Explore the work of two of Sweden’s most acclaimed contemporary writers, Lisa Ridzén and Agnes Lidbeck, as they discuss their powerful debut novels and the shared themes of care, memory and emotional resilience. In When the Cranes Fly South (translated by Alice Menzies), international bestseller and Swedish Book of the Year winner Lisa Ridzén offers […]
Enjoy an evening with acclaimed writer and podcaster Alice Vincent as she discusses her new book Hark: How Women Listen - an intimate, lyrical exploration of what women listen to, what their worlds sound like, and how it feels to be expected to listen in a world of noise made by men. Alice returns to […]
From Paul McCartney to Pierre Henry, Nils Frahm to John Cage, Radiohead to Polish Sonorism, Donna Summer to Stockhausen via 70s Kosmiche. In her fascinating new book, Everything We Do is Music, BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Elizabeth Alker explores how visionary classical composers helped shape the sound of modern pop and rock. See Elizabeth uncover […]
‘One of Us is intelligent, darkly humorous and brilliantly written. It is a story for our time.’ Stanley Tucci Join award-winning author and broadcaster Elizabeth Day as she discusses her gripping new novel, One of Us. Set against a backdrop of politics and scandal, One of Us follows Martin, once the best friend of rising […]
Author Kimberly shares her journey writing Quiet Storm and how she found her voice. A powerful event about confidence, friendship and being yourself. For Year 7 students. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live. Free - book tickets by emailing miriam@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
Sayaka Murata, the internationally acclaimed author of Convenience Store Woman and Earthlings, joins us to discuss her provocative and visionary new novel, Vanishing World. In a society where sex, love and parenting have been reimagined, Amane—born from a taboo act of love—struggles to conform. As an adult, she explores anime relationships and sanctioned extra-marital sex, […]
Meet Kiki – her brain is full of brilliant ideas that just won’t stop! Katy from CBBC reads her joyful rhyming story and uses playful activities to help children explore big feelings and wild imaginations. Great for ages 4 – 7, but everyone’s welcome! Free - book advised. Book tickets here or click 'Book Now' below
Join Serena Patel for a party full of animal fun, stories, a pet quiz and even make your own pet character. Then meet amazing real-life animals in a Wild Science show – maybe even a giant spider! Best for ages 5+. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live. Book tickets here or click […]
Come party with Supertato, Katy Ashworth, Pia’s Pet Party & Wild Science Animal Encounter. Plus make a party badge and Party Animal mask with Hya Arts! There’s a birthday bash at the supermarket, and you’re invited! Join Supertato creator Sue Hendra for silly stories, veggie fun and make your very own veggie superhero to take […]
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. Free - just drop in
International bestselling author Jung Chang brings us Fly, Wild Swans, the long-awaited sequel to her iconic memoir Wild Swans—a book that defined a generation and remains banned in China. Fly, Wild Swans picks up where Wild Swans left off, tracing Chang’s life and China’s transformation from the end of the Mao era to Xi Jinping’s […]
In this fascinating talk, celebrated mathematician and leading scientist Marcus du Sautoy invites us to explore his new book Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity and rethink the boundaries between art and mathematics. From prehistoric stone circles to Zaha Hadid’s sweeping curves, to Shakespeare’s rhythms and Radiohead’s musical experimentation, Marcus discusses how symmetry, prime numbers, fractals […]
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.
