What's on

A Monumental Effort: Restoring the Albert Memorial Afternoon Lecture

Performance Space

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 heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been going on behind […]

Manchester Histories Festival: ‘R History Open Mic Extravaganza!

Performance Space

Manchester Histories hosts a two-day open mic extravaganza! A celebration of voices, a collective ode to the diverse stories that shape our shared identity. Book Friday 7 June (11.30am-2.45pm): DAY 2: Friday 7th June 2024 – ‘R Histories Open Mic Extravaganza! – Manchester Histories Book Saturday 8 June (11.30am-3pm): DAY 3: Saturday 8th June 2024 […]

Manchester Histories: History and Heritage Marketplace

Note the new venue from the programme  - now taking place at Central Library, not The Whitworth Hall. Come and see over 50 history and heritage organisations from Greater Manchester and the Northwest at the iconic Manchester Central Library. Find out about the organisations that celebrate, preserve, and explore Greater Manchester’s heritage. It will be […]

An Evening with Miranda July

Due to unexpected ill health, Miranda July has been forced to cancel her trip to the UK. This means her MLF event on Tuesday 11 June 2024 has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience. Manchester Literature Festival, in partnership with Library Live, presents Miranda July in conversation. We are thrilled to be joined by the writer, […]

LYR open the Festival of Libraries 2024

Performance Space

A live music performance from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's band LYR and local Manchester artist Jospehine Oniyama, featuring a very special new single dedicated to libraries. Booking required. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

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

The Embassy of Utopia

Performance Space

Over two days, dreamers, poets, musicians, writers, and artists speak about and perform their vision for the future. What has Manchester collectively got to say? Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

90th Celebration – Sunday Funday

Performance Space

This year, Central Library celebrates 90 years since its grand opening. Join us for this cultural extravaganza during Festival of Libraries Week, celebrating the old and the new, and the venue’s many highlights and successes over the past 90 years. Featuring music, performances, crafts, displays, and lots more fantastic family fun including: Edible Storytime Manchester […]

Refugee Week Celebrations

Join Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) for poetry, storytelling, singing and cultural dances. Free entry, no booking required. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Free - no booking required

Sign and Play and Kids’ Club – BSL Story Telling

BSL Story Telling at Manchester Central Library for deaf 0-11 year olds and their parents. HoH, CODA, siblings and all communication methods welcome! More information here. Free - booking advised

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

Crime Central

Performance Space

Rob Parker welcomes Nilesha Chauvet, Tony Kent and Trevor Wood to Manchester! 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 […]