• Farsi Storytime

    Children's Library

    Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children under 5. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]

  • Community Screening: The People’s Emergency Briefing

    Join us for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing - an eye-opening 50-minute film bringing together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence and why it matters for things like: Extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living. The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster […]

  • Talk English Circles

    Recurring
    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. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]

  • Poetry Encounters: Claudia Masin

    Henry Watson Music Library

    A bilingual poetry reading and conversation exploring poetic craft, creative vision, and the nuances of poetry translation. The Instituto Cervantes in Manchester invites you to the second session of its “Poetry Encounters” programme, this time featuring a discussion between Argentinian poet Claudia Masin and author and academic Charlotte Shevchenko Knight. Poetry Encounters was created with the aim of promoting […]

  • Causing Trouble: A Queer Up North Panel Event

    Join Manchester Histories and Queer Up North for a panel discussion exploring what today’s queer cultural spaces can learn from Queer Up North, cultural activism and the radical past. Looking back at the festival in the context of the AIDS crisis, Section 28 and wider movements for LGBTQ+ rights, the conversation asks what should be […]

  • Talk: Schinkel in Manchester 1826-2026

    Performance Space

    An evening with staff of the Manchester School of Architecture celebrating the 1826 visit to  Manchester of the Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel which will include discussion of the making of architectural models of buildings in Manchester and Berlin, an exploration of the influence of his visit and an opportunity to play Schinkel Bingo. Free - […]

  • Fun Palaces

    Performance Space

    Get ready to celebrate Fun Palaces weekend at Central Library with a whole afternoon dedicated to the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar! Join us for an afternoon of traditional Chinese music, interactive workshops and lantern-making with Manchester Confucius Institute and Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music. Programme: 2-4pm - […]

  • Civic Week Centenary 1926-2026

    Performance Space

    Join Archives+ as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Manchester's Civic Week with a spectacular showcase of the best of our city's heritage as industrial powerhouse and modern icon of global communities - enjoy free films, talks, exhibitions and activities for all ages. Free - just drop in Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash […]

  • Play: The ReUnion

    Henry Watson Music Library

    The ReUnion is a powerful live performance celebrating the Cultural Heritage, Music and Memories of the cast consisting of women of African/Caribbean descent who are honoured to be 'Embracing Their Next Chapter' and incorporating their lived experiences. It explores identity, belonging, resilience and joy all whilst acknowledging the realities of racism in everyday life and […]

  • Library Lunchtime Choir

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session! There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we're just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. […]

  • Talk English Circles

    Recurring
    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. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]