• Family Film Club

    Performance Space

    Enjoy a special edition of the Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and a family classic on the library’s huge screen. Screenings start at 1.30pm – drop in from 1pm. Most suitable for under 12s. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our […]

  • Crime Central

    Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. APRIL'S BUMPER GUEST AUTHORS ARE ISABELLE BROOM, LUCY ANDREW, HEIDI AMSINCK AND JAMIE WEST!! 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 […]

  • BIG BOOK QUIZ!

    Performance Space

    Celebrate World Book Night with us! It's World Book Night, so how could you miss the ultimate book quiz at Central Library. Join us for an evening celebrating your love of reading with quizzes, party games, prizes and the odd surprise challenge! Our cafe will also be open serving snacks, cakes and a range of […]

  • Northern Publisher’s Fair

    Performance Space

    The Northern Publishers' Fair returns this autumn with its biggest celebration yet of independent publishing. Organised bi-annually by Fly on the Wall Press, this free-entry event will showcase the diverse landscape of independent publishing across the North, featuring 16 publishers and literary agents spanning genres from literary fiction and poetry to children's books and non-fiction. Attendees […]

  • Taliesin – Puppet Theatre Performance and Puppet Making Workshop

    Children's Library

    Join us at Manchester Central Library for a story of magic, shape shifting and an epic chase - with puppets! Puppet theatre performance, 2-3pm Puppet making workshop: 3-3:45pm Most suitable for ages 5+, but for the whole family to enjoy. Free – drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme […]

  • The Fleecers: Live!

    Henry Watson Music Library

    One of the hottest emerging talents in the North West, The Fleecers, will be performing live in the Henry Watson Music Library this Spring. A group of prodigiously talented music students aged 14-17, The Fleecers formed in Cheadle Hulme in 2025. In their short time together, the rising indie-rock four-piece have since been making ripples […]

  • Talk English Circles

    Recurring
    Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

    Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator Free – just drop in. Please make […]

  • Cosy Reading Club

    Bring a book, get cosy and stay motivated by reading alongside other book lovers. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story. Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, a silent reading group offering a peaceful, shared space to unwind with a good book. There’s no pressured discussions, no set text […]

  • Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love: Richard Houghton in conversation

    'Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love' is a people's history of the biggest rock band in the world. And on Thursday 30 April, its author Richard Houghton will be talking all about it, in the Henry Watson Music Library. This extraordinary book tells Zeppelin's story in the words of over 750 fans, as recounted by […]

  • Attila the Stockbroker: Fiery Words for Hellish Times

    Performance Space

    Punk poet, latterly dub poet, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Attila the Stockbroker exploded into public consciousness in 1982-3 via two John Peel sessions and a Melody Maker front cover, and is now celebrating 45 years earning a living doing what he loves. Fiery Words for Hellish Times is his most topical and incendiary publication yet. As […]

  • Italian Storytime

    Recurring
    Children's Library

    Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […]

  • Storytime and Mindfulness for Children (4+ years)

    Lower Ground Floor

    Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş. We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft. Suitable for children aged 4+. Book your free spot via Eventbrite here.