• National Memorial Day of Hungary

    Performance Space

    Join us for a wonderful day of celebration of Hungarian independence organised by the Hungarian Consulate in Manchester. Watch special performances of traditional music and dances and meet the Hungarian community in Manchester. Please note that this event will be in Hungarian. Free - please drop in Please make a donation to support our Library […]

  • Irish Dancing Session

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In celebration of St Patrick’s Day 2026, Central Library will be hosting a special Irish dancing display and interactive teaching experience in its Henry Watson Music Library on the First Floor. Teaming up with the highly acclaimed The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing, the school will be sending two of their finest dancers who have […]

  • St Patrick’s Ceili Band Experience with Mouse’s Nest

    Henry Watson Music Library

    It wouldn’t be St Patrick’s Day without a ceili would it? So, on the weekend before the world goes green for Ireland’s patron saint, Central Library is hosting a special ceili band and dancing experience in the Henry Watson Music Library. Come down on Saturday 14 March, where local legends, Mouses Nest, will perform live […]

  • Irish Researcher Day

    Seminar Suite, Floor Two

    Join the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society (MLFHS) on St Patrick's Day for a special Irish Research Day including informative sessions and fascinating presentations including: Finding Irish Ancestors – the Difficulty of Researching, 10:30am – 11.15 (45mins) - booking required via Eventbrite here Thinking Outside the Box: my continuing search for Irish Ancestors, 11:30 […]

  • Japanese Manga Drawing Workshops

    Performance Space

    Are you a manga fan aged 12-18 in Manchester? Join our FREE workshop with manga artist Inko and learn to draw manga with step-by-step instructions! If you are you a young manga fan or interested in Japanese folktales and myths, then why not join one of two hands-on workshop in Manchester Central Library led by manga artist […]

  • Board Games Café

    Recurring
    Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

    Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café!  Whether you always wanted to try Carcassone, or whether you are a champ at backgammon or Trivial Pursuit, this is the place for you. Try new games, […]

  • Daria Chromik: Lunchtime Piano Concert

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Acclaimed Polish pianist, Daria Chromik, will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime performance. Presenting ‘Between Note and Emotion – Piano Recital’, the concert will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to hear the artist perform in this intimate setting for the first time. Daria Chomik is a pianist with […]

  • Storytime and Mindfulness for Children (4+ years)

    Lower Ground Floor

    Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş. We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft. Suitable for children aged 4+. Book your free spot on Eventbrite here Please make a donation to […]

  • Little Movers and Shakers

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Calling all little groovers! Enjoy a fun, high-energy session filled with music and dance. Get ready to show off some moves – we’ll bring the tunes! Most suitable for under 4s. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]

  • Voices of the City

    Ground Floor (Oculus Area)

    Voices of the City exhibition is a powerful and welcoming photography exhibition of a creative project which celebrated identity, belonging and community. Created by Community Arts North West, the project brought together a group of diverse young people and adults to tell their stories by working with drama facilitator and physical theatre director, Julia Wilson […]

  • Gardening Club

    Recurring
    Lower Ground Floor

    Calling all budding gardeners! Get potting at our interactive session for the whole family. We’ll provide all the equipment you need for your gardening skills to bloom! 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

  • Nya the Train Dog: A Tale of Safety and Smiles

    Children's Library

    Families are invited to Manchester City Centre Library for a special chance to meet Nya, the TransPennine Express therapy dog who has captured hearts across the rail network. She’ll be in the children’s section for strokes, cuddles and photos, and visitors can pick up a free copy of her brand-new children’s book.  Nya the Train […]