‘Did I have a grievance? Most of us, without looking far, could find something that had harmed us, and oppressed us, and unfairly held us back. I tried not to dwell on it, thought it healthier not to, though I’d lived my short life so far in a chaos of privilege and prejudice.’ One of the finest writers […]
‘Reminiscent of du Maurier and extremely hard to put down. The Blue Hour is destined to be a big hit.’ Mick Herron When a bone at the centre of a famous sculpture is identified as human, the life the recently deceased artist Vanessa Chapman led with her companion Grace on the remote tidal island of […]
‘This is what governs all of life. We agree to rules. Most of us. There are some, though, you know, who do not obey, who are not asked to observe them.’ When Brooke Orr starts a new job at the Asher and Carole Jaffee Foundation, helping an 80-year-old billionaire to give away his vast fortune, […]
70 years after the publication of William Golding’s story of a group of British schoolboys who descend into savagery after being stranded on a desert island, Aimee de Jongh has created a stunning, first ever graphic novel version of Lord of the Flies. Aimee joins us to discuss her experience of adapting the book, her […]
Join us for an exciting and heartwarming event as we welcome the Waterstones Children's Laureate: 2022 – 2024, Joseph Coelho! This award-winning performance poet, playwright, and children's author is ready to enchant us with his captivating storytelling and poetry. Get ready for a delightful journey into the world of Joseph's wonderful picture book, My Beautiful […]
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 […]
“New technologies may divert our attention, but music created in the moment can still be found where it always has been, in the feet, fingers, voices and spirits of musicians in every corner of the world.” Legendary music producer Joe Boyd (White Bicycle: Making Music in the 1960s) invites you to open your ‘minds and […]
‘Some stories sink down into your bones.’ Award-winning novelist Susanna Clarke (Piranesi) joins us to discuss how writing and reading have shaped her life. From her worldwide bestseller Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, to her enchanting new story The Wood at Midwinter. Discover the writers who’ve inspired Susannah […]
‘Andrew O’Hagan has made more than a great book – he has made a social miracle.’ Joshua Cohen Scottish author Andrew O’Hagan joins us to discuss his gripping new state-of-the-nation novel Caledonian Road with host Dave Haslam. Art historian and celebrated critic Campbell Flynn is beguiled by his provocative student Milo Mangasha who leads him […]
Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group? Free – just drop in. For more info, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk
Two masters of folk horror join us to discuss their chilling, atmospheric new books, both set in a single location over a significant period of time. The Hotel by Daisy Johnson begins with a hotel built on a possessed plot of land - its origins evident when a woman is accused of witchcraft – and […]
In partnership with Create, disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford schools come together to create, build connections and break down barriers. Working with top class musicians they will write and perform original songs on the theme of JOY at this celebratory event presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live. Email miriam@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk for […]
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.
