What's on

Retro Silent Disco

Performance Space

Celebrate World Book Night with a Silent Disco at Central Library! Join DJ John Ryan (Max 80s digital radio, Girls on Film, Gaydio) as he tempts you with three mixes to ssssshhhhake your body. Grab your headphones and flip between Classic Hits, Chart or Manchester Bands! Start your Saturday night struttin’ your stuff in one […]

£2.00

Hitchcock: Master and Magician

Performance Space

Four week film theory evening course plus a screening Delivered at Central Library by HOME, this course will support participants in getting to know one of the most celebrated and influential film directors of all time. Taking a cue from the film, The Birds you will examine in some detail what makes Hitchcock so special. […]

£40

Word Central Open Mic Night featuring Genevieve Walsh

Performance Space

Open Mic Poetry & Spoken Word hosted by Tony Curry. With special guest Genevieve L. Walsh. Wednesday 3rd May 2017, 6pm - 8pm . Free entry. Manchester Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD. To book an open mic slot (4 minutes max) - please email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk to get on the reserve list. Geneviève […]

Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants

First Floor Exhibition Hall

We're very excited that Nick Sharratt is now the subject of a magical exhibition at Central Library. The well loved author of classic picture books including Shark in the Park, and illustrator of books by authors including Jacqueline Wilson is celebrated in this interactive and action packed exhibition. Nick says: 'I'd like to invite you […]

Nick Sharratt Exhibition Launch

First Floor Exhibition Hall

Meet Nick Sharratt at his exhibition launch! Come along to Manchester Central Library on Saturday 6 May for the opening of the Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants exhibition. Meet the wonderful Nick Sharratt, get him to sign your favourite book and have a go at lots of free, fun, Nick-themed crafts and activities. 10am to 4pm.

Henry Normal: Travelling Second Class Through Hope

Performance Space

Better known as co-writer of award-winning TV and film shows such as The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, The Parole Officer, Coogan’s Run and Paul Calf, and producer of, amongst many others, Oscar-nominated Philomena, Gavin and Stacey, Moone Boy, Uncle and Alan Partridge, Henry Normal started his writing career as a poet. Born in […]

An Evening with Patrick Ness

Performance Space

The bestselling author of The Rest of Us Just Live Here and A Monster Calls (now a major motion picture) will be talking about and signing copies of his new novel, Release. Release is the most personal and tender novel yet from Patrick Ness, the twice Carnegie Medal-winning author of A Monster Calls. It's Saturday, […]

£7

Fermata-with Arundo Quartet

First Floor Display Cases

In today’s digital society, people are constantly bombarded with information, meaning that chances to switch off are almost impossible to find. Rising pressure online and offline has prompted an alarming decline in our mental health, with one in four people now experiencing a mental health problem as often as every 12 months. By bringing together […]

Juliet the Moon

Letters sent between Frank Merrick, pianist and tutor at the RNCM, and his wife Hope Squires throughout Merrick’s imprisonment during WWI for being an opponent to the war effort provide the inspiration for this unique evening of music, as part of Manchester After Hours 2017. RNCM composers Philippos Rousiamanis and Deane Smith have written two new […]

Saturday Spectacular – Picture a Story

It's National Share a Story Month in May! Help us create an interactive storybook for our upcoming "Read Manchester" Book bench. We would like you to help re-tell Manchester's iconic history using stop-motion animation*, artwork and illustration, performance and green screen. All ages welcome, no need to book. *Stop-motion animation activity for ages 13+ Free […]

Hari Kunzru – EVENT CANCELLED

EVENT CANCELLED Manchester Literature Festival have released the following statement: 'Upon reflection, we have decided to cancel our event with Hari Kunzru and Nikesh Shukla at Central Library on Thursday 25th May. We have been deeply saddened by the incident in Manchester earlier this week and know the reverberations are still being felt across our great […]

£6 – £8