• Marketing the Manchester Ship Canal 1919-1939

    Archives+ Ground Floor

    This new exhibition showcases a range of original publicity material and print adverts created as marketing for the Port of Manchester. This saw a revolution in publicity with modern ideas […]

  • When the Dust Settles – Exhibition

    Archives+ Ground Floor

    There are currently thousands of refugees in the UK waiting for decisions on their family reunion applications. Forced migration and the traumatic consequences of separation, as well as of the […]

  • Robert John Watson: The Sky Above Her

    First Floor Exhibition Hall

    Exhibiting work spanning 20 years, Robert Watson (one of the country’s leading documentary and contemporary photographic artists) returns to Central Library. This free exhibition features images of Manchester Pride and […]

  • Let’s Read Music 2 – Music Theory

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Would you like to understand the structure and meaning behind a musical composition and boost your music performance? Do yo want to boost your music performance? Get to know music […]

  • Day of Music

    Henry Watson Music Library

    A day of varied musical performances from local artists, including a choir, a soprano, a solo clarinettist and a dancing new wave legend.

  • Empire Windrush: In Conversation Event

    Performance Space

    Join editor, Onyekachi Wambu, ‘In Conversation’ on the topic of his recently-published, ground-breaking anthology,  ‘Empire Windrush’, presenting some of the best and most significant writing - poetry, fiction, journalism, essays […]

  • Reimagined City Workshops

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Join us for percussion and singing workshops. Part of a weekend of International Migrant Day activities, showcasing migrant culture through art and music. Suitable for all ages. Free - drop […]

  • Snowflakes and Symmetry Workshop

    Archives+ Ground Floor

    Mathematician Katie Steckles and illustrator Hana Ayoob will help you design your own mathematically accurate snowflake artwork, incorporating design ideas from traditional shapes and patterns. All materials and equipment will […]

  • Untold Stories of the Village

    Ground Floor

    In partnership with The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Education Trust, Holding Her Space presents 'Untold Stories of the Village' exhibition. Working with photographer Tanya Weekes and artist Tina […]

  • 10 Years – David Gleave Photography

    First Floor Exhibition Hall

    David Gleave is a Manchester-based image-maker who took up photography through his passion for social history. He chronicles his life and the people and events he has encountered. David sees […]

  • Book launch: Selected Plays by Cathy Crabb

    Performance Space

    Selected Plays by Cathy Crabb Monday 22nd January  6pm at Manchester Central Library No need to book tickets. FREE entry. Everyone welcome.  Doors open 5.40pm. Celebrating twenty years of productions, award-winning […]

  • Ros Atkins – The Art of Explanation

    Performance Space

    We are delighted to welcome Ros to Manchester Central Library, where he will be discussing his book in conversation. Explanation - conveying meaning - is an art. And the BBC […]