Library Live

Little Reads
2026-07-15 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-18 11:00 - 11:30 UTC | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 – 6, but all family members are welcome.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Polish Storytime
2026-07-18 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Join our fun and interactive storytelling session in Polish! We will listen to stories in Polish and English.
Suitable for children aged 4–7.
Free – drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

French Storytime
2026-07-25 13:30 - 14:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for Central Library’s French Storytime session.

Listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends!
Suitable for children aged 4-7.
Free – just drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Mandarin Storytime
2026-07-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Library
Join our Mandarin Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin, then English. Have fun and learn new words! Suitable for children aged 4–7.
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

Sunday Funday - Manchester Day 2026
2026-07-26 11:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor
We’re celebrating Manchester Day 2026.
¡Hola! Manchester – get ready for colour, creativity and a Catalan twist as our city comes together for its biggest day of the year.

This year’s Manchester Day celebrates our city’s cultural links with Barcelona. Following Manchester’s appearance at Barcelona’s La Mercè festival in 2025, artists from the city will return the visit. For the first time, international talent will bring high‑energy performances and a taste of Catalan culture to Manchester.

Alongside the international line-up, this year’s event also includes a book-inspired theme. As part of the National Year of Reading, storytelling and imagination will be woven through the parade and performances.
The storytelling will continue at Central Library as book characters come to life! take a magical journey to Narnia, take a ride in the glass lift (or elevator!) with Willy Wonka, and avoid being recruited by Captain Hook to join his motley crew!
Expect special performances, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages!

Free entry – please drop in (face painting: £2 per child)
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
