Join Manchester UNESCO City of Literature Multilingual City Poet Anjum Malik for a celebration of South Asian culture. Combining rich conversation, classical Indian dance and poetry (plus samosas), the award-winning Anjum Malik shines a spotlight on the vibrant legacy of South Asian communities in Manchester and beyond in an interactive workshop for participants of all […]
Spend an hour or two looking through some of our memory boxes - or create your own box. Memory boxes cover the areas around Manchester and may bring back memories of where you used to live or play. Have a chat and cuppa with us, share some of your memories of the area you lived, […]
Join us for this in conversation event with award winning playwright and artist, Linda Brogan. Linda will be discussing how her pursuit of memories led to the excavation of the Reno Club, renowned in the 1970s for being the best soul and funk club in Manchester and a space for young mixed-race Mancunians who often […]
Join us for an afternoon of fun with the family as we celebrate the Festival of Libraries, showcasing what Central Library has to offer and including our amazing crafts and face painting offers, amongst many other treats. Free – drop in – please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one […]
Manchester International Roots Orchestra return, to perform on our Sunday Funday as part of the Festival of Libraries, bringing together musicians, instruments and musical traditions from all parts of the globe, to perform both original and traditional pieces, MIRO is always brilliant and offers a chance to experience something unique. There will also be a […]
In collaboration with The Jamaica Society and UNISON Manchester Inspire Black Members Forum, Manchester Libraries invite you to join us for a special book reading followed by speakers about their Windrush experiences. Deniz ‘Skip’ Önaç will be reading from his book, The Colour of My Heart: A True Story of Hope, Perseverance and Love. This […]
The Henry Watson Music Library will again host a small festival as part of this international annual celebration of music. A variety of artists of many different styles will perform short sets (around 20 minutes) throughout the day, leading to a final full performance and presentation by Manchester International Roots Orchestra. It’s always a really […]
A free exhibition for anyone curious about manga as well as the avid fan. Explore the origins of Manga in Japan, the creative techniques behind the art and discover the wonder of Manga-Anime. The exhibition features artwork from incredible creators from Japan and discover today’s generation of award-winning British talents making manga in their own […]
This is the first “Paper Piano Presents” event to mark the exhibition in the Henry Watson Music Library. As part of the opening night visitors will have the opportunity to listen to Paper Piano’s back catalogue including rare tracks from The Oreoh!s, The Declining Winter and SPIRIT:level. There will be the chance to purchase limited […]
We are delighted to welcome Paul Hindle to talk to us again. This time Paul's talk will take us through the history and restoration of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal which, like most canals, fell into disuse some years ago. The building of the canal would have been a great achievement in its time, […]
Postcard collecting is still a popular hobby or a means of finding out more about a locality, but it is probably rare, these days, to receive a postcard through the post. Indeed, we could argue that postcard-news would be old news by time we received it, these days. However, many of us might have noticed […]
Join Michael Baker and Phil Portus, the photographers behind this important social documentary project and discover the facts behind their exhibition images from 2016 to 2023. The talk is followed by a Q&A, and exhibition preview and reception. Free - please book in advance Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme […]
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.
