Scrumptious!
2024-08-21 11:00 - 14:45 UTC | Performance Space
All is well at Sylvie’s Scrumptious Sweet Shop, P.C. Lee can’t resist the fruit cake, Stanley the Horse loves peppermint creams, and the Talkative Twins only cause a crumb of chaos. That is until a stranger arrives, and their irresistible ice cream threatens to spoil everything! Join us for this magical show about friendship and ice cream, with hilarious songs, dancing, storytelling and gentle audience participation — the perfect free treat for families and anyone young at heart. Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!
There are two shows: 11-11.45am & 2-2.45pm.
Free – spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!
To Book your place email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk

Love Science
2024-08-22 14:00 - 15:00
Join ‘Love Science’ this summer as part of the Marvellous Makers Club Summer Reading Challenge. Design and make light up pictures, use friction to defy gravity, and make a climbing model of your favourite book character to take home. Perfect for 5-11 year olds.
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

Manchester Central Library Fun Palace
2024-10-05 10:30 - 16:00
Manchester Central Library will join hundreds of Fun Palaces nationally and internationally set to explode with free and fun activities for all. Join us on Saturday, 5 October, and master new skills from your neighbours, share hobbies with friends old and new, and celebrate the passions and enthusiasms of all of us!
10.30am-4pm: Informal Bookbinding Workshops (Ground Floor)
Learn bookbinding with this free engaging workshop delivered by the National Society of Bookbinders for their 50th anniversary! Free, just drop in. More info here.
11.30am-12 noon: Ukrainian Storytime
Привіт! Join our new Ukrainian storytelling session led by one of our amazing volunteers! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7.
2-4pm: Crafty Palaces
Drop in and have a go at learning a new craft with the support of our local artists. Try finger knitting with Simone, learn how to weave using scrap fabrics with Nayna from Street Style Surgery, and much more! All ages welcome!
2-3.30pm: Lego Club
Join our regular Lego Club for a Fun Palaces special! Pick your favourite bricks and let your imagination run wild: what will your fun palace look like? 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

Fun Palaces is an ongoing national and international campaign, nurturing and supporting the potential and positivity of sharing people’s enthusiasms, passions and skills with their own local community. Fun Palaces has an annual weekend of events each October, although Fun Palaces can also happen at any time of year.
During the weekend of celebration, check out what’s happening elsewhere on X/Instagram: #FunPalaces | @FunPalaces. www.funpalaces.co.uk

Spooky Poems Aloud with Joseph Coelho
2024-10-12 13:00 - 13:45 | Performance Space
Prepare to jump into the SPOOKY, spellbinding world of spoken word poetry, with your guide: Joseph Coelho. In this interactive session with the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, you’ll be thrilled (and maybe even a litttttle scared) by performances from Joseph as he brings you his latest poetry compendium, Spooky Poems Aloud: 25 Poems to Frighten and Delight.
Get ready to have your funny bones tickled as we create poetry together and learn how to recite it loudly, softly, and even in ghostly whispers. Then join us on the Spooky Poems Aloud Activity Trail and craft activity for children created by community artist Emma Martin. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with Manchester Poetry Library. Supported by Library Live.
Suitable for age 5-10 years. (All children must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets: ‘Book Now’ below, phone 0161 876 2015 or visit the MLF website

Chinese New Year Celebration - Saturday
2025-02-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor
Celebrate the Year of the Snake as Bowen Education join us for arts & crafts, face painting, a selfie booth, and a Hanfu Show featuring traditional Chinese clothing.
This event is a celebration of cultural fusion, bringing together Eastern and Western traditions to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Chinese culture or enjoy the talents of local performers, there’s something for everyone!
Suitable for families.
Free – drop in. Advance booking optional: Chinese New Year Celebration at Manchester Central Library Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Festival of Libraries Sunday Funday!
2025-06-08 12:00 - 16:00
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate the final day of Festival of Libraries 2025. Expect special performances, music, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages!
Highlights include:
Out of this World! 2pm – 3.30pm

Join Wendy from Daresbury Laboratory and Dan Worsley, children’s author and performance storyteller as they embarks on an extra special, extraterrestrial storytelling journey. Dan will weave fact and fiction to prove that with a bit of imagination, anything really is possible. A guaranteed out-of-this-world storytelling experience!
Tickets are for Out of this World are free but limited and can be pre-booked here.
Storytime Fun with Simon the Storyteller 12.30pm-1.15pm and 2.30pm-3.15pm

Come and join Simon the Storyteller for fun interactive family story sessions. The sessions will include songs, games, parachute play and lots and lots of bubbles. These stories are great fun for all the family and will get everyone up on their feet singing and dancing.
Simon’s sessions will be at 12:30 and 2:30 and will last for 45 mins each. No booking required.
‘The Space’ presents a Virtual Reality experience!!

Wallace and Gromit Game
The Philharmonia’s Lark Ascending: A spellbinding 360 performance of Vaughan Williams’s piece, featuring Nicola Benedetti.
Berlin Blitz
Monoliths – exploring England’s Northern landscape

There’ll also be crafts galore, face painting fun, activities for all and time to relax in the magical children’s library.
Free. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Out of This World!
2025-06-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Performance Space
Have an interest in science? Enjoy getting creative with words?
Join Wendy from Daresbury Laboratory and Dan Worsley, children’s author and storyteller as they collaborate to create an extra-terrestrial event that mixes science fact and science fiction.
Prepare to believe the unbelievable as Dan takes you on an interplanetary journey using his mind-boggling storytelling skills. Alien adventures await as Dan weaves his story magic, models his writing and sets up a creative writing opportunity for the children to take on. Dan will then hand over his storytelling waistcoat to any budding storytellers willing to share their stories.
Wendy’s spectacular scientific knowledge will stretch your mind and transport you to another dimension without leaving the venue. Witness heat sensors in action, hear about incredible projects and see stunning images from space through visual and practical demonstrations. An out-of-this world visual experience!
TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND CAN BE PRE-BOOKED BELOW!

CHaOS Science Summer Roadshow
2025-07-19 11:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for an afternoon of science-based fun brought to you by CHaOS (Cambridge Hands-On Science)! All CHaOS events are run by friendly student volunteers from the University of Cambridge, bringing a selection of their favourite experiments from across the sciences for you and your family to get involved with! Fun, informative and great for all ages.
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

Story Garden Paper Flowers!
2025-07-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for a free interactive session inspired by the Summer Reading Challenge! Make wonderful paper flowers and find out how you can win prizes for reading. We’ll provide loads of colourful materials for you: just bring yourself!
Suitable for children aged 4-11.
Free entry – just drop in

ZooLab
2025-07-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Meet the Live Animals from ZooLab! Step into the wild garden of adventure and meet the amazing creatures from ZooLab! These real-life animal storytellers will take you on a journey through their own tales, full of slithers, scuttles, and surprises. Come face-to-face with nature’s most curious characters and discover the magic of their world!
Suitable for children aged 4-11.
Free entry – just drop in

Story Garden Crafts!
2025-07-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Join us at Central Library for our school holidays arts and craft session! Make wonderful carnivorous plants and giant pompom flowers, and find out all about the Summer Reading Challenge! All materials provided. Suitable for all children. No need to book.
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

Family Crafts for South Asian Heritage Month
2025-07-29 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for a special family craft session dedicated to South Asian Heritage Month. We’ll provide all the materials and teach you how to make marionettes! All welcome.
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

Come Meet the Wise Owls in the Story Garden!
2025-07-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
The Wise Owls are waiting! Join us in the Story Garden for a magical hour filled with Owl wisdom! Whether you’re curious or just love a good story, the Wise Owls are ready to welcome you with a hoot!
Suitable for children aged 4-11.
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

Laws of Your Game
2025-08-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for this exciting session brought to you by National Football Museum! Every great game needs rules, but who says we can’t rewrite them? In this workshop, you’re the rule-maker of football. What do your laws of the game look like? Maybe every goal gets a dance-off, everyone wears capes, or kindness on the pitch earns extra goals. In this workshop we’ll start positive conversations around inclusion and diversity. Who is currently left out of football? What rules could we write to include more people?
Suitable for families.
Free entry – drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Half and Half Scarves
2025-08-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for a collaborative and fun session led by the National Football Museum! Half & half scarves tell a story of rivalries, friendships, big matches, and personal connections. Now, it’s your turn to create one that represents you! Pick your colours and patterns, choosing a simple design that reflect two sides of your identity, maybe it’s your hometown and your new city, your club and your country, your football passion and beyond. Then, weave them together into a mini half & half scarf, just like the ones you see at the match.
Suitable for families.
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

Plant Your Story Garden!
2025-08-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Calling all budding gardeners (pun unintended) and readers!
Get potting at this fun interactive session for the whole family.
We’ll provide seeds, soil and pots, just bring yourself!
We’ll also help you sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge, so you can win some wonderful prizes.
What’s not to like?
Free, no need to book.
Thursday 28 August. 2-4pm. Lower Ground Floor.

Story Garden: A Garden Collage
2025-08-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Performance Space
To welcome bees and butterflies, we’ll start by planting beautiful, colourful flowers. But that’s not all—we’re going to get crafty too!
Using decorative paper and layers of soft tissue paper, we’ll create a giant blooming flower collage.
Each petal we add will remind us how important flowers are for pollination and how we can help protect our natural world.
So grab your glue sticks and let your imagination bloom—our garden is about to get a whole lot more magical!
Free entry, no need to book.
Friday 29 August. 1-2.30pm. Performance Space.

Film Friday
2025-08-29 14:30 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Does Friday afternoon and cinema sound like a good combo to you?
Then join us at Manchester Central Library for a free film screening with themed crafts!
We may even have popcorn!
Suitable for children up to 12 years old. No need to book, free to drop in from 2.30pm. Film screening starts at 2.30pm.
Friday 29 August. 2.30-4pm. Performance Space.

Wonderland Sunday Funday at Central Library!
2025-08-31 12:00 - 16:00
Not quite ready for the end of the holidays? Join us at Central Library for a special end-of-summer extravaganza brought to you by Z-Arts and Manchester Libraries!
*FULL PROGRAMME*
Yoga and movement sessions for children
Performance Space (Ground Floor)
Start times: 12pm, 1pm
Storytimes
Performance Space (Ground Floor)
Start times: 12.30pm, 1.30pm
Bessie’s Bees (Storytime)
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Start time: 12pm
Wonderland family gig: Yemi Bolatiwa and her band
Performance Space (Ground Floor)
3-4pm
Face painting, crafts and carrot trail: THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOON!
Why not dress up for the occasion? Costumes encouraged – whether you’re a mischievous Cheshire Cat or a dapper White Rabbit!
Bring your sense of wonder, a big smile, and your whole crew for a family-friendly adventure that’s sure to be madly memorable!
FREE ENTRY! JUST DROP IN

An evening with Katherine Rundell
2025-09-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
We are delighted to welcome bestselling author Katherine Rundell to Manchester to celebrate the release of The Poisoned King!
The mesmerising follow-up to Rundell’s Waterstones Book of the Year 2023-winning Impossible Creatures finds Christopher embroiled in an elaborate rescue mission as he returns to the magical world of the Archipelago.
Katherine joins us at Manchester Central Library for a talk, audience Q&A and signing. Please note that Katherine will sign all books bought from Waterstones on the day of the event, but due to time restraints and to make sure that all readers have a chance to get their book signed, Katherine will only be able to sign one book brought from home
About The Poisoned King
The dragons call out, and the ratatoskas tell of murder.
Come with us now. There is justice to be done.

Return to the Archipelago – the secret place in our world where all the creatures of myth still live and thrive, for a rescue mission like no other. The Poisoned King is the second book in the epic Impossible Creatures fantasy series from bestselling author Katherine Rundell.
When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face, his heart leaps for joy. For months he’s dreamed of returning to the Archipelago. But he did not know it would involve a rescue mission on the back of a sphinx, or a plan to enter a dragon’s lair. Nor did he imagine it would involve a girl with a flock of birds at her side, a new-hatched chick in her pocket and a ravenous hunger for justice…
About the author
KATHERINE RUNDELL is a multi-million-bestselling author whose novels for children have won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Costa Children’s Book Award, among many others. Impossible Creatures was Waterstones Book of the Year 2023, and in 2024 Katherine was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Impossible Creatures won the Children’s Fiction Book of the Year. She is a Quondam Fellow of All Souls College and a Fellow of St Catherine’s College, Oxford, where she works on Renaissance literature. Her books for adults include Super-Infinite, winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize. Very occasionally she goes climbing across the rooftops of Oxford, late at night.

This, That, What? Storytime with Katy Ashworth
2025-10-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Meet Kiki – her brain is full of brilliant ideas that just won’t stop! Katy from CBBC reads her joyful rhyming story and uses playful activities to help children explore big feelings and wild imaginations. Great for ages 4 – 7, but everyone’s welcome!
Free – book advised. Book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Pia’s Pet Party! with Serena Patel & Wild Science Animal Encounter
2025-10-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Join Serena Patel for a party full of animal fun, stories, a pet quiz and even make your own pet character. Then meet amazing real-life animals in a Wild Science show – maybe even a giant spider! Best for ages 5+.
Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live.
Book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Supertato Party! with Sue Hendra
2025-10-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Performance Space
Come party with Supertato, Katy Ashworth, Pia’s Pet Party & Wild Science Animal Encounter. Plus make a party badge and Party Animal mask with Hya Arts!
There’s a birthday bash at the supermarket, and you’re invited! Join Supertato creator Sue Hendra for silly stories, veggie fun and make your very own veggie superhero to take home. Perfect for ages 3–5 (older siblings welcome!)
Book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week!
2025-10-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Come and celebrate Green Libraries Week with us at Central Library. Pick up free seeds from our seed library and get creative making your very own cress head to take home. A perfect blend of gardening and crafting! Suitable for families.

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

October Half Term at Central Library!
2025-10-28 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00
Looking for something to do over the half term holidays? Check out our half term activity programme coming soon, including arts and crafts, with plenty to see, make and do! . All materials provided, just bring your imagination! Here’s what to expect:
Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week: Monday 27 October, 2-3pm, Lower Ground Floor
Come and celebrate green libraries week with us at Central Library! Pick up free seeds from our seed library and get creative making your very own cress head to take home. A perfect blend of gardening and crafting! Free entry, just drop in.
Stories and songs for Green Libraries Week: Tuesday 28 October, 2-2.45pm, 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 under 4. Free entry, just turn up.

Lego Club: Wednesday 29 Oct, 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! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free entry, just drop in.
Get planting for Green Libraries Week!: Thursday 30 October, 2-4pm, Lower Ground Floor
Calling all budding gardeners (pun intended)! Join us for this engaging session inspired by Green Libraries Week. You’ll get to plant your very own daffodil and take it home with you! We’ll provide all the materials, just come ready to get potting! Suitable for families. Free entry, just drop in.
Spooky Library: Friday 31 October, 1-4pm, Performance Space
We’re getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? FREE ENTRY. Suitable for children aged 7-13. Fancy dress encouraged! More info at Spooky Library – Library Live
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead); Saturday 1 November, 1-4pm, Performance Space
Come and join us for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and ancient Mexican celebration. This exciting event will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, themed activities and craft workshops, and a typical Mexican altar. Free drop-in, suitable for all ages!

Stories and songs for Green Libraries Week!
2025-10-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session in the music library on the first floor of Central Library. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children under 4.
Free – just drop in
Please consider making a donation if you can online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Spooky Library
2025-10-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor
We’re getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? Read on, if you dare!
Face painting
Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm – just drop in. £2 per person.
Ground Floor, near café
Does your Halloween look need a final touch of spookiness? Transform into your favourite sinister creature with the help of our fabulous face painters! An absolute must for Central Library’s family activities! £2 per face. Please pay at the till in our gift shop before joining the queue.
Ghastly Crafts
Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm – just drop in
Ground Floor, outside Performance Space
Are you ready for crafts that will send a little shiver down your spine? Learn to make ghost puppets in this hands-on and interactive art session! Want to know the best part? Suitable for families.
Retro Escape Room
Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm – just drop in (please note, we may start a queueing system during busy times)
Ground Floor, Performance Space 1
We ain’t afraid of no ghost. And you?
A terrible monster from another dimension is threatening our world, and we need your help! Put your brain to the test with spooky riddles, crack some vintage games and solve our escape room puzzle! Suitable for children aged 7-13.
Spooky Disco
Ground Floor, Performance Space 2-3
Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm – just drop in
Get ready to do the monster mash in our performance space! Turn up in your favourite costume, show us your best dance moves, and we’ll take care of the music! Suitable for children aged 7–13. Fancy dress encouraged!
Spooky Storytime
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
2-3pm
Join Helen and Zoe for a spooky story time, with spooky, but not too scary stories such as Room on the Broom, Wake up Do Lydia Doo and more.
Is it all a bit too exciting? Why not relax in our children’s library on the Lower Ground Floor? We’ll have a selection of spooky reads available on the shelves for you.
Suitable for families.
FREE ENTRY (face painting: £2 per person). No booking required – 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

Spooky Storytime
2025-10-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Children’s Library
Join Helen and Zoe for a spooky story time, with spooky, but not too scary stories such as Room on the Broom, Wake up Do Lydia Doo and more.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration
2025-11-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a vibrant celebration of life, love, and remembrance! 🌟 We’re thrilled to bring you Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and special ancient Mexican tradition that’s all about honouring our loved ones who’ve passed on. 🌿💀🇲🇽
In Mexican culture, it’s believed that during this time of year, our beloved ancestors come back to visit, and families gather to welcome them with open arms. 🎉 We’ll be cooking up their favourite dishes, dancing to lively music, and sharing stories that keep their memories alive. 💃💀🌼
*Experience the Magic:*
– *Traditional Dances:* Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK will mesmerize you with their energetic performances
– *Day of the Dead Activities:* Join in the fun with themed crafts, workshops, and games
– *Mexican Altar Display:* Marvel at the stunning altar, lovingly crafted to welcome our ancestors back home. The display will be on from the Thursday the 23rd Oct until Saturday the 8th of November.
📖1 pm Story time “ MI FAMILIA:
Celebrating the Day of the Dead” in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes of Manchester.
🪅1:30 Piñata ( children from 0 to 7 years old).
🎨1:30 to 2:45 Crafts and traditional face painting.
💃🏻3 pm Performance of Colibrí Mexican Folkdance UK
*All Are Welcome:* This free drop-in event is suitable for all ages, so bring your family and friends along! 🌟 Let’s come together to celebrate the cycle of life and the love that never fades. 🙏🧡💛🧡
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

Christmas Extravaganza!
2025-12-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate all things Christmas. Bring the whole family and get stuck in our craft sessions, listen to Christmas carols perform by local choirs, including Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, and much more!
Performance Programme
Ground Floor
12 noon – Loreto Big Band
12.45 – Chinese Community Choir from Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music
1.30 – Manchester Community Choir
2.15 – Streetwise Opera
3.00 – Manchester Musical Youth
Music Library
12.15-1pm – Stretford Ukulele
2-2.30 – Chinese Community Choir from Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music
+ Christmas family crafts throughout the afternoon
Suitable for families.
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
