What's on

Writing Workshop with Anjum Malik

Performance Space

Join Manchester UNESCO City of Literature Multilingual City Poet Anjum Malik for a celebration of South Asian culture. Combining rich conversation, classical Indian dance and poetry (plus samosas), the award-winning […]

Down Memory Lane with Archives+

Spend an hour or two looking through some of our memory boxes - or create your own box. Memory boxes cover the areas around Manchester and may bring back memories […]

Inspired by Libraries: Linda Brogan

Performance Space

Join us for this in conversation event with award winning playwright and artist, Linda Brogan. Linda will be discussing how her pursuit of memories led to the excavation of the […]

£2 – £10

Sunday Funday – Festival of Libraries Celebration

Performance Space

Join us for an afternoon of fun with the family as we celebrate the Festival of Libraries, showcasing what Central Library has to offer and including our amazing crafts and […]

MIRO – Performance

Henry Watson Music Library

Manchester International Roots Orchestra return, to perform on our Sunday Funday as part of the Festival of Libraries, bringing together musicians, instruments and musical traditions from all parts of the […]

Windrush 75: A Celebration

Performance Space

In collaboration with The Jamaica Society and UNISON Manchester Inspire Black Members Forum, Manchester Libraries invite you to join us for a special book reading followed by speakers about their […]

Make Music Day

Henry Watson Music Library

The Henry Watson Music Library will again host a small festival as part of this international annual celebration of music. A variety of artists of many different styles will perform […]

Discovering Manchester: Wildlife & Nature 

First Floor Display Cases

Wildlife is always just a walk away wherever you are in Manchester and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. This exhibition showcases the creative talents and passions of our Central […]

Manchester College Students: Responses

Wolfson Reading Room

Foundation Art and Design Students from The Manchester College have brought the Art School’s ethos of research to the heart of our iconic Wolfson Reading Room. Each student has developed […]

Curry Mile – A Changing Neighbourhood

First Floor Exhibition Hall

A documentary photography project spanning 7 years (2016-2023). Photographers Michael Baker & Phil Portus explore ‘present day’ Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, and challenge perceptions of what ‘Curry Mile’ now represents, as […]

Paper Piano Presents: Opening Night

Henry Watson Music Library

This is the first “Paper Piano Presents” event to mark the exhibition in the Henry Watson Music Library. As part of the opening night visitors will have the opportunity to […]