Festival of Belonging
2020-03-07 09:00 - 2020-03-14 17:00 UTC
Join Manchester Jewish museum in a multi-arts festival, exploring what makes us feel that we belong, how we assimilate in new places and what happens when we don’t belong. We have been thinking about the stories of Jewish people who came to Manchester in playful and creative ways. There’s theatre, comedy, music, installations, family story-telling and a unique foodie film experience to enjoy!
For more information and tickets:
https://www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com/whats-on-2/

Spanish Story Time
2020-03-07 14:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor Link
Come along to a new session of stories, songs and activities in Spanish, suitable for 4-7 year olds
Monthly on a Saturday from 2.00-2.30. No need to book. Dates for 2020

7th March
4th April
2nd May
23rd May
27th June
19th September
10th October
14th November
12th December

Free – please drop in

Roving Robots Coding Workshop
2020-03-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Media Lounge
THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED
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 or more, is welcome to join us to learn how to code these cute and friendly robots.
Free – please drop in

Tiny Fun Palaces
2020-10-03 13:30 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Join Angela and Siobhan at Central Library to help you make your Tiny Fun Palace in a Bag. Places are very limited!
Booking is essential via Eventbrite
You can also pick up a Free Mini Fun Palace in a Bag from these libraries: Central Library, Fallowfield Library, Forum Library, Longsight Library and North City Library. The Mini Fun Palace Bag contains a few items to get you started with our activities, plus instructions and links to the videos. You will also need a few other recycling items and anything else you have at home to help decorate your makes. Bags are free but we have limited supplies so Early Birds – get to your local Fun Palace Library and make sure you get one – When they’re gone, they’re gone!
Manchester Libraries will also be online for a fun-filled day of Fun Palace activities from our wonderful communities and partners. We love sharing our passions for arts, culture, science and technology, learning new creative skills and making new friends and this year is no different – we’ve just gone Digital! There’s lots of fun for all ages from children to adults.
There are great activities you can follow at home by checking out our special video demonstrations at Manchester Libraries Facebook page.

Festival of Libraries - Sunday Funday
2021-06-13 12:00 - 16:00
Celebrate the Festival of Libraries with a special Sunday opening at Central Library. There will be a special mix of crafts and performance plus a chance to meet some of you favourite characters. Suitable for families with children under the age of 12.
Please note that this will be a specially socially distanced event so pre-booking is absolutely essential. We will be unable to admit you if you have not booked tickets by Saturday 12th June.
Strictly limited tickets are available to book free of charge for the following sessions:
Sunday 13th June, 12-2pm: Book free tickets here
Sunday 13th June, 2-4pm: Book free tickets here
This is a free event but please consider making a donation either in the venue or online to support our cultural recovery
Please note that you must obtain a ticket for each adult and child in your group.
Adults must wear a face mask unless medically exempt

Little Reads Family Day with Chris Haughton & Daishu Ma
2021-10-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
MANCHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Chris Haughton & Daishu Ma 10.00 – 10.45
Music & Drama Family Workshop 11.15 – 12.15
We are delighted to present a very special in person event with Chris Haughton, the acclaimed picture book creator of titles including Oh No George! and Shh! We Have a Plan for an action-packed family event celebrating his story Maybe… He will be joined by author and illustrator Daishu Ma who will translate the stories into Mandarin Chinese as well as introducing us to some of her own wonderful characters.
Families can then join a drama & music workshop by acclaimed Manchester artists Yemi Bolatiwa & Ged Mulherin as they respond to Chris’s naughty monkey characters and encounters with scary tigers.
Ged Mulherin is a renowned drama workshop leader, actor and co-founder of TripleC. TripleC design their workshops to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible. They encourage participants to create characters within role play and develop storytelling through imaginative play. Yemi Bolatiwa is a versatile contemporary soul and jazz singer and workshop leader. Featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Kiss FM as a professional recording vocalist, she brings her experience to the community and family settings with big smiles and big energy.
Suitable for ages 2 – 6
Please note: We have reduced the capacity at this venue to increase space between seats so everyone can enjoy the event safely. If you’d like to sit with friends, please book all seats together in the same transaction. Although masks are no longer mandatory under Government guidance, we strongly encourage everyone to wear one when in close proximity to others, particularly when entering and leaving the event. We also encourage everyone to use the sanitation stations and sign in using track and trace when they arrive.
Book on 0343 208 0500

Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength
2021-10-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
MANCHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL
What do you want to be when you grow up? Curated by Stormzy and the #Merky Books team, Superheroes is a new children’s book celebrating modern day heroes from across the worlds of sport, music, food, the arts and more. Join us to celebrate the launch with an interactive workshop run by performance poet Sophia Thakur and illustrator Denzell Dankwah. This will be a lively afternoon of drawing, poetry and writing to encourage and empower children to harness their power and become their own superhero.
This 2 hour workshop will finish at 4pm
Suitable for ages 9 – 12 yrs. A responsible adult must stay in the venue for the duration of the workshop.
Please note: We have reduced the capacity at this venue to increase space between seats so everyone can enjoy the event safely. If you’d like to sit with friends, please book all seats together in the same transaction. Although masks are no longer mandatory under Government guidance, we strongly encourage everyone to wear one when in close proximity to others, particularly when entering and leaving the event. We also encourage everyone to use the sanitation stations and sign in using track and trace when they arrive.
Book on 0343 208 0500

ScienceX: A free family fun day 1
2021-10-23 10:00 - 16:00
A free, interactive festival of exploration and experiments and a great chance for kids to discover the fun behind science and engineering. ScienceX is a festival like no other: bursting with fun, exciting activities for children, and open to all. Discover what the world of science and engineering is really about as we focus this year on climate change and the environment around us. ScienceX is back for 2021, but with a new home. On 23 and 25 October, this free weekend-long science and engineering festival will be held at Manchester Central Library. At ScienceX, you can learn about all about climate, sustainability and the environment. There are plenty of opportunities for families to get hands-on with a whole host of experiments – make DNA bracelets, build your own electronic car motors, learn about how we design robots to keep humans safe or become a climate-friendly chef for the day. Come along with your climate questions and through the event, find out how you can make a positive difference in the world. Our friendly scientists and engineers will be there to excite and inspire young environmentalists, campaigners, creative minds and future scientists and engineers. For those wanting to learn at home, there is a whole host of online activities for all ages. Children and families can learn recipes for more sustainable baking, do hands-on experiments from home, or take part in our very own Escape Room. There’s a variety of videos, worksheets and other online resources so you can carry on learning about climate change and sustainability from wherever you are. Come along to ScienceX this October and find out how you and your family can make a difference to the world around us.

Free – please drop in

ScienceX: A free family fun day 2
2021-10-25 10:00 - 16:00

1001 Inventions: Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry
2021-10-30 - 2021-10-31 | Performance Space
1001 Inventions invites families in Greater Manchester to join us on a fascinating learning journey and to unravel some mysteries from the science of CHEMISTRY. Fun and educational sessions will bring the magic of wizards and potions to help cast a spell on children so that they fall in love with science!
Follow in the footsteps of 8th century pioneer Jabir ibn Hayyan through a short animated film screening, on-stage demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Excite budding scientists and help them understand the applications of chemistry and its importance to their daily lives. Introduce your children to the contributions made to science by lesser-known pioneers.
When? 30th & 31st October 2021
Who? Children aged 7-12 with their parent or responsible adult
Where? Manchester Central Library
Cost? FREE EVENT!
Saturday October 30th: 14:00-15:30pm and 16:00-17:30pm
Sunday October 31st; 10:00-11:30am 12:00-13:30pm · 14:30-16:00pm and 17:00-18:30pm

Christmas Tree Traditions
2021-12-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
We will be decorating 7 community Christmas trees in a range of traditional styles. Have a go at creating your own Christmas crafts and join our Manchester communities as they share their traditional crafts.
Free – but please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Christmas Extravaganza
2021-12-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
The whole family is invited to join us for Central Library’s Christmas celebrations!
We’ll have choirs singing songs and carols, Christmas crafts for children and hot chocolate and festive treats to warm you up in the cafe.
Keep an eye out for the Toy Soldiers who will be popping up during the day. We’ll also be trying to tempt Mr Scrooge to come out of his house and discover the true joy of Christmas.
One of the best people to do that is of course Father Christmas himself. I wonder if he will be making an appearance.
Free – but please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Chinese New Year Celebration
2022-02-06 12:00 - 16:00
Help us celebrate the Year of the Tiger in Central Library on one of our special Sunday openings. Join in the fun as we offer themed family activities and crafts for everyone to enjoy

Free – drop in event – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

International Mother Language Day
2022-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Communities across Manchester will come together to enjoy an afternoon of celebration for all the family. Sharing their stories, language, music, dance and food, it is sure to be a joyful gathering. Confirmed for this year are the Lithuanian Community, and the first time in our event history, members of both the Libyan and Moroccan Amazigh community will be joining together to share their cultural heritage with everyone.
Free – drop in event – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Cracking Crafts
2022-04-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Lower Ground Floor Link
Pop in to Central Library for cracking creativity. Make some spring and Easter themed crafts to celebrate the start of spring.
Suitable for families with children under 12.
Free – just drop in – to help keep our activities free in the future please consider making a donation, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Sunday Funday: A Royal Celebration
2022-06-05 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Enjoy a free, fun packed afternoon with lots to do for all the family as we come together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There wil be Jubilee themed art and craft family workshops with artists Caroline Coates and Simone Frater-Russell throughout the afternoon. Family film screening starting at 1pm, plus popcorn! Free face painting for all with talented artist, Vix.
Free – drop in – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Sunday Funday – See Myself in Books
2022-06-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join in a range of family-friendly activities celebrating the joy of books and stories celebrating diversity. Relax in the story tent with our storyteller sharing stories with characters and authors/illustrators of colour. Listen to music from a range of cultures and spend some time getting creative with a selection of craft activities for families.
Free – drop in – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Armed Forces Day
2022-06-25 11:00 - 16:00
Join the Archives+ team as we honour the outstanding contribution of the nation’s armed forces at a special celebration for all the family. Pop along to our stall just outside Central Library
Free – drop in – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge - Steam Punk Crafts
2022-08-10 14:00 - 15:30
It’s rusty, it has cogs and a propellor and it makes a racket…it’s a Steampunk time machine. How do Steampunks get around and what do they wear? Make your own Steampunk time travelling machine or your own Steampunk accessories! No need to book just drop in. Suitable for families.
Free – drop in – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge - Musical Science
2022-08-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Experimenting with simple upcycled electrical junk, we will build little noisy contraptions, learn how they work and make some lovely noise together. Engineer an old speaker to sound like a robot chicken, and tap a slinky for powerful laser blasts! No need to book just drop in. Suitable for families.
Free – drop in – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge - Amazing Flying and Flapping Creations
2022-08-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join Jill to make some wonderful flying creatures, butterflies, bats, birds, whatever you wish to create. Why not drop and have a go at making your own. Suitable for families with children aged 12 and under.
Free – drop in – please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge – Amazing Flying and Flapping Creations
2022-08-17 14:00 - 16:00

Summer Reading Challenge - Circus skills
2022-08-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Come and try your hand at spinning plates, diablo, feather balancing and juggling with The Circus House. The friendly team will be on hand to help you learn some new skills!
Suitable for all ages and abilities
Free – to book contact 0161 234 1983

Summer Reading Challenge - Bridge Building Challenge
2022-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
How strong is paper? Could you make a bridge out of newspaper? Why not come along and take our challenge? Find out if you can make a structure strong enough to hold a heavy weight. Surprise yourself and amaze your friends in this fun activity.
Suitable for 7-12 year olds
Free – just drop in

Little Reads Family Day
2022-10-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Performance Space
Looking for a fun way to introduce children to important environmental issues? Sarah Roberts, author of the acclaimed Somebody Swallowed Stanley, will be sharing her latest beautifully illustrated book Somebody Woke Wilson. For millions of years, Wilson has slept toasty deep underground, along with billions of other carbon atoms. But when Wilson is suddenly woken, he is swept away on a startling adventure.
Sarah will be joined by our wonderful Little Reads artist Nanya Lad providing a big fun craft session making recycled craft to take home. You can also go on an adventure around Central Library with our Earth Activity Trail. Collect your activity sheet and follow the big footprints to learn about the world around you. Collect your prize at the end!
Suitable for ages 3 – 6 (please note all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Book on 0343 208 0500 or ‘book now’ link below

History of Carnival Workshops by Linford Sweeney
2022-10-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
The history of Caribbean Carnivals is much more complex than many realise. Carnival has origins based in colonialism and religious conversion, but it has now become a festival and celebration tied to freedom and emancipation from slavery. Learn about how established African-Caribbean communities transferred the traditions associated with carnival to Manchester as we explore the roots of the different aspects of carnival.

Wednesday 26 October at 2pm for families – suitable for age 10+

Book via www.racearchive.org.uk/events/black-history-month/

Sunday Winter Warmer!
2022-12-04 12:00 - 16:00
Come in from the cold to our Sunday Winter Warmer – a special Sunday afternoon opening for the family to have some fun and keep toasty. We’ll have crafts, entertainment and nice treats. Suitable for families.
Free – please make a donation to support our cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Half-Term Activity for Children
2023-02-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Lwr Ground floor – City Library
Behind The Lens is this year’s theme for LGBT+ history month. Join us to celebrate at our animation workshop inspired by popular culture. All are welcome at this free drop-in.
This activity is suitable for ages 8+
Free – just drop in – please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Children’s Music Activities
2023-02-25 11:30 - 15:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for a day of children’s music activities!
11:30 – Rhyme Time

Stories and songs.

12:20 – HWML instruments

A brief showing of some of the music library’s instruments, originating in different time periods and places around the world. Feel free to ask questions!

12:40 – Children’s instruments

Xylophones, maracas, triangles, ukuleles and much more to make some noise and have fun!

13:10 – Drum United

Positive, meditative drumming. Very relaxing.

14:00 – French Storytime

More stories and songs, this time in French!

Suitable for children aged 3 to 7. Families welcome.
All activities take place in the Henry Watson Music Library (1st Floor), apart from French Storytime, which will be in the Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor).
Free – drop in – please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme, either online at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes

International Women's Day Festival Event
2023-03-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Directly after Manchester’s City Council’s Walk for Women, the celebration continues here with a festival event featuring musical performances, speeches from influential and strong women in and around Manchester, Mexican dance, spoken word, and an amazing African fashion show! Find out more about the work going on in Manchester’s communities at the variety of information stalls on display.
Free – please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online
