Half Term Holidays Programme
2026-05-26 09:00 - 2026-05-30 17:00 UTC
Looking for some family fun over the holidays? Check out our full half-term activity programme. With crafts, games, and activities to be found across the library every day of the holidays, come and discover a world of fun right here in the library. All materials will be provided – you just need to pack your imagination!

Children’s crafts for Eid

Tuesday 26 May, 2-4pm
Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for an interactive craft workshop as we prepare for Eid. We will provide all the materials to make Eid-themed bookmarks, just bring yourself! Suitable for children. Free entry, just drop in.

Ducklee Adventures Storytime

Wednesday 27 May, 2-3pm
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)

Join local children’s author Sabrina Martins Alauf for a gentle storytelling and colouring session inspired by her children’s book series, Ducklee Adventures. Children and families will meet Ducklee, a curious and kind-hearted little duck who explores friendship, discovery and gentle adventures. The session will include an introduction to the story, an interactive chat with the children and Ducklee-themed colouring activities. Free entry, just drop in.

Railway-themed Crafts

Wednesday 27 May, 2-3.30pm
Lower Ground Floor
Join us for an interactive craft session as we draw the curtain on the 200th anniversary of the invention of the modern railway. We’ll be making some lovely paper trains and a colourful railway track. Suitable for children aged 4-10. All materials provided, just bring yourself. Free entry, just drop in.

Farsi Storytime

Thursday 28 May, 11-12
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free entry, just drop in.

Polish Heritage Month Family Crafts

Thursday 28 May, 1-4pm
Performance Space
Join us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios, and much more! We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Free entry, just drop in.

LEGO Robotics Workshops (children)

Friday 29 May, 2-4pm
Lower Ground Floor
In this hands-on LEGO robotics workshop, children work in small teams to design and build their own racing robots without step-by-step instructions, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. They then program their robots using simple block-based coding to detect and avoid obstacles using motion sensors. Once complete, robots are tested through fun challenges, racing and navigating courses, combining engineering, teamwork and creativity in an engaging session. Recommended age: 8-13. Free entry, just drop in.

Italian Storytime

Saturday 30 May, 11.30am-12 noon
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Our monthly sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases while gesturing, chanting and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.

Spanish Storytime

Saturday 30 May, 12pm–12.45pm
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Hola! Join María at our monthly sessions to listen to a story in Spanish, learn phrases and vocabulary, and have fun! We end each session with a simple craft to make something related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.
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

Ducklee Adventures Storytime
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Children’s Library
Join local children’s author Sabrina Martins Alauf for a gentle storytelling and colouring session inspired by her children’s book series, Ducklee Adventures. Children and families will meet Ducklee, a curious and kind-hearted little duck who explores friendship, discovery and gentle adventures. The session will include an introduction to the story, an interactive chat with the children and Ducklee themed colouring activities.
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

Railway Themed Crafts
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for an interactive craft session as we draw the curtain on the 200th anniversary of the invention of the modern railway. We’ll be making some lovely paper trains and a colourful railway track. Suitable for children aged 4-10. All materials provided, just bring yourself.
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

Farsi Storytime
2026-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we 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

Polish Heritage Month Family Crafts
2026-05-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios, and much more! We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
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

LEGO Robotics Workshops
2026-05-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
A hands-on LEGO robotics workshop for children. Children work in small teams to design and build your own racing robots without step-by-step instructions, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. They then program their robots using simple block-based coding to detect and avoid obstacles using motion sensors. Once complete, robots are tested through fun challenges, racing and navigating courses, combining engineering, teamwork and creativity in an engaging session.
Recommended age: 8-13.
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

Persian Calligraphy Workshop
2026-06-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Lower Ground Floor
We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.
Free entry – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Refugee Week Celebrations
2026-06-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for a special day of events celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Experience a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi, join storytime sessions, and much more.
Programme

Persian Calligraphy workshop
11am-1pm

Lower Ground Floor

We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.

Storytimes

1-2pm Arabic

3-4pm Farsi

Children’s Library

Listen to stories and songs in English and other languages. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds.

Free entry – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an interactive session celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music. Learn about this traditional Chinese holiday by making your own mugwort sachet and designing your own kite during this fun and engaging workshop. Suitable for children.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Read to the Beat: School Holidays Programme
2026-07-01 08:00 - 2026-08-29 17:00
School’s out and the Summer Reading Challenge is in! Join us at Central Library and discover a jam-packed programme of free activities for the whole family! From Lego clubs to family crafts, from film screenings to DJing and Ukulele groups, there is something for everyone! Make new friends and discover how to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in a fun and interactive way.
Check out the full programme below:
Little Movers and Shakers – Monday 3 August, 11-11:30am – Music Library (1st Floor)
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children up to 4 years old. Free entry, just turn up.
Summer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave! – Monday 3 August, 2-3.30pm – Music Library
Meet DJ Mu-Mu who will demonstrate the art of turntables and vinyl at our Read & Rave activity! Children can bop, dance, do a musical worksheet or read! Children will be able to have 5 minutes each on the decks. Space is limited for turntable activity, but the read & rave is open to all to enjoy the music and reading! Suitable for ages 4-11. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Summer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster session – Tuesday 4 August, 2-4pm – Music Library
Join Jim Wallace for a fun and relaxed beginner ukulele session for children. No experience is needed and instruments are provided. Kids will learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs, and enjoy making music together in a friendly, small-group setting. Suitable for ages 7+. Places are limited, so booking is required on Eventbrite. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Lego Club – Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26 August, 1.30-3.30pm & Saturday 8 August, 2-3pm – Lower Ground Floor
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above.  Free, just drop in.
Craft Session: Princess Hat Making – Thursday 6 August, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for a fun and interactive craft workshop where we will be making princess hats. We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity. Free entry, just drop in.
Film Fridays – various dates below – Friday 7, 14, 21 & 28 August, 1-4pm – Performance Space
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in.
Ukrainian Storytime – Saturday 8 August, 1.30-2pm – Children’s Library
Привіт! Join our monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.
Arabic Storytime – Saturday 8 August, 2-3pm – Children’s Library
Join us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English. Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online Free – just drop in.
Intergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub – Monday 10 August, 10-11:30am – Music Library
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, accessible and welcoming to everyone. Free – just drop in.
Summer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots! – Monday 10 August, 2-3pm – Performance Space
Get ready to move, groove, and feel the rhythm! Drumroots brings the heart of Africa to life with high-energy drumming, vibrant beats, and joyful vibes. Whether you’re clapping, dancing, or drumming along, this is your chance to connect through rhythm and let the music tell a story. No experience needed, just bring your hands and your happy feet!! Suitable for ages 4-11. Space is limited. Book your free spot via this Eventbrite link
Summer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft – Tuesday 11 August, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
A relaxed, drop-in creative session inspired by music. Children can design and decorate their own cardboard guitars using craft materials. Join the “big doodle” artwork which will be passed around for everyone to add to. Music will play throughout to spark ideas and create a fun, shared atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop in.
STEM Club – Thursday 13 August, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science! Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. Free entry, just drop in
Colouring to Music – Monday 17 & 24 August, 10.30am-12pm – Children’s Library
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry, just drop in.
Cosplay Teen event – Tuesday 18 August, 12-4pm – Performance Space
Join Manchester Central Library for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. For those aged 12- 18, families welcome to attend with adults. Come in your best cosplay outfit, it might be bought or made by hand, it could be cosplay or wardrobe play, it can be anime, manga or book related. The event will be held in the Performance Space which will be closed to the public without a ticket. Photography of participants will only be allowed with express permission of the attendees. Open to young people aged 12-18. All adults must be accompanied by a 12–18-year-old or you may be refused entrance. Find out more via this Eventbrite link
Can You Dig It? Britannica Summer Challenge – Thursday 20 August, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Manchester City Library on 20 August between 2–4pm for Britannica Education’s “Can You Dig It?” Summer Reading event. This fossil-tastic drop-in event will provide a fun, dinosaur-themed activity kit to every attendee and the opportunity for children to explore Britannica Library to discover cool facts! Free entry, just drop in.
Muslim Dads Read Too! – Saturday 22 August, 2-4pm – Children’s Library

Join publishing house Little Hibba for a special event inviting Muslim dads to come along and enjoy reading with their little ones! Bring the whole family to Manchester Central Library’s children library to celebrate more Muslim books in the library. Expect reading sessions for children, colouring activities, and much more! Free entry! Book your ticket on Eventbrite.
Farsi Storytime – Monday 24 August, 3-4pm – Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in.
Summer Reading Challenge Singing Puppet Craft Fun! – Tuesday 25 August, 2-3.30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join artist Caroline for a fun, free Summer Reading Challenge activity! Get ready to sing, play, and create! Warm up your vocal cords and bring your puppet to life in this exciting craft session! Suitable for ages 4-11. Free – just drop in.
Pride Storytime – Thursday 27 August, 2-3pm – Children’s Library
Kick off your Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Manchester Central Library. Join us for a fun and interactive storytime with songs, rhymes and Pride-themed picture books. Then get crafty! Create your own protest signs and noise-makers, to celebrate in style and make your voice heard! We will also have a range of LGBTQIA+ children’s books out to have a look at – share your favourites and discover something new! Suitable for children aged 4-7 and their families. Free – just drop in.
Storytelling: The Blossom Bird at Manchester Central Library,
Friday 28th August, 11am and 1pm, Saturday 29th August, 11am and 2pm, Henry Watson Music Library, 1st Floor
Join storytellers and puppeteers, The League of Curiosity, to hear the tale of The Blossom Bird. Meet Pipit, a lost and featherless little bird, who is taken in by a family of wildflowers. With their gentle guidance, Pipit learns what it means to belong, to grow, and to trust the magic of who they truly are. Through story, song, and movement, this tiny dreamer blossoms into their real self – cheered on by the family who chose them.
A heart-felt tale that celebrates the wisdom of flowers, the beauty of blooms, and the power of being just who you are!
Funded by the Postcode Lottery.
Book your free ticket via Eventbrite here

Storytime and Mindfulness for Children (4+ years)
2026-07-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş.
We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft.
Suitable for children aged 4+.
Book your free spot via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Family Film Club
2026-07-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Enjoy a special edition of the Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and a family classic on the library’s huge screen. Screenings start at 1.30pm – drop in from 1pm. Most suitable for under 12s.
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.

South Asian Heritage Month Crafts
2026-07-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Create your very own dholak drums, inspired by traditional instruments from India! These beautiful drums originated in the Indian subcontinent and have deep roots in South Asian culture. Suitable for children and families aged 5 and up. Come craft, create, and celebrate with us!
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

Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade Workshops!
2026-07-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Crafting workshops for children and their families to make headwear inspired by a favourite book for Manchester Day, which this year is celebrating the joy of reading and books, and the city’s link with Barcelona. Would you like to take part in Manchester Day on Sunday 26 July – make a book-inspired head dress or hat and wear it in the city for Manchester Day… come along to the workshop and tell us about your favourite book, then make a hat. Wear your book-inspired hat to watch the Parade and then take part in the Hat Walk at 3pm on Sunday 26 July, taking place in Central Library as part of Manchester Day. The Best Hats will win prizes!
Free – booking advised. Booking link for Thursday: Booking link for Saturday
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Sunday Funday - Manchester Day 2026
2026-07-26 11:30 - 17:00 | Ground Floor
We’re celebrating Manchester Day at Central Library!
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. Alongside the international line-up, this year’s event also includes a book-inspired theme.
So, obviously we’re ALWAYS ready to celebrate reading at Central Library. Join us 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 walk the plank!

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

Little Movers and Shakers
2026-08-03 11:00 - 11:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Calling all little groovers! Enjoy a fun, high-energy session filled with music and dance. Get ready to show off some moves – we’ll bring the tunes! Suitable for children up to 4 years old.
Free entry – 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

Summer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave!
2026-08-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Meet DJ Mu-Mu who will demonstrate the art of turntables and vinyl at our Read & Rave activity! Children can bop, dance, do a musical worksheet or read! Children will be able to have 5 minutes each on the decks. Space is limited for turntable activity, but the read & rave is open to all to enjoy the music and reading! Suitable for ages 4-11.
Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster Session
2026-08-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join Jim Wallace for a fun and relaxed beginner ukulele session for children. No experience is needed and instruments are provided. Kids will learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs, and enjoy making music together in a friendly, small-group setting. Suitable for ages 7+. Places are limited.
Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

LEGO Club
2026-08-05 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-19 13:30 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above.
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

Craft Session: Princess Hat Making
2026-08-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for a fun and interactive craft workshop where we will be making princess hats. We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity.
Free entry – 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

Film Fridays
2026-08-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old.
Free entry, 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

Summer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots!
2026-08-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Get ready to move, groove, and feel the rhythm! Drumroots brings the heart of Africa to life with high-energy drumming, vibrant beats, and joyful vibes. Whether you’re clapping, dancing, or drumming along, this is your chance to connect through rhythm and let the music tell a story. No experience needed, just bring your hands and your happy feet!! Suitable for ages 4-11. Space is limited.
Book your free spot via this Eventbrite link
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft
2026-08-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
A relaxed, drop-in creative session inspired by music. Children can design and decorate their own cardboard guitars using craft materials. Join the “big doodle” artwork which will be passed around for everyone to add to. Music will play throughout to spark ideas and create a fun, shared atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4-11.
Free entry, just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

STEM Club
2026-08-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science! Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11.
Free entry, just drop in
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Colouring to Music
2026-08-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace.
Free entry – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Cosplay Teen Event
2026-08-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. Come in your best cosplay outfit, it might be bought or made by hand, it could be cosplay or wardrobe play, it can be anime, manga or book related.

Crafts
Cosplay competition
Interview with Milliner for TV and film Julia C Walker
Selfie area
Chill out area
Stalls selling related items

The event will be held in the Performance Space which will be closed to the public without a ticket.
Photography of participants will only be allowed with express permission of the attendees.
Open to young people aged 12-18. All adults must be accompanied by a 12–18-year-old or you may be refused entrance.
Free – please book via this Eventbrite link or click ‘Book Now’ below
