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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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. […]
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
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.
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 […]
Join us and Manchester Deaf Centre’s Children and Young People’s Service for this session, which helps deaf children and young people to nurture friendships, skills and confidence for a bright future ahead! You will also have the chance to learn some signs during the session. Free - Please make a donation to support our Library […]
‘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 […]
Poppycock, featuring Una Baines, perform their album 'Magic Mothers' (one of Louder Than War's Top 100 albums of 2024), alongside artwork by Pascal le Gras and Suzanne Smith. Band on stage at 6pm. Free - please drop in
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.
