Film Fridays
2026-08-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-28 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Performance Space
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old.
Free entry, just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Muslim Dads Read Too!
2026-08-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Library
Join publishing house Little Hibba for a special event inviting Muslim dads to come along and enjoy reading with their little ones!
Bring the whole family to Manchester Central Library’s children library to celebrate more Muslim books in the library.
Expect reading sessions for children, colouring activities, and much more!
Free entry!
Book your ticket at Muslim Dad Read Too! MANCHESTER Tickets, Saturday, August 22 • 2 PM – 4 PM | Eventbrite

Colouring to Music
2026-08-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace.
Free entry – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Farsi Storytime
2026-08-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English!
Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends.
Suitable for children aged 4-7.
Free entry, just drop in.

Manchester Literature Festival presents An Evening with Mieko Kawakami
2026-08-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Join us for an unmissable evening with one of Japan’s most celebrated young novelists.
The Booker-shortlisted author of Heaven and Breasts and Eggs, Mieko Kawakami makes a rare visit to the UK to launch Sisters in Yellow, a gripping, stylish noir set in Tokyo’s shadowy underbelly.
Hana is fifteen, hopeful and living in a tiny Tokyo apartment with her mother, with no money and no security. Then Kimiko enters her life – a bright, magnetic force who offers escape. Together they open Lemon, a shabby bar that becomes a fragile haven of friendship, independence and possibility. For a moment, Hana feels invincible. In the narrow alleys of Sangenjaya however, nothing is as it seems, and hope can quickly turn to danger.
Twenty years later, Kimiko stands trial for a shocking crime, and Hana must confront her own past and its devastating consequences.
Dark, hypnotic and utterly compelling, Sisters in Yellow confirms Mieko Kawakami as one of the great writers of her generation. Join us as she discusses sisterhood, betrayal and the stories that haunt us.
‘This is not the Japan you find in novels about cats, cafés and bookshops. Kawakami draws back this cosy façade to reveal the grimy reality underneath — and she does it with consummate style. With Sisters in Yellow, she proves she is still the most exciting Japanese novelist at work today’ The Times
‘I can never forget the sense of pure astonishment I felt when I first read Mieko Kawakami’ Haruki Murakami
Mieko Kawakami is the acclaimed author of the internationally best-selling novel Breasts and Eggs, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and one of Time’s Best 10 Books of 2020. Her other novels, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, include Heaven, shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize, and All the Lovers in the Night. In 2024, Sisters in Yellow won the Yomiuri Prize for Literature in Japan. Her books, translated into over forty languages, are known for their insights into the female body, and philosophical questions surrounding gender, class, and ethics in modern society. Born in Osaka, Kawakami lives in Tokyo, Japan.
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking tickets here or ‘Book Now’ below

Summer Reading Challenge Singing Puppet Craft Fun!
2026-08-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join artist Caroline for a fun, free Summer Reading Challenge activity! Get ready to sing, play, and create! Warm up your vocal cords and bring your puppet to life in this exciting craft session! Suitable for ages 4-11.
Free entry, just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

LEGO Club
2026-08-26 13:30 - 15:30 | City Library
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Summer Cosy Reading Club
2026-08-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Bring a book, get comfortable and stay cool in our quiet, air-conditioned reading space. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story!
Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, a silent reading group offering a peaceful, shared experience to unwind with a good book and chat with fellow book lovers. There are no pressured discussions, no set texts and no forced expectations, just quiet time to read in comfortable surroundings and the calming company of others. Whether you’re looking for a gentle break at the end of a busy day, a calm refuge away from the rush hour traffic or simply a cool, comfortable place in the heart of the city to explore your next favourite book.
Come cool down at the library this summer. Public libraries are welcoming, relaxing spaces for everyone and our Cosy Reading Club is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy a fully air‑conditioned room, comfortable seating, light, cooling refreshments and a peaceful atmosphere as part of our ‘Cool Spaces’ initiative to help offer our communities some respite from the heat during the Summer months.
Don’t have a book? No problem! Come along at 5.30pm to get help from our friendly library staff before the session begins (at 6pm) to get personalised help from our friendly library team and find your next favourite book!
Book your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995458911320?aff=oddtdtcreator“

Pride Storytime
2026-08-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Children’s Library
Kick off your Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Manchester Central Library. Join us for a fun and interactive storytime with songs, rhymes and Pride-themed picture books. Then get crafty! Create your own protest signs and noise-makers, to celebrate in style and make your voice heard! We will also have a range of LGBTQIA+ children’s books out to have a look at – share your favourites and discover something new! Suitable for children aged 4-7 and their families.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Storytelling: The Blossom Bird
2026-08-28 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join storytellers and puppeteers, The League of Curiosity, to hear the tale of The Blossom Bird.
Meet Pipit, a lost and featherless little bird, who is taken in by a family of wildflowers. With their gentle guidance, Pipit learns what it means to belong, to grow, and to trust the magic of who they truly are. Through story, song, and movement, this tiny dreamer blossoms into their real self – cheered on by the family who chose them.
A heart-felt tale that celebrates the wisdom of flowers, the beauty of blooms, and the power of being just who you are!
Funded by the Postcode Lottery.
Book your free ticket at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/castlefield-viaduct/events/75291a30-a91e-4cab-a7bd-a7f68f49c970

Storytelling: The Blossom Bird
2026-08-28 13:00 - 14:00
Join storytellers and puppeteers, The League of Curiosity, to hear the tale of The Blossom Bird.
Meet Pipit, a lost and featherless little bird, who is taken in by a family of wildflowers. With their gentle guidance, Pipit learns what it means to belong, to grow, and to trust the magic of who they truly are. Through story, song, and movement, this tiny dreamer blossoms into their real self – cheered on by the family who chose them.
A heart-felt tale that celebrates the wisdom of flowers, the beauty of blooms, and the power of being just who you are!
Funded by the Postcode Lottery.
Book your free ticket at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/castlefield-viaduct/events/75291a30-a91e-4cab-a7bd-a7f68f49c970

Gig: The Last Caboose - LIVE!
2026-09-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Alternative folk risers THE LAST CABOOSE will be performing live at the Henry Watson Music Library this September.
Formed in Manchester in 2024 The Last Caboose play music with an acoustic feel, bringing together elements of Folk, Country, Americana and Classic Pop.
A line up which includes mandolin; guitar; double bass and piano, combines with vocal harmonies to deliver original songs crammed with hooks and melodies telling tales of the everyday and the unusual; of travel and escape.
The first studio recordings by The Last Caboose are currently available as The Shadow Of The Wind EP on Half Edge Records on Bandcamp. Listen to “When The Wind Blows” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmOfGzNnn50
Set Times
6.00: open
6.15: support
6.45-7.30: The Last Caboose
Tickets are just pay-what-you-like!
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Q&A: Karen McBride: Just A Girl From North Manchester
2026-09-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join Karen McBride for a special evening where she will present ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition‘; talking about the stories behind the photographs, the making of the exhibition, and the journey that led to ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester’.
For over 30 years, Karen has documented the people, places and music that have shaped Manchester. Her new exhibition brings together a personal collection of black-and-white photographs, stories and memories from behind the camera.
The work follows on from her book, ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester’, and explores a lifetime spent documenting musicians, communities and everyday moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.
Displayed throughout the exhibition are nine original vintage library display cabinets that were especially designed for Manchester Central Library when the building first opened. They provide the perfect setting for a journey through Manchester’s musical and cultural history. One cabinet, however, will house something very special that celebrates Karen’s lifelong love of traditional black-and-white photography, craftsmanship and making things by hand—qualities that have always been part of Manchester’s industrious spirit.
Whether you’re interested in photography, Manchester’s music scene, local history or simply enjoy discovering something different, Karen McBride invites you to come along to an evening that will take you into her storied life and behind ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition‘.
Karen will be in-conversation with Nicola Howard.
There will also be live music from: Shimeon.
Live @ Central Library Performance Space. 6pm-7.30pm.
Tickets – just pay-what-you-like.
All donations to Manchester Libraries to enable future activities.

Music Q&A: Tony Fletcher - 'When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84'
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:30
This September, the acclaimed music journalist, industry head, and broadcaster Tony Fletcher will be discussing his brand new book ‘When Pop Went Punk 1980-84’ with a special in-conversation event at Central Library.
Before authoring eleven books, including best selling biographies of Who drummer Keith Moon, R.E.M. and the Smiths, Tony Fletcher was a teenaged music magazine publisher in his native England. But, with a degree of industry that sounds absolutely exhausting, he also ran a record label, interviewed rock stars, led a band, promoted concerts, worked as an on-air TV interviewer — and still found time for romance.
Fletcher chronicled the early days of his life and career in his previous work, ‘Boy About Town’ (2013) but had enough extraordinary experiences left over for this new colourful and engaging memoir: ‘When Pop Went Punk 1980-84’.
1980–’84 was an explosive time in British rock, as the disruptive energy of bands like the Clash and Sex Pistols gave way to more sophisticated and chart-friendly genres and bands. Fletcher was on the front lines, running a record label with the Jam’s Paul Weller, attending all the important concerts and meeting the top acts, many of whom became MTV regulars: Madness, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Wham!, Echo & the Bunnymen, Killing Joke, Adam and the Ants, the Smiths and more. Then there’s the time he interviewed Paul McCartney…
Tony’s new book ‘When Pop Went Punk 1980-84’ is a coming-of-age story, the tale of a naïve young man in a cultural whirlwind who learns some hard lessons about business, journalism, love and sex – all the while trying to get his own band a record deal.
Opening-up about the book and his whirlwind career in music, Tony will be chatting to Louder Than War journalist Iain Key about his extraordinary life. Appearing in-person at the Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library, catch them in-conversation on Tuesday 15 September.
Tickets are donations based – just pay-what-you-can!
Get yours here:
Music Q&A: Tony Fletcher – ‘When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84’ Tickets, Tuesday, September 15 • 6 PM – 7:30 PM | Eventbrite
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Can't Get You Out Of My Head: In Search of Kylie - Michael Cragg in conversation
2026-10-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Kylie Minogue is one of the world’s most successful pop stars, and in his new book, Can’t Get You Out of My Head, music journalist Michael Cragg takes us on a hugely entertaining journey from her early days on Ramsey Street to her current status as global icon. We’re thrilled to be welcoming Michael to Manchester Central Library on Tuesday 6th October when he’ll be chatting all things Kylie! The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A and booksigning.
Tickets are £6.00 each or £25.00 including a copy of Can’t Get You Out of My Head
Event starts at 6:30pm (doors at 6pm)
About the book:
From her late-eighties beginnings – capturing our hearts as Charlene in Neighbours – to her gold-plated hits like ‘Spinning Around’ and ‘Padam Padam’ soundtracking the euphoria of dancefloors the world over, Kylie Minogue is a modern-day icon. But, having sold over eighty-million records internationally and becoming the bestselling Australian pop star of all time, who is the ‘real’ Kylie? And how has she remained a mystery while also navigating a forty-year career in the fickle world of pop?
Pop-academic and award-winning writer Michael Cragg takes us on a journey into the psyche of one of the world’s most enigmatic pop stars. Via a mix of brand new interviews, a dash of oral history and some joyfully irreverent music writing, Can’t Get You Out of My Head aims to put the puzzle pieces together.
“Michael Cragg is the greatest chronicler of modern pop and he has found the perfect subject. Any story that takes in Neighbours, Nick Cave and Pete Waterman needs to be told this well” – Josh Widdicombe
“Cragg investigates the beautiful enigma that is Kylie, interweaving pin-sharp journalism, personal experience and a deeply held belief in the power and wonder of perfect pop. Funny, clever and touching, this book is a delight” – Miranda Sawyer
About the author:
Michael Cragg is a journalist and author from London. His work has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Vogue, i-D, GQ, BEAT, Popjustice, the BBC, Out and the Sunday Times. His first book, Reach For The Stars, an oral history of 90s and 00s UK pop, won the Penderyn Music Book Prize in 2024. Keen to focus on pop artistes that perhaps haven’t always received the recognition they deserve, his second book, Can’t Get You Out of My Head: In Search of Kylie, is about the diminutive Australian hitmaker. During his tenure at the pop coalface he’s interviewed the likes of Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Rosalía, Björk, Little Mix, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Robyn.

Manchester Literature Festival presents Emily St. John Mandel
2026-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Performance Space
Bestselling Canadian author Emily St. John Mandel joins us to discuss her electrifying new novel Exit Party – exploring parallel worlds, political unrest and blurred realities.
In a near-future Los Angeles emerging from conflict, Ari Walker and her friend Gloria are going to a party. But the party becomes the site of something inexplicable, drawing Ari into a mystery that will haunt her across decades and continents. Elegant, suspenseful and emotionally charged, Exit Party explores memory, freedom, art and the fragile boundaries between realities.
Emily St. John Mandel blends literary fiction with speculative suspense in the unforgettable style that made Station Eleven an international success. Hosted by Andrew McMillan.
Emily St. John Mandel is the internationally acclaimed author of seven novels, including The Glass Hotel, Sea of Tranquility and Station Eleven, winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and adapted into a celebrated television series on HBO Max. Her work has been translated into 34 languages.
A Manchester Literature Festival event.
Tickets £12 / £10
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking tickets here or ‘Book Now’ below
