What's on

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 […]

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 […]

Classic Christmas Film Marathon!

Performance Space

Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families. Free - drop in […]

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 […]