Boardgames Club
2026-02-11 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-18 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-25 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Join our free weekly boardgames sessions! Try new games, rediscover old favourites and make new friends. Open to all ages and abilities. Boardgames provided – just bring yourself.
Free, no need to book – 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

Shakespeare and Manchester: A Victorian Powerhouse Exhibition
2026-02-12 08:00 - 2026-05-30 17:00 | First Floor Display Cases
For the first time, this exhibition tells the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearean theatre in the Victorian era and reveals present day evidence of the city’s innovative engagement with the works of Shakespeare.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Meet Your Muslim Neighbours: Explore Islam Exhibition and Event
2026-02-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us and the Meet Your Muslim Neighbours team for a special one-day community led event and exhibition about Islamic culture and Muslim people, at Central Library on Saturday 14 February, 11am-4pm.
Filled with free activities for all ages, including henna painting, interactive word hunts, Arabic tea and coffee, costume dressing, arts and crafts, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Delve into the richness of Islamic culture with informative stands exploring foundational beliefs and scientific contributions. Engage in meaningful conversations and build bridges of understanding and unity. Don’t miss this enriching experience for the whole family!
Find out more about the day here: Meet Your Muslim Neighbours: Explore Islam Exhibition and Event – Manchester Libraries Blog
Did you know…at Manchester Central Library and our neighbourhood libraries, we have a broad selection of books on Islamic culture which are free to borrow if you have a library card? You can browse our collection online here or at this event and find out how to join the library free here or on the day (just bring along some ID with your home address on to sign up on the day).
Free- please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online here

Chinese New Year Celebration - Saturday Family Activities
2026-02-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Chinese New Year is one of the biggest events of the year at Central Library and the venue will be celebrating the Year of the Horse in epic fashion.
Families, children, schools, and community members are warmly invited to join us for performances, hands-on cultural activities, and fun learning experiences provided by Bowen Education, Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, Confucius Institute, Manchester Chinese Centre, and more!
12 – 12:15pm: Short live performance by Bowen Education
12 – 4pm: Crafts by Bowen Education

Free arts and crafts workshops for children
Children’s artwork display: Special exhibition of student creations for Chinese New Year
Hanfu photo booth: Try on traditional Chinese costumes and take photos
Chinese calligraphy station: Have your name written in Chinese brush calligraphy

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

Chinese New Year Celebration - Sunday Funday
2026-02-15 11:30 - 16:00 | Ground Floor
Chinese New Year is one of the biggest events of the year at Central Library and the venue will be celebrating the Year of the Horse in epic fashion.
Families, children, schools, and community members are warmly invited to join us for performances, hands-on cultural activities, and fun learning experiences provided by Bowen Education, Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, Confucius Institute, Manchester Chinese Centre, and more!
11 – 11:30am (on St Peter’s Square): Lion dance performance!
11:30am: Central Library doors open
Central Library Performance Space (Ground Floor)
12 – 1:30pm: Bowen Education – Stage performances by local schools and community groups – including dance, music, and other creative interpretations of Chinese culture and traditions
2 – 4pm: Performances and Workshops for Children with Manchester Chinese Centre
Central Library Ground Floor (near café)
12 – 4:00pm Cake decorating with Sarah Cook Stars
Central Library Lower Ground Floor
12 – 4pm: Family Craft Workshops with Central Library, Manchester Chinese Centre and Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with local artists Caroline Coates, Mandy Cleveland, and friends! Expect lantern making, paper horses, and much, much more.
12 – 2pm: Bracelet making with Confucius Institute
2 – 4pm: Crafts by Bowen Education

Free arts and crafts workshops for children
Children’s artwork display: Special exhibition of student creations for Chinese New Year
Hanfu photo booth: Try on traditional Chinese costumes and take photos
Chinese calligraphy station: Have your name written in Chinese brush calligraphy.

Is it all a bit too exciting? Why not take a moment away from the crowds in our quiet space in the Music Library (First Floor), 11:30am – 4pm.
Free event – drop in (note – face painting £2)
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Word Central with special guest Zena Barrie.
2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:30
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.
Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Zena Barrie.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 3rd 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.
Our first special guest of 2026, Zena Barrie, lives in Manchester and is the founder and co-director of Camden Fringe. She co-hosted the award-winning spoken word night Verbose, and ran the Gtr Manchester Fringe for a few years, the King’s Arms Pub and Theatre in Salford, and the Etcetera Theatre in Camden, as well as working in a wide variety of roles at the Edinburgh Fringe. Her novel, Your Friend Forever, was published in 2021, and her book of short stories, Two Similar Looking Men with Umbilical Hernias, illustrated by Claire Robinson, was published in 2025.

Daily Drop in Lego Workshop
2026-02-18 10:00 - 2026-02-21 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Love Lego? Pick your favourite bricks and build your own creations – from castles to spaceships and everything in between! Come and let your imagination run wild in the world of Lego, with Bricklands. Suitable for all ages.
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
Free, no need to book – 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

Little Reads
2026-02-18 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-21 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun and interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play, and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2–6, but all family members are welcome.
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
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

Crochet Club: Family Edition!
2026-02-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Calling all budding crafters! Join this relaxed crochet session and get creative with yarn. All materials are provided – just bring yourself! Most suitable for children 10+.
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
Free – Booking required – Reserve your place here or click on ‘Book Now’ below
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Music Crafts
2026-02-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join a hands-on craft session all about music. Ever made a harmonica from lolly sticks and toothpicks? Come and give it a try! Most suitable for ages 4+.
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
Free entry – 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

40 Years of Funny Stuff - a Lipservice Theatre symposium
2026-02-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a symposium celebrating 40 years of LipService Theatre with retrospective footage, silly props and cake. LipService was part of the Manchester Fringe Forum, a consortium of 1980’s artists, whose work reached all four corners of the globe. We will have a panel of original members and explore why there was such an explosion of creativity in Manchester at that time.
Includes BSL interpretation.
Free – book tickets via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

International Mother Language Day
2026-02-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Celebrate the languages and cultures of Manchester’s local communities. Enjoy live performances, and try your hand at traditional crafts. Suitable for all ages, everyone is welcome. ]
Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Cosy Reading Club
2026-02-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Bring a book. Get cosy and read alongside other book fans. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story.
Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, our new silent reading group, offering a relaxed, shared space to read in peace and quiet in the company of others.
This is no ordinary book club. There’s no pressured discussions, there’s no set text. Simply bring along something you’d like to read.
Not sure what to read? We’ve got you covered. Send us a message directly and we’ll connect you with our friendly library team who can help you find your next favourite book.
The evening is designed for anyone who enjoys reading, wants a gentle break from busy schedules or simply wants to avoid the rush hour home. Everyone is welcome in our space.
What to expect:1 hour – Quiet Reading
Quiet, individual reading in a shared space
A calm, welcoming environment with no pressure to speak
30 minutes – Optional Group Sharing
At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity to share about your reading experience with others, this is only an invite and there is no expectation to stay or take part
Free light refreshments are provided. Stay as long or as little as you like, this is your space to slow down, escape to a new literary world and find peace in the heart of the city.
Tickets are on a ‘pay what you can’ offer and can be booked here or from the link below.
Please note: this is a ticketed event and, while we will make every effort to welcome everyone to the event, there are a limited number of seats available. Please book your free ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Author Q&A: Solid Bond in Your Heart - A People's History of The Jam
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
‘Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam’ is a new book by acclaimed author and journalist Malcolm Wyatt.
Published in 2025 by Manchester-based Spenwood Books, it tells the tale of one the most iconic and inspirational bands of all time: The Jam. Exploding on to the British music scene with their April 1977 debut single and LP, In The City, they went on to pen nine top-10 and 18 top-40 singles up to their December 1982 farewell, including UK No.1s ‘Going Underground’, ‘Start!’, ‘A Town Called Malice’, and swansong, ‘Beat Surrender’,
Told by the band, members of their inner circle, loyal fans and contemporaries, ‘Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam’ charts the band’s epic rise and celebrates the powerful affection they still command.
With a foreword from Paul Weller, there are also contributions from bandmates Bruce and Rick, plus co-founder Steve Brookes, with an afterword from broadcaster Gary Crowley and accounts from over 500 fans. And along the way, there are words and photos from the band’s many North-West appearances, not least at Manchester Apollo, Granada TV, Middleton Civic Hall, the University of Salford, and Saddleworth Arts Festival.
Alongside ‘Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam’, its author Malcolm Wyatt has penned 2023’s ‘Wild! Wild! Wild! A People’s History of Slade’, and ‘This Day in Music’s Guide to The Clash’.
Appearing in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor of Central Library on 24 February, expect an intimate, in-person talk, Q&A and book signing with the author.
Did you know…at Manchester Central Library and our neighbourhood libraries, we have a broad selection of books on music which are free to borrow if you have a library card? You can browse our music collection online here or in the Henry Watson Music Library at this event, and find out how to join the library free here or on the day (just bring along some ID with your home address on to complete sign up and pick up your new library card).

Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Voiced & IMLD26: Polari and Poetry in Manchester
2026-02-25 18:15 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Voiced, the UK’s first creative festival for endangered languages, presents an unmissable evening of Queer poetry and performance.
Presenting Polari, a hidden language of Queer experience, which will come to life in performance with Jez Dolan. Rosie Garland performs poems from Polari Prize-shortlisted What Girls do in the Dark and her recently published This Is How I Fight, an Observer Poetry Book of the Month. And poet afshan d’souza-lodhi explores Queer language through her mother tongue Konkani, a minority and national language in India. Join us for this electric evening exploring the intersections of Queer languages, poetry and performance.
About Voiced
This event is part of the Voiced: The Festival of Endangered Languages. Through poetry, performance, talks, live events and visual art, the festival brings together a remarkable line-up of artists whose work marks the vast impact art has on language and language has on art. Co-Curated by Sam Winston and Chris McCabe, please see the full programme on the pages below.
About the performers
Rosie Garland has a passion for language nurtured by public libraries. An award-winning poet, novelist and short story writer, she is frontwoman for post-punk band The March Violets. Her four historical novels include The Night Brother, described by The Times as “a delight…with shades of Angela Carter” & The Fates, her queer retelling of Greek myth. Latest poetry collection This Is How I Fight was Observer Poetry Book of the Month. Val McDermid named her one of the UK’s most compelling LGBT+ writers, & in 2023 she was made Fellow of The Royal Society of Literature.

Spanish Storytime - CANCELLED
2026-02-28 14:30 - 15:15 | Children’s Library
PLEASE NOTE – THIS MONTH’S STORYTIME HAS BEEN CANCELLED. THE NEXT SPANISH STORYTIME IS 14 MARCH
Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time monthly sessions, where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story.
Suitable for children aged 4-7
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Building China: People’s Infrastructure
2026-03-01 08:00 - 2026-05-30 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Link
“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” invites audiences to encounter China from the kitchen table and the street corner rather than the skyline. Bringing together photographs and prints from the 1950s to the 1980s with field images from the early 2000s and contemporary works, the exhibition traces urban change through the ordinary spaces where life unfolds.
Across work unit housing, factory yards, courtyards, pavements, parks and markets, the exhibition foregrounds infrastructure as lived experience. Socialist era photographs reveal campaigns that sought to educate as they built, capturing moments of collective labour and care. Reform era scenes register development in motion, with unfinished structures and provisional arrangements shaping everyday routines. Contemporary contributions attend to elevated roads, pavements and public spaces as shared infrastructures, animated through drawing, film and photography that remain attentive to movement and sound.
“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” offers a portrait of continuous infrastructuring, understood as the ongoing adaptation of spaces, rules and materials to meet everyday needs. By bringing the intimacy of routine practices into focus, the exhibition reframes one of the world’s most discussed urban transformations through the ordinary scenes that sustain it.
This exhibition is supported by The Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester. CI is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 and this exhibition forms part of our celebrations. Exhibition launch details will be announced shortly.
Lead curator: Prof Deljana Iossifova (Architecture & Urban Studies), University of Manchester
With contributions from Deljana Iossifova, Xin Li, Qiwei Peng, Ziqiu Ren, Rujin Wang and photographs by the late David Lea.
More information: Building China: People’s Infrastructure | Events at The University of Manchester
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Heritage Meets Heritage - Echoes of Sahyadri
2026-03-02 08:00 - 2026-05-30 17:00 | First Floor
Exhibition featuring 12 UNESCO Heritage Forts.
Organised by Leena Desshmukh, Founder of Sahyadri CIC UK, in collaboration with Sahyadri Pratishtan India.
This exhibition honours the extraordinary hill forts of the Sahyadri mountain range, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding universal value. These formidable structures stand as enduring symbols of architectural innovation, strategic brilliance and cultural legacy.
Carved into rugged landscapes and rising majestically above valleys and coastlines, the forts represent centuries of vision, resilience and statecraft. Their sophisticated defence systems, water management engineering and harmonious integration with natural terrain reflect a remarkable synthesis of art, science and military intelligence.
Through meticulously crafted fort models, curated historical narratives and immersive visual presentation, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with this monumental chapter of global heritage. Visitors are invited to experience the spirit, strength and enduring legacy of the Sahyadri forts in an educational and culturally enriching environment.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Library Lovers Scheme - Focus Group
2026-03-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Chief Librarian’s Office
Would you like to participate in Manchester Libraries Trust’s upcoming focus group?
Together we’ll explore and discuss the Library Lovers membership scheme and Manchester Libraries Trust work supporting cultural, educational and archives projects across all of Manchester’s libraries. Your input will help inform how the scheme is re-developed and re-vamped.
As a thank you for taking part, the event will start with a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Central Library building, giving you the chance to see some of the Trust funded archives work and hidden spaces not normally accessible to the general public!
Free – booking essential
To express your interest in attending this event, please email manchesterlibrariestrust@outlook.com before Wednesday 25 Feb.
Places are limited, so we will contact you to confirm your place and provide further details.

Crime Central
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.

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.

Manchester International Women's Day 2026
2026-03-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Manchester International Women’s Day 2026: When women thrive, we all rise…
Join us for a community celebration of International Women’s Day, co‑designed by local women.
This is a space to:

Meet new people
Learn something new
Get creative
Find inspiration

Come along to celebrate women’s contributions, share knowledge and be part of a community committed to lifting each other up.
See the full agenda on the dedicated Eventbrite page
All are welcome. For general accessibility information please visit Central Library’s website.
Free – drop in. Attendees are welcome to join us at any time throughout the day. Please note, some activities will have a maximum capacity. Places cannot be guaranteed and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Didsbury Singers: International Women's Day Concert
2026-03-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Didsbury Singers will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a celebration of choral music.

Didsbury Singers are a local, aspirational upper voices choir from South Manchester. Conducted by the award winning Hannah Brine and with musical accompaniment by Isaac Horton, the group will be honouring International Women’s Day with a selection of music which centres on female strength.

Founded in 2025, the group has quickly gained a reputation for performances with a warm, inclusive atmosphere and their ambitious repertoire. Singing a wide variety of music, from folk and classical to pop and jazz, the group have been known to sing a diverse array of music by the likes of Billie Eilish, to the Spanish song “Cantar!”, and Sarah Quartel’s “How Can I Keep From Singing”.

Their IWM performance will see them take on songs with a female emphasis such as Margaret Water’s “Lineage” in the repertoire (watch here).

Expect a moving, empowering performance from this highly talented collective.

****

ABOUT

The Didsbury Singers is a friendly, upper‑voices community choir based in the Didsbury/Withington area of Manchester. It is led by Hannah Brine, an award‑winning conductor whose choirs have performed at major events such as the BBC Proms, the Royal Variety Show, and the Olivier Awards.

For more information on the choir head to: www.didsburysingers.co.uk
Or find them @didsburysingers on socials.

****

Didsbury Singers will perform in the Henry Watson Music Library on Saturday 7 March, 1pm-2pm.

Entry to this event is free to the public.

Poetry and Movement
2026-03-07 14:30 - 16:15 | Henry Watson Music Library
In collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, representatives of all the Latin American women communities in Manchester are here to commemorate this day through dance and literature from wonderful writers who fight for women’s rights in Latin America.
International Women’s Day is a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face, such as gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and limited economic opportunities.
We take this time to think of the Latin women poets who have influenced Latin American literature and continue to influence and inspire it today – despite whatever socio-political or cultural challenges they faced in their respective times. Colibrí Mexican Folkdance will also perform a traditional dance and a choreography to reflect the problem of femicide in Latin America.
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

The Long Road South to find True North
2026-03-09 08:00 - 2026-05-29 17:00 | Archives+ Ground Floor
Take a poetry journey from loss to hope, from home to infinity, to find your own personal True North.
80 people from Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme, many affected by homelessness and other issues, have made poetic paths for all to follow, opening eyes to a wider world.
These restless poems leap from the page into 3-dimensions. Intriguing, bright and curious poetic paper sculptures, filled with intense life experience. Navigation tools for the journey – “wish frogs”, folded globes, infinity poems. And songs for the journey…
Echoing the footsteps of the footloose Japanese haiku poet Basho, our word-magicians lead us onward to help each of us find our own inner Northstar.
This year-long project at Caritas Cornerstone Day Centre was co-created by the makers with poet Philip Davenport, artists Christine Johnson and Darren Marsh.
Funded by Arts Council England
Free please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Exiles and Descendants
2026-03-09 08:00 - 2026-06-30 17:00 | Archives+ Ground Floor
This exhibition from Polonia Northern England uncovers the remarkable history of a Polish community (Polonia) deported and displaced during WWII. Through photographs, letters, and personal documents, it showcases experiences of forced deportation, war crimes, refuge, and significant contributions to Britain’s freedom. The exhibition also explores post-war resettlement in exile in Northern England and community efforts to maintain cultural identity whilst Poland was under communist rule. PNE safeguards and shares this history to strengthen collective memory and fill the gaps in historical records.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Mystery International Film Club!
2026-03-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
It’s a MONSTER HIT!!

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Welcome to the voting page for the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.
Event Details:

Doors open: 17:00
Introduction to the film: 17:20
Film starts: 17:30
Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
Popcorn: FREE!
Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!

The Mystery Film Clubs screenings at Manchester Central Library specialise in showing a wide and eclectic range of films from all over the world. These are the sorts of films unlikely to be seen anywhere else, underseen and under-loved masterpieces from every single point of the globe. There’s no delineation by genre or age, as long as the film is great it can be shown here.
This month’s choices are:
Election (2005 Hong-Kong)
A triad election is upon us and numerous factions vie for power. While the premise implies action, what we have here is a masterful political thriller from director Johnnie To that exposes the vulgarity at the core of tradition and politeness as they fail and are manipulated. Rapturous performances all round and one of the most jaw-dropping endings in film history.
Omar Gatlato (1976 Algeria)
A simple tale of a normal man, we follow him for a few days and meet his family, his friends and his crush, while we do this he addresses the camera and shows us around his city. As much about the man as it is about Algeria, as along our journey we meet the vibrant, colourful locals and the film celebrates a time and a place.
Labyrinth of Dreams (1997 Japan)
Tomiko falls in love with Niitaka, even though she also suspects him of being the Tokyo bus driver serial killer, who killed his female conductors after tiring of them. Gakyruu Ishii’s restrained and ethereal dream of beautiful ghosts cloaked in a hazy melancholy.
Mafioso (1962 Italy)
The past catches up with loveable Antonio in this Italian film filled with lightness and warmth before kidnapping the audience and reminding them the reality of the Sicilian Mafia. A film that will subvert your expectations, shock and entertain you.
The Horse Thief (1986 China/Tibet)
An unbelievable look at the impossible, almost unearthly environments of remotest Tibet as we follow young monk Norbu and his family after he is banished from his temple. A favourite of Martin Scorsese and an unparalleled filmic voice.
Book tickets and vote for your favourite film here or at the link below!

Cosy Reading Club
2026-03-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Bring a book. Get cosy and read alongside other book fans. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story.

Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, our new silent reading group, offering a relaxed, shared space to read in peace and quiet in the company of others.
This is no ordinary book club. There’s no pressured discussions, there’s no set text. Simply bring along something you’d like to read.
Not sure what to read? We’ve got you covered. Send us a message directly and we’ll connect you with our friendly library team who can help you find your next favourite book.
The evening is designed for anyone who enjoys reading, wants a gentle break from busy schedules or simply wants to avoid the rush hour home. Everyone is welcome in our space.
What to expect:
Doors open at 5.30pm.
Giving you time to get a drink and find your favourite chair. if you’ve brought a book, brilliant. if not we’ll have many on display for you to browse, or you can go into the library to have a wider range to select from. We’ll have staff there to help you pick the perfect book.
1 hour – Quiet Reading from around 6 till 7pm

Quiet, individual reading in a shared space
A calm, welcoming environment with no pressure to speak

30 minutes – Optional Group Sharing

At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity to share about your reading experience with others, this is only an invite and there is no expectation to stay or take part.

Free light refreshments are provided. Stay as long or as little as you like, this is your space to slow down, escape to a new literary world and find peace in the heart of the city.
Tickets are on a ‘pay what you can’ offer.
