Library Live

Book Launch: PITY by Andrew McMillan
2024-02-15 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Performance Space
Blackwell’s Bookshop and Manchester Libraries are excited to host the Manchester launch of award-winning poet Andrew McMillan’s PITY – his stunning debut novel which explores community, masculinity and post-industrialisation in Northern England.
Doors: 6.00, starts: 6.30
Tickets are £5.00 or free when ordering a copy of the book. PITY will also be available to purchase on the night and Andrew will be signing copies after the talk. If you would like a signed copy but cannot make the event, please contact us on 0161 274 3331 or manchester@blackwell.co.uk and we can arrange this for you.

About the book:
The town was once a hub of industry. A place where men toiled underground in darkness, picking and shovelling in the dust and the sleck. It was dangerous and back-breaking work but it meant something. Once, the town provided, it was important, it had purpose. But what is it now?
Brothers Alex and Brian have spent their whole life in the town where their father lived and his father, too. Still reeling from the collapse of his personal life, Alex, is now in his middle age, and must reckon with a part of his identity he has long tried to mask. Simon is the only child of Alex and had practically no memory of the mines. Now in his twenties and working in a call centre, he derives passion from his side hustle in sex work and his weekly drag gigs.
Set across three generations of South Yorkshire mining family, Andrew McMillan’s short and magnificent debut novel is a lament for a lost way of a life as well as a celebration of resilience and the possibility for change.
About the author:
Andrew McMillan was born in Barnsley in 1988. His debut collection of poetry, physical, was ‘the sort of once-in-a-generation debut that causes everyone to sit up and take notice’ according to Sarah Crown. physical was the only poetry book to ever win the Guardian First Book Award; it was also awarded a Somerset Maugham award, an Eric Gregory Award, the Aldeburgh First Collection Prize and in 2019 was voted as one of the Top 25 Poetry Books of the Past 25 Years by the Booksellers Association. His second collection, playtime, won the inaugural Polari Prize. A third collection, pandemonium, was published in 2021 and in 2022 he co-edited the acclaimed anthology 100 Queer Poems, which was shortlisted in the British Book Awards. He is professor of contemporary writing at Manchester Metropolitan University and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

So the Chinese do do Sci-Fi!
2024-02-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a Confucius Institute talk about Chinese Sci-fi showing the breadth and depth of the genre. Presented by Xueting C. Ni.
Free – booking required

Sunday Funday - Chinese New Year
2024-02-11 12:00 - 16:00
Join us for a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Dragon. We will have amazing crafts, performances, workshops amongst other exciting activities. Suitable for families.
This event is free, but please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme if you can, online, or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Probably the Hardest Music Quiz in the World!
2024-02-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Chief Librarian’s Office
40 horribly hard music questions.
Get them all right and win the Super-Duper Mega Mystery Prize!
Play on your own or as part of a team (max 4 members per team).
No need to book, everyone welcome.
FREE ENTRY.
For more info please message your quiz host: alan.lynch@manchester.gov.uk

Out in the World - Exhibition & Closing Event Invite
2024-02-01 08:00 - 2024-02-29 17:00 | First Floor
The Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester, is delighted to present Out In The World, an exhibition highlighting 12 stories from the vast yet largely untold history of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ diaspora.
Across the generations, Irish LGBTQ+ people have emigrated and found opportunities to live and love abroad. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, in partnership with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, are proud to play a role in illuminating this hidden history of Irish emigration.
Out In The World tells the story of the Irish LGBTQ+ diaspora across six themes – exclusion, community, love, defiance, solidarity, and return.
Free – please drop in

Special Closing Event Invite
The Consulate General of Ireland is delighted to invite you to the closing event for the Out In the World Exhibition celebrating the story of the Irish LGBTQ+ Diaspora
On Wednesday, 28 February, 17:30 – 19:30 in the Henry Watson Music Library, First Floor, Manchester Central Library
There will be a drinks reception on arrival, with a final chance to view the Out in the World exhibition.
This will be followed by a panel discussion with members of the LGBTQ+ Irish diaspora.
We will conclude with a musical performance by HUSK.

Word Central
2024-01-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central open mic poetry and spoken word. Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries and hosted by Tony Curry.
With special guest Lisa O’Hare.
Lisa O’Hare was a 2023 BBC Words First finalist and is co-host of Verbose. Her work has been featured on BBC Radio Manchester and in the UN Women UK’s virtual Safe Spaces Now gallery. She performed her Saboteur Award nominated spoken word show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023 after a successful run of shows at Greater Manchester, Camden & Morecambe Fringe Festivals. She also runs the social media account ‘Community Poetry Officer’, sharing poetry opportunities and events across the UK.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 16th January via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk.
NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe.
Performance slots are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis from the stated booking time.
If they are already filled you will be offered a place on the reserve list.

Ros Atkins - The Art of Explanation
2024-01-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Performance Space
We are delighted to welcome Ros to Manchester Central Library, where he will be discussing his book in conversation.
Explanation – conveying meaning – is an art. And the BBC presenter and journalist Ros Atkins, creator of the viral ‘Ros Atkins on…‘ explainer videos, is something of a master of the form.
In this book, Ros shares the secrets he has learned from years of working in high-pressure newsrooms, identifying the ten elements of a good explanation and the seven steps you need to take to express yourself as persuasively and accurately as possible.
Whether you need to articulate your thoughts clearly for business, educational or social purposes, The Art of Explanation is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.
Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, writing a report, taking an exam, interviewing for a job, seeing a doctor or facing a tricky conversation with a loved one, this is the ultimate guide to communicating as effectively as possible.
Ros Atkins is BBC News’ Analysis Editor and the creator and presenter of Outside Source on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. His ‘Ros Atkins on…’ explainer videos have become a phenomenon, garnering millions of views across multiple BBC platforms, making Ros one of the BBC’s most-watched journalists. He also co-presents The Media Show on Radio 4, and the innovative topical BBC One programme, Ros Atkins On The Week.

Book launch: Selected Plays by Cathy Crabb
2024-01-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Selected Plays by Cathy Crabb
Monday 22nd January 6pm at Manchester Central Library
No need to book tickets. FREE entry. Everyone welcome. Doors open 5.40pm.
Celebrating twenty years of productions, award-winning playwright Cathy Crabb has selected eleven of her works for staging. Filled with humour and emotional resonance, these texts explore themes of family, trauma, neurodivergence, class and locality, and their experiential effect on the ordinariness of life and repercussions.
Join Cathy and special guests for an evening of performance, archival material, author interview and audience Q&A at Manchester Central Library.
“She brings real lives to the stage, in all their depth, delight, danger and daftness.” John McGrath, Factory International Artistic Director & Chief Executive
“An unflinching and bittersweet look at life, encompassing empathy, humour and truth.” Helen Nugent, Northern Soul Editor
“I recommend any aspiring writers to read this book.” John Henshaw, Actor
“One of my favourite places to be is in Cathy Crabb’s awesome imagination.” Sally Carman, Actor
“Cathy is a local legend, a truly unique playwright and poet, who’s been a favourite of North West audiences for years. She has an incredible ability to write characters who are complex, nuanced, funny and remind you of real people you know.” Lindsay Williams, Producer & Writer
“She writes with such skill and honesty about people and situations. The world needs to be full of Cathy Crabbs.” Noreen Kershaw, Director & Actor
Selected Plays is published by Flapjack Press and available in paperback from 10th January 2024.

10 Years – David Gleave Photography
2024-01-15 08:00 - 2024-03-28 17:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
David Gleave is a Manchester-based image-maker who took up photography through his passion for social history. He chronicles his life and the people and events he has encountered. David sees the present as the past, rescuing moments in time for ever. This exhibition covers the first ten years of his record.
Free – just drop in. Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes, or online.

Untold Stories of the Village
2024-01-13 12:00 - 2024-03-30 16:00 | Ground Floor
In partnership with The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Education Trust, Holding Her Space presents ‘Untold Stories of the Village’ exhibition.
Working with photographer Tanya Weekes and artist Tina Ramos Ekongo, the exhibition follows 12 mothers as they share their stories within pregnancy, birth, postpartum as well as highlighting personal and cultural experiences.
The exhibition is part of a wider project created by Holding Her Space and supported by The National Lottery Heritage fund. The project has been curated to focus in on the heart wrenching journeys of Black and Brown parents as they navigate the unforgiving realities of maternity in the modern UK; whilst aiming to preserve the cultural and traditional practices from these communities.
Free – please drop in

Snowflakes and Symmetry Workshop
2023-12-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Archives+ Ground Floor
Mathematician Katie Steckles and illustrator Hana Ayoob will help you design your own mathematically accurate snowflake artwork, incorporating design ideas from traditional shapes and patterns. All materials and equipment will be provided.
Free – book tickets here

Reimagined City Workshops
2023-12-16 13:00 - 16:45 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for percussion and singing workshops. Part of a weekend of International Migrant Day activities, showcasing migrant culture through art and music. Suitable for all ages.
Free – drop in

Empire Windrush: In Conversation Event
2023-12-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Join editor, Onyekachi Wambu, ‘In Conversation’ on the topic of his recently-published, ground-breaking anthology, ‘Empire Windrush’, presenting some of the best and most significant writing – poetry, fiction, journalism, essays and memoir – of the Black experience in Britain.
Onyekachi Wambu is a Nigerian-British journalist and writer. He has directed television documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4 and PBS and was, until very recently, the Executive Director of the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD).
To book email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk

Day of Music
2023-12-09 11:00 - 16:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
A day of varied musical performances from local artists, including a choir, a soprano, a solo clarinettist and a dancing new wave legend.

Christmas with Elvis!
2023-12-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a Rock ‘n’ Rolling Christmas Celebration with Manc Elvis and his Magical Band.
Manchester’s premier Elvis tribute act present an evening packed with greatest hits and Christmas classics to get you up and dancing all night! Including…
That’s Alright Mama, Merry Christmas Baby, Jailhouse Rock, Santa Bring My Baby (Back to Me), Viva Las Vegas, Blue Christmas, Burning Love, Devil in Disguise, All Shook Up, Wonder of You, Suspicious Minds and loads more!
Bar open all evening.
Book your tickets now to save £’s!
Early bird tickets are £6 + Eventbrite booking fee
Group tickets discount (4 tickets for the price of 3) are £18 + Eventbrite booking fee
Tickets on the night are £9 each.

Medicine Unboxed - Lifting the Lid on Medical Innovation
2023-12-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Medicine Unboxed – Lifting the lid on medical innovation
Doctors, artists, scammers – discover the people who have shaped the medical field and how this has impacted people’s lives. Forget about unboxing an advent calendar, join us for this one day pop up exhibition that unpacks objects and history from the beginnings of ‘modern’ medicine to the present day. Over seven different themes, ‘Medicine unboxed’ unpacks the people, technology and forgotten histories of medical innovation and development; spotlighting stories of innovators and those who paid the price.
Free – please drop in

Naomi Alderman in Conversation
2023-11-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
The future is coming. The Future is here.
When Martha Einkorn fled her father’s isolated compound in Oregon, she never expected to find herself working for a powerful social media mogul hell-bent on controlling everything. Across the world, in a mall in Singapore, Lai Zhen, an internet-famous survivalist, flees from an assassin. Martha and Zhen’s worlds are about to collide while a few billionaires assured of their own safety lead the world to destruction. Martha’s relentless drive and Zhen’s insatiable curiosity could lead to something beautiful or the cataclysmic end of civilization. The Future unfolds at a breakneck speed, highlighting how power corrupts the few who have it and what it means to stand up to them.
Naomi Alderman joins to discuss her superb new novel The Future, creating strong feminist characters on the page and screen, and her superpowers as a novelist and game writer. Naomi is the author of several novels including The Power, winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2017 which was adapted into an Amazon Prime series, and Disobedience, adapted into a film starring Rachel Weisz. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.
Image credit: Annabel Moeller

Crime Central with Louise Swanson, Jose Carlos Somoza & Simon Michael!
2023-11-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Manchester Libraries, Blackwells Books and Instituto Cevantes present
A Cracking Crime Central Christmas Special!!
Rob Parker welcomes Louise Swanson, Simon Michael and Jose Carlos Somoza!
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for this event are on a “pay what you can” basis.They range from £2 – £8 plus the Eventbrite booking fee.
All tickets allow the same access to the event. This is a just a pricing system to accommodate for individual financial circumstances.
Signed books will be available to purchase after the event.

Doon Mackichan in Conversation
2023-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
British actor, comedian and writer Doon Mackichan joins us to launch her memoir, My Lady Parts: A Life Fighting Stereotypes. Through the roles she’s played on TV, in the theatre and in life, Doon examines the stories we are telling in a culture that profoundly diminishes our power as women. Reflecting on 40 years in showbusiness, which began when Doon studied drama at Manchester University and started her stand-up career in the city, she will discuss her career appearing in ground-breaking shows, including The Day Today and Smack the Pony, and the feminism that has characterised her career and life.
‘Incredibly, irresistibly funny’ and ‘one of the best comedy actresses of her generation’, Doon is a hugely beloved actor, comedian and writer. Her comedy credits include Two Doors Down, Plebs (for which she was nominated for a BAFTA), The Day Today, Brass Eye, Alan Partridge and the Emmy-winning Smack the Pony. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester. Sponsored by Weightmans.
Image credit: Ben Meadows

Mika Karhumaa: Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management
2023-11-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management
Join us for an engaging exploration of the cutting-edge strategies and principles that drive success in the contemporary music industry.Overview:In this dynamic lecture, we delve into the fascinating world of modern music business management. Discover the innovative concepts and techniques that are reshaping the music industry and learn how they can be applied to elevate your career or business to new heights.Key Topics:The Three-Pillar Approach: Explore the transformative power of the three pillars: Modern Music Business Management Framework, Passive Promotion Mechanism, and Story Rooting and Strategic Planting.Real-World Case Studies: Dive into real-life examples and success stories from the music industry, showcasing the practical application of our strategies.Global Perspectives: Gain insights into international best practices and global trends that are shaping the music business landscape.Q&A Session: Engage with our expert speaker in a lively Q&A session, where you can seek personalized advice and clarification on music business topics.Why Attend:Cutting-Edge Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest strategies and tactics driving success in the music industry.Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow music enthusiasts and professionals in a collaborative environment.Practical Takeaways: Leave with actionable insights and ideas to implement immediately.
Material:
The lectures are based on Mika Karhumaa’s The Art of Music Business Management – For Artists & Managers book
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

Thurston Moore in Conversation
2023-11-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
‘This is history—scuffed, slightly bent, plenty noisy, and indispensable.’ – Colson Whitehead
One of the founding members of alternative rock band Sonic Youth, Thurston Moore’s memoir Sonic Life is fuelled by his passion for music and art. It takes us from Thurston’s teen years as a music obsessive in small-town Connecticut, to New York’s East Village in 1978, to headlining festivals alongside some of his icons. At this special in conversation, Thurston will discuss his journey to becoming one of the most influential musicians of his generation and his unwavering love of music. Come along and hear about thirty years of creation, experimentation and wonder.
Thurston is a founding member of Sonic Youth who recorded fifteen studio albums including Sister, Goo and Dirty. The band’s album Daydream Nation was chosen by the Library of Congress for historical preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2006. Thurston is involved in publishing and poetry and teaches at the Summer Writing Workshop at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and sponsored by The Midland Manchester.
Image credit: Vera Marmelo

Let's Read Music 2 - Music Theory
2023-11-16 15:00 - 2023-12-20 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Would you like to understand the structure and meaning behind a musical composition and boost your music performance? Do yo want to boost your music performance? Get to know music theory – it tells you how music works. Just bring a pencil and paper.
Each session starts at 3pm:

Modes – 16 Nov
Inversions and voice leading – 30 Nov
Functional Harmony – 7 Dec
Non Diatonic Music – 14 Dec
Polyrhythms and Syncopation – 20 Dec

Free – drop-in

Conserving Our Town Hall's heritage: Pulling out all the stops – restoring the Town Hall organ
2023-11-16 13:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
AFTERNOON SESSION 1PM
EVENING SESSION 5.30PM
Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been going on behind the scenes.
We’ve already heard about the work on our paintings, mosaic flooring, clock and stained-glass windows; now it’s time to turn our attention to the restoration of the magnificent organ in the Great Hall.
As an important part of the Our Town Hall project, the organ will be restored as its builder (Cavaillé-Coll) originally intended. The work will be undertaken jointly, by Nicholson & Co of Malvern, and Flentrop Orgelbouw, of the Netherlands.
Andrew Caskie, Managing Director of Nicholson & Co, will deliver this lecture.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear direct from the organ building firms involved and find out just what it’s like to bring 21st century conservation skills to the Our Town Hall Project. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place.

How to Find Where You Belong by Rose Condo
2023-11-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
AUTHOR PERFORMANCE AND BOOK SIGNING WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LISA O’HARE AND SHARINA LEE SATTI.
Twenty years since moving from Canada to the UK, critically-acclaimed and multi-award-winning poet Rose Condo considers the features, facets and philosophies for determining a sense of belonging.
This collection explores community, identity, personal growth and societal wellbeing through compassion, sharp political observation and finely honed humour. It is a love letter to home, wherever you might find it.
“Beautifully written and deeply inspiring. Rose takes you on her journey; a journey with elements that you too have walked or felt. A book of community, of love and friendship.” — Sharena Lee Satti
“The deft balance of touching sentiment and formal confidence makes these poems stand tall and demand attention – but so does the verve, the humour, the unbridled humanity of this work.” — Kevin P. Gilday
“Transitions from charm, warmth and humour to quietly devastating poignancy. Filled with wonderfully honest observations on the human experience, this book belongs on every bookshelf.” — Lisa O’Hare
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

How Manchester Made Shakespeare Modern – Rosa Grindon, the Suffragist Shakespearean Scholar
2023-11-08 18:00 - 19:00
With Dr. Monika Smialkowska and Dr. Ian Nickson.
Never previously recounted, Dr. Monika Smialkowska and Dr. Ian Nickson chart Rosa Grindon’s journey from modest beginnings in a Derbyshire village to becoming a leading figure in literary and theatrical circles in Manchester, a ground-breaking Shakespearean scholar and, as a Suffragist, an outspoken champion of women’s rights. For example, her response to women being forbidden membership of many of the city’s societies, was to resurrect Lydia Becker’s Manchester Ladies Literary Society to which she invited the leading Shakespearean actors Henry Irving and Ellen Terry to speak.
Grindon was a bold and innovative scholar who challenged the largely male-dominated interpretations of female figures in Shakespeare’s plays and pioneered theatrical outreach by delivering lectures in association with Richard Flanagan’s Shakespearean revivals at the Prince’s Theatre. Such was her standing that she was the first woman to be invited to speak at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford-in-Avon.
After the First World War, she led the preparations for Manchester’s Shakespeare Tercentenary Celebrations in 1916 and funded the Shakespeare Window in the Central Library via a bequest in her Will.

Under the Little Red Moon
2023-11-08 11:00 - 11:30 | Performance Space
Join Lulu, Monty and their friend Tom on a vibrant and colourful journey in English Touring Opera’s new opera for babies, which explores the development of language with the help of music and movement. Composed by Russell Hepplewhite. Suitable for babies aged 6−24 months.
Free – booking required below

3 Chord Ukulele Club
2023-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for an informal ukulele lesson and singalong. Ukulele’s available. Beginners welcome!
Free – please book by emailing catherine.rooney@manchester.gov.uk

Spooky Sunday: Horrible Family Halloween Party!
2023-10-29 17:00 - 20:00
Central Library opens its doors to little spooks and ghouls for a fun-filled family spectacular. Fearsome face painters, spooky silent disco, creepy crafts and maybe a few treats and scary surprises. Fancy dress is absolutely encouraged. So dust down your capes, polish your broomsticks and enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with ghoulish delights!
£10 per family (maximum in a family on 1 ticket is 3 children and 2 adults)
Please note – no unaccompanied adults

Behind The Scenes Tours at Manchester Central Library
2023-10-26 18:00 - 2023-11-23 19:30
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common?
Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library?
What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles?
All these questions – and many more – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take you to all the areas not normally accessible to the general public and tell the story of this iconic building. Tours last around 90 minutes and include the chance to see some of our rarest treasures and archives.
The dates for the next tours are –
Thursday 26th October 2023
Thursday 23rd November 2023
Places are strictly limited so please book early.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm.

Word Central with special guest Jolivia Gaston
2023-10-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word
Presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press
Celebrating Black History Month
Tuesday 24th October, 6pm Free entry
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Jolivia Gaston

Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 10th October via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk

NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe.
Performance slots are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis from the stated booking time
If they are already filled you will be offered a place on the reserve list.
