Reimagined City Workshops
Henry Watson Music LibraryJoin 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 in
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Snowflakes and Symmetry Workshop
Archives+ Ground FloorMathematician 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 be provided. Free - book tickets here
Classic Christmas Film Marathon!
Performance SpaceHave 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 - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
Untold Stories of the Village
Ground FloorIn 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 Ramos Ekongo, the exhibition follows 12 mothers as they share their stories within pregnancy, birth, postpartum as well as highlighting personal and cultural experiences. The […]
10 Years – David Gleave Photography
First Floor Exhibition HallDavid 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 the present as the past, rescuing moments in time for ever. This exhibition covers the first ten years of his record. Free – just drop […]
Book launch: Selected Plays by Cathy Crabb
Performance SpaceSelected 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 playwright Cathy Crabb has selected eleven of her works for staging. Filled with humour and emotional resonance, these texts explore themes of family, trauma, neurodivergence, […]
Ros Atkins – The Art of Explanation
Performance SpaceWe 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 presenter and journalist Ros Atkins, creator of the viral 'Ros Atkins on...' explainer videos, is something of a master of the form. In this book, Ros […]
Word Central
Performance SpaceWord Central open mic poetry and spoken word. Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries and hosted by Tony Curry. With special guest Lisa O'Hare. Lisa O'Hare was a 2023 BBC Words First finalist and is co-host of Verbose. Her work has been featured on BBC Radio Manchester and in the UN Women UK's virtual Safe […]
Out in the World – Exhibition & Closing Event Invite
First FloorThe Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester, is delighted to present Out In The World, an exhibition highlighting 12 stories from the vast yet largely untold history of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ diaspora. Across the generations, Irish LGBTQ+ people have emigrated and found opportunities to live and love abroad. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, in partnership with the Irish Department […]
Probably the Hardest Music Quiz in the World!
Chief Librarian's Office40 horribly hard music questions. Get them all right and win the Super-Duper Mega Mystery Prize! Play on your own or as part of a team (max 4 members per team). No need to book, everyone welcome. FREE ENTRY. For more info please message your quiz host: alan.lynch@manchester.gov.uk
Chinese New Year Celebration
Ground FloorBowen Education will provide dance and musical entertainment at 2pm followed by traditional Chinese crafts. Suitable for families. This event is free, but please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme if you can, online, or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
Sunday Funday – Chinese New Year
Join us for a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Dragon. We will have amazing crafts, performances, workshops amongst other exciting activities. Suitable for families. This event is free, but please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme if you can, online, or at one of our cash […]
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.
