A major new exhibition at Manchester Central Library explores the process of Cultural Masterplanning and how creative interventions in urban spaces undergoing redevelopment can reconnect fragmented places with their past and allow us to look to a dynamic shared future. These playful interactions change how transformation feels and help us involved and that change is happening with us, […]
Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science! Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or […]
YardYard will be launching their event series “Pendulum世界术” with a debut programme at Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library. Kicking off the series will be a special interactive DJ workshop, experimental live set, and high energy DJ set. In their first event outside of London in the UK, the rising creative arts collective will be […]
Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute's first public talk of the year, launching our anniversary exhibition, Building China: People’s Infrastructure. Explore the spontaneous and ingenious adaptations found in China’s urban marketplaces, where everyday materials become functional art. This talk delves into the world of informal architectural practices that thrive without formal design processes, reflecting a […]
Join us at Central Library for a spring-themed craft session suitable for families. All materials provided, just bring your creativity! Suitable for ages 5-11. 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
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. APRIL'S BUMPER GUEST AUTHORS ARE ISABELLE BROOM, LUCY ANDREW, HEIDI AMSINCK AND JAMIE WEST!! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are all […]
Celebrate World Book Night with us! It's World Book Night, so how could you miss the ultimate book quiz at Central Library. Join us for an evening celebrating your love of reading with quizzes, party games, prizes and the odd surprise challenge! Our cafe will also be open serving snacks, cakes and a range of […]
The Northern Publishers' Fair returns this autumn with its biggest celebration yet of independent publishing. Organised bi-annually by Fly on the Wall Press, this free-entry event will showcase the diverse landscape of independent publishing across the North, featuring 16 publishers and literary agents spanning genres from literary fiction and poetry to children's books and non-fiction. Attendees […]
Join us at Manchester Central Library for a story of magic, shape shifting and an epic chase - with puppets! Puppet theatre performance, 2-3pm Puppet making workshop: 3-3:45pm Most suitable for ages 5+, but for the whole family to enjoy. Free – drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme […]
One of the hottest emerging talents in the North West, The Fleecers, will be performing live in the Henry Watson Music Library this Spring. A group of prodigiously talented music students aged 14-17, The Fleecers formed in Cheadle Hulme in 2025. In their short time together, the rising indie-rock four-piece have since been making ripples […]
'Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love' is a people's history of the biggest rock band in the world. And on Thursday 30 April, its author Richard Houghton will be talking all about it, in the Henry Watson Music Library. This extraordinary book tells Zeppelin's story in the words of over 750 fans, as recounted by […]
Punk poet, latterly dub poet, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Attila the Stockbroker exploded into public consciousness in 1982-3 via two John Peel sessions and a Melody Maker front cover, and is now celebrating 45 years earning a living doing what he loves. Fiery Words for Hellish Times is his most topical and incendiary publication yet. As […]
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.
