Chinese New Year Celebration
2022-02-06 12:00 - 16:00 UTC
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

Sunday Funday - Festival of Libraries Celebration
2023-06-11 12:00 - 16:00 | 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 of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue or online

Craftivism
2023-08-07 14:00 - 16:00 | 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
Drop in or stay for this whole craftivism session to make some radical badges and gelli-plate prints with a local artist.
Chat about the impact of Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp with Greenham women while eating cake as we create a space for the change we want to see in the world!
All materials are provided.
Common Ground is a series of events made possible thanks to support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund as part of a project to map the impact of the Greenham Common Peace Camp on the women who inhabited it and the communities they returned to.
Free – book a place via the Manchester Histories website

The Lowry Saturday Spectacular Takeover
2023-08-19 12:00 - 16:00 | 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 with all their favourite characters!
Free – drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Back to School Activity
2023-09-02 13:00 - 15:00 | 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
2023-09-09 13:00 - 16:00
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 tour – book here
Free – please book in advance
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Black British Book Festival on Tour
2023-09-17 11:45 - 17:00
“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 for established and up and coming writers across the country.
Championing emerging talent, hear from leading voices in Manchester Central Library on Sunday 17 September and discover your new favourite Black authors at this family festival that aims to banish barriers to entry.
Storytelling, workshops and talks, from key black authors including Derek Owusu, Manchester based poet Jackie Kay and author Kehinde Andrews, British academic and author specialising in Black Studies, will be part of the festival event taking place in Manchester Central Library.
Ore Agbaje-Williams and Lola Jaye will lead workshops, and children and adult and children’s authors Ella Phillips and Kimberley Whittam and Jaqueline Ro will also take part in the planned events.
Manchester Libraries & Archives and Read Manchester will also promote their See Myself in Book collections on the day, which ensure books are racially inclusive.
Tickets for the event are free.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills Employment, and Leisure said:
” We have a wealth of interesting and creative talent in Manchester across diverse communities, so I am particularly pleased that we are hosting this family friendly festival, of established and emerging black British authors representing all literature genres, in Manchester Central Library. We need to be able to reach out to all communities to make literature more accessible and engaging and break down barriers to inspire a love of reading and light the spark for future generations in the city. This is a step in the right direction.”
The festival has partnered with major publishers including Pan Macmillan, Hachette, Penguin and SAGE.

European Day of Languages Storytime
2023-09-23 14:00 - 15:00
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 donation at our cash or contactless donation boxes

Little Reads Family Day with Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola
2023-10-14 10:30 - 12:30 | 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 created Rocket and what inspired her adventures in this action-packed event about speaking up for what you believe in. Includes Speak Up! activity trail and crafting. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival.
Suitable for ages 3 – 6
Image credit: Tim Lane, Penguin Books

The Welcome Roadshow
2023-10-23 10:30 - 16:30 | 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 community and finding out more about The Welcome a nine-day extravaganza coming to Aviva Studios this autumn.
Find out more and book on the workshops here.

Spooky Sunday: Horrible Family Halloween Party!
2023-10-29 17:00 - 20:00
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 family (maximum in a family on 1 ticket is 3 children and 2 adults)
Please note – no unaccompanied adults

Under the Little Red Moon
2023-11-08 11:00 - 11:30 | 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

Sunday Funday - Chinese New Year
2024-02-11 12:00 - 16:00
Join us for a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Dragon. We will have amazing crafts, performances, workshops amongst other exciting activities. Suitable for families.
This event is free, but please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme if you can, online, or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
