• Family Film Club

    Performance Space

    Enjoy a special edition of the Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and a family classic on the library’s huge screen. Screenings start at 1.30pm – drop in from 1pm. Most suitable for under 12s. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our […]

  • Intergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub

    Recurring
    Henry Watson Music Library

    Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, […]

  • An Evening with Alistair McGowan

    Performance Space

    Book Launch: Like Never Before by Alistair McGowan. Monday 13th July, 6.00pm – 7.15pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Comic, poignant, and observational, Alistair’s new poetry collection embraces the theme of a changing world – linguistically, politically, and environmentally – and the changes we all experience as we age. This is Alistair – like […]

  • Hispanic Film Club: La isla mínima

    Performance Space

    Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes of Manchester proudly present the Hispanic Film Club. Join us for this month's film, La isla mínima. The Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes Manchester present the Hispanic Film Club, with a special series that celebrates the richness and diversity of Spanish-language cinema. This programme shines a spotlight […]

  • LOVE STORIES etc FESTIVAL

    Performance Space

    #LoveStoriesEtc romance festival is returning for a third year to Manchester Central Library on 17th and 18th July 2026 for two packed days of exciting author panels, industry expert led workshops, and creative sessions!   LAST FEW TICKETS HERE. The schedule for Friday 17th July includes... On Saturday 18th, we're spoiling you with a bumper […]

    £25.00 – £35.00
  • French Film Club: La Haine

    Performance Space

    Join us and discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Alliance Française de Manchester present this month’s film, the critically acclaimed social thriller ‘La Haine’, which follows 4 hours in the lives of three young men in the French suburbs the day after a violent riot. Screening is in French with English subtitles. Suitable for 15 […]

  • South Asian Heritage Month Crafts

    Lower Ground Floor

    Create your very own dholak drums, inspired by traditional instruments from India! These beautiful drums originated in the Indian subcontinent and have deep roots in South Asian culture. Suitable for children and families aged 5 and up. Come craft, create, and celebrate with us! Free - drop in Please consider making a donation if you can […]

  • Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade Workshops!

    Recurring
    Lower Ground Floor

    Crafting workshops for children and their families to make headwear inspired by a favourite book for Manchester Day, which this year is celebrating the joy of reading and books, and the city's link with Barcelona. Would you like to take part in Manchester Day on Sunday 26 July - make a book-inspired head dress or hat […]

  • Summer Cosy Reading Club

    Performance Space

    Bring a book, get comfortable and stay cool in our quiet, dedicated reading space. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story! Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, a silent reading group offering a peaceful, shared space to unwind with a good book and talk with fellow book lovers. There’s […]

  • Stereo Listening Booth – LIVE!

    Henry Watson Music Library

    A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library. Ellesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester's Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth. Reviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’, Louder than War magazine described the […]

  • Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade Workshops!

    Recurring
    Lower Ground Floor

    Crafting workshops for children and their families to make headwear inspired by a favourite book for Manchester Day, which this year is celebrating the joy of reading and books, and the city's link with Barcelona. Would you like to take part in Manchester Day on Sunday 26 July - make a book-inspired head dress or hat […]

  • Sunday Funday – Manchester Day 2026

    Ground Floor

    We're celebrating Manchester Day at Central Library! This year's Manchester Day celebrates our city’s cultural links with Barcelona. Following Manchester’s appearance at Barcelona’s La Mercè festival in 2025, artists from the city will return the visit. Alongside the international line-up, this year’s event also includes a book-inspired theme. So, obviously we're ALWAYS ready to celebrate […]