Library Live

BIG BOOK QUIZ!
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Performance Space
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 coffees, beer and wine all evening.
Tickets available here!!

Northern Publisher's Fair
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:30 | Performance Space
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 can browse and purchase books directly from publishers including Manchester University Press, Valley Press and Flapjack Press, among others.
Who is the Northern Publishers’ Fair for?
For too long, the publishing industry has been London-centric. In 2019, Isabelle Kenyon (Fly on the Wall Press) set up the Northern Publishers’ Fair at the fabulous venue of Manchester Central Library. Each Spring, independent and trade publishers from the North of England gather to sell books, network with the future generation of publishers, and meet writers and readers. With space for reading and coffee, the fair is the perfect place to grab a book that offers something different to mainstream bookshop offerings, and a fab place to get an idea of just what the North has to offer. We welcome families, students and readers to come be part of the fun. We invite traditional publishers to showcase their latest authors and their work and we collaborate with partners around the city, such as Manchester Literature Festival to bring northern talent to a larger stage.
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

Taliesin - Puppet Theatre Performance and Puppet Making Workshop
2026-04-25 14:00 - 15:45 | Children’s Library
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 at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online.

The Fleecers: Live!
2026-04-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
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 around the region with a series of shows in clubs, pubs, and house parties.

Already getting a formidable reputation for their passionate live shows, the band’s energising covers of classics by the likes of Oasis, Radiohead, The Verve, Stereophonics, and others have gone down a storm with audiences.

Recently the band released their debut single “Home”, an irresistible indie-rock belter recommended for fans of The K’s to The Royston Club, The Courteeners to Arctic Monkeys. With their fan base surging, the track has already hit over 50,000 streams and counting. Listen to “Home” here: “Home” – The Fleecers

They may be The Fleecers by name, but this pay-what-you-can show at Central Library promises to be worth every penny… Catch them here on Saturday 25th April while you can.

Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Talk English Circles
2026-04-28 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-05 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-12 12:30 - 14:30 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people.
Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education.
Open to all levels.
Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator
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

Cosy Reading Club
2026-04-28 17:30 - 19:30
Bring a book, get cosy and stay motivated by reading alongside other book lovers. 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 space to unwind with a good book. There’s no pressured discussions, no set text 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 from a busy day, a reason to avoid the rush hour or simply a cosy corner to enjoy your current read in the heart of the city, everyone is welcome.
Bring something you’d like to read or arrive before the session begins at 6pm to browse our book displays or get personalised help from our friendly library team to find your next favourite book!
What to expect:
5:30pm – Doors open

Settle into your favourite chair and grab a free hot drink
Bring your own book or choose one from our curated displays
Library staff will be on hand to help you find a book you won’t want to put down

6:00 – 7pm – Quiet Reading Hour

Quiet, individual reading in a shared, relaxed space
A calm, welcoming environment to slow down, breathe and immerse yourself in a world of words

7:00 – 7:30pm – Optional Sharing Time

A gentle opportunity to chat about what you’ve been reading and meet fellow book lovers
This is completely optional with no pressure to stay or take part

Free light refreshments are provided. Stay for as long or as little as you like.
Book ‘pay what you can’ tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love: Richard Houghton in conversation
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00
‘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 concert goers, roadies, promoters and others who encountered the band across their 12-year career.
Led Zeppelin were formed in 1968 by Yardbirds guitarist Jimmy Page, who recruited singer Robert Plant, drummer John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham and John Paul Jones. From there, Led Zeppelin toured North America relentlessly in the early part of the seventies, regularly smashing concert attendance and box office records, playing the legendary songs ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Stairway To Heaven’ and ‘Rock & Roll’ at shows that fans now recall as the best they ever saw.
Packed with memories going back to Robert Plant’s earliest performances, this book charts Zep’s concert career in all its glory and infamy – from the earliest Zeppelin shows, to the five nights at London’s Earls Court in 1975, Knebworth Festival in 1979, and 2007’s epic O2 reunion show.
Richard Houghton is the author of over 20 books about music, specialising in people’s histories that tell the story of an act in the words of fans. He has compiled authorised ‘fanthologies’ on Jethro Tull, Simple Minds, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, The Stranglers, Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays), Fairport Convention, The Wedding Present and The Ukrainians. He lives in Manchester, UK.
Providing a fresh take on the enduring band that has sold over 300 million albums worldwide, hear Richard Houghton in conversation about ‘Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love’

Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’. All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Attila the Stockbroker: Fiery Words for Hellish Times
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
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 the news goes from awful to worse, these are poems to make you laugh, cry, get angry, and above all, think!
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.
https://flapjackpress.co.uk

Italian Storytime
2026-05-02 11:30 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you!
Suitable for children aged 4–7.
Free – drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Storytime and Mindfulness for Children (4+ years)
2026-05-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş.
We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft.
Suitable for children aged 4+.
Book your free spot via Eventbrite here.

People’s Infrastructure: Everyday Life in Changing China
2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute’s second public talk linked to our 20th anniversary exhibition , Building China: People’s Infrastructure
This talk moves from the visual culture of the 1950s and the institutional landscapes of the 1970s to contemporary studies of markets, parks, sidewalks, and sites of urban redevelopment. Across these moments, infrastructure is approached as something maintained through labour, inhabitation, and routine use. Attention shifts between rural and urban settings, historical transformation and present conditions, to show how social life and material systems remain closely intertwined. ‘People’s infrastructure’ offers a lens for understanding continuity and change in China’s recent past and present.
After the talk, there will be an opportunity to visit the Manchester Confucius Institute’s 20th anniversary exhibition, Building China: People’s Infrastructure, on the Lower Ground Floor of the Central Library (exhibited from 1 March until 30 May 2026).
Free – booking required via Eventbrite here or via ‘Book Now’ below
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About the speaker:
Deljana Iossifova is Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies and lead the Urban Studies Lab at the University of Manchester, where she also acts as Academic Director of the Confucius Institute. She was trained as an architect at ETH Zurich and holds a PhD in Public Policy Design from Tokyo Institute of Technology, which she obtained following years of professional practice in East Asia. Her research examines the dynamics between architecture, everyday life, urban transformations, and global environmental change.
The Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series:
Manchester Confucius Institute public talks are free, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language.
Find out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute.

Board Games Café
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café! Open to all ages and abilities.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Full Volume Podcast Episode15: Shaun Wilson
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 | Online
Presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries.
This May, Alan sits down with rising Cumbrian author Shaun Wilson, who tells all on his acclaimed debut novel ‘Malc’s Boy’. Shaun will be coming to Central Library later this month in person for a special author Q&A, hosted by Tony Walsh
Plus, coin collectors will love our special feature with Steve Ingham who tells us all about the Numismatics Society who meet once a month at Central Library. Alan once thought he’d found a rare Rupert the Bear 50 pence, until the penny dropped… hear more about it in this episode.
Elsewhere, Elle takes us to reviewers corner once again as she sinks her teeth into the new novel by poet Neil Rollinson called “The Dead Don’t Bleed”. Hear her two cents on it here.
Plus, Alan heads to Chorlton and Didsbury Libraries to get the scoop on their latest happenings, plus news of their involvement in the Chorlton Arts Festival and Didsbury Arts Festival respectfully.
And there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, a choice archive clip from the Piccadilly Radio archive of when the Pope came to Heaton Mark, and all the usual fun and games.
Turn it up, and tune in to Episode 15 now
Watch out for a new episode next month….

Conversation Club
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group to practice your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults.
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

Concert: Sedbergh Prep School Choir
2026-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Sedbergh Prep School will bring their tour to Manchester Central Library Saturday 9th May.
Mixing cultural activities with performances in a few well-known establishments around the city, the Casterton choir will be calling-in at the Henry Watson Music Library.
Based in the North-west, they have performed recent concerts at esteemed venues such as Bolton Priory, St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, and St Helen and St Martin’s York.
Composed of children aged 10-13 years old, the choir will be promising a mixture of songs to suit all tastes. The choir will be accompanied by the Head of Music at Sedbergh Prep School, Sian Norman.
Set to be a special, informal, early morning performance – all are welcome to attend this choral session from 10AM.
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.

Family Space Adventures
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Calling all future star explorers! Join us at Central Library for a space-themed day of fun as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Get ready for space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
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

Space-themed day of fun
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring!
As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family.
On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
Clustered around the Performance Space on the ground floor of Central Library, all of these stellar events within the library will be completely FREE to attend.
You can see the full itinerary below – just drop in….
Saturday 9 May, Performance Space, 1-4pm, FREE Activity Plan:

1-4pm Performance Space 2+3: Kids disco with space-themed competitions and crafts including moon rock races, space hoppers race, hoola hoop challenge, build-an-alien craft
1-2pm Performance Space 1: Science session delivered by Love Science
2-3pm Performance Space 1: Space-themed storytime session delivered by Tessa Singh, author of Little Bob saves the world

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Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into an unforgettable journey through space.
Popping-up in St Peter’s Square, Manchester (just outside the Central Library) between 1-23 May, tickets for all planetarium experiences can be purchased in advance here: Planetarium Go Manchester
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Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

French Storytime
2026-05-09 13:30 - 14:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for Central Library’s French Storytime session.

Listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends!
Suitable for children aged 4-7.
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

Mystery International Film Screening
2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Welcome to the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Event Details:

Doors open: 17:00
Introduction to the film: 17:20
Film starts: 17:30
Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
Popcorn: FREE!
Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!

The Mystery Film Clubs screenings at Manchester Central Library specialise in showing a wide and eclectic range of films from all over the world. These are the sorts of films unlikely to be seen anywhere else, underseen and under-loved masterpieces from every single point of the globe. There’s no delineation by genre, place or year, all that matters is the quality of the film.
This month’s choices are:
Clearcut (1991, Canada)
A roaring cult classic of Canadian cinema, a supernatural revenge thriller with big moral questions and furious anger as Polish director Ryszard Bugajski confronts the limits of liberal pacifism. With an incredible central performance from Graham that oscillates between trickster spirit and revolutionary spectre, the viewer is forced to confront their own views of heroism and justice.
Le Franc (1994, Senegal)
A man buys a lottery ticket and to protect it glues it to his wall, when the ticket wins he finds he has to transport both the door and the ticket to claim his prize. This simple image is used to explore themes of global economic catastrophe. Conceived in response to the 1994 devaluation of the West African CFA franc, the film transforms structural violence into slapstick surrealism. The protagonist is a spiritual successor to Chaplin’s The Tramp, with all the tragedy and comedy that entails.
Electra, My Love (1974, Hungary)
Experience the unique cinematic stylings of Miklós Jancsó, in a film with some of the most spellbinding staging and shots ever conceived. Epic Greek Tragedy on the Hungarian plains presented in its entirety through only twelve extended shots. Movement replaces montage: bodies, horses, flags, and crowds swirl in ritualised patterns that mirror cycles of uprising and repression. A whirl of film as dance, theatre and ritual.

A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Afternoon Lecture.
2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Performance Space
Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Afternoon Session 1pm

A Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Afternoon lecture.
In this Heritage Lecture, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town Hall’s collection of paintings.Beth will talk us through the detailed work she’s completed, having undertaken three batches of paintings totalling 16 oil paintings, including their frames too.
The afternoon lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
1pm Tuesday 12 May 2026, The Performance Space, Central Library.

A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Evening Lecture.
2026-05-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Evening Session 5.30pm

A Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Evening lecture.
In this Heritage Lecture, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town Hall’s collection of paintings.Beth will talk us through the detailed work she’s completed, having undertaken three batches of paintings totalling 16 oil paintings, including their frames too.
The evening lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
5.30pm Tuesday 12 May 2026, The Performance Space, Central Library.

Crime Central
2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.

AUTHORS APPEARING IN MAY ARE ZOE SHARPE, SIMON MICHAEL AND DAVID PENNY!!
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 coming to Manchester!
Go behind the scenes!
Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world.
Meet your favourite authors!
With giveaways, audience interaction, book signings, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city.

2hr DJ Workshop at Central Library
2026-05-14 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for a hands-on DJ and music production workshop at Central Library.
Hosted by tutor Niah Jemijog, this 2 hour session is designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels.
This small group session will cover the fundamentals of beat making, mixing, and live looping/DJ performance, using industry-standard tools like Ableton Live, MIDI Controllers and live instruments.
The workshop will take a multi-genre approach, encouraging participants to explore and create across styles such as hip hop, electronic, house, experimental, and more.
The focus will be on building confidence, developing practical skills, and giving people the tools to start honing their musical intuition and creating their own music straight away.
With a strong emphasis on inclusion, creativity, and real-world application, this group session in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor will be suitable for all ages and abilities.
Tickets are limited, so be quick!
Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Manchester: One City, Many Voices
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join the Manchester Lit&Phil and MACFEST for a vibrant evening celebrating the power of words to bridge cultures, spark understanding, and illuminate the rich tapestry of our city.
We bring together a distinguished panel of poets, whose award-winning works span continents, traditions, and lived experiences.
Through live readings and personal reflections our guest writers will explore what diversity and inclusion truly mean in a city shaped by migration, creativity, and community. Their stories – rooted in memory, identity, struggle, joy, and hope – offer a compelling portrait of Manchester as a place where many cultures not only coexist, but flourish.
This unique event invites audiences to reflect on the ways literature can build empathy and connection, celebrating Manchester as an exemplar of multiculturalism at its best. Come prepared to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted by voices that reflect the city’s past, present, and ever-evolving future.
This is a free public event, designed to welcome audiences from all backgrounds and to highlight the unifying power of literature and the spoken word. There will be time for discussion and questions to the poets.
Poets and Writers (photos below listed in the following order):

Nasima Bee, performance poet, producer and creative practitioner
Nóra Blascsok, Hungarian poet based in Manchester, one of the Manchester Multilingual City Poets in 2025
Pamela Galloway, poet based in Canada and Manchester
Peter Kalu, poet, fiction writer and playwright

For more information and biographies of the speakers visit Manchester Lit&Phil website.

Little Reads
2026-05-16 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 – 6, but all family members are welcome.
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

Teen Book Club
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Teen Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities.
This activity is for ages 13-16 year olds only.
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
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.

Family Film Club: Planetarium Go! Special
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Calling all space explorers – join us for a special edition of our Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed activities as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Most suitable for under 12s. Visit librarylive.co.uk for more information.
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.
