What's on

Instruments in Chinese Music: the guzheng

Performance Space

We're delighted to invite you to the final talk in our "Chinese instruments in focus" series. The series features three talks hosted by Po Hang Yuen, each focusing on a different traditional Chinese instrument. The last in our series is the guzheng. The talk will introduce writing for the guzheng. It  will discuss how our guest […]

Dominic Berry: How Can I Be Now?

Performance Space

Flapjack Press presents How Can I Be Now?, Selected Poems by Dominic Berry. “Maybe I’m strange, but I want to ask whether I’m the only one who wishes more people cried together?” Queer, vegan poet Dominic Berry presents his favourite poems for performance from his collections Tomorrow, I Will Go Dancing, Wizard, No Tigers and Yes […]

Christmas Extravaganza!

Performance Space

Join us for this free fun-packed day of Christmas entertainment, featuring music, crafts, refreshments and special guests. Suitable for families. 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

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a wreath making session! Join us for a relaxing hands-on workshop and learn how to create a beautiful wreath to take home with you. Suitable for adults. All materials provided. Tickets are £20 (plus booking fee). The workshop will take place in our new Generator Suite next door to Central Library. […]

Classic Christmas Film Marathon!

Performance Space

Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

The Hardest Music Quiz in the World!

Chief Librarian's Office

The Vinyl Listening Group present The Hardest Music Quiz in the World! Prizes to be won. And maybe even mince pies! All welcome. Free -  just drop in.

New Horizons Choir Sing Christmas Favourites

Henry Watson Music Library

The New Horizons choir sing a selection Christmas favourites. The Manchester City Council employees choir rehearse every Wednesday evening in the Henry Watson Music Library, mainly for the joy of singing and to promote wellbeing. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash […]

BSL Storytime

Children's Library

Join us and Manchester Deaf Centre’s Children and Young People’s Service for this session, which helps deaf children and young people to nurture friendships, skills and confidence for a bright future ahead! You will also have the chance to learn some signs during the session. Free - Please make a donation to support our Library […]

An Evening with Alan Hollinghurst & Andrew McMillan

Performance Space

‘Did I have a grievance? Most of us, without looking far, could find something that had harmed us, and oppressed us, and unfairly held us back. I tried not to dwell on it, thought it healthier not to, though I’d lived my short life so far in a chaos of privilege and prejudice.’ One of the finest writers […]

Central Library: Ten Years of Success

Wolfson Reading Room

In 2024, Manchester Central Library celebrated ten years since its major transformation, and 90 years since its grand opening by King George V on 17 July 1934. This display in the Wolfson Reading Room celebrates it's many achievements and successes over those ten years. As the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Manchester’s libraries, and one […]

Poppycock

Henry Watson Music Library

Poppycock, featuring Una Baines, perform their album 'Magic Mothers' (one of Louder Than War's Top 100 albums of 2024), alongside artwork by Pascal le Gras and Suzanne Smith. Band on stage at 6pm. Free - please drop in

Word Central with Guest Poet Griot Gabriel!

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Tuesday 28th January, 6.00pm – 7.45pm, at Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Griot Gabriel. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 14th January via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic […]