• Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds: Artist talk and UK book launch

    Performance Space

    Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds by Alan J. Ward is an artist book in the fullest sense: a work conceived, shaped, and authored through artistic practice. Developed through sustained collaboration with the community of Grandpré in the French Ardennes, the book traces stories held within German WWI postcards and transforms them into a living archive […]

  • Knitting, Cross-stitch and Embroidery Group

    Lower Ground Floor

    Join our new friendly group and spend a cosy afternoon meeting new people and learning a new skill! Have a go at knitting, cross-stitch and hand embroidery in a relaxed environment. All materials provided, just bring yourself. All levels welcome. Pay what you feel. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme […]

  • Italian Storytime

    Children's Library

    Our monthly sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one […]

  • Manchester Poetry For All

    Performance Space

    A free event, suitable for budding listeners of poetry or those keen to try out some of their own poetry. Listen to a selection of Manchester Writers from a 2025 publication Bards across the Pond with USA and UK writers in February If you would like to read a poem, book your seat via the links below […]

  • Timeless Cyprus: A Workshop for Children Aged 6-14

    Lower Ground Floor

    Join us for a theatrical–narrative journey through art, memory and home. In this workshop, children and young people will explore the world of Cypriot artist George Pol. Georgiou. Guided by the artworks, children explore everyday elements that appear in Georgiou’s paintings — chairs, houses, horses — and transform them into symbols of feelings, stories and […]

  • Mandarin Storytime

    Children's Library

    Join our Mandarin Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin, then English. Have fun and learn new words! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

  • Architecture for the People? Film Screening

    Performance Space

    Join us for a film screening and discussion exploring Manchester's urban history and development from the 1940s to today. Organised in collaboration with The Modernist and the current exhibition at Central Library, Architecture for the people: the works of Manchester City Architect’s Department (1902-2003), this Manchester Urban Film Series screening and discussion will revisit Manchester's urban […]

  • Recurring

    Talk English Circles

    Lower Ground Floor

    Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Every Tuesday, 12.30-2.30pm Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to […]

  • Recurring

    Boardgames Club

    Join our free weekly boardgames sessions! Try new games, rediscover old favourites and make new friends. Open to all ages and abilities. Boardgames provided - just bring yourself. Free, no need to book – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]

  • Meet Your Muslim Neighbours: Explore Islam Exhibition and Event

    Performance Space

    Join us and the Meet Your Muslim Neighbours team for a special one-day community led event and exhibition about Islamic culture and Muslim people, at Central Library on Saturday 14 February, 11am-4pm. Filled with free activities for all ages, including henna painting, interactive word hunts, Arabic tea and coffee, costume dressing, arts and crafts, and more, there's […]

  • Chinese New Year Celebration – Saturday Family Activities

    Lower Ground Floor

    Chinese New Year is one of the biggest events of the year at Central Library and the venue will be celebrating the Year of the Horse in epic fashion. Families, children, schools, and community members are warmly invited to join us for performances, hands-on cultural activities, and fun learning experiences provided by Bowen Education, Chinese […]