Prose, poetry and spoken word from an all-female line-up of Outspoken voices. Afshan D’souza-Lodhi hosts, with readings from Seni Seneviratne, Jackie Hagan, Mandla Rae and Louise Wallwein. Plus new work from Superbia’s Manchester Chapbook project.
You don't need Romeo and Juliet in your life to enjoy our silent disco crazy crazy nights! Just grab your handbags and gladrags and discover a reason to believe. Whether you are an owner of a lonely heart searching for the power of love or a piano man desperate to fly away on a runaway […]
Storytime doesn’t get more glamorous than this! Manchester Libraries are proud to be working with Queer Contact and The Family Gorgeous to present their first Drag Queen Storytime at Central Library. Drag Queen Storytime is exactly what it sounds like, drag queens reading stories to children in libraries. The aim is to capture the freedom […]
Join us for a celebration of Chinese arts, crafts and culture on one of our exclusive Sunday openings.
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Manchester March against Section 28 - still the largest LGBT march in this country. Join us to hear how this event was organised and who spoke and performed at the rally and the concert that followed. See some of the archive items and film footage from the event. The […]
In September 1880, Detective Jerome Caminada and his Manchester police force raided the Temperance Hall in Hulme. Once inside, they found 47 men and half of them were in women's clothing. It was an event that shocked both city and country but who were these men and what became of them? Join us for this free […]
A very special afternoon of reading loveliness at Central Library. We will be sharing stories, making crafts, and discovering digital fun using our favourite books to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Free – please drop in
In the centenary year commemorating (some) UK women first gaining the vote, learn how Manchester played a major role in the fight. This entertaining and informative illustrated talk covers the campaign tactics of both peaceful suffragists and militant suffragettes, and the often barbaric backlash they endured. Free talk – please drop in
Brighter Sound and The Hub UK present Both Sides Now – Open Space: Making gender equality in the music industry a reality… what can we all do? Both Sides Now is a large-scale initiative taking place across the North of England to support emerging female artists and up-and-coming industry professionals to transform the future of the music industry. We […]
Manchester Libraries are pleased to welcome Dr Robert Poole for a fascinating talk on the Peterloo Massacre as part of the BBC Civilisations Festival. One of the major interests of Dr Robert Poole is popular protest in the age of reform and industrial revolution 1780s-1850s. He is a leading authority on the subject of Peterloo, […]
https://youtu.be/Mm8cEEwcS_M Join us for a unique immersive experience based on the story of Frankenstein. Rediscover this iconic novel through the voices of Mary Shelley's haunting characters as you journey through the library's hidden corners. With a soundscape created by award winning musician, Taz Modi, venture from room to room and from memory to memory […]
Manchester Literature Festival is delighted to welcome Patrisse Khan-Cullors to Manchester to discuss her illuminating memoir, When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir. She will be in conversation with Manchester Literature Festival Patron, writer and poet Jackie Kay. One of the most prominent activists of her generation, Patrisse is an artist, organizer and […]
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.
