What's on

The African Presence in University of Manchester’s Bicentenary 1824-2024

Performance Space

This year, as the University of Manchester celebrates its 200th anniversary and recognises the significant achievements and contributions of many figures, groups and organisations, we must ensure that the profound impact of individuals from the African continent and the African Diaspora is not overlooked.  We are honoured to present an illustrative review and critique by […]

Manchester Day 2024

Come and meet us at Central Library on Manchester’s special day. This year’s theme is Sports and Olympics. There will be something for everyone and you may also sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge! Suitable for children and families. Free – just drop in. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Please make a donation […]

Build a Business Pop-Up Market

Performance Space

Discover and support local talent at the Build a Business Pop-Up Market! This exciting event features an array of unique, high-quality products crafted by innovative entrepreneurs from Greater Manchester. Stroll through stalls filled with handmade goods, delicious food and drink, and meet the creative minds behind these small businesses. FREE to drop in, this market is […]

Portuguese Speaking Community Book Club

Activity Room (Lwr Ground Floor

Bem-Vindos! Come along to a new session for Portuguese speakers, people interested in the Portuguese language and those interested the culture of the Portuguese speaking countries that like to read or want to exchange impressions about books and authors of the Portuguese language. At each meeting a book / author of a Portuguese speaking country […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central hosted by Tony Curry. Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 16th July via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. Performance slots are allocated […]

Chess Drop In

Ground Floor

Calling all budding chess players! Head to our Performance Space and meet other players at this informal and fun drop-in session. Open to all children and families. For more information, contact angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or […]

Little Movers and Shakers

Henry Watson Music Library

Meet us in our Music Library on the first floor for a fun-filled dance session! Suitable for children up to 7 years. 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

Imagination Gaming

Lower Ground Floor Link

Learn to play-play to learn! Taking gaming to a different meaning. These games are designed to challenge your brain with stimulating mental challenge across all ages and abilities. Can you beat the game? Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]

National Playday

Performance Space

Want a challenge over the summer? Join our big play day event and find out what challenges you can take on this summer. We will have an extra Lego club where we will challenge you to make your favourite reading space in Lego. Visit us at the main entrance, where we will tell you about […]

Music Days: Born and Bred

Performance Space

Join us for Music Thursday at Central Library! Doodle Dance is a workshop that combines mindful doodling techniques with movement. Create doodles and dance moves of your own in this fun and playful workshop. Designed for children of all ages for those who love to move and for those who aren’t sure. So come doodle, […]

Reimagined City 2024: Summer Art Workshop

Performance Space

Join us for a painting workshop exploring Manchester migrant culture and sharing migrant story through art! Reimagined City: Summer Art Workshop is a painting workshop exploring international influence on local culture, stories of identity, and the migrant history of Manchester. Tracing identity through art, each participant will learn to paint their own canvas and share […]

Vinyl Listening Group

Performance Space

Join us to listen to and discuss our favourite records and slabs of vinyl. Next listen: Person Pitch by Panda Bear. All welcome! Free -  just drop in