What's on

Women’s Community Festival 2025

Performance Space

International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March. Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together […]

Mandarin Storytime

Children's Library

Bring the family along to join in our Mandarin and English Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin then English and it will be a chance for the children to have some fun and learn some new words. This session is suitable for children aged 4 - 7 years old. Free - Please make […]

IMLD 25: How to Make a Tank Disappear – Screening

Performance Space

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam […]

Recurring

Little Reads

Children's Library

Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]

Recurring

Creative Archive Workshop Series: Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Regeneration

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]

Emma Barnett

Performance Space

'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]

Recurring

Little Reads

Children's Library

Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]

Crochet and Chat Club

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group? Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library.

Bill Leader Celebration

Henry Watson Music Library

Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. […]

Recurring

Ukrainian Storytime

Lwr Ground floor - City Library

Привіт! Join our monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. 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  

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. Please make a donation to support […]

Recurring

Creative Archive Workshop Series: Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Regeneration

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]