Grab a sandwich and head to the Performance Space for a relaxing lunchtime listening to clips from Central Library's sound archives. Unlocking Our Sound Heritage is a new audio preservation project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Tapes the project has recently digitised include classical music, radio drama, life stories, folk music, celebrity interviews […]
Visit Central Library and help us to create our own cabinet of wonder. In these sessions we will showcase material which you may not normally have the chance to see. Help us search for hidden gems from our collections to add to our wonderful new treasure. Free - please drop in
A variety of different types of prostheses were used by the Greeks and Romans to replace various missing body parts. In this talk, we shall consider the following questions: How common – or uncommon – were prostheses in classical antiquity? Who made them? How and why did they make them? Who used them? How and […]
Junior Jam - our jam-packed music sessions for 4-8 year olds! With an exciting theme each month - from Space Travel to Loop the Loop - help your little ones develop their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. Sessions are free and take place at the Children’s Library at Manchester Central Library. […]
Manchester Literature Festival presents... Queens of Tartan Noir, Val McDermid and Denise Mina, join us to discuss their brilliant new novels. In How the Dead Speak, Val brings Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan together again when the remains of a killer, who’s supposedly alive and in prison, are found on a construction site. […]
Join us for musical performances from disabled Manchester artists as we celebrate UK Disability History Month and International Day of Disabled People 2019. Confirmed artists: the fantastic Spotlighters band, brilliant singer/songwriter Dennis Queen, and the very talented Bee Vocal Manchester Mental Health Choir, plus a disability history talk "Disabled people against apartheid" by disability history […]
A new monthly sensory storytime, suitable for children with sensory or autistic spectrum needs. The sessions will consist of a story and 3-4 songs, and will aim to be as visual as possible. Age group 4-7 years (flexible depending upon the individual needs of the child). All bookings can be made by phone on 234 1990. Places are free […]
This pop-up exhibition reflects on the materials used in the development and transformation of medical practice. Featuring objects from the Museum of Medicine and Health’s fascinating collection, it raises important questions about material functions, sustainability and innovation in contemporary medical practices. Free – please drop in
Get your festive season underway with our annual family extravaganza. Listen to a fantastic line-up of local choirs and bands and enjoy a mince pie with us. Create your own Christmas crafts. Enjoy a special festive ‘Story-time with Dad’. There will be performances and activities galore and Father Christmas will be here! Free – please […]
Join us for the Grimmfest annual Christmas movie gathering. This year’s choice is an eighties classic, which pays off-kilter homage to tradition - Richard Donner's cult classic, Scrooged. It sees Dickens' tale of miserliness and redemption relocated to 80s New York, and Ebeneezer Scrooge magnificently re-imagined in the form of Bill Murray's hard-nosed TV executive, […]
In 1919 the ‘Addison Act’ was passed by Parliament. This Housing Act helped local authorities to build social housing after World War One and guided policy for the country’s housing sector for most of the 20th century. Join us for the launch of this exhibition exploring its impact on Manchester. Free - please drop in
The tinseltastic drag queen Angel Delight returns to Central Library for a fabulously festive party! Including... Family Fortunes Play Your Cards Right Name that Tune Bingo Christmas cabaret and singalong ...and many more Christmas party games! Tickets are limited. Bar open all evening. 18+ Some of the quizzes will be through your smartphone. Just […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
