Migration, Identity and History - Talk
2024-10-16 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Lwr Ground Floor – Manchester Histories Hub
To what extent through history has British identity been influenced by migration? An event with speakers, short film screening and discussion.
Speakers from the Migration Stories North West project will explore the nature of migrant identity throughout British history and the intersections between the history of migration and issues at the forefront of Black history. There will be an opportunity for open discussion about various perspectives, including questions such as:
· Why are stories of individuals so important for retelling and understanding history?
· What is the social and cultural potential for understanding our history through the lens of migration?
· How did colonialism affect migration?
· Are the migratory roots of various historical figures often overlooked or kept hidden?
· What do the stories from the project tell us about migration and human rights?
Contributing speakers for Migration, Identity and History
Kooj Chuhan of Crossing Footprints will be chairing the Migration, Identity and History event, and there will be a number of contributing speakers including:
Louise Wong is a community development worker at Wai Yin Society and has been serving the Chinese community for decades. She presents the “Dragons Voice” program on Radio AllFM for the Chinese community. Louise co-produced “Crossing the Borders” Chinese oral history project archived at Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Resource Centre which received the Alan Ball Award. She was one of the volunteer researchers for the Migration Stories North West project, researching and producing the story of Jou Lim along with fellow researcher Yichao Shi.
is a Community Development Worker at the Wai Yin Chinese Community Centre in Manchester, and is also a presenter for the The Dragons Voice Radio show on All FM community radio. She was one of the team of volunteer researchers for the Migration Stories North West project in Greater Manchester, researching and producing the story of Jou Lim along with fellow researcher Yichao Shi.
Washington Alcott is a local researcher and teacher specialising in African and Caribbean perspectives. His work includes economic and social history, migration, environment, cultural identities, Pan Africanism and has been an active member of many progressive community and activist groups for decades. He recently contributed to the Guardian’s ‘Cotton Capital’ series.
Washington has been following the Migration Stories North West project in Greater Manchester since it began.
Alison Fisher has worked as a teacher of English as an Additional Language in Bury since 1995. Recently she has worked for Fair Futures developing projects both in schools and in their building in the centre of Bury. Fair Futures are a Community Interest Company working with children, young people and families to promote successful learning and reduce barriers to education. Alison co-delivered workshops at The Derby High School for the Migration Stories North West project in Manchester.
Migration, Identity and History is an event by Crossing Footprints presented within the context of Black History Month, in partnership with Manchester Histories. A part of the Migration Stories Exhibition on show at Manchester Central Library from 3 October.
Free – please drop in

Our Town Hall – Portraits of a Workforce
2024-10-18 08:00 - 2025-06-28 17:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
Our latest first-floor exhibition comes courtesy of the team currently working on the Our Town Hall Project to repair, renovate and refurbish Manchester’s iconic Town Hall.
Extraordinarily little is known about the artisans who built the Town Hall between 1868 and 1877, and certainly no photographs exist.
But fast-forward 150 years and today’s skilled workers are no strangers to the lens of Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach. As well as physical progress, Barrie’s been capturing portraits of those working on the Town Hall since the beginning of the project to repair, restore and refurbish this much-loved building.
As well as modern construction workers and behind-the-scenes staff, there are some incredible heritage trades involved. Stonemasonry, mosaic making, stained glass repair and manufacture, horology: these are all crafts that would have been widespread in the 1870s but are now very much specialist – and rare – trades. They are, however, critical to our restoration project.
Alongside the words of the workers themselves, 30 large portraits and 60 contextual images show the pride this modern team has discovered in being able to lovingly restore, and give new life to, the work of the forgotten workforce who went before them.
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

creative:connection
2024-10-18 13:00 - 13:45 | Performance Space
In partnership with Create, disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford schools come together to create, build connections and break down barriers. Working with top class musicians they will write and perform original songs on the theme of JOY at this celebratory event presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live.
Email miriam@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk for more details and to reserve a ticket.
Tickets are FREE but advance booking is recommended

Daisy Johnson & Andrew Michael Hurley
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Two masters of folk horror join us to discuss their chilling, atmospheric new books, both set in a single location over a significant period of time. The Hotel by Daisy Johnson begins with a hotel built on a possessed plot of land – its origins evident when a woman is accused of witchcraft – and ends with students disappearing whilst making a film. Barrowbeck by Andrew Michael Hurley begins when a group of marsh-folk are forced from their homes and find a new place to settle and ends in a near-future flood zone where humans and the climate catastrophe have ravaged the planet.
Daisy Johnson is the youngest ever author to be shortlisted for the Booker Prize with her debut novel Everything Under. She is the author of Fen and Sisters. Her debut play, Viola’s Room, was produced by immersive theatre company Punchdrunk and she was a writer on the play Robin/Red/Breast starring Maxine Peake. Andrew Michael Hurley is the author of three novels. The Loney won the Costa Best First Novel Award and the Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. Devil’s Day won the Encore Award. Starve Acre is soon to be released as a film starring Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by Library Live.
Tickets: ‘Book Now ‘below, phone 0161 876 2015 or visit the MLF website

A Day in The Afterlife: Francesca Beard Workshop
2024-10-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Chief Librarian’s Office
Acclaimed poet and creative facilitator Francesca Beard will lead a workshop inspired by the work of cult writer Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). In this playful, hands-on session, participants will use poetic and improvisational story-telling techniques to create text that explores big philosophical questions such as ‘What does it mean to be human?’ and ‘How can we know what is real?’
Francesca Beard is a performance poet who has worked with audiences and artists in over 23 countries through her work with the British Council. She collaborates with communities and institutions to create public-facing experiences that ask challenging questions with kindness and good humour. She has been poet-in-residence at The Barbican, BBC White City, The Tower of London and the Natural History Museum. Her solo shows include Chinese Whispers, How to Survive A Post-Truth Apocalypse and Confabulation.
Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with Your Local Arena and supported by Library Live. Your Local Arena is a Lucy Hannah & Speaking Volumes co-production featuring BBC Arena’s film archive.
Image credit: Suzi Corker
Tickets FREE but advance booking is required
Tickets: ‘Book Now’ below, phone on 0161 876 2015 or visit the MLF website

Your Local Arena presents A Day in The Afterlife
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a rare screening of the 1994 Arena documentary A Day in The Afterlife about cult author Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). Afterwards, see writers Kate Feld, David Hartley and Irenosen Okojie discuss his speculative / science fiction and imagination. Poet Francesca Beard will also perform a new commission inspired by his work. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with Your Local Arena and supported by Library Live.
Your Local Arena is a unique project featuring iconic films from the archives of BBC TV’s Arena, the pioneering cultural documentary series. It includes new poems inspired by the Arena films and panels to explore the continuing relevance of the Arena archives today. The Your Local Arena concept was developed by Lucy Hannah and Speaking Volumes, with Arena’s award-winning director/editor Anthony Wall as creative consultant, and funded by Arts Council England.
David Hartley is a short story writer, performer, and researcher based in Manchester. He holds a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Manchester where he looked at the interconnection of autism and the fantastical, with a particular focus on the film Blade Runner. He is the author of Incorcisms and Fauna, the latter of which was longlisted for the Edge Hill Prize in 2022. Most recently, he was writer-in-residence in Tartu, Estonia for the Prima Vista Literature Festival where he performed a four-hour immersive storytelling experience among a forest of tattooed Estonians.
Kate Feld is the author of the poetry and photography pamphlet Deeryard. Her writing has appeared in journals including The Stinging Fly, The Letters Page and Tolka and in The Art of Being Dangerous: Exploring Women and Danger Through Creative Expression. She lectures in Journalism at the University of Salford and lives in the hills north of Manchester.
Irenosen Okojie is a Nigerian British author whose work pushes the boundaries of form, language and ideas. Her novel, Butterfly Fish, and short story collections, Speak Gigantular and Nudibranch, have won and been nominated for multiple awards. She was a Contributing Editor for The White Review and co-presented the BBC’s Turn Up for The Books podcast, alongside Simon Savidge and Bastille frontman Dan Smith. She is the director and founder of Black to the Future, a multidisciplinary Afrofuturist festival. Her new novel is Curandera.
Francesca Beard is a poet who has worked with audiences and artists in over 23 countries through her work with the British Council. She has been poet-in-residence at The Barbican, BBC White City, The Tower of London, and the Natural History Museum. Her solo shows include Chinese Whispers, How to Survive A Post-Truth Apocalypse and Confabulation.
Tickets FREE but advance booking is required
‘Book Now’ below, phone 0161 876 2015 or visit the MLF website

Mindfulness, Painting and Music Workshop
2024-10-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Get creative at our free craft activities inspired by Black History Month. Artist Tina Ramos Ekongo and musician Johanna Leung will help you do some mindful painting to music. This workshop is suitable for families and lasts two hours. All materials are provided.
Free – no booking required
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Half Term Science Special
2024-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Who said that science can’t be fun? Join our science-inspired activities for half term. You will make balloon rockets and find out how strong paper can be! Free, just drop in. Suitable for families.
Free – just drop in. For more information email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Half Term Family Fun Special!
2024-10-26 14:00 - 16:00
Looking for a fun Saturday activity for the whole family? Look no further. Join our engaging Saturday half-term session. Expect music, crafts, and lots of fun! Suitable for children of all ages.
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

Manchester Theatres Exhibition
2024-10-28 08:00 - 2025-01-31 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
Visit this latest exhibition showcasing items from our unique archive, including playbills, programmes, posters and other memorabilia, dating from the 18th century to the present day and documenting the vibrant history of theatre in Manchester.
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

Word Central
2024-10-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Oliver James Lomax.
Tuesday 29th October, 6.00pm – 7.45pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
October’s special guest Oliver James Lomax is a poet, educator and trustee of Salford’s Working-Class Movement Library, whose poems are now taught in schools. He has published 5 collections including The Dandelion Clock and Burial of the Cameo (‘Dammed fine poems, full of emotional resonance and vivid imagery.’ Ian Rankin). Oliver has written poetry for film and television, and in 2019 released his first spoken word single, described by Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music) as ‘An unholy hybrid of John Cooper Clarke and Mark E Smith.’ In 2023 he released his debut album, Working-Class Love Poem, which he is currently touring across the UK.
‘Poems that dance with originality and are tenderly unafraid of love and belonging.’ Mark Thomas
‘Beautifully written poems from a unique voice of integrity and spirit.’ Maxine Peake
Event host Tony Curry is a poet, playwright, and workshop facilitator who runs literature-in-the-community projects with a specific leaning towards mental health and wellbeing. His work has been exhibited at Manchester’s museum and art galleries, and his play, The Teddy Bear, was staged at Contact Theatre. Tony’s solo spoken word shows include Brit Boy, Complicit Relations, Moving and The Odyssey, performed at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre. In 2024 he will be touring his new show, Tall Tales for All Men, adapted from his collection Tall Tales for Tall Men Who Fall Well Short [Flapjack Press, 2012].
‘Tony’s words make great music for the mind. Modern, understandable, smart, real.’ Neil Bell
‘This is our poetry, these are our poems. They smell of home and friendship.’ Tony Walsh
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 15th October 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.

Crime Central Halloween Special!
2024-10-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Rob Parker and Manchester Libraries invite you to a CRIME CENTRAL SPOOKTACULAR!!
With Jo Callaghan, Graeme Cumming and Steve Kedie!
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

Greg Jenner- Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy
2024-11-04 10:30 - 11:30
EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
Join ex-Horrible Histories historian and chart-topping You’re Dead to Me podcaster Greg Jenner, as he goes back in time to explore Roman Britain! You can expect myth-busting, quick-fire quizzes and to discover mind-boggling truths about everything from Roman gods and emperors to invasions and life in a fort! So, hold on tight because this isn’t your typical history lesson – get ready for a fact-packed, hilarious, and entertaining event! Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with Manchester Histories. Supported by Library Live.
FREE event for schools, booking essential
Email miriam@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk for more details.

When Marianne and Britannia Meet - Exhibition
2024-11-06 08:00 - 2024-11-28 17:00 | First Floor
Signed in 1904, the Entente Cordiale brought to an end several decades of colonial rivalry between France and the UK.
This exhibition, marking the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, features extracts of great historical and symbolic significance from French and British archives, shedding unique light on the political and social repercussions of the agreement.
You will learn more about the conflicts between the United Kingdom and France at the end of the 19th century, and the negotiations and discussions that led to the appeasement of their rivalry and the historic rapprochement of these two powers.
Immerse yourself in an important moment in the relationship between France and the UK, and learn more about the French view-point on the events!
This exhibition is hosted at both Central Library (First Floor) and at Alliance Francaise de Manchester.
Exhibition curated by Charlotte Faucher (University of Bristol) and Guillaume Perissol (Institut Français du Royaume-Uni) and presented by the Institut Français du Royaume- Uni (IFRU) in partnership with the French Ministry for Europe, the UK Foreign Affairs’ Archives Department and the UK National Archives. Supported by Natixis CIB and the Friends of the French Institute Trust.
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

Richard Powers
2024-11-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers (The Overstory) makes a rare visit to the UK in support of his compelling new, Booker Prize-longlisted novel Playground. The tiny island of Makatea in French Polynesia unites four people: Evie, one of the first female divers, now in her 90s; Ina, an artist who creates large sculptures from the plastic destroying our oceans; and two friends: Todd, a programmer working with AI; and Rafi, a poet with strong, moral beliefs. The decision they must make about whether to allow floating cities in the Pacific will change their lives and impact the planet forever.
Richard is the author of 13 previous novels including The Overstory, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and Bewilderment, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and longlisted for the National Book Award. He is a MacArthur Fellow and many of his books explore themes connected to science, technology and nature. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester. Supported by Library Live.
Image credit: Dean D. Dixon
Tickets: ‘Book Now’, phone 0161 876 2015 or visit the MLF website

Hey Duggee on Loop!
2024-11-11 10:00 - 2024-11-14 16:00 | Performance Space
Celebrate Hey Duggee’s tenth anniversary with ten specially selected episodes of the celebrated pre-school children’s animated television series, on a loop, as part of the Manchester Animation Festival.
Free – drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

French Film Club: Tout Simplement Noir
2024-11-18 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Tout Simplement Noir. JP, a 40-year-old failed actor, decides to organise the first big black protest march in France, but his often burlesque encounters with influential figures in the community and the interested support he receives from Fary mean he vacillates between the desire to be in the limelight and a genuine commitment to militancy…
Film in French with English subtitles. Certificate 15. 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.
Free – booking required via Alliance Francaise website
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

AFTERNOON LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square
2024-11-21 13:00 - 14:15 | Performance Space
AFTERNOON LECTURE

Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project.
One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) to create a 20% larger space, the work includes making all of the Town Hall’s entrances and exits accessible.
Prior to 2018, when we closed the building, only one of the many access points was available to anyone with reduced mobility.This lecture will be given jointly by Kevin Redhead and Matt Stirton from Planit, the project’s landscape architecture and urban design specialists, who are responsible for the work within the Town Hall’s public realm.

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EVENING LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square
2024-11-21 17:30 - 18:45 | Performance Space
EVENING LECTURE
Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project.
One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) to create a 20% larger space, the work includes making all of the Town Hall’s entrances and exits accessible.
Prior to 2018, when we closed the building, only one of the many access points was available to anyone with reduced mobility.This lecture will be given jointly by Kevin Redhead and Matt Stirton from Planit, the project’s landscape architecture and urban design specialists, who are responsible for the work within the Town Hall’s public realm.

Behind the Scenes Tour of Central Library
2024-11-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Entrance Hall
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.
Places are strictly limited so please book early.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm
Book tickets below

Crime Central
2024-11-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Rob Parker, Manchester Libraries and Instituto Cervantes invite you to very special CRIME CENTRAL!!
With SL McManus, Teresa Solana and Nick Triplow!
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

Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen
2024-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Lwr Ground Floor – Manchester Histories Hub
Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen: The Co-operators, the Peacemakers, and the Enigmas: Women in the SCR
Manchester Histories and Manchester Metropolitan University are delighted to host the Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen.
Discover the important roles women played in the foundation of the Society for Cultural Relations (SCR) with the USSR.
Jane Rosen is a Librarian and has worked in a number of specialist historical and cultural libraries including the Society for Co-operation in Russian and Soviet Studies and the Marx Memorial Library. Her latest publication is a centenary history of the Society for Co-operation in Russian and Soviet Studies.
Free – booking required via this Eventbrite link or clicking the ‘book now’ button underneath ‘related events’ below

A History of Pies and Puddings
2024-12-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Explore the history of some our most beloved British foods with local food historian Neil Buttery: pies and puddings, from their rather posh origins to the present day, where they are beloved by all (and treated with suspicion by some). Both have a fascinating and rather convoluted history, and Neil will talk you through the rather surprising paths they have meandered through the centuries.
Neil will also present some of his research on regional foods: Manchester pudding, Yorkshire pudding haggis and Cornish pasties (expect a bombshell!) as well as some foods which were eaten all year round but are associated with Christmas today, including plum pudding and mince pies.

Tickets are free and available to book below.

Christmas Silent Disco!
2024-12-06 20:00 - 23:59 | Performance Space
The ever popular Retro Silent Disco returns for a Christmas Special at Central Library!
Join DJ John for a night of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s hits, with a sprinkling of Manchester bands and festive classics throughout. Bar open all night. Christmas jumpers and party gear recommended!
Doors open 8pm.
Tickets are still the bargain £10 ( now with NO booking fee!) We’ve also got concessionary tickets and a ‘Four4Three’ bargain bundle!
Click ‘Book Now’ button below or this Eventbrite booking link

Instruments in Chinese Music: the guzheng
2024-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
We’re delighted to invite you to the final talk in our “Chinese instruments in focus” series. The series features three talks hosted by Po Hang Yuen, each focusing on a different traditional Chinese instrument.
The last in our series is the guzheng. The talk will introduce writing for the guzheng. It will discuss how our guest reimagined the instrument’s musical tradition by integrating Chinese philosophies found in painting and ancient literature. The guest for this talk is Li Yang.
About the public talk series: Manchester Confucius Institute public talks are free, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language. Find out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute.
Free – booking required. Click on ‘Book now’; below or book tickets via tickettailor.com

Dominic Berry: How Can I Be Now?
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Flapjack Press presents How Can I Be Now?, Selected Poems by Dominic Berry.
“Maybe I’m strange, but I want to ask whether I’m the only one who wishes more people cried together?”
Queer, vegan poet Dominic Berry presents his favourite poems for performance from his collections Tomorrow, I Will Go Dancing, Wizard, No Tigers and Yes Life, along with new poetry designed to engage and inspire.
An extraordinary and enthralling collection exploring life, personal development and wellbeing by the Glastonbury Festival poet in residence and two-times Saboteur Award-winning Best Spoken Word Performer.
LGBTQIA+ and includes adult themes and language.
“Dominic’s poetry leaves your soul grateful for its medicinal remedies.” Griot Gabriel
“Words that penetrate your soul like surround sound.” Jenny Berry
“Amazing. Heart-centred.” Ellerose the Unicorn
“Dynamic, tender and thought-provoking.” Jackie Juno
Dominic Berry is a Manchester-based performance poet renowned for his eloquent yet uncompromising stage shows and a desire to confront inequality. His work has taken him across the continents of Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australasia. He has been Glastonbury Festival’s poet in residence, and has won Manchester Literature Festival’s Superheroes of Slam and New York’s famous Nuyorican Poets’ Café Slam. He has also twice been publicly voted Sabotage Review’s Best UK Spoken Word Performer.

How Can I Be Now? is published in paperback by Flapjack Press.
Flapjack Press: exploring the synergy between performance and the page.
Shortlisted Most Innovative Publisher, Saboteur Awards.
Shortlisted Best Northern Publisher, Northern Soul Awards.
“Publishes the most cutting-edge poetic performers.” Writing Manchester
“Among the region’s most innovative and forward-thinking publishing houses.” Manchester’s Finest

Classic Christmas Film Marathon!
2024-12-18 11:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families.
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

The Hardest Music Quiz in the World!
2024-12-18 16:30 - 19:00 | Chief Librarian’s Office
The Vinyl Listening Group present The Hardest Music Quiz in the World! Prizes to be won. And maybe even mince pies! All welcome.
Free – just drop in.

New Horizons Choir Sing Christmas Favourites
2024-12-18 17:15 - 18:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
The New Horizons choir sing a selection Christmas favourites. The Manchester City Council employees choir rehearse every Wednesday evening in the Henry Watson Music Library, mainly for the joy of singing and to promote wellbeing.
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.

BSL Storytime
2024-12-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Children’s Library
Join us and Manchester Deaf Centre’s Children and Young People’s Service for this session, which helps deaf children and young people to nurture friendships, skills and confidence for a bright future ahead! You will also have the chance to learn some signs during the session.
Free – Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
