• Manchester International Women’s Day 2026

    Performance Space

    Manchester International Women's Day 2026: When women thrive, we all rise... Join us for a community celebration of International Women’s Day, co‑designed by local women. This is a space to: Meet new people Learn something new Get creative Find inspiration Come along to celebrate women’s contributions, share knowledge and be part of a community committed […]

  • Italian Storytime

    Children's Library

    Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! On the occasion of the World book Day, our Italian Story Time session will be very special! Get ready to meet […]

  • Didsbury Singers: International Women’s Day Concert

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In celebration of International Women’s Day, Didsbury Singers will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a celebration of choral music. Didsbury Singers are a local, aspirational upper voices choir from South Manchester. Conducted by the award winning Hannah Brine and with musical accompaniment by Isaac Horton, the group will be honouring International […]

  • Poetry and Movement

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, representatives of all the Latin American women communities in Manchester are here to commemorate this day through dance and literature from wonderful writers who fight for women’s rights in Latin America. International Women's Day is a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face, such […]

  • Mandarin Storytime

    Children's Library

    Join our Mandarin Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin, then English. Have fun and learn new words! Suitable for children aged 4–7. 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

  • Mystery International Film Club!

    Performance Space

    It's a MONSTER HIT!! This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the voting page for the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Doors open: 17:00 Introduction to the film: 17:20 Film starts: 17:30 Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) Popcorn: FREE! Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or […]

  • Recurring

    Talk English Circles

    Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

    Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Every Tuesday, 12.30-2.30pm Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to […]

  • Cosy Reading Club

    Performance Space

    Bring a book. Get cosy and read alongside other book fans. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story. Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, our new silent reading group, offering a relaxed, shared space to read in peace and quiet in the company of others. This is no ordinary […]

  • Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’

    Henry Watson Music Library

    The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop […]

  • Knowing Yesterday, Shaping Tomorrow: The Inaugural Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture with Professor Abdul Alkalimat

    Performance Space

    The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust, in partnership with the University of Manchester, is launching a new annual lecture in honour of our founder, Professor Lou Kushnick. Lou was a tireless advocate for anti‑racist education and a driving force behind both the Education Trust and the RACE Centre. Since his death in early 2025, he […]

  • Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book, 'Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985'. The Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It's where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded, as […]