Join the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Centre and Education Trust for a powerful evening of reflection, resistance, and creative expression. This event builds on the vital conversation we began last year with journalist and author Gary Younge, who returns to help us reflect on what important Black histories mean today. His address will be followed by a shared […]
Manchester Confucius Institute presents Uniting Musical Cultures from Manchester to Hong Kong. Recently returned from his trip to Hong Kong, acclaimed conductor Robert Guy shares his experience and insights from working across musical and educational cultures in Hong Kong and Manchester. Free – book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
Greater Manchester has an amazing legacy of alternative and community newspapers from the 1970s - offering us a window into the everyday issues, groups, places, events and organising efforts of the time - yet they are often overlooked or rarely known about today. Many have limited or almost no online presence making them hard to […]
Our Long Goodbye is an exhibition of photos, films and texts that candidly and sensitively show the everyday love and heartbreak of someone you know living with dementia. From 5 November until 19 December Central Library hosts this tender exhibition, with the relationship between artist Jenny Harris and her mum at its heart. It is […]
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 […]
Architecture for the People Manchester City Architect’s Department, 1902-2003 For 101 years, the City Architect’s Department in the Town Hall served the citizens and met diverse civic needs by designing hundreds of different municipal buildings. They ranged from grand airport terminals to the small public lavatories, from the high profile like the new Free Trade […]
Sanctuary movements have long been a part of the movement for migrant rights in Britain, but the meaning of sanctuary and the forms it has taken have varied dramatically. This event brings together scholars and practitioners of sanctuary, past and present, to discuss its history, trajectories, current forms, and possible futures in this country. Hosted […]
Join us for two hands-on workshops designed to give you the skills to collect, preserve, and share the stories that matter most. 🗣️ Keeping Our Stories Alive: A Community Archiving Starter Kit Dates: Saturday 8th & Saturday 15th November 2025 Time: 1:30 pm start Location: Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre & Education Trust, Central Library, Manchester Tickets: Free — Book […]
Join us as we host activities for the UK’s largest Animation Festival, dedicated to celebrating the animated art form. The festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together with the international community to delight in all things animated. We’ll also have exclusive talks and signings with the MAF book club! Mon 10 Nov, […]
In its penultimate edition of 2025, Full Volume is back with another treasure trove of library-related gold. This month, host Alan Lynch sits down with award-winning money coach, global speaker and passionate advocate for financial inclusion: Tynah Matembe. As part of Manchester Libraries’ Black History Month celebrations, Tynah popped by to offer some top money […]
Are you a manga fan? Never read a manga before but want to see what the whole fuss is about? Either way, this group is for you! Share your passion, meet new people and join themed activities. Free – just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of […]
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. Free - just drop in
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.
