What's on

A Day in The Afterlife: Francesca Beard Workshop

Chief Librarian's Office

Acclaimed poet and creative facilitator Francesca Beard will lead a workshop inspired by the work of cult writer Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). In this playful, hands-on session, participants will use poetic and improvisational story-telling techniques to create text that explores big philosophical questions such as ‘What does it mean to […]

Your Local Arena presents A Day in The Afterlife

Performance Space

Join us for a rare screening of the 1994 Arena documentary A Day in The Afterlife about cult author Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). Afterwards, see writers Kate Feld, David Hartley and Irenosen Okojie discuss his speculative / science fiction and imagination. Poet Francesca Beard will also perform a new commission inspired by his […]

Mindfulness, Painting and Music Workshop

Performance Space

Get creative at our free craft activities inspired by Black History Month. Artist Tina Ramos Ekongo and musician Johanna Leung will help you do some mindful painting to music. This workshop is suitable for families and lasts two hours. All materials are provided. Free - no booking required Please make a donation to support our […]

Half Term Science Special

Performance Space

Who said that science can’t be fun? Join our science-inspired activities for half term. You will make balloon rockets and find out how strong paper can be! Free, just drop in. Suitable for families. Free – just drop in. For more information email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk  Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme […]

Half Term Family Fun Special!

Looking for a fun Saturday activity for the whole family? Look no further. Join our engaging Saturday half-term session. Expect music, crafts, and lots of fun! Suitable for children of all ages. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]

Spooky Sunday

Ground Floor

We're getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween spectacular. Are you brave enter the world of fearsome face-painters, spooky silent discos, creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? £12.50 family ticket. Sorry, no unaccompanied adults allowed.

Manchester Theatres Exhibition

Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space

Visit this latest exhibition showcasing items from our unique archive, including playbills, programmes, posters and other memorabilia, dating from the 18th century to the present day and documenting the vibrant history of theatre in Manchester. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Oliver James Lomax. Tuesday 29th October, 6.00pm – 7.45pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. October’s special guest Oliver James Lomax is a poet, educator and trustee of Salford’s Working-Class Movement Library, whose poems are […]

Instruments in Chinese Music: The erhu

Performance Space

Join us and the Manchester Confucius Institute for talk hosted by Po Hang Yuen, focusing on the historical development of the erhu, or Chinese fiddle. With Chinese conductor, erhu player, and pianist Xinjie Yang, we will explore how the instrument is made and learn about its diverse repertoire since the early 20th century. Free - book tickets here

Crime Central Halloween Special!

Performance Space

Rob Parker and Manchester Libraries invite you to a CRIME CENTRAL SPOOKTACULAR!! With Jo Callaghan, Graeme Cumming and Steve Kedie! 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 […]

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. For more information, contact angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Free - Please make a donation […]

Recurring

NEW! Ukrainian Storytime

Привіт! Join our new monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English, and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. 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 […]