What's on

Responses

Foundation Art and Design Students from The Manchester College have brought the Art School’s ethos of research to the heart of Manchester Central Library's iconic Wolfson Reading Room. Each student has developed a personal body of work which has initially been inspired by one of the books from the venue. The work on the boards […]

Crime Central

Performance Space

Rob Parker welcomes Nilesha Chauvet, Tony Kent and Trevor Wood to Manchester! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are all coming to Manchester! Go behind the scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime […]

The African Presence in University of Manchester’s Bicentenary 1824-2024

Performance Space

This year, as the University of Manchester celebrates its 200th anniversary and recognises the significant achievements and contributions of many figures, groups and organisations, we must ensure that the profound impact of individuals from the African continent and the African Diaspora is not overlooked.  We are honoured to present an illustrative review and critique by […]

A Northern Life – it’s not all about Margaret

First Floor Display Cases

Lorraine Rudyard creates three-dimensional sculptures using recycled materials and vintage finds, encapsulated in story boxes. Her work is very Northern and what you will see are closely observed people and lots of lovely details and references to Lorraine's childhood, i.e. a budgie in a cage named Monty, a bathroom scene with fish wall-paper that are […]

Manchester Day 2024

Come and meet us at Central Library on Manchester’s special day. This year’s theme is Sports and Olympics. There will be something for everyone and you may also sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge! Suitable for children and families. Free – just drop in. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Please make a donation […]

Build a Business Pop-Up Market

Performance Space

Discover and support local talent at the Build a Business Pop-Up Market! This exciting event features an array of unique, high-quality products crafted by innovative entrepreneurs from Greater Manchester. Stroll through stalls filled with handmade goods, delicious food and drink, and meet the creative minds behind these small businesses. FREE to drop in, this market is […]

Portuguese Speaking Community Book Club

Activity Room (Lwr Ground Floor

Bem-Vindos! Come along to a new session for Portuguese speakers, people interested in the Portuguese language and those interested the culture of the Portuguese speaking countries that like to read or want to exchange impressions about books and authors of the Portuguese language. At each meeting a book / author of a Portuguese speaking country […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central hosted by Tony Curry. Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 16th July via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. Performance slots are allocated […]

Chess Drop In

Ground Floor

Calling all budding chess players! Head to our Performance Space and meet other players at this informal and fun drop-in session. Open to all children and families. For more information, contact angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or […]

Little Movers and Shakers

Henry Watson Music Library

Meet us in our Music Library on the first floor for a fun-filled dance session! Suitable for children up to 7 years. 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

Imagination Gaming

Lower Ground Floor Link

Learn to play-play to learn! Taking gaming to a different meaning. These games are designed to challenge your brain with stimulating mental challenge across all ages and abilities. Can you beat the game? Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]

National Playday

Performance Space

Want a challenge over the summer? Join our big play day event and find out what challenges you can take on this summer. We will have an extra Lego club where we will challenge you to make your favourite reading space in Lego. Visit us at the main entrance, where we will tell you about […]