• Poetry and Movement

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, representatives of all the Latin American women communities in Manchester are here to commemorate this day through dance and literature from wonderful writers who fight for women’s rights in Latin America. International Women's Day is a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face, such […]

  • Mystery International Film Club!

    Performance Space

    It's a MONSTER HIT!! This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the voting page for the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Doors open: 17:00 Introduction to the film: 17:20 Film starts: 17:30 Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) Popcorn: FREE! Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or […]

  • Cosy Reading Club

    Performance Space

    Bring a book. Get cosy and read alongside other book fans. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story. Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, our new silent reading group, offering a relaxed, shared space to read in peace and quiet in the company of others. This is no ordinary […]

  • Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’

    Henry Watson Music Library

    The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop […]

  • Knowing Yesterday, Shaping Tomorrow: The Inaugural Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture with Professor Abdul Alkalimat

    Performance Space

    The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust, in partnership with the University of Manchester, is launching a new annual lecture in honour of our founder, Professor Lou Kushnick. Lou was a tireless advocate for anti‑racist education and a driving force behind both the Education Trust and the RACE Centre. Since his death in early 2025, he […]

  • Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book, 'Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985'. The Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It's where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded, as […]

  • Manchester Literature Festival presents Satoshi Yagisawa & Emi Yagi

    Performance Space

    A celebration of contemporary Japanese fiction, this special event brings together Satoshi Yagisawa and Emi Yagi to discuss storytelling, love and loneliness. From the tender life-affirming novel Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, to the joyful, queer love story of When the Museum Is Closed, hear two of Japan’s most exciting writers. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Supported by Library Live. Book tickets at manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk or click on […]

  • National Memorial Day of Hungary

    Performance Space

    Join us for a wonderful day of celebration of Hungarian independence organised by the Hungarian Consulate in Manchester. Watch special performances of traditional music and dances and meet the Hungarian community in Manchester. Please note that this event will be in Hungarian. Free - please drop in Please make a donation to support our Library […]

  • Irish Dancing Session

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In celebration of St Patrick’s Day 2026, Central Library will be hosting a special Irish dancing display and interactive teaching experience in its Henry Watson Music Library on the First Floor. Teaming up with the highly acclaimed The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing, the school will be sending two of their finest dancers who have […]

  • St Patrick’s Ceili Band Experience with Mouse’s Nest

    Henry Watson Music Library

    It wouldn’t be St Patrick’s Day without a ceili would it? So, on the weekend before the world goes green for Ireland’s patron saint, Central Library is hosting a special ceili band and dancing experience in the Henry Watson Music Library. Come down on Saturday 14 March, where local legends, Mouses Nest, will perform live […]

  • Irish Researcher Day

    Seminar Suite, Floor Two

    Join the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society (MLFHS) on St Patrick's Day for a special Irish Research Day including informative sessions and fascinating presentations including: Finding Irish Ancestors – the Difficulty of Researching, 10:30am – 11.15 (45mins) - booking required via Eventbrite here Thinking Outside the Box: my continuing search for Irish Ancestors, 11:30 […]

  • Recurring

    Teen Book Club

    Teen Library (Lower Ground Floor)

    Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. This activity is for ages 13-16 year olds only. Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/ Free - […]