Library Live

EVENING LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square
2024-11-21 17:30 - 18:45 UTC | 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

Chapters in Change
2025-01-13 08:00 - 2025-03-29 17:00 | Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
The images in this display, in the oculus area on the Ground Floor, are from TiPP projects working in partnership with regional Youth Justice Services. They capture movements of creativity by some of society’s most underserved communities.
This project fosters collaboration between professional artists and young people, promoting connections between young people and the environment. They capture moments of reflection, vibrancy, creativity and growth and offer moments of reflection and calm.
TiPP delivers inclusive, creative arts sessions for some of society’s most underserved communities, supporting personal development and growth through participation. Their work seeks to foster human connection and demonstrate that everyone has something valuable to say.
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

An Evening with Alan Hollinghurst & Andrew McMillan
2025-01-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Performance Space
‘Did I have a grievance? Most of us, without looking far, could find something that had harmed us, and oppressed us, and unfairly held us back. I tried not to dwell on it, thought it healthier not to, though I’d lived my short life so far in a chaos of privilege and prejudice.’
One of the finest writers of our age, Alan Hollinghurst launches his first novel in seven years. Our Evenings is a dark, compelling and wickedly funny account of Dave Win’s life from his time as a scholarship pupil at a local boarding school, through his early loves, his life in London and on the road with an experimental theatre company, to a late-life affair which transforms his sixties. A portrait of modern England, the novel is an acutely observed tale of race and class, theatre and sexuality, love and the cruel shock of violence.
Alan is the award-winning author of seven novels including The Swimming Pool Library, winner of the Somerset Maugham Award, The Folding Star, winner of the James Tait Memorial Prize, and The Line of Beauty, winner of the Booker Prize. Hosted by poet and novelist Andrew McMillan (physical, playtime, Pity). Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and sponsored by The Midland Manchester. Supported by Library Live.
Image credit: Robert Taylor
PLEASE NOTE: This event was due to take place on Monday 7 October 2024 but was rescheduled due to illness
Tickets: ‘Book Now’ below, phone 0161 876 2015 or visit the MLF website

Central Library: Ten Years of Success
2025-01-20 08:00 - 2025-03-01 17:00 | Wolfson Reading Room
In 2024, Manchester Central Library celebrated ten years since its major transformation, and 90 years since its grand opening by King George V on 17 July 1934. This display in the Wolfson Reading Room celebrates it’s many achievements and successes over those ten years.
As the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Manchester’s libraries, and one of the most loved and iconic venues in the city, Central Library boasts services and facilities that are appreciated by over 2million people annually. Central Library is an inclusive and dynamic space that appeals to families, children and young people, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs, culture vultures, archivists, students, musicians and traditional library visitors. Since its relaunch in 2014, we have continued to innovate and develop new ways of providing a high-quality, modern and vibrant library offer for residents and visitors to the city.
Free – drop in – 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

Poppycock
2025-01-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Poppycock, featuring Una Baines, perform their album ‘Magic Mothers’ (one of Louder Than War’s Top 100 albums of 2024), alongside artwork by Pascal le Gras and Suzanne Smith.
Band on stage at 6pm.
Free – please drop in

Word Central with Guest Poet Griot Gabriel!
2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Tuesday 28th January, 6.00pm – 7.45pm, at Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD.
Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Griot Gabriel.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 14th January 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.
January’s special guest Griot Gabriel is a poet from Manchester whose upbringing is rooted in Black urban culture and Nigerian heritage. His poetry explores masculinity, political discourse, identity, faith and spirituality, and inner-city experiences and challenges in context to historical and current social issues. Griot is founder of The Poetry Place, and in 2022 wrote and performed for Warner Bro’s. In 2023 he was commissioned to work with CHANEL, exhibiting at the Metiers D’Art Show, and performed at the Glastonbury and Manchester International Festivals. In 2024 he represented Manchester and came second in UNESCO’s International City of Literature Slamovision.
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries
Free – drop in

Chinese New Year Celebration - Saturday
2025-02-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor
Celebrate the Year of the Snake as Bowen Education join us for arts & crafts, face painting, a selfie booth, and a Hanfu Show featuring traditional Chinese clothing.
This event is a celebration of cultural fusion, bringing together Eastern and Western traditions to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Chinese culture or enjoy the talents of local performers, there’s something for everyone!
Suitable for families.
Free – drop in. Advance booking optional: Chinese New Year Celebration at Manchester Central Library Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Reasons to Rebel: Looking Back at the 1980s - EVENT CANCELLED
2025-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Sheila Rowbotham will discuss her book, ‘Reasons to Rebel’. In this memoir she recounts her experiences of putting feminist thinking into practice in her job at the left-wing Greater London Council (GLC).
Rose Hunter is a member of the North Staffs Miners Wives Action Group. She will speak about women’s role in the 1984-5 Miners Strike and their grassroots activity locally and nationally.
Claire Miller from UNISON will speak about the Manchester Mental Health workers who are currently taking strike action.
The meeting has been organised by the Mary Quaile Club and is sponsored by the GFTU and Burnley UNITE.
Free – advance booking via maryquaileclub@gmail.com

Lights, Camera, Pride! LGBTQ+ History Month Film Night
2025-02-03 17:45 - 19:30 | Performance Space
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month we’re hosting a film night where you get to decide the film we watch. The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network will be turning the Central Library Performance Space into the plaza for one night only, complete with popcorn!
Monday 3rd February 2025
Doors open at 5pm. Film starts at 5:45pm on the dot.
We’ve shortlisted four films which celebrate our history, culture and queerness. This is an opportunity to come together as a community, meet colleagues and new friends in real life, and have some fun.

But which film would you like to see? You can vote for your favourite here...

You can find out more details about the films and watch the trailers below.

But I’m a Cheerleader

Megan (Natasha Lyonne) considers herself a typical American girl. She excels in school and cheerleading, and she has a handsome football-playing boyfriend, even though she isn’t that crazy about him. So she’s stunned when her parents decide she’s gay and send her to True Directions, a boot camp meant to alter her sexual orientation. While there, Megan meets a rebellious and unashamed teen lesbian, Graham (Clea DuVall). Though Megan still feels confused, she starts to have feelings for Graham.

Disclosure
This documentary follows an in-depth look at Hollywood’s depiction of transgender people and the impact of their stories on transgender lives and American culture. Disclosure provides a direct conversation between transgender people and Hollywood by showcasing both sides of the conversation with direct examples in film history.

Dating Amber
Set in 1990s Ireland, Eddie (O’Shea) is desperate to hide that he is actually gay, whereas everyone suspects that Amber (Petticrew) is, and she does little to convince people that she isn’t. They decide to team up and pretend to be a couple to throw people off of the scent.
At first, everything goes to plan, and even school bully Kev (O’Reilly) stops harassing the pair, but neither can hide their true nature for long, especially when they stumble across a gay nightclub whilst walking the town one night.

A Secret Love
A former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player, Terry Donahue, and her partner, Pat Henschel, met in Canada in 1947. They later moved to Chicago and ran a successful interior decorating business until the late 1980s. They kept their lesbian relationship a secret from their families for almost seven decades.

Our wonderful libraries team have also curated a selection of Queer books for you to browse in the cosy reading corner. We’ll also have a suggestion box for you to recommend other LGBTQ+ books you would like the library service to stock.
Free – reserve a place by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button below or here on eventbrite

International Film Screening Night
2025-02-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Welcome to the Manchester Central Library International Film Society!

We’re thrilled to have you join us for the very first edition of our film club. Our inaugural screening will take place on Monday, 17th February in the Central Library’s performance space, and we can’t wait to introduce you to the wonders of world cinema.
Monday 17th February. Central Library. St Peter’s Square. Manchester.
• Doors open: 17:15
• Introduction to the film: 17:30
• Film starts: 17:45 (sharp!)
• Entry: Pay what you can
• Popcorn: FREE!
• Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!
At the Film Society, we aim to bring you the very best of global cinema—everything from hidden gems to beloved classics—enriching our collective film knowledge and experience. To make it even more exciting, each month you’ll have the chance to vote on 5 fantastic films, and the one with the most votes will be screened. Voting is democratic and fun: you’ll choose the film, and we’ll reveal the winner on the day. (Or, if you’re eager, feel free to email us before the event to find out early!)
Free event – Discover this month’s fantastic films, vote for your favourite and book tickets here!

Nova Scotian Folk Music Seminar
2025-02-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for a free seminar on Nova Scotian folk music, folklore and song collecting. Includes talk, discussion, screening, plus free tea and biscuits!
Free – please drop in

Illuminating our heritage – Afternoon Lecture
2025-02-20 13:00 - 14:15 | Performance Space
AFTERNOON LECTURE
Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards.
The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been going on behind the scenes.
We’ve already heard about the work on our paintings, mosaic flooring, clock, stained-glass windows, organ, furniture, the Albert Memorial and Albert Square. Now it’s time to turn our attention to some of the highly ornate original lighting.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear from Lauren Crossley of Arup. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
Illuminating our heritage – restoring Waterhouse’s lighting design
Illuminating the interiors of the Town Hall would have been a real challenge for Waterhouse, but he designed some fabulously ornate lanterns, lamps and lights – all in line with his overall vision and attention to detail. In this lecture we’ll hear about the intensive restoration of the original chandeliers and other light fittings throughout the building.
The task to bring them in line with modern technology – while preserving their heritage significance – has been achieved with a high degree of creativity and many respectful nods to the craftsmen that originally made them.
Lauren Crossley from Arup will present this lecture, in which she’ll also talk about her research on the historical installations and interventions over the decades.
Thursday 20 February 2025, The Performance Space, Central Library
Afternoon Lecture: 12.30pm arrival for a 1pm start (ends 2.15pm)
The lecture is free but you’ll need to book your ticket below.

Illuminating our heritage – Evening Lecture
2025-02-20 17:30 - 18:45
EVENING LECTURE
Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards.
The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been going on behind the scenes.
We’ve already heard about the work on our paintings, mosaic flooring, clock, stained-glass windows, organ, furniture, the Albert Memorial and Albert Square. Now it’s time to turn our attention to some of the highly ornate original lighting.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear from Lauren Crossley of Arup. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
Illuminating our heritage – restoring Waterhouse’s lighting design
Illuminating the interiors of the Town Hall would have been a real challenge for Waterhouse, but he designed some fabulously ornate lanterns, lamps and lights – all in line with his overall vision and attention to detail. In this lecture we’ll hear about the intensive restoration of the original chandeliers and other light fittings throughout the building.
The task to bring them in line with modern technology – while preserving their heritage significance – has been achieved with a high degree of creativity and many respectful nods to the craftsmen that originally made them.
Lauren Crossley from Arup will present this lecture, in which she’ll also talk about her research on the historical installations and interventions over the decades.
Thursday 20 February 2025, The Performance Space, Central Library
Evening Lecture: 5.00pm arrival for a 5.30pm start (ends 6.45pm)
The lecture is free but you’ll need to book your ticket below.

Geologise Theatre: Chrissie and the Skiddle Witch
2025-02-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Join us and Geologise Theatre for their unique blend of storytelling, songs, and science, in this uplifting show about a family trying to adapt to a changing world.
Thirteen-year-old Chrissie is a budding climate change campaigner, but her family just don’t get it! When a huge storm hits her seaside town of Skiddle, Chrissie reluctantly gets roped into helping a strange old lady. To Chrissie’s surprise, she finds an unlikely ally with a big secret.
“A feel-good musical” **** British Theatre Guide.
“A delightful production that we strongly recommend” **** Starburst Magazine
“Lively all-age friendly songs” **** Broadway World
Suitable for ages 8+
Free – booking advised below (a limited number of tickets may be available on the door but can’t be guaranteed)
Note – you will receive an automated email confirmation for booked tickets – check your spam / junk folder if not in your inbox

Tony Lloyd Exhibition
2025-02-24 08:00 - 2025-06-30 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
An insightful exhibition in memory of Sir Tony Lloyd (1950-2024) – a popular politician who represented three different constituencies in the Greater Manchester area for a total of 36 years across five decades. He served as the country’s first Police and Crime Commissioner before becoming the first Mayor of Greater Manchester, returning to Parliament in 2017 as the member for Rochdale. Proudly supported by the Communication Workers Union, Clayton Hall Living History Museum and Manchester City Council.
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 Archive Workshop Series: Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Regeneration
2025-02-24 13:30 - 15:00
‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11)
Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage.
Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, audio and text-based archive materials. The force and vibrancy of a river (as physical river and time-capsule containing heritage) is a great opportunity to use embodied approaches to understand the scale of a river. We will playfully engage in possibilities of being and being with the river; connecting personal objects used to serve tangible daily experiences, with seemingly intangible objects such as a river.
Fiona is incorporating archive materials into her own research to explore ecological and socio-material histories of the River Irk in Manchester, UK. She is working both independently with materials to create audio and visual representations and engaging local people in creative workshops with archive materials. Fiona is interested in exploring Cultural Memory of places, which refers to the collective practices that societies use to build and uphold their relationship to the past and present.
This workshop series is an opportunity to playfully consider our personal relationships to waterways, what we can learn from the ‘liquid history’ they contain, and the ways they connect us to places and people.
Bio:
Fiona is a Manchester based research-practitioner, working within spaces between Geography, documentary film, sound art and performance.
Since October 2023, Fiona has been working on a PhD research project that engages in possibilities of rivers as Cultural Heritage, with a particular focus on river engagement in areas of regeneration.
Fiona’s art practice explores the relationship between history, memory and visual and written narrative. She employs a research-based approach, working across a range of media. Previous artworks have utilised specialist expertise, involving collaboration with scientists and composers, to create lyrical and inquisitive connections between people and their environment. Fiona’s work takes the form of creative documentary and audio-visual installations that are exhibited in galleries and museums.
Free – Just drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Word Central with Mike Garry!
2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Mike Garry.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th February 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.
February’s special guest Mike Garry is a poet, librarian, and Doctor of Education. He’s been writing poems from the age of 5 and reading them from the age of 35. He’s toured the world with John Cooper Clarke for 15 years, and worked with the likes of New Order, Philip Glass, Orbital and Joe Duddell. Mike’s performances are unforgettable. His voice is a musical instrument and his words are strings oscillating. He has worked with The Cassia String Quartet for 10 years and released their first album last year.
“A Genius” – Peter Saville
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.
Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
Free – just drop in

Crime Central
2025-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.
NEXT EVENT: Wednesday 26th February

An hour chat with special guests Susy Aspley, Nick Quantrill and Eve Smith – followed by a Q & A and book signing!

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.
Book your tickets below

aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition
2025-03-03 08:00 - 2025-03-29 17:00 | Wolfson Reading Room
In 2024, Manchester was crowned the first ever European Capital of Cycling, recognising the city’s commitment to making cycling safer and more accessible for all. As part of International Women’s Day, the aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition celebrates the achievements of women in cycling and explores themes of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, representation and visibility on our roads and beyond.
Following the success of the Lights Up night time bike ride in November, which saw 180 women take to the streets to raise awareness about issues in cycling, this exhibition continues the conversation about empowerment, representation, safety, and visibility – both on the road and in public spaces.
Presented by aAh! Magazine, Manchester Metropolitan University’s arts and culture student magazine, the exhibition features work from student writers, journalists, designers, illustrators, and photographers. Through storytelling and visual art, it reflects on cycling as a tool for freedom, independence, and self-expression, amplifying the voices of women reclaiming urban spaces and finding community.
The Lights Up campaign, organised in partnership with Bee Pedal Ready, Station South, Manchester Metropolitan University, We Are Cycling UK, MCRActive, TfGM, and Starling Bikes, raises awareness of women’s safety while cycling, particularly as winter approaches and fewer women take to the roads.
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
