What's on

A History of Pies and Puddings

Performance Space

Explore the history of some our most beloved British foods with local food historian Neil Buttery: pies and puddings, from their rather posh origins to the present day, where they are beloved by all (and treated with suspicion by some). Both have a fascinating and rather convoluted history, and Neil will talk you through the […]

Free

Christmas Silent Disco!

Performance Space

The ever popular Retro Silent Disco returns for a Christmas Special at Central Library! Join DJ John for a night of 70's, 80's and 90's hits, with a sprinkling of Manchester bands and festive classics throughout. Bar open all night. Christmas jumpers and party gear recommended! Doors open 8pm. Tickets are still the bargain £10 […]

Spanish Storytime

Children's Library

Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time monthly sessions, where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4-7 For more information email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk Free - just drop […]

French Film Club: Les Malheurs de Sophie

Performance Space

Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Les Malheurs de Sophie. From her castle, little Sophie can't resist the temptation of the forbidden, and what she loves most of all is getting into mischief with her cousin Paul. When her parents decide to move to America, Sophie is delighted. A year […]

Instruments in Chinese Music: the guzheng

Performance Space

We're delighted to invite you to the final talk in our "Chinese instruments in focus" series. The series features three talks hosted by Po Hang Yuen, each focusing on a different traditional Chinese instrument. The last in our series is the guzheng. The talk will introduce writing for the guzheng. It  will discuss how our guest […]

Dominic Berry: How Can I Be Now?

Performance Space

Flapjack Press presents How Can I Be Now?, Selected Poems by Dominic Berry. “Maybe I’m strange, but I want to ask whether I’m the only one who wishes more people cried together?” Queer, vegan poet Dominic Berry presents his favourite poems for performance from his collections Tomorrow, I Will Go Dancing, Wizard, No Tigers and Yes […]

Christmas Extravaganza!

Performance Space

Join us for this free fun-packed day of Christmas entertainment, featuring music, crafts, refreshments and special guests. 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

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. […]

Classic Christmas Film Marathon!

Performance Space

Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families. 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

Crochet and Chat Club

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group? 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.

The Hardest Music Quiz in the World!

Chief Librarian's Office

The Vinyl Listening Group present The Hardest Music Quiz in the World! Prizes to be won. And maybe even mince pies! All welcome. Free -  just drop in.

New Horizons Choir Sing Christmas Favourites

Henry Watson Music Library

The New Horizons choir sing a selection Christmas favourites. The Manchester City Council employees choir rehearse every Wednesday evening in the Henry Watson Music Library, mainly for the joy of singing and to promote wellbeing. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash […]