“Other soldiers were here in transit and had a ‘return ticket’ home. The Poles acted as if they had come home. Why? Because they had no home. Poland had been taken over by Stalin.” Alberto Spadoni, recalling the liberation of Bologna by Polish soldiers on 21 April 1945. Join us for a unique glimpse into the […]
Brought to you by the recently awarded ‘Library of the Year’, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back for a fantastic fifth episode. Filled with all kinds of facts, features and library-based fun, this month's big interview finds Full Volume sitting down with esteemed artist, illustrator and all-round good guy Stanley Chow. From how The […]
Exploring the natural world through literature and between UK and China, this exhibition is a culmination of a nine month project that forges a lasting connection between the UNESCO Cities of Literature and of Lifelong Learning. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
The Embassy of Utopia came to Manchester Central Library in June 2024 as part of Festival of Libraries for its UK premiere, and was a collaboration between Manchester UNESCO City of Literature and Capital of Culture 2024 Tartu UNESCO City of Literature. Due to popular demand, we are running this event again for Festival of […]
Join us at Central Library for a fun and informal chat about art. Our ‘neighbours’ from Manchester Art Gallery will be bringing reproductions of works of art to the library. Get to know art works through talking with others. No previous knowledge of art needed. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a […]
Let your imagination run wild in this art session where anything can happen! All materials provided, including canvas, children’s paint, and more: just bring yourself! Suitable for ages 7+. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless […]
Join us at Central Library for a thought-provoking session about sustainability. Imagine it’s 2050 and we have reached our zero-carbon targets. Manchester Museum is opening an exhibition called Carbon Ruins that celebrates this achievement. What items from “the past” (the 2020s) would be featured in the exhibition? Drop into Central Library and meet staff from […]
James Ellson presents The Apple Trees and The Bees - symbiotic relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans Join us for an engaging discussion about the relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans. It is thought that fruit trees and honeybees have co-evolved for millions of years. In this talk former detective now crime writer and smallholder […]
Manchester City of Literature and Manchester Libraries present this special Festival of Libraries event. Join us at Manchester Central Library for a special one-off event featuring two of the city’s most distinctive and much-loved voices — Guy Garvey, Mercury Prize–winning frontman of Elbow and presenter of BBC 6 Music’s Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, and Shaun […]
Join us for an engaging and interactive session delivered by Equans, where you’ll find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about plastic, but never dared to ask. You will also learn more about recycling and learn how to re-use plastic bottles to make mini greenhouses! Suitable for ages 7-12. Please bring a single-use plastic […]
Get ready to embark on an exciting digital journey with Wallace & Gromit and Vaughan Williams this Summer. For two weeks in June, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of digital experiences for the public. We are thrilled to announce that Manchester Libraries are one of the nine library services […]
Threads is a poignant and powerful story about mental health, friendship and identity. This latest work from Coalesce Dance Theatre uses stories from young people across the North of England to delicately weave together an emotive and uplifting contemporary dance and physical theatre performance about growing into adulthood. threads turns the spotlight on mental health […]
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.
