What's on

Not the Factory: Manchester’s other electronic music histories

Performance Space

Curated by Annex Agency and hosted by writer, curator and journalist Jennifer Lucy Allan, Manchester Histories presents a day of panel discussions, screenings and music exploring the often-hidden stories of Manchester’s electronic music history. Free event - booking recommended:

Manchester Histories Celebration Day

The magnificent Manchester Histories Celebration Day comes to Manchester Central Library with over 60 exhibition stands, craft activities for all the family, performances, music, and talks by histories and heritage organisations from across Greater Manchester. Free - please drop in

Debate-Discuss-Talk-Connect-Decide-Act

From DevoManc to the STEM curricula, capitalism to cultural cities, Manchester Histories and partners host a day of exchanging different ideas and thoughts through debating and discussing topics that have, or are shaping, our histories and society. Come along and share your views. Free event - booking recommended:

Sunday Funday – Manchester Day

The word on the street is that your fabulous Central Library will be open on Manchester Day – pop in and explore the treasures inside! Free - please drop in

Chameleon Youth – Free Taster Session

Performance Space

CALL OUT FOR YOUNG DANCE ARTISTS - CHAMELEON YOUTH IS RECRUITING! Be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream. Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company, is calling out for new members for 2018/19. If you’re age 11 to 21, this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a dance […]

The Empire Windrush – 70th Anniversary

Archives+ Ground Floor

Empire Windrush is best remembered today for bringing one of the first large groups of post-war West Indian immigrants to the United Kingdom in 1948. To celebrate the 70th anniversary we exhibit and share material from collections in the AIU Race Relations Resource Centre and Manchester City Council Archives. Free - please drop in

The Ministry of Lost & Found

Pick up a map, it’s time to get lost on a quest around Central Library! A long, long, time ago, the government commissioned intrepid explorer, Philias Finder, to start The Ministry of Lost & Found – a secret department tasked with protecting the most curious and precious objects ever lost or found. To celebrate the […]

Chameleon Youth – Free Taster Session

Performance Space

CALL OUT FOR YOUNG DANCE ARTISTS - CHAMELEON YOUTH IS RECRUITING! Be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream. Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company, is calling out for new members for 2018/19. If you’re age 11 to 21, this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a dance […]

Once Upon A Time…

Wolfson Reading Room

An enchanting display of books for children from Central Library's special collections.  Ranging from a 17th Century Latin Dictionary to favourite characters such as Babar, The Snowman and Latin versions of Peter the Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh.

Mischief Makers!

The Summer Reading Challenge is back so come and be a Mischief Maker with Manchester Libraries! Join at any library to get your free pack of goodies and collect rewards for reading along the way. Read six or more library books of your choice and enter our grand prize draw. The Challenge is accompanied by an array summer-long fun […]

Capturing the Heritage of the Workers’ Co-operative Movement, 1970s-1990s

Lower Ground Floor Link

Prompted by poor economic conditions, unemployment, and a change in societal attitudes, the 1970s-1990s saw a wave of workers’ co-operatives set up. This exhibition showcases some of the findings of the HLF funded ‘Working Together’ project and includes insights into the importance of the movement, through case studies and personal recollections of those involved.  Free […]

Bee a Reader this summer!

We're buzzing to have teamed up with Bee in the City this summer. Come into Central Library and start ticking off the super-size and little bees in your trail map.  Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds. […]