Overview Join us for an illuminating evening of honest conversation about one of the most significant forces shaping our society. As Manchester continues to evolve into an increasingly diverse metropolis, we’re bringing together remarkable community leaders to explore how immigration enriches our city while thoughtfully addressing the challenges of creating a truly integrated society. Tickets […]
James Ellson presents The Apple Trees and The Bees - symbiotic relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans Join us for an engaging discussion about the relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans. It is thought that fruit trees and honeybees have co-evolved for millions of years. In this talk former detective now crime writer and smallholder […]
Manchester City of Literature and Manchester Libraries present this special Festival of Libraries event. Join us at Manchester Central Library for a special one-off event featuring two of the city’s most distinctive and much-loved voices — Guy Garvey, Mercury Prize–winning frontman of Elbow and presenter of BBC 6 Music’s Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, and Shaun […]
CRIME CENTRAL RETURNS 25 JUNE 2025 With the brilliant Rachel Wolf, H Critchlow and Antony Johnston! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are all coming to Manchester! Go behind the scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent […]
Join us for an evening exploring the fascinating Assheton family of Middleton. Meet a medieval Middleton Bowman and discover everyday life through close-up encounters with original historic documents from the Assheton collection. Free event with refreshments. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of […]
For those in the mood for a Talk Tonight, on 15th July, expect to find esteemed Northern music journalist and frontman of the Membranes / Goldblade JOHN ROBB in-conversation about his brand new book ‘Live Forever: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Oasis’ at Manchester Central Library. Part of "Oasis Week" at Central Library, John […]
Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]
Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]
In this talk, Dr Fang ZONG will introduce some traditional garden plants of China and their journeys to the West. Their cultural symbolism, presence in art and medical applications will also be discussed. The seasonal plants will be highlighted, for example, bamboo, flowering plum and evergreen pine as the ‘Three Friends of Winter’. Dr Fang […]
Join us for this talk inspired by Geoff Brown's book, 'A People's History of the Anti-Nazi League, 1977-1981'. Discover how the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) emerged from the streets, schools and music scenes of late 1970s Britain to confront racism and the far right. Free - book tickets here and click 'Book Now' below.
Long before today’s sober-curious conversations, Bookstagram posts, and bestselling quit-lit titles, people were already using words, stories, and literature to challenge drinking culture. This talk explores the original temperance movement, which emerged as a powerful social force in the Northwest before sweeping across Britain and beyond. Drawing on historical examples, it looks at how early temperance […]
Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are all coming to Manchester! Go behind the scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
