Library Live

Choirs Manchester - Live Performance
2026-06-13 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Henry Watson Music Library
Come along to the Henry Watson Music Library for some exceptional choral music from: Choirs Manchester.
Choirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. They have performed yearly at the renowned Manchester 10k, at Refuge, Manchester and are consistently part of local community events in South Manchester such as Chorlton Arts Festival and for the charity Emmeline’s Pantry.
Choirs Manchester are led by the talented Sarah Adams, who among her many other accolades has conducted the Manchester’s Survivors’ Choir and performed alongside Take That. As a singer/songwriter of her own accord, she has also performed in reputable venues across the city such as Band on the Wall, Manchester Academy, Bury Met, Deaf Institute and been part of the ‘Live at Lunchtime’ series at Bridgewater Hall.
Speaking about Choirs Manchester and their concerts, Sarah says:
“I pride myself on creating a relaxed, no pressure environment that is all about singing to feel good and my ability to encourage a sense of community during a session. It is an empowering activity, not just for an individual but also for connecting people as a group.”
This June, take a seat in the historic music library, sit-back, watch, listen, and immerse yourself in their uplifting vibe.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Manchester Literature Festival presents Natalie Haynes
2026-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House – an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea.
Based on Euripides’ classic tragedy, No Friend to This House explores love, vengeance, power and survival, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s lives. Known for her bold and compassionate retellings of Greek mythology, Natalie brings fresh life to this ancient story, placing one of literature’s most misunderstood women centre stage.
Join us to see experienced broadcaster Natalie Haynes discuss her enduring passion for the classics and why these ancient stories continue to resonate so powerfully today.
‘It’s superb: sharp, funny, inventive, powerfully humane…she is one of the most brilliant women in the media.’ Katherine Rundell
‘Muse, sorceress, high priestess, Haynes is all of these, but above all she is the consummate storyteller.’ Adam Rutherford
‘an illuminating and often thrilling work of feminist reclamation…Haynes creates an account of her maligned protagonist that is powerfully affecting in its complexity.’ Guardian
Natalie Haynes is a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster. She is the author of novels The Amber Fury, The Children of Jocasta, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; A Thousand Ships, a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and Stone Blind, a re-telling of the Medusa story. Her non-fiction books include The Ancient Guide to Modern Life; Pandora’s Jar about the women in Greek myths and Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth.
She has written and presented eleven series of BBC Radio 4’s Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics and is celebrated for bringing Greek myth and classical history to a wide contemporary audience.
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking tickets here Natalie Haynes | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below

POSTPONED: Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
2026-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
** POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE **
This event has been postponed to 17 June – 10AM – 2PM. Thank you for your understanding.
*****
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College.

As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop of talented musicians.

An unmissable opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, from the comfort of your library, this FREE daytime event will showcase performances from a wide range of rising talents across the college, including intimate sets from solo singers to frenetic full band arrangements.
Following the success of their inaugural launch event in the Spring, the 2026 cohort will be rounding the Summer term off with a bang. Full line-up TBC.

The event is open to the public, and completely free to attend. See you down the front!

Free – please 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

Launch gig: AnaKi
2026-06-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
On Monday 15 June, rising North-west star AnaKi will launch her latest single with an intimate live show and listening party at the Henry Watson Music Library.
AnaKi isa Manchester based singer-songwriter, who blends her faith with honest lyrics to bring people to a posture of introspection.
The new single she will be premiering, “Lord Don’t”, is a prayer that requests for grounding as the world keeps spinning, trying to take her in many directions.
At this special launch event, attendees can expect live performances of AnaKi’s acclaimed previous singles, a few covers, and perhaps even a preview of a brand new song yet to be debuted.
Expect an intimate, memorable and soulful night to remember.
This event is FREE. Reserve a ticket via Eventbrite here to ensure a place, or please pop-by on the evening.
Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes, or online.

Listen to more by Anaki here:

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast
2026-06-16 00:00 - 2026-07-04 00:00 | Online
Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with a packed Pride Month special. Listen Here
With so many events taking place across our libraries in June, this month presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson take you through their pick of the litter with a cavalcade of cracking interviews.
There’s an interview with Greek mythology goddess Natalie Haynes as she tells us about her favourite myths and her new book ‘No Friend To This House’ ahead of her appearance at the Manchester Literature Festival in Central Library. Elsewhere, author and Louder Than War journalist Iain Key drops in to give Alan the scoop on his brand new book ‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told: A People’s History of The Smiths’, with plenty of chat about Manchester’s favourite indie icons.
Plus, Gary Parkinson sits down with author, poet, playwright, actor and director: Gerry Potter. Renowned as both creator and destroyer of Chloe Poems, the infamous gay, Scouse, Socialist, gingham-clad, drag queen diva tells Gary about his incredible work and life. Alongside this, there’s reflections on Pride and highlights from the Manchester Libraries’ staff on their LGBTQI+ icons, and a themed From The Archives Clip from the Piccadilly Archives.
And there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, including a chat with Ollie from Greater Manchester Choirs, and all the usual fun and games.
Tune in now here!

Talk English Circles
2026-06-16 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-23 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-30 12:30 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people.
Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education.
Open to all levels.
Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator
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

Live Music: Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
2026-06-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College.

As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop of talented musicians.

An unmissable opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, from the comfort of your library, this FREE daytime event will showcase performances from a wide range of rising talents across the college, including intimate sets from solo singers to frenetic full band arrangements.
Following the success of their inaugural launch event in the Spring, the 2026 cohort will be rounding the Summer term off with a bang. Full line-up for the 17th June edition will include performances by:

Connie-Mae (Singer)
Zahra Majid (Singer)
Miriki (Band)
Emily-Mae (Singer-songwriter)
Rosie (Singer-songwriter)
Bobby B (Singer-songwriter)

The event is open to the public, and completely free to attend. See you down the front!

Free – please 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

Little Reads
2026-06-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-20 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, 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.
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

Woodshed Collective - Live at the Library!
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Jazz quartet to perform a special lunchtime set at the Henry Watson Music Library this June.

Woodshed Collective is unified by a shared passion for performing and composing jazz in its many forms.
The band takes its inspiration from traditional artists such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley, aiming to develop their own sound based on the trademark sounds of these artists.
The collective consists of Olli Bonada on the piano, saxophonist David Sotunde, experienced bassist Darren Randle and drummer Luke Komlosy.
The quartet is looking forward to bringing their sound to Central Library’s Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime show, with their one-hour setlist includes upcoming original single ‘Spiralling’ as well as classic standards such as ‘Take the “A” Train’ and ‘My Favorite Things’.
Purchase ‘pay-what-you-can’ tickets on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries

Conversation Club
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group to practice your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Teen Book Club
2026-06-20 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Aged 12 – 16 and love reading? Join our teen book club.

We don’t have a set text we simply come together to chat about what we have read over the last month. At the same time, we might do a craft, zine making, make a reading journal or bookmark etc.
We are a friendly and inclusive group all about reading for pleasure, no judgment on what anyone is reading, from romance to non-fiction, paperback, eBook or audio book. We just love talking about books.
You will find us downstairs (or via the lift to the lower ground floor) and we will be on the tables near the children’s library.

Free – reserve a spot on Eventbrite here
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online.

Persian Calligraphy Workshop
2026-06-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Lower Ground Floor
We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.
Free entry – 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

Refugee Week Celebrations
2026-06-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for a special day of events celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Experience a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi, join storytime sessions, and much more.
Programme

Persian Calligraphy workshop
11am-1pm

Lower Ground Floor

We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.

Storytimes

1-2pm Arabic

3-4pm Farsi

Children’s Library

Listen to stories and songs in English and other languages. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds.

Free entry – 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

Make Music Day Gig: Greater Manchester Voices choir
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of Make Music Day 2026, the Greater Manchester Voices choir will be performing a very special set in the Henry Watson Music Library.
The Greater Manchester Voices is a lively community choir based in South Manchester, built on three simple foundations: Singing, Smiling and Socialising.
Founded by Musical Director Ollie Mills in 2011, the choir are going strong in their 15th year. Meeting every Thursday at St Nicholas Church, Kingsway they have a reputation for belting out anything from pop and show tunes, to jazz and classical, and even a little world music.
With an “everyone welcome” attitude, the encouraging group is made up of four vocal sections who enthusiastically rehearse all year round. The result is a choir with luscious harmonies and ambitious vocal arrangements.
Taking place on Saturday 20th June, this FREE afternoon concert at Central Library, is titled “Summer Songs In The City”. The show will mark their first public outing in Manchester city centre and the group are excited to share their joy of singing with a new audience.
Visitors can expect Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Lloyd-Webber, traditional African songs and even a sea shanty….
Free – just drop in!
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an interactive session celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music. Learn about this traditional Chinese holiday by making your own mugwort sachet and designing your own kite during this fun and engaging workshop. Suitable for children.
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

French Film Club: Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis
2026-06-22 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
The French Film Club is an invitation to discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Screenings of exclusive French-language films (with English subtitles) take place once a month and are free and open to all. Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis.
Synopsis: ‘A French public servant from Provence is banished to the far North. Strongly prejudiced against this cold and inhospitable place, he leaves his family behind to relocate temporarily there, with the firm intent to quickly return.’
These free screenings are offered with the support of the Institut Français. Unless otherwise indicated, all Alliance Française de Manchester cultural events are open and accessible to everyone. They are public events and under 18s remain the responsibility of their parent/guardian at all times. Please be aware that films may not have a UK age classification.
Film in French with English subtitles. Recommended age rating for this film is 15+.
Free – booking required via Alliance Française website or click ‘Book now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Crime Central
2026-06-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.

AUTHORS APPEARING IN JUNE ARE LIZZY BARBER, LIV MATTHEWS AND CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH!
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.
Pay what you can tickets can be booked here.

Music Q&A: ‘It's Time the Tale Were Told - A People's History of the Smiths'
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports.
Featuring the words of over 500 fans of the band, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans.
With personal photographs, memorabilia, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite.
Iain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books.
Iain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books, Richard Houghton, Expect an intimate, in-person talk, Q&A and book signing with the author.

Tickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ – available via Eventbrite here or clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below, simply ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

Behind the Scenes Tour
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Entrance Hall
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common?
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.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm.
Did you know, you can join our Library Lovers scheme and enjoy a free tour, plus discounts in our shop and cafe, and invites to other events and exhibition launches? Find out more and join online.
Book you place on this tour on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.

Italian Storytime
2026-06-27 11:30 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you!
Suitable for children aged 4–7.
Free – drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Robin Ince: Let the Quiet Ones Rise Book Launch
2026-06-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Monday 29th June, 6.00pm – 7.15pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
“It takes insight and empathy to have unpatronising sympathy.”
Let the Quiet Ones Rise: Poems About Standing Up and Standing Out is a collection of instinctual poetry from the deepest part of a neurodivergent heart, and considers the sadness of being alone, but also the happiness of finding people who empower you.
“Profundity, fecundity, brevity and levity, it’s all here.” Shaun Keaveny
“Words of empathy and compassion.” Tanita Tikaram
Robin Ince is a flibbertigibbet. His working life began in stand-up comedy, but he is excited by too many things to take a single path. He was co-creator and, for 16 years, co-host of the multi-award-winning international success The Infinite Monkey Cage. He has written books on the universe (and all the stuff that is in it), the neurodivergent mind, giant killer crab novels, and his deep love of bookshops and libraries. In 2024 he started writing poetry obsessively and he loves the freedom that comes with it.
Robin is two-time Bookseller’s Association Author of the Year winner, a winner of Celebrity Mastermind, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Pointless Celebrities (twice), and his best pointless answers were ‘Alderney’ and ‘Eve Ferret’.

Read to the Beat: School Holidays Programme
2026-07-01 08:00 - 2026-08-29 17:00
School’s out and the Summer Reading Challenge is in! Join us at Central Library and discover a jam-packed programme of free activities for the whole family! From Lego clubs to family crafts, from film screenings to DJing and Ukulele groups, there is something for everyone! Make new friends and discover how to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in a fun and interactive way.
All activities are free entry – no booking required
Check out the full programme below:
South Asian Heritage Month Crafts – Thursday 23 July, 1-2:30pm – 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 – just drop in
Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade workshops! – Thursday 23 July, 2-4pm & Saturday 25 July, 11am-1pm – 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 and wear it in the city for Manchester Day… come along to the workshop and tell us about your favourite book, then make a hat. Wear your book-inspired hat to watch the Parade and then take part in the Hat Walk at 3pm on Sunday 26 July, taking place in Central Library as part of Manchester Day. The Best Hats will win prizes! Free – booking advised. Booking link for Thursday: Booking link for Saturday
French Storytime – Saturday 25 July, 1.30-2pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us for Central Library’s French storytime session. Listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in.
Manchester Day: Central Library Sunday Funday – Sunday 26 July, 11am-4pm
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate Manchester Day. Expect special performances, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages! Free entry, just drop in (face painting: £2 per child). More info here
Little Movers and Shakers – Monday 3 August, 11-11:30am – Music Library (1st Floor)
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children up to 4 years old. Free entry, just turn up.
Summer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave! – Monday 3 August, 2-3.30pm – Music Library
Meet DJ Mu-Mu who will demonstrate the art of turntables and vinyl at our Read & Rave activity! Children can bop, dance, do a musical worksheet or read! Children will be able to have 5 minutes each on the decks. Space is limited for turntable activity, but the read & rave is open to all to enjoy the music and reading! Suitable for ages 4-11. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Summer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster session – Tuesday 4 August, 2-4pm – Music Library
Join Jim Wallace for a fun and relaxed beginner ukulele session for children. No experience is needed and instruments are provided. Kids will learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs, and enjoy making music together in a friendly, small-group setting. Suitable for ages 7+. Places are limited, so booking is required on Eventbrite. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Lego Club – Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26 August, 1.30-3.30pm & Saturday 8 August, 2-3pm – Lower Ground Floor
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above.  Free, just drop in.
Craft Session: Princess Hat Making – Thursday 6 August, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Central Library for a fun and interactive craft workshop where we will be making princess hats. We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity. Free entry, just drop in.
Film Fridays – various dates below – Friday 7, 14, 21 & 28 August, 1-4pm – Performance Space
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in.
Ukrainian Storytime – Saturday 8 August, 1.30-2pm – Children’s Library
Привіт! Join our monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free – just drop in.
Arabic Storytime – Saturday 8 August, 2-3pm – Children’s Library
Join us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English. Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online Free – just drop in.
Intergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub – Monday 10 August, 10-11:30am – 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, accessible and welcoming to everyone. Free – just drop in.
Summer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots! – Monday 10 August, 2-3pm – Performance Space
Get ready to move, groove, and feel the rhythm! Drumroots brings the heart of Africa to life with high-energy drumming, vibrant beats, and joyful vibes. Whether you’re clapping, dancing, or drumming along, this is your chance to connect through rhythm and let the music tell a story. No experience needed, just bring your hands and your happy feet!! Suitable for ages 4-11. Space is limited. Book your free spot via this Eventbrite link
Summer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft – Tuesday 11 August, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
A relaxed, drop-in creative session inspired by music. Children can design and decorate their own cardboard guitars using craft materials. Join the “big doodle” artwork which will be passed around for everyone to add to. Music will play throughout to spark ideas and create a fun, shared atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop in.
STEM Club – Thursday 13 August, 2-3:30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science! Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. Free entry, just drop in
Colouring to Music – Monday 17 & 24 August, 10.30am-12pm – Children’s Library
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry, just drop in.
Cosplay Teen event – Tuesday 18 August, 12-4pm – Performance Space
Join Manchester Central Library for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. For those aged 12- 18, families welcome to attend with adults. Come in your best cosplay outfit, it might be bought or made by hand, it could be cosplay or wardrobe play, it can be anime, manga or book related. The event will be held in the Performance Space which will be closed to the public without a ticket. Photography of participants will only be allowed with express permission of the attendees. Open to young people aged 12-18. All adults must be accompanied by a 12–18-year-old or you may be refused entrance. Find out more via this Eventbrite link
Can You Dig It? Britannica Summer Challenge – Thursday 20 August, 2-4pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join us at Manchester City Library on 20 August between 2–4pm for Britannica Education’s “Can You Dig It?” Summer Reading event. This fossil-tastic drop-in event will provide a fun, dinosaur-themed activity kit to every attendee and the opportunity for children to explore Britannica Library to discover cool facts! Free entry, just drop in.
Summer Reading Challenge Singing Puppet Craft Fun! – Tuesday 25 August, 2-3.30pm – Lower Ground Floor
Join artist Caroline for a fun, free Summer Reading Challenge activity! Get ready to sing, play, and create! Warm up your vocal cords and bring your puppet to life in this exciting craft session! Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop in.
Pride Storytime – Thursday 27 August, 2-3pm – Children’s Library
Kick off your Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Manchester Central Library. Join us for a fun and interactive storytime with songs, rhymes and Pride-themed picture books. Then get crafty! Create your own protest signs and noise-makers, to celebrate in style and make your voice heard! We will also have a range of LGBTQIA+ children’s books out to have a look at – share your favourites and discover something new! Suitable for children aged 4-7 and their families. Free – just drop in.

Spanish Storytime
2026-07-04 12:00 - 12:45 | Children’s Library
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

Storytime and Mindfulness for Children (4+ years)
2026-07-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş.
We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft.
Suitable for children aged 4+.
Book your free spot 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

Ukulele Lesson - Small Group!
2026-07-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us this July for something a little different at the Henry Watson Music Library — a relaxed, beginner-friendly ukulele workshop.
Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting.
For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to venues across Manchester – and now he will be coming to Central Library for a evening of strumming and good company for folks of all abilities.
Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re tempted to try something new, this workshop is open to complete beginners and rusty returners alike. No music reading required — and instruments are provided.
Perfectly timed for an after-work drop-in, expect a friendly, low-pressure session where we’ll learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs together, and enjoy making music in a supportive small group.
Come along, give it a try, and discover just how enjoyable making music can be.
Small group – limited places available. Tuesday 7 July, 6pm-7pm.
Instruments provided – just bring yourself!
It’s never too late to play…
Tickets are just ‘pay-what-you-can’. Book HERE.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

New Horizons Choir sing Punk Classics
2026-07-08 17:15 - 18:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations marking the anniversary of the Sex Pistols’ legendary Lesser Free Trade Hall, the New Horizons Choirs will be performing a special punk set.

New Horizons is a fun, welcoming, inclusive choir who meet for a sing every week in the Manchester Central Library. With a varied repertoire of songs, from 80s pop ballads through classics and showtunes to upbeat contemporary bangers, they have been the house choir at the library for many years. After a stunning “Oasis Week” set last year, the choir are now preparing for a special punk set like no other.
As choir leader Tom Guest says of the set:
“Punk is not the obvious choice of genre for a choir, but it has been great putting these Punk classics together in rehearsal. These songs by Blondie, The Clash, The Jam and Buzzcocks are all so infectious – so make sure you sing along with us and raise the roof again, 50 years on!”
Primarily a singing group for well-being, with the focus on enjoying the mental health benefits singing together can bring, the choir have also given performances at established local venues such as Manchester Cathedral, Gorton Monastery, and of course Manchester Central Library.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
