• Inspired by Libraries with Shaun Keaveny and Guy Garvey

    Performance Space

    Manchester City of Literature and Manchester Libraries present this special Festival of Libraries event. Join us at Manchester Central Library for a special one-off event featuring two of the city’s most distinctive and much-loved voices — Guy Garvey, Mercury Prize–winning frontman of Elbow and presenter of BBC 6 Music’s Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, and Shaun […]

  • Plastic Not So Fantastic

    Join us for an engaging and interactive session delivered by Equans, where you’ll find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about plastic, but never dared to ask. You will also learn more about recycling and learn how to re-use plastic bottles to make mini greenhouses! Suitable for ages 7-12. Please bring a single-use plastic […]

  • ‘Threads’ by Coalesce Dance Theatre

    Performance Space

    Threads is a poignant and powerful story about mental health, friendship and identity. This latest work from Coalesce Dance Theatre uses stories from young people across the North of England to delicately weave together an emotive and uplifting contemporary dance and physical theatre performance about growing into adulthood. threads turns the spotlight on mental health […]

  • Festival of Libraries Sunday Funday!

    Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate the final day of Festival of Libraries 2025. Expect special performances, music, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages! Highlights include:  Out of this World! 2pm - 3.30pm   Join Wendy from Daresbury Laboratory and Dan Worsley, children’s author and […]

  • Out of This World!

    Performance Space

    Have an interest in science? Enjoy getting creative with words? Join Wendy from Daresbury Laboratory and Dan Worsley, children’s author and storyteller as they collaborate to create an extra-terrestrial event that mixes science fact and science fiction. Prepare to believe the unbelievable as Dan takes you on an interplanetary journey using his mind-boggling storytelling skills. […]

  • Mystery International Film Screening

    Performance Space

    This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the voting page for the fifth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 16th June. • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or […]

  • Saturday Film Club: Refugee Week Special!

    Performance Space

    Join us at Manchester Central Library for a fantastic afternoon for the whole family dedicated to Refugee Week 2025. Watch a family favourite on the big screen and join themed craft sessions. Free entry, just drop in! Check out our full programme below: 1pm-4pm: Film Screening with Crafts Join us for a screening of The […]

  • Word Central

    Performance Space

    Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Kim Moore. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 10th June via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this […]

  • Crime Central

    Performance Space

    CRIME CENTRAL RETURNS 25 JUNE 2025 With the brilliant Rachel Wolf, H Critchlow and Antony Johnston! 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 […]

  • Hannah Brine – Album Launch

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Singer songwriter Hannah Brine launches her debut album Blue Sky Now with a live gig at the Manchester Central Library. Inspired by the Great American Songbook, with a voice & song writing style likened to Carole King, Norah Jones and Rumer, Hannah writes & performs lush ballads & lively jazz anthems, telling tales of growth […]

  • An Evening with V. E. Schwab

    Performance Space

    We are hugely excited to welcome bestselling author V.E. Schwab to Manchester Central Library as we celebrate the publication of her new genre-defying, unforgettable novel Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. From the author of the incredible standalone novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue comes a spellbinding queer love story following the desires and dreams of […]