What's on

Christmas Extravaganza

Performance Space

The whole family is invited to join us for Central Library’s Christmas celebrations! We’ll have choirs singing songs and carols, Christmas crafts for children and hot chocolate and festive treats […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Ben Willems. You can book your open mic slot […]

Art of Oesophageal Cancer

First Floor Display Cases

Art of oesophageal cancer is a visual representation of one patient’s experience of going through treatment, surgery and then coming to terms with a new normal. The subject matter touches […]

Creative Writing Class

Chief Librarian's Office

Writer Cathy Crabb is running a weekly drop in for anyone who would like to spend a couple of hours strolling through storytelling. With a different exercise per week it […]

The Door Opened: 1980s China

Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space

One can argue that nostalgia is the strongest emotion, a pure mixture of wistfulness and melancholy. Adrian Bradshaw, an English photographer, brings that sense of yearning into full focus in […]

Word Central Open Mic Night

Performance Space

Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press present Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Ben Willems. Our special guest for the first Word Central […]

Don’t worry, we will survive!

First Floor Exhibition Hall

Come and reflect on these vibrant abstract and portrait paintings by artist, Sarbjit Johal. Have a dialogue with our past and present in Britain and beyond. Buy a painting and […]

Chinese New Year Celebration

Help us celebrate the Year of the Tiger in Central Library on one of our special Sunday openings. Join in the fun as we offer themed family activities and crafts […]

Titanic: A Maritime Mistake?

Performance Space

A thrilling new take on the 1912 tragedy, as those tasked to keep the secret safe go on the run from an elite group of political figures. When Lancashire author […]

International Mother Language Day

Performance Space

Communities across Manchester will come together to enjoy an afternoon of celebration for all the family. Sharing their stories, language, music, dance and food, it is sure to be a […]