What's on

When Marianne and Britannia Meet – Exhibition

First Floor

Signed in 1904, the Entente Cordiale brought to an end several decades of colonial rivalry between France and the UK. This exhibition, marking the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, features extracts of great historical and symbolic significance from French and British archives, shedding unique light on the political and social repercussions of the agreement. You will learn more about […]

Richard Powers

Performance Space

Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers (The Overstory) makes a rare visit to the UK in support of his compelling new, Booker Prize-longlisted novel Playground. The tiny island of Makatea in French Polynesia unites four people: Evie, one of the first female divers, now in her 90s; Ina, an artist who creates large sculptures from the […]

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration

Performance Space

Come and join us for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and ancient Mexican celebration. This exciting event will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, themed activities, craft workshops, and a typical Mexican altar. Suitable for all ages! Suitable for all ages Free - please consider making a donation […]

Hey Duggee on Loop!

Performance Space

Celebrate Hey Duggee’s tenth anniversary with ten specially selected episodes of the celebrated pre-school children’s animated television series, on a loop, as part of the Manchester Animation Festival. Free - drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

French Film Club: Tout Simplement Noir

Performance Space

Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Tout Simplement Noir. JP, a 40-year-old failed actor, decides to organise the first big black protest march in France, but his often burlesque encounters with influential figures in the community and the interested support he receives from Fary mean he vacillates between the desire […]

AFTERNOON LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square

Performance Space

AFTERNOON LECTURE Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) […]

EVENING LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square

Performance Space

EVENING LECTURE Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) […]

Behind the Scenes Tour of Central Library

Entrance Hall

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 […]

£12.50

Crime Central

Performance Space

Rob Parker, Manchester Libraries and Instituto Cervantes invite you to very special CRIME CENTRAL!! With SL McManus, Teresa Solana and Nick Triplow! 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 […]

Recurring

LEGO Club

City Library

Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk […]

Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen

Lwr Ground Floor - Manchester Histories Hub

Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen: The Co-operators, the Peacemakers, and the Enigmas: Women in the SCR Manchester Histories and Manchester Metropolitan University are delighted to host the Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen. Discover the important roles women played in the foundation of the Society for Cultural Relations (SCR) with […]

A History of Pies and Puddings

Performance Space

Explore the history of some our most beloved British foods with local food historian Neil Buttery: pies and puddings, from their rather posh origins to the present day, where they are beloved by all (and treated with suspicion by some). Both have a fascinating and rather convoluted history, and Neil will talk you through the […]

Free