What's on

Black British Book Festival on Tour

“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 […]

Mika Karhumaa: Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management

Henry Watson Music Library

Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management Join us for an engaging exploration of the cutting-edge strategies and principles that drive success in the contemporary music industry.Overview:In this dynamic lecture, we delve into the fascinating world of modern music business management. Discover the innovative concepts and techniques that are reshaping the music industry and […]

Snowflakes and Symmetry Workshop

Archives+ Ground Floor

Mathematician Katie Steckles and illustrator Hana Ayoob will help you design your own mathematically accurate snowflake artwork, incorporating design ideas from traditional shapes and patterns. All materials and equipment will be provided. Free - book tickets here

Design workshop with Oliver East

Chief Librarian's Office

An interactive design workshop using simple and accessible research methods and tools to explore the library as a resource. Free - booking required

Love Stories etc Festival

Performance Space

A Celebration of Modern Romantic Fiction. Welcome to the first Love Stories etc Festival. The one-day Romance Festival will be held at the stunning Manchester Central Library and will feature 28 bestselling romance authors as part of a huge celebration of modern romantic fiction. Authors and publishers across the UK will be gathering in Manchester […]

£30.00 – £40.00

See My World: Connected Fragments-Art(s)cool Workshop

Performance Space

A chance to create your own piece of Canvas Artworks with one of the featured artists in the exhibition, 'DOU'. Come and explore how our worlds are connected through stories of history, heritage and culture. For all ages. Free, booking recommended. Please email alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk

A Day in The Afterlife: Francesca Beard Workshop

Chief Librarian's Office

Acclaimed poet and creative facilitator Francesca Beard will lead a workshop inspired by the work of cult writer Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). In this playful, hands-on session, participants will use poetic and improvisational story-telling techniques to create text that explores big philosophical questions such as ‘What does it mean to […]

Your Local Arena presents A Day in The Afterlife

Performance Space

Join us for a rare screening of the 1994 Arena documentary A Day in The Afterlife about cult author Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). Afterwards, see writers Kate Feld, David Hartley and Irenosen Okojie discuss his speculative / science fiction and imagination. Poet Francesca Beard will also perform a new commission inspired by his […]

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a wreath making session! Join us for a relaxing hands-on workshop and learn how to create a beautiful wreath to take home with you. Suitable for adults. All materials provided. Tickets are £20 (plus booking fee). The workshop will take place in our new Generator Suite next door to Central Library. […]

Recurring

Creative Archive Workshop Series: Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Regeneration

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]

Women’s Community Festival 2025

Performance Space

International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March. Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together […]

Recurring

Creative Archive Workshop Series: Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Regeneration

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]