Library Live

Over 50's Line Dance Extravaganza
2018-09-29 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Performance Space
To Celebrate Valuing Older People’s Day, Manchester Libraries and Manchester Prairie Dogs present
A BEGINNERS LINE DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

Age friendly line dance lessons
County and Western photo booth
Games and quizzes
Refreshments at the Watering Hole

Places are free but limited so please book early by calling 0161 234 1940 or emailing j.kettlety@manchester.gov.uk.

Junior Jam: Movie Music
2018-09-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Free jam-packed music session for children aged 4-8. Help your little ones develop their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. Presented by creative music charity Brighter Sound and led by Kabantu – a quintet of award-winning musicians and music educators, known for their infectious rhythms and beautiful melodies from around the globe.
In this session, compose and perform your own Hollywood soundtracks to your favourite films with Katie and Delia!
Two 50-minute sessions at 10am and 11am
For more information contact info@brightersound.com or phone 0161 830 3899
Supported by Youth Music as part of the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England. The project is made possible by funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.
Free – booking required

Connie Glynn presents the Rosewood Chronicles
2018-09-21 18:00 - 20:00
Come and join Connie Glynn for a new term at Rosewood Hall at an event in celebration of Princess In Practice, the hotly-anticipated sequel to Undercover Princess.
Connie will be talking about the world of THE ROSEWOOD CHRONICLES and modern fairy tales, her experiences as an author, and answering your burning questions about the new book. Come along to this intimate event for your opportunity to have an exclusive photo opportunity against the backdrop of Maradova Castle, receive some delicious Rosewood themed confectionary and be entered into a raffle to be sorted into your school house by Connie herself!
This is an exclusive opportunity to meet Connie and get your new copy of the book signed by her. Book now – this event is not to be missed! Tickets 12.99 includes entry and a copy of Undercover Princess (RRP £12.99). *booking fees apply.
Connie Glynn has always loved writing and wrote her first story when she was 6 with her mum at a typewriter acting as the scribe. She had a love from performing stories from a young age and attended Guildhall drama classes as a teenager. This passion for stories has never left her, and Connie recently finishing her degree in Film Theory. It was at university that Connie started her hugely successful YouTube channel Noodlerella (named after her favourite food and favourite Disney princess). Here Connie vlogs about her passions including comics, cartoons, impressions, video games, cosplay and all things cute. Connie has 1m subscribers across her two channels and has over 56 million views. 2016 saw Connie make her first appearance in a cinematic film release as she made a cameo as the voice of Moxie Dewdrop in Dreamworks Trolls.
Terms and Conditions
All tickets include a copy of Connie’s Princess in Practice Alongside the book you will receive on presentation of your ticket, you may bring or purchase ONE additional copy of the book for Connie to sign (additional copies will be available for sale on the day). Connie will sign a maximum of two books per-person Anyone under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult. Any accompanying adults will not require a ticket. Due to time and space limitations each child can only be accompanied by one adult and accompanying adults may not be permitted into the event space. If you have already pre-ordered a book, and don’t want additional copies, we suggest you cancel your pre-order to take advantage of the complimentary book that comes with the event with Connie. You will receive your copy of the book at the venue. A member of staff will be on hand to take a picture of you with Connie. Please ensure that your phone/camera is fully charged on the day and has enough storage No Professional Camera Equipment will be allowed in the venue Please note the event may be filmed, as an attendee you consent to footage of you being used for promotional purposes The store management reserves the right to refuse admission The store management reserves the right to make essential changes to the published programme or casting Tickets cannot be resold or transferred and shall not be purchased or obtained from or through any person, commercial agent, company or otherwise than directly by the applicant from Ticketmaster UK Ltd. Any tickets advertised for sale will be void

An Evening with Deliciously Ella
2018-09-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Ella Mills Woodward’s inspirational, lively writing and delicious recipes have inspired countless people to move towards a plant-based diet. Her fans will find much to savour in her new book, which highlights some of the most popular dishes served in her own deli. We’re delighted to welcome her to discuss her writing and the personal events that have inspired it.
Tickets are £15 including a copy of the book or £5 for admittance only.

The Guilty Feminist
2018-09-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Performance Space
Deborah Frances-White has turned her hit comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist into a funny, joyful, frank and inspiring book about embracing both our feminism and our imperfections. We’re thrilled to welcome Deborah to Manchester Central Library, where she’ll explore live what it means to be a 21st Century Feminist.
The event will be chaired by Katie Popperwell, a freelance arts and culture professional based in Manchester. As a creative producer working across film, music, literature and performance, Katie produces cross-artform projects at HOME, Manchester’s centre for international contemporary art, theatre and film, and across the city. A former journalist, she regularly chairs conversations with high-profile authors, most recently Jennifer Egan and Zadie Smith for Manchester Literature Festival; she has presented the music news on BBC 6Music Radio and written for publications including The Guardian, Stylist Magazine and Creative Times.
Tickets are £20 including a copy of The Guilty Feminist.

Henry Normal - 'This Phantom Breath' Book Launch
2018-09-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
‘The Alan Bennett of poetry’ – The Scotsman
‘Dovetails bittersweet poetry with a sublimely observant wit’ – The Guardian
Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries are proud to host the launch of Henry Normal’s new collection of poetry, ‘This Phantom Breath’.
Written between August 2016 and August 2017, the poems in this collection are concerned with love, death, truth and other distractions.
Henry is co-writer and producer of some of the very biggest hits of British TV and cinema over the past decade and a half. He co-wrote Mrs Merton, The Royle Family and much of Steve Coogan’s early output. He’s produced everything from 24 Hour Party People, to Red Dwarf, Nighty Night and Philomena.
He may be less well-known as a poet, though he is no less esteemed. Influenced by the Liverpool poets; Adrian Mitchell, John Cooper Clarke and ‘ranting’ poets like Steven ‘Seething’ Wells, along with poets on the cabaret circuit like John Hegley, Henry was a stalwart of the performance poetry scene of the 1980s, before he was diverted into TV. He is the founder of the Manchester Poetry Festival (now the Literature festival) and co-founder of the Nottingham Poetry Festival.
Supporting Henry will be Pete Ramskill, Nottingham-based painter / sculptor / designer / poet, reading from his new Flapjack Press collection Selected Moments of Machine Life.
Pete has had two previous books of poems published; Strike and Personal Vendetta (the latter under his pseudonym, John Bitumen). His more recent poems explore love and family relationships whilst there’s still a deeply political edge to works about the world we choose to tolerate.
‘It’s no coincidence that Pete Ramskill is also a stone carver, he brings the same tools to his poetry – a hammer and chisel…’

Julia Davenport: 'Order and Chaos' Book Launch
2018-09-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Performance Space
The poems in this brand new book are about Love, War, Anti-Austerity, Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Murder, Child Abuse, Gender Identity, Race, and Climate Change.
All Book profits are being donated to the mental health charity ‘Mind’.
This collection of poetry is based on and around the themes of Order and Chaos. It has been written from a Socialist standpoint, and as a form of protest to give previously marginalised voices the centre-stage spotlight.
“These honest, raw and uncompromising protest poems … provoke and compel us into reflection.” – Terry Hughes, Edinburgh Fringe First award-winning playwright
“A collection of hard-hitting verses. Order & Chaos is fantastically reflective of chaos whilst calling for order.” – The Nubian Times
“These are poems for today that need not only to be heard but to be acted upon – NOW!” – Naomi Sumner Chan, Creative Director at Brush Stroke Order
“This is strong work, full of life and energy. At times angry and uncompromising … this is poetry that cares, about people, about culture, and about the environment.” – Cathy Bryant, ed. Best of Manchester Poets, vols. 1-3
BOOK LAUNCH WITH AUTHOR READING AND BOOK SIGNING
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS: Hilary Walker, Amanda Steel, Andy N, and Naomi Sumner Chan.
PUBLISHED BY RAGIEL & GILL PRESS
In association with Manchester Libraries and Librarylivemcr

Manchester Comics and Reading (MCR) Festival
2018-08-18 10:00 - 16:00
We are proud to announce the first Manchester Comics and Reading (MCR) Festival at Central Library!
This is a triple event special. That’s right, three in one day. We have a traditional comic event, an anime / manga showcase and a cosplay event all rolled into one day and venue, but in three very distinct zones. Meet creators, join us for seminars, enjoy our comic trade and celebrate your fandom.
More information to come in the upcoming weeks. If any creators or traders would like to join us for the event please message the event page here.
The team that bought you the Oldham Comic Con are also bringing an amazing range of guest illustrators and writers to the Manchester. Guests already announced include Nick Brokenshire, Ian Richardson and Al Ewing.
Keep up to date at the Manchester Comics and Reading Festival Facebook page.

Family Fun!
2018-08-09 13:00 - 2018-08-31 15:00 | Performance Space
Break out the popcorn and join in the fun for these free family film screenings. Lots to enjoy, including free craft sessions.
Event dates and film classification below:
Thursday 9 August (U)
Friday 10 August (PG)
Tuesday 14 August (U)
Thursday 16 August (U)
Tuesday 21 August (12)
Friday 24 August (PG)
Tuesday 28 August (U)
Friday 31 August (PG)

You Brought Your Own Light
2018-07-26 08:00 - 2018-09-29 17:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
A powerful exhibition by Manchester based photographer, Allie Crewe, whose work is “highly rated, sincere, poignant and classical “, Magnum Photography. There is nothing linear about femininity – or what it means to be a woman – in the 21st century. Sex and gender are not limited to the monolithic paradigm of genetics; they are informed by something intangible, and it this essence of the female paradox that makes Allie Crewe’s work as relevant as it is important.

Saturday Spectacular: Bee Amazing...Bee a Reader!
2018-07-21 12:00 - 16:00
An afternoon of free family fun as we get creative with all things Bee inspired. Take a seat, enjoy the animated film, bee crafts and illustration. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds. And as if that wasn’t enough, sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge and join thousands of others reading six books or more this summer! Visit readmanchester.org.uk for more information.

Keep the Faith Silent Disco
2018-07-20 20:00 - 23:00
Our favourite DJ John Ryan returns to Central Library with another Retro Silent Disco on Friday 20th July with a special summer treat.
This time you can dance the night away to –
The Best Northern Soul and Motown featuring Gloria Jones, Al Wilson, The Flirtations and all the biggest dance floor fillers.
Made in Manchester Stone Roses, The Smiths, Oasis, Happy Mondays, Joy Division, James, M People and possibly Herman’s Hermits!
Classic Summer Hits time to spice up your life and shake your booty with a celebration of the best 70’s to 00’s pop hits.

Northern Carnival Against the Nazis: 40th Anniversary project launch
2018-07-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
The Northern Carnival Against the Nazis – a rally and concert held on 15th July 1978 in Moss Side, Manchester – was a defining moment in establishing anti-racism in the city and beyond. The 15,000 people who marched across town and the 40,000 people who danced in Alexandra Park that day didn’t just make racism no longer respectable. They made it uncool.
To celebrate this pivotal moment in Manchester’s fight against racism, Manchester Digital Music Archive and the Ahmed Iqbal Race Relations Resource Centre have brought together the original organisers of the Carnival for a panel discussion and all-day event exploring its impact and continuing relevance today.
This event will be the official launch of our Heritage Lottery-funded project and exhibition celebrating the Carnival.

Manchester Culture Awards 2018
2018-07-13 08:00 - 2018-07-29 17:00
Seen a performance you really liked in libraries that you could nominate for Manchester’s inaugral culture awards? You can now nominate people, groups and organisations who made culture buzz in Manchester during April 2017 to April 2018. The top three nominees in each category will be invited to a prestigious dinner in November, where the winners will be announced and everyone will have a great night out!
Visit the Culture Awards page for more details and to nominate.
Nominations close Sunday 29 July 2018

The Black Stuff
2018-07-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Charles Goodyear turned natural rubber into a product that revolutionised industries around the world – but his journey was far from easy. Through theatre, art, humour, and song, Lioness Theatre present the dark true tale of how a bankrupt button-maker became one of the most important inventors of all time – and the terrible price he and his family paid for it. A special preview performance including an exhibition and Q&A.
Ages: 11+ Years
Free entry (donations welcome)

An Evening With Matt Haig
2018-07-05 18:30 - 20:30
From the no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How to Stop Time, a personal and vital look at how to feel happy, human and whole in the 21st century.
The world is messing with our minds.
– How can we stay sane on a planet that makes us mad?
– How do we stay human in a technological world?
– How do we feel happy when we are encouraged to be anxious?
After experiencing years of anxiety and panic attacks, these questions became urgent matters of life and death for Matt Haig. And he began to look for the link between what he felt and the world around him.
Rates of stress and anxiety are rising. A fast, nervous planet is creating fast and nervous lives. We are more connected and yet feel more alone. And we are encouraged to worry about everything from world politics to our body mass index.
Notes on a Nervous Planet is a personal look at how to feel happy, human and whole in the 21st century.
Matt Haig is the number one bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and six highly acclaimed novels for adults, including How to Stop Time, The Humans and The Radleys. As a writer for children and young adults he has won the Blue Peter Book Award, the Smarties Book Prize and been shortlisted three times for the Carnegie Medal. His work has been translated into over forty languages.

Word Central Open Mic Night
2018-07-03 18:00 - 20:00
Word Central open mic and spoken word hosted by Tony Curry.
Featuring guest poet Alex Slater!
Alex Slater’s fast paced poetry is laced with humour and charm, from the political to the absurd. He is the co-runner of SPEAK, a spoken word night in Manchester’s Northern Quarter driven to bringing poetry to the masses. A multi-slam-finalist, his guest credits include: Evidently, Just Write, The Kendal Calling Poetry Stage, Punk in Drublic, Rum 100 festival, Take Back and supporting Gerry Potter on his most recent book launch ‘Accidental Splendour of the Splash’ at Central Library and The King Blues at the Manchester Academy.
FREE event, everyone welcome. Sorry, all the open mic slots have already been booked.
In association with Flapjack Press and Manchester Library & Information Service

Bee a Reader this summer!
2018-07-02 08:00 - 2018-09-23 17:00
We’re buzzing to have teamed up with Bee in the City this summer. Come into Central Library and start ticking off the super-size and little bees in your trail map. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds.
Free – please drop in

Capturing the Heritage of the Workers’ Co-operative Movement, 1970s-1990s
2018-07-02 08:00 - 2018-07-28 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Link
Prompted by poor economic conditions, unemployment, and a change in societal attitudes, the 1970s-1990s saw a wave of workers’ co-operatives set up. This exhibition showcases some of the findings of the HLF funded ‘Working Together’ project and includes insights into the importance of the movement, through case studies and personal recollections of those involved.
Free – please drop in

Mischief Makers!
2018-07-02 00:00 - 2018-09-08 23:59
The Summer Reading Challenge is back so come and be a Mischief Maker with Manchester Libraries! Join at any library to get your free pack of goodies and collect rewards for reading along the way. Read six or more library books of your choice and enter our grand prize draw. The Challenge is accompanied by an array summer-long fun activities.
For more info ask inside the library or visit manchester.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge
Free – please drop in

Once Upon A Time...
2018-06-29 08:00 - 2018-09-30 17:00 | Wolfson Reading Room
An enchanting display of books for children from Central Library’s special collections. Ranging from a 17th Century Latin Dictionary to favourite characters such as Babar, The Snowman and Latin versions of Peter the Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh.

Chameleon Youth - Free Taster Session
2018-06-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2018-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
CALL OUT FOR YOUNG DANCE ARTISTS – CHAMELEON YOUTH IS RECRUITING!
Be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream.
Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company, is calling out for new members for 2018/19. If you’re age 11 to 21, this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream.
Based in Central Manchester and launched in 2016 by Company Chameleon, members of the youth company learn directly from a professional dance company, which for ten years, has toured and performed across the world giving new meaning to dance and movement.
As a member of Chameleon Youth, you will have the opportunity to:

Train weekly with Company Chameleon’s professional dance artists.
Create your own work and develop your own unique movement style.
Take part in regular performance opportunities throughout the year.

Want to get involved?
Company Chameleon will be hosting this FREE TASTER SESSION in the Performance Space at Manchester Central Library.

The Ministry of Lost & Found
2018-06-23 11:00 - 16:00
Pick up a map, it’s time to get lost on a quest around Central Library!
A long, long, time ago, the government commissioned intrepid explorer, Philias Finder, to start The Ministry of Lost & Found – a secret department tasked with protecting the most curious and precious objects ever lost or found.
To celebrate the Ministry’s 123rd anniversary, you’re invited to join in the first-ever lost and found expedition and unlock the secrets of the most classified department in history. Pick up your map from the Lost  & Found Office and let the mysterious staff from the Ministry lead the way. It’s time to go on a quest around Central Library!
Find your house on a giant map in the Archives, discover the tiniest insects on earth in the Performance Space and play hide and seek in the Reading Room. Look out for Leo Lost, from a long line of losers, Frankie Found, from a fabulous family of finders, and help Mr Quaver, who is feeling low, re-discover his musical mojo. There’ll be juggling, hula-hooping and dressing up too, not forgetting storytime, crafting and a treasure hunt for you.  See and do, make and play, remember your picnic and stay for the day. We look forward to welcoming you to The Ministry of Lost & Found.
Age range: 0-11 years
Free event, no need to book*
*Some activities have limited capacity and require booking on the day at the venue
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME: download our event map to find out more about the activity programme and to plan your day. Download here – Ministry of Lost & Found Map

The Ministry is committed to ensuring a more accessible and enjoyable experience for visitors with additional needs or with specific requirements. We have tried to make our activities as accessible as possible and have provided extra information on what each activity includes on the brochure for the day. If you have any questions about accessibility at the Ministry, please don’t hesitate to email jude@z-arts.org.
The Ministry of Lost & Found is a commission by Library Live | Creative Partners: Z-arts and Manchester Art Gallery | Commissioning Partners: Arts Council England, Manchester City Council, Manchester Central Library Development Trust, The Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Granada Foundation, GMCA, Greater Manchester Arts

The Empire Windrush - 70th Anniversary
2018-06-21 12:00 - 16:00 | Archives+ Ground Floor
Empire Windrush is best remembered today for bringing one of the first large groups of post-war West Indian immigrants to the United Kingdom in 1948. To celebrate the 70th anniversary we exhibit and share material from collections in the AIU Race Relations Resource Centre and Manchester City Council Archives.
Free – please drop in

Sunday Funday – Manchester Day
2018-06-17 12:00 - 16:00
The word on the street is that your fabulous Central Library will be open on Manchester Day – pop in and explore the treasures inside!
Free – please drop in

Debate-Discuss-Talk-Connect-Decide-Act
2018-06-11 12:00 - 20:00
From DevoManc to the STEM curricula, capitalism to cultural cities, Manchester Histories and partners host a day of exchanging different ideas and thoughts through debating and discussing topics that have, or are shaping, our histories and society. Come along and share your views.
Free event – booking recommended:

Manchester Histories Celebration Day
2018-06-10 12:00 - 16:00
The magnificent Manchester Histories Celebration Day comes to Manchester Central Library with over 60 exhibition stands, craft activities for all the family, performances, music, and talks by histories and heritage organisations from across Greater Manchester.
Free – please drop in

Not the Factory: Manchester's other electronic music histories
2018-06-09 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Curated by Annex Agency and hosted by writer, curator and journalist Jennifer Lucy Allan, Manchester Histories presents a day of panel discussions, screenings and music exploring the often-hidden stories of Manchester’s electronic music history.
Free event – booking recommended:

150 years of the TUC
2018-06-08 12:30 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Marking the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the TUC (Trades Union Congress) in Manchester and Salford in 1868, DJ and writer, Dave Haslam curates a whole day of events, including a short lunchtime lecture Dr Jo Grady (1:15pm-1:50pm) and screenings of films from the North West Film Archive here at Central Library.
Free event – booking recommended for lunch-time talk :
