Acclaimed author Keith Kahn-Harris will be coming to the Henry Watson Music Library to discuss his new book 'The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne'. What is a ‘good death’? How about this: After years of terrible health, you gather friends and admirers for one last, glorious party. A couple of weeks later, you slip away, surrounded by […]
One of the most irresistible voices in contemporary fiction Tayari Jones discusses her highly anticipated new novel Kin. Born days apart, Vernice and Annie share loss and friendship. Growing up in segregated America, their paths diverge, until danger forces Vernice to risk everything. An exploration of love, loyalty and motherhood, powerful. Presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester […]
Manchester Histories Festival returns for its 10th edition, bringing people together in and around Central Library to explore the theme of Civic Pride. Expect stories, creativity, conversation and community collaboration, celebrating Greater Manchester’s past, present and future. Join us on Saturday 6 June for the Celebration Day, including the Histories & Heritage Marketplace in Rates […]
YardYard present the second instalment of their Pendulum世界术 series in Henry Watson Music Library on Thursday 4 June. Explore machine learning music tools in a special 2 hour session that will include a computer music workshop and interactive jam, followed by a live performance from rising talent: Nefo. In the workshop, together we will look […]
Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session! There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we're just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. […]
Join us for this celebration of Greater Manchester’s 133 libraries. The award-winning festival, supported by Arts Council England, features a vibrant programme that highlights the library network’s full offer, across wellbeing, culture and creativity, digital and information and reading. The full programme for the Festival of Libraries 2025, including event and activities at Central Library, […]
Join us for an interactive activity connecting Manchester residents to skills, opportunities and each other. Discover skills you can learn, share knowledge and shape your future in this fun and engaging workshop. Find out more at https://rise.mmu.ac.uk Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes […]
Join Trafford and Stockport College Group for Summer Roadshow. Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops where you can create your own floral buttonhole and jewellery, design a personalised craft box and discover new opportunities at our Gateway to Lifelong Learning information session. Come along, try something new, and leave with a renewed passion for learning. […]
Join us for an interactive activity connecting Manchester residents to skills, opportunities and each other. Discover skills you can learn, share knowledge and shape your future in this fun and engaging workshop. Find out more at https://rise.mmu.ac.uk Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes […]
Get ready to move and honor the powerful women who came before us with a dance experience full of soul and stories. Dance has long brought people together and is a key part of the Baganda People of Uganda. This workshop explores how dance can challenge authoritarian rule, focusing on how Baganda dances strengthen community […]
Come along to the Henry Watson Music Library for some exceptional choral music from: Choirs Manchester. Choirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. They have performed yearly at the […]
Join us for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate the final day of Festival of Libraries 2026. Expect special performances, music, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages! Free entry - please drop in (face painting: £2 per child) Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […]
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.
