Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Tuesday 19th May, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Cathy Shaw. Our special guest Cathy Shaw’s poems tend to be either gut wrenchingly sad or laugh out loud funny. Based […]
Hailed by David Keenan as “fierce, funny, poignant and real", Malc’s Boy is being tipped as one of the most exciting debuts of 2026! Brutal, beautiful, and darkly funny – a groundbreaking portrait of fathers, sons, and northern masculinity. Malc’s Boy charts a son’s struggle and friendship with his father amidst a legacy of toxic […]
Looking for some family fun over the holidays? Check out our full half-term activity programme. With crafts, games, and activities to be found across the library every day of the holidays, come and discover a world of fun right here in the library. All materials will be provided – you just need to pack your […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House - an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea. Based on Euripides’ classic tragedy, No Friend to This House explores love, vengeance, power and survival, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s […]
‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports. Featuring the words of over 500 fans of the band, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key, plus publisher […]
This July, the Henry Watson Music Library will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols’ iconic 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. A definitive milestone in the city’s musical history, Sex Pistols’ first appearance in Manchester has since become the stuff of rock legend. Named “the most important gig of all time” […]
#LoveStoriesEtc romance festival is returning for a third year to Manchester Central Library on 17th and 18th July 2026 for two packed days of exciting author panels, industry expert led workshops, and creative sessions! The schedule for Friday 17th July includes... 'How to Boss Booktok’ with Ash Jayy from The Picture of Romance ‘What Can […]
A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library. Ellesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester's Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth. Reviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’, Louder than War magazine described the […]
The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry. Manchester Libraries are so excited to welcome the wonderful Puppet Folk Experience to Central Library this August. It's going to be the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational show!! The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and […]
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.
