Library Live

Concert: Sedbergh Prep School Choir
2026-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Henry Watson Music Library
Sedbergh Prep School will bring their tour to Manchester Central Library Saturday 9th May.
Mixing cultural activities with performances in a few well-known establishments around the city, the Casterton choir will be calling-in at the Henry Watson Music Library.
Based in the North-west, they have performed recent concerts at esteemed venues such as Bolton Priory, St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, and St Helen and St Martin’s York.
Composed of children aged 10-13 years old, the choir will be promising a mixture of songs to suit all tastes. The choir will be accompanied by the Head of Music at Sedbergh Prep School, Sian Norman.
Set to be a special, informal, early morning performance – all are welcome to attend this choral session from 10AM.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library.

Family Space Adventures
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Calling all future star explorers! Join us at Central Library for a space-themed day of fun as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Get ready for space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
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

Space-themed day of fun
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring!
As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family.
On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
Clustered around the Performance Space on the ground floor of Central Library, all of these stellar events within the library will be completely FREE to attend.
You can see the full itinerary below – just drop in….
Saturday 9 May, Performance Space, 1-4pm, FREE Activity Plan:

1-4pm Performance Space 2+3: Kids disco with space-themed competitions and crafts including moon rock races, space hoppers race, hoola hoop challenge, build-an-alien craft
1-2pm Performance Space 1: Science session delivered by Love Science
2-3pm Performance Space 1: Space-themed storytime session delivered by Tessa Singh, author of Little Bob saves the world

*****
Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into an unforgettable journey through space.
Popping-up in St Peter’s Square, Manchester (just outside the Central Library) between 1-23 May, tickets for all planetarium experiences can be purchased in advance here: Planetarium Go Manchester
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Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

French Storytime
2026-05-09 13:30 - 14:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for Central Library’s French Storytime session.

Listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends!
Suitable for children aged 4-7.
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

Mystery International Film Screening
2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Welcome to the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
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 soft drink from the fully stocked café!

The Mystery Film Clubs screenings at Manchester Central Library specialise in showing a wide and eclectic range of films from all over the world. These are the sorts of films unlikely to be seen anywhere else, underseen and under-loved masterpieces from every single point of the globe. There’s no delineation by genre, place or year, all that matters is the quality of the film.
This month’s choices are:
Clearcut (1991, Canada)
A roaring cult classic of Canadian cinema, a supernatural revenge thriller with big moral questions and furious anger as Polish director Ryszard Bugajski confronts the limits of liberal pacifism. With an incredible central performance from Graham that oscillates between trickster spirit and revolutionary spectre, the viewer is forced to confront their own views of heroism and justice.
Le Franc (1994, Senegal)
A man buys a lottery ticket and to protect it glues it to his wall, when the ticket wins he finds he has to transport both the door and the ticket to claim his prize. This simple image is used to explore themes of global economic catastrophe. Conceived in response to the 1994 devaluation of the West African CFA franc, the film transforms structural violence into slapstick surrealism. The protagonist is a spiritual successor to Chaplin’s The Tramp, with all the tragedy and comedy that entails.
Electra, My Love (1974, Hungary)
Experience the unique cinematic stylings of Miklós Jancsó, in a film with some of the most spellbinding staging and shots ever conceived. Epic Greek Tragedy on the Hungarian plains presented in its entirety through only twelve extended shots. Movement replaces montage: bodies, horses, flags, and crowds swirl in ritualised patterns that mirror cycles of uprising and repression. A whirl of film as dance, theatre and ritual.

Talk English Circles
2026-05-12 12:30 - 14:30 | 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.
Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator
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

A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Afternoon Lecture.
2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Performance Space
Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Afternoon Session 1pm

A Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Afternoon lecture.
In this Heritage Lecture, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town Hall’s collection of paintings.Beth will talk us through the detailed work she’s completed, having undertaken three batches of paintings totalling 16 oil paintings, including their frames too.
The afternoon lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
1pm Tuesday 12 May 2026, The Performance Space, Central Library.

A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Evening Lecture.
2026-05-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Evening Session 5.30pm

A Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Evening lecture.
In this Heritage Lecture, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town Hall’s collection of paintings.Beth will talk us through the detailed work she’s completed, having undertaken three batches of paintings totalling 16 oil paintings, including their frames too.
The evening lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
5.30pm Tuesday 12 May 2026, The Performance Space, Central Library.

Board Games Café
2026-05-13 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-20 17:00 - 19:00 | 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! Open to all ages and abilities.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Crime Central
2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.

AUTHORS APPEARING IN MAY ARE ZOE SHARPE, SIMON MICHAEL AND DAVID PENNY!!
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 Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world.
Meet your favourite authors!
With giveaways, audience interaction, book signings, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city.

2hr DJ Workshop at Central Library
2026-05-14 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for a hands-on DJ and music production workshop at Central Library.
Hosted by tutor Niah Jemijog, this 2 hour session is designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels.
This small group session will cover the fundamentals of beat making, mixing, and live looping/DJ performance, using industry-standard tools like Ableton Live, MIDI Controllers and live instruments.
The workshop will take a multi-genre approach, encouraging participants to explore and create across styles such as hip hop, electronic, house, experimental, and more.
The focus will be on building confidence, developing practical skills, and giving people the tools to start honing their musical intuition and creating their own music straight away.
With a strong emphasis on inclusion, creativity, and real-world application, this group session in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor will be suitable for all ages and abilities.
Tickets are limited, so be quick!
Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Manchester: One City, Many Voices
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join the Manchester Lit&Phil and MACFEST for a vibrant evening celebrating the power of words to bridge cultures, spark understanding, and illuminate the rich tapestry of our city.
We bring together a distinguished panel of poets, whose award-winning works span continents, traditions, and lived experiences.
Through live readings and personal reflections our guest writers will explore what diversity and inclusion truly mean in a city shaped by migration, creativity, and community. Their stories – rooted in memory, identity, struggle, joy, and hope – offer a compelling portrait of Manchester as a place where many cultures not only coexist, but flourish.
This unique event invites audiences to reflect on the ways literature can build empathy and connection, celebrating Manchester as an exemplar of multiculturalism at its best. Come prepared to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted by voices that reflect the city’s past, present, and ever-evolving future.
This is a free public event, designed to welcome audiences from all backgrounds and to highlight the unifying power of literature and the spoken word. There will be time for discussion and questions to the poets.
Poets and Writers (photos below listed in the following order):

Nasima Bee, performance poet, producer and creative practitioner
Nóra Blascsok, Hungarian poet based in Manchester, one of the Manchester Multilingual City Poets in 2025
Pamela Galloway, poet based in Canada and Manchester
Peter Kalu, poet, fiction writer and playwright

For more information and biographies of the speakers visit Manchester Lit&Phil website.

Little Reads
2026-05-16 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-20 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 – 6, but all family members are welcome.
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

Teen Book Club
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Teen Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities.
This activity is for ages 13-16 year olds only.
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
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.

Family Film Club: Planetarium Go! Special
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Calling all space explorers – join us for a special edition of our Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed activities as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Most suitable for under 12s. Visit librarylive.co.uk for more information.
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.

Space-themed Day of Family Film Fun
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring!
As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family.
On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
Whereas those jetting into the library the following weekend, Saturday 16 May, can expect a special space-age edition of Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club, plus an afternoon of themed out-of-this-world activities.
Clustered around the Performance Space on the ground floor of Central Library, all of these stellar events within the library will be completely FREE to attend.
You can see the full itinerary below – just drop in….
Saturday 16 May, Performance Space 1-4pm, FREE Activity Plan:

1:30pm: Space-themed film screening starts
1-4pm: Crafts

*****
Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into an unforgettable journey through space.
Popping-up in St Peter’s Square, Manchester (just outside the Central Library) between 1-23 May, tickets for all planetarium experiences can be purchased in advance here: Planetarium Go Manchester
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

LEGO Club
2026-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | City Library
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above.
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

Arabic Storytime
2026-05-16 14:00 - 15:00
Join us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English.

Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in.
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

French Film Club: Vous Ne Désirez Que Moi
2026-05-18 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
The French Film Club is an invitation to discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Screenings of exclusive French-language films (with English subtitles) take place once a month and are free and open to all. Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Vouse Ne Désirez Que Moi, by Claire Simon (2022, 1h35)
Synopsis: ‘The relationship between French writer Marguerite Duras and her last partner Yann Andréa, who was 38 years her junior.’
These free screenings are offered with the support of the Institut Français. Unless otherwise indicated, all Alliance Française de Manchester cultural events are open and accessible to everyone. They are public events and under 18s remain the responsibility of their parent/guardian at all times. Please be aware that films may not have a UK age classification.
Film in French with English subtitles. Recommended age rating for this film is 15+.
Free – booking required via Alliance Française website or click ‘Book now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Word Central
2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.
Tuesday 19th May, 6.00pm – 7.45pm
Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Cathy Shaw.
Our special guest Cathy Shaw’s poems tend to be either gut wrenchingly sad or laugh out loud funny. Based in Hebden Bridge, she is a massage therapist and celebrant by day, and a poetry promoter and event host, creator of The Poetry of it All, and curator of the annual Heptonstall Spoken Word Festival.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 5th May 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 on a ‘first come, first served’ basis from the stated booking time. If they are already filled, you will be offered a place on the reserve list.
https://flapjackpress.co.uk/pages/word-central
https://www.facebook.com/WordCentral/
https://x.com/WordCentralMcr

Crochet and Chat Club
2026-05-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group?
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.

Conversation Club
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group to practice your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

'Malc's Boy'. Shaun Wilson in conversation with Tony Walsh.
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Hailed by David Keenan as “fierce, funny, poignant and real”, Malc’s Boy is being tipped as one of the most exciting debuts of 2026!

Brutal, beautiful, and darkly funny – a groundbreaking portrait of fathers, sons, and northern masculinity.
Malc’s Boy charts a son’s struggle and friendship with his father amidst a legacy of toxic masculinity and violence. Shaun grows up in Wigton, a small market town on the fringes of the Lake District, as the son of Malc, a prominent publican with a fearsome reputation. More concerned with establishing himself as an artist than making a name for himself in the town’s hierarchical pub scene, Shaun rebels against his father’s expectations. But when Malc is attacked by an old enemy, Shaun is forced to confront his father’s past and escape the life he’s been expected to lead.
Shaun Wilson was born in 1980 and raised in Wigton, Cumbria. In 2022, an early draft of Malc’s Boy won a Northern Writers’ Award, with an excerpt published by Granta. His work featured in Kit de Waal’s working-class anthology Common People published by Unbound, leading the acclaimed Kerry Hudson to tip him ‘for big things’ in The Observer.
He has featured at various book festivals, on BBC Radio, and recently completed a placement at Semiotext(e). He holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Northumbria University and is currently an Associate Lecturer in Creative Writing at the Universities of Northumbria and Teesside.
Tony Walsh, the Longfella, is one of the UK’s most widely acclaimed professional poets; a writer and performer of remarkable breadth and depth, whose inspiring words regularly reach and inspire audiences of millions.
Manchester-Irish, working class and entirely self-taught, his powerful writing and electrifying performances have made him a regular on television and radio, much in demand for a huge range of high-profile occasions, and renowned internationally for the now iconic performance of his poem “This Is The Place” in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Tickets are £3 entry or there is a book and ticket bundle for £12.99.

Behind the Scenes Tour
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Entrance Hall
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common?
Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library?
What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles?
All these questions – and many more – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take you to all the areas not normally accessible to the general public and tell the story of this iconic building. Tours last around 90 minutes and include the chance to see some of our rarest treasures and archives.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm.
Did you know, you can join our Library Lovers scheme and enjoy a free tour, plus discounts in our shop and cafe, and invites to other events and exhibition launches? Find out more and join online.
Book you place on this tour on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.

Polish Storytime
2026-05-23 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Join our fun and interactive storytelling session in Polish! We will listen to stories in Polish and English.
Suitable for children aged 4–7.
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

Half Term Holidays Programme
2026-05-26 09:00 - 2026-05-30 17:00
Looking for some family fun over the holidays? Check out our full half-term activity programme. With crafts, games, and activities to be found across the library every day of the holidays, come and discover a world of fun right here in the library. All materials will be provided – you just need to pack your imagination!

Children’s crafts for Eid

Tuesday 26 May, 2-4pm
Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for an interactive craft workshop as we prepare for Eid. We will provide all the materials to make Eid-themed bookmarks, just bring yourself! Suitable for children. Free entry, just drop in.

Ducklee Adventures Storytime

Wednesday 27 May, 2-3pm
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)

Join local children’s author Sabrina Martins Alauf for a gentle storytelling and colouring session inspired by her children’s book series, Ducklee Adventures. Children and families will meet Ducklee, a curious and kind-hearted little duck who explores friendship, discovery and gentle adventures. The session will include an introduction to the story, an interactive chat with the children and Ducklee-themed colouring activities. Free entry, just drop in.

Railway-themed Crafts

Wednesday 27 May, 2-3.30pm
Lower Ground Floor
Join us for an interactive craft session as we draw the curtain on the 200th anniversary of the invention of the modern railway. We’ll be making some lovely paper trains and a colourful railway track. Suitable for children aged 4-10. All materials provided, just bring yourself. Free entry, just drop in.

Farsi Storytime

Thursday 28 May, 11-12
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free entry, just drop in.

Polish Heritage Month Family Crafts

Thursday 28 May, 1-4pm
Performance Space
Join us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios, and much more! We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Free entry, just drop in.

LEGO Robotics Workshops (children)

Friday 29 May, 2-4pm
Lower Ground Floor
In this hands-on LEGO robotics workshop, children work in small teams to design and build their own racing robots without step-by-step instructions, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. They then program their robots using simple block-based coding to detect and avoid obstacles using motion sensors. Once complete, robots are tested through fun challenges, racing and navigating courses, combining engineering, teamwork and creativity in an engaging session. Recommended age: 8-13. Free entry, just drop in.

Italian Storytime

Saturday 30 May, 11.30am-12 noon
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Our monthly sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases while gesturing, chanting and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.

Spanish Storytime

Saturday 30 May, 12pm–12.45pm
Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
Hola! Join María at our monthly sessions to listen to a story in Spanish, learn phrases and vocabulary, and have fun! We end each session with a simple craft to make something related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.
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

Children's Crafts for Eid
2026-05-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for an interactive craft workshop as we prepare for Eid. We will provide all the materials to make Eid-themed bookmarks, just bring yourself! Suitable for children.
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

Mieczysław Fogg - 1930s Cabaret to Wartime Resistance
2026-05-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join us for a unique event celebrating Mieczysław Fogg, Poland’s legendary crooner on the 125th anniversary of his birth. Dive into the vibe of 1930s cabaret and discover how his music became a symbol of wartime resistance. With stories from cultural researcher and journalist Juliette Bretan, a visual journey through his inspiring life and melodies from singer songwriter Katy Carr. His unforgettable voice continues to affect contemporary musicians and listeners. Don’t miss out on this Polish Heritage event brought to you by Anna Kucewicz and Eva Szegidewicz.
Free – reserve a place on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below
