ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. The exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. Visit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library from 2 April till 31 […]
Explore the history of independent radio in Manchester from the birth of Piccadilly Radio in 1974 through to Key 103’s 1990s heyday. This free exhibition tells the story of the DJs, programme makers and listeners through audio, photography and ephemera. Listen to clips from your favourite DJs, find out what it was like to work […]
A new exhibition explores how punk exploded from the streets of 1970s Britain - raw, loud, and unapologetic. Born of crisis, it raged against capitalism, racism, and conformity. Through music, fashion, protest, and art, punk gave voice to the voiceless, challenged gender roles, and still shapes culture today. Free – just drop in. Please make […]
2025 marks 50 years of queer hope and joy for LGBT Foundation—and the heart of the celebrations begins in the centre of Manchester. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine, the 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition at Manchester Central Library invites the public into a powerful, […]
Join us at Central Library for this exciting session brought to you by National Football Museum! Every great game needs rules, but who says we can’t rewrite them? In this workshop, you’re the rule-maker of football. What do your laws of the game look like? Maybe every goal gets a dance-off, everyone wears capes, or […]
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, no need to book! Tuesday 26 August. 2.30-3.30pm. Lower Ground Floor.
Join us for what promises to be a brilliant Q&A event with internationally bestselling author A.F. Steadman to celebrate the release of Skandar and the Spirit War, the fifth and final book in the blockbuster Skandar series! Join us to hear all about the Skandar series and there will also be a Q&A so you can put your burning questions to […]
Join us at Central Library for a collaborative and fun session led by the National Football Museum! Half & half scarves tell a story of rivalries, friendships, big matches, and personal connections. Now, it’s your turn to create one that represents you! Pick your colours and patterns, choosing a simple design that reflect two sides […]
Calling all budding gardeners (pun unintended) and readers! Get potting at this fun interactive session for the whole family. We’ll provide seeds, soil and pots, just bring yourself! We’ll also help you sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge, so you can win some wonderful prizes. What’s not to like? Free, no need to book. […]
To welcome bees and butterflies, we’ll start by planting beautiful, colourful flowers. But that’s not all—we’re going to get crafty too! Using decorative paper and layers of soft tissue paper, we’ll create a giant blooming flower collage. Each petal we add will remind us how important flowers are for pollination and how we can help […]
Does Friday afternoon and cinema sound like a good combo to you? Then join us at Manchester Central Library for a free film screening with themed crafts! We may even have popcorn! Suitable for children up to 12 years old. No need to book, free to drop in from 2.30pm. Film screening starts at 2.30pm. […]
Not quite ready for the end of the holidays? Join us at Central Library for a special end-of-summer extravaganza brought to you by Z-Arts and Manchester Libraries! *FULL PROGRAMME* Yoga and movement sessions for children Performance Space (Ground Floor) Start times: 12pm, 1pm Storytimes Performance Space (Ground Floor) Start times: 12.30pm, 1.30pm Bessie’s Bees (Storytime) […]
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.
