The Wise Owls are waiting! Join us in the Story Garden for a magical hour filled with Owl wisdom! Whether you're curious or just love a good story, the Wise Owls are ready to welcome you with a hoot! Suitable for children aged 4-11. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to […]
Are you a reader and gardener in the making? Want to find out how you can get prizes for reading books? Then this session is for you! Decorate your very own terracotta pot, plant some seeds and find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge during this interactive session. All materials provided. Paint and plant! […]
Leo HC is a 20 year old solo musician, creating alternative folk tracks to soothe the soul. Equipped, usually, with an acoustic guitar, his voice and lots of reverb, his music creates an introspective and melancholic atmosphere for all to listen and enjoy. His debut album was released on 8 November 2024. Leo is currently […]
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, drop in from 2pm. Film screenings start at 2pm.
It's lucky seven for Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast and the latest edition is chock-full of Library-related features, news and interviews from across the city. This month’s episode welcomes legendary Northern music journalist John Robb into the hotseat for our “Big Interview”. A regular talking head on the telly and a member of rock’n’roll […]
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Students from The Manchester College have been developing a body of creative, exciting work inspired initially by a book from Manchester Central Library. Each exhibited board is an insight into personal research and subject matter, produced in traditional messy art school rooms where students become inspired and have tested […]
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.
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.
