123rd anniversary in 2018, Leo hasn’t been seen and we think he’s somewhere in Central Library. Is he lost, hiding somewhere or has something more mysterious happened? All in all, we need your help on the mission to find him!
Join Frankie and all our Ministry friends for quests, adventures, fun and games on an expedition around Central Library. For one day only, not to be missed!
P.S. With so much to see, do, make and play, you’ll most certainly find an appetite along the way. So, don’t forget your picnic and stay for the day.
FREE FAMILY EVENT, NO NEED TO BOOK*
*some activities have limited capacity and required booking on the day at the venue.

Dashehra Diwali Lantern Making Workshops
2019-10-05 00:00 - 2019-10-12 23:59 | City Library
In preparation for the Dashehra Diwali celebration on 12 October, we will be holding lantern making workshops for those wishing to be a part of the lantern parade on the evening of 12 October.
There are three sessions to choose from –
Saturday 5 October 11am–1.30pm
Saturday 5 October 2 – 4pm
Saturday 12 October 1 – 5.30pm
Free event. Suitable for ages 7+, places are limited.

An Evening with Jim Kay: The Art of Harry Potter
2019-10-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Jim Kay will be talking about his inspiration behind the art for the book and what it was like to illustrate J.K. Rowling’s words. Jim will reveal some of the stories behind his work, the artists that have inspired him and how he goes about creating images of the key characters from the Harry Potter novels. This is a chance to get a fascinating insight in to Jim Kay’s work directly from the artist himself.
Jim Kay’s inspired reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s classic series has captured a devoted following worldwide. This stunning new fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire brings more breathtaking scenes and unforgettable characters to life – including Cedric Diggory, Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum. Fizzing with magic and brimming with humour, this full-colour edition will captivate fans and new readers alike as Harry, now in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, finds himself competing in the legendary Triwizard Tournament and facing death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards.
Jim will be signing copies of the books after the event but due to time restrictions we ask that anyone attending doesn’t ask for illustrations or doodles in their book. An exclusive dragon print by Jim Kay will be available free to everyone attending each event.

Dashehra Diwali Celebration
2019-10-12 13:00 - 18:00
Visit Central Library during the afternoon to start the celebrations off with performances, crafts and much more.
Free for everyone. No need to book just drop in.

Family Reading Day
2019-10-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Manchester Literature Festival presents…
Join us for a day of fictional fun! Enjoy FREE arts and crafts in our marketplace, and let your imagination run wild in our special story den…
Ready Steady Lift Off!: 10.30 – 11.30am
Navigate, sing, paint and play your way through astronaut training in this immersive theatre show for families, with live performance, music and storytelling. Once you’ve decorated your rocket, orbited space, encountered strange creatures and overcome cosmic catastrophes, you can fly your rocket home. Warning: Don’t wear your best party clothes!
Suitable for ages 3 to 8. Tickets £5

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Time: 11.45am – 12.15pm & 1.30 – 2pm
It’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 50th birthday! Eric Carle’s world-famous story is the most read children’s book in Britain. Celebrate this well-loved book with a range of crafts, games and story reading by our expert storyteller.
Suitable for ages 2 to 5. FREE – booking advised

Chris Haughton: 12.30 – 1.15pm
Join Chris Haughton for a fun-packed afternoon of stories, funny trailers, clever props, dancing and drawing games. An exciting new voice in children’s literature, Chris is the acclaimed picture book creator of A Bit Lost, Oh No George!, Shh! We Have a Plan and Goodnight Everyone. Children and adults alike will delight in his cast of quirky characters.
Suitable for ages 3 to 5. Tickets £5

Giraffes Can’t Dance 20th Anniversary Dance Party: 2 – 2.45pm
Would you bet on a long-legged, wobbly-kneed giraffe to win a dance contest? We know we wouldn’t! Come and join us at the Jungle Dance as we celebrate 20 years of Giles Andraea’s bestselling book, Giraffes Can’t Dance. Unleash your inner animal and dance like your favourite jungle character with Annabel Newfield.
Suitable for ages 2 to 5. Tickets £5

For tickets call the MLF box office on 0843 208 0500 or use the link below

A morning with Jacqueline Wilson
2019-10-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Performance Space
SORRY, THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT.
Join us for this very special event with best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson. Celebrating publication of her new book, We Are The Beaker Girls, Jacqueline will discuss creating the world of Tracy Beaker and why the little girl from a children’s home has proved so popular. There will be the opportunity to ask questions and buy books. Please note there will be no book signing after this event but printed bookplates with Jacqueline’s signature on will be available with every purchase from the book stall. Customers purchasing the Book + Ticket option will receive a signed copy of We Are The Beaker Girls.
Description
The new title, We Are the Beaker Girls, sees Tracy and Jess having found happiness living above The Dumping Ground – not the care home where Tracy Beaker spent her childhood, but a seaside antique shop! As well as a bit of match-making for her mum, Jess is keen to make new friends in her new town. But it’s not plain sailing as she is being picked on by a local kid who’s got it in for her. When Jess uncovers the truth about her new enemy, Jordan, whose life has been a lot like Tracy’s, things are set to change for the Beaker Girls.
Jacqueline Wilson
Since writing The Story of Tracy Beaker in 1991, Jacqueline has been heavily involved with charities who work with children and young people in care, and recent care leavers. She has met countless young people and their foster carers from a wide variety of backgrounds, and through her books, is keen to dispel the common myths around the achievement and parenting abilities of those brought up in the care system. The Tracy Beaker books (The Story of Tracy Beaker, The Dare Game and Starring Tracy Beaker) have together sold over 3.5 million copies. The Story of Tracy Beaker was adapted into the long-running and award-winning series by CBBC and became their most successful ever show. The success resulted in two spin-off series, Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground, which continues to run on CBBC. As well as the TV series there has also been an adaptation for the stage by the Nottingham Playhouse and a successful part-work magazine.

Sunday Spooktacular
2019-10-27 16:00 - 20:00
As part of Manchester’s Halloween in the City weekend, we are celebrating with a totally Spooky Sunday at Manchester Central Library.
We have many tricks and treats planned for those children brave enough to enter the haunted library!
Marvel at the magical drag queen storytellers
Discover the demonic disco
Create some creepy crafts
Watch a fearsome film
Take the trick or treat trail
Suitable for (very brave) children aged 7-12.
All children must be accompanied adults and all adults must be accompanied by a child. We don’t want anyone getting scared on their own!
To find out what else is happening at Halloween in the City visit www.visitmanchester.com/Halloween

First Person – Theatre Performance
2019-10-28 14:00 - 16:30
Two players enter a virtual world and compete for the ultimate prize: happiness. Made especially for public spaces and influenced by video games; First Person is a quirky fusion of fast paced promenade theatre and physical performance. Grab your headphones, predict your winner and cheer them on. Part of the Big Imaginations Festival. 30 min performance at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Suitable for 4+
Free drop in, but places are limited
(Wear comfortable shoes)

Get Ready for Halloween!
2019-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Media Lounge
Looking for inspiration for a Halloween outfit? Why not drop in to our Media Lounge and have a go a creating those important witches hats, wands and more? We will assist by using sewing machines for the finishing touches.
Free – family drop in

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration
2019-11-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Come and join us in a unique and special ancient Mexican celebration Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). In Mexican culture it is believed that during this time of the year your lost loved ones come back to visit. Family and friends gather together to honour their relatives and friends by cooking their favourite dishes, dancing, playing music, and telling their favourite stories. Visiting their graves and create elaborate beautiful decorated altars in their homes to welcome them. This is all a part of celebrating the cycle of life.
This exciting event will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, followed by a craft workshop for children where they can have lots of fun participating in Day of the Dead themed activities. During the workshop there will also be a free screening of a children’s film on this theme.
An authentic example of a typical Mexican altar (ofrenda) that is present in every Mexican households at this time of the year will also be on display in the Archives+ area on the ground floor of the library for 3 weeks.
Free drop-in, suitable for all ages

How Children Think
2019-11-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for our family fun day all about how children think about the social world. There will be fun activities to discover how children reason and co-operate with their friends and family! Take part in FREE story time sessions with puppets. music and crafts. Suitable for children aged 0-8 and their adults

Reading faces and hands: The science of speechreading and sign language
2019-11-09 11:00 - 14:30 | Archives+ Ground Floor
Join us for a free event exploring how language is more than just what we hear. Seeing the face of someone talking helps us understand what they are saying. Signed languages, such as British Sign Language (BSL), use hand and body movements to ‘say’ anything that can be expressed in spoken language. Take part in fun activities to discover how seeing the person is important in communication.
Free – register here

M123 meet-up
2019-11-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Media Lounge
Are you a resident in the city centre? If you have a M1, M2 or M3 postcode, come along to our new monthly meet-up in the Media Lounge. Be the envy of your friends by creating bags using mixed media. Pop along and meet your neighbours, chatting is encouraged and little ones can come along too!
Free-please drop-in

Story Selector
2019-11-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Museum Pop-up Space
Children’s storyteller Robin Simpson will be performing the exciting, curious and fascinating stories behind objects in Manchester Jewish Museum’s story selector machine. Come along and help him decide the direction the stories go and see the objects behind the stories.
Suitable for families
Free – please drop in

Roving Robots Coding Workshop
2019-11-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Media Lounge
Do you want to learn how to code? Come along to our new series of coding workshops for all. Families, adults, grandparents, in fact anyone aged 8 years and above is welcome to join us in learning how to code these cute and friendly robots.
Free – please drop-in

Explore your Archive Week
2019-11-25 15:00 - 2019-11-29 16:00
Visit Central Library and help us to create our own cabinet of wonder. In these sessions we will showcase material which you may not normally have the chance to see. Help us search for hidden gems from our collections to add to our wonderful new treasure.
Free – please drop in

Junior Jam: Noisy Toys
2019-11-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Junior Jam – our jam-packed music sessions for 4-8 year olds!
With an exciting theme each month – from Space Travel to Loop the Loop – help your little ones develop their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way.
Sessions are free and take place at the Children’s Library at Manchester Central Library. Places are limited (20 children per session) so sign up in advance to secure your spot.
Two 50-minute sessions will take place at 10am and 11am.
All instruments are provided.

Sensory Story Time
2019-12-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Performance Space
A new monthly sensory storytime, suitable for children with sensory or autistic spectrum needs. The sessions will consist of a story and 3-4 songs, and will aim to be as visual as possible. Age group 4-7 years (flexible depending upon the individual needs of the child).
All bookings can be made by phone on 234 1990. Places are free but must be booked as restricted to ten places. A social story will be emailed to the child when the booking is confirmed.
