Library Live

Talk English Circles
2026-06-16 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-23 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-30 12:30 - 14:30 UTC | 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

SOLD OUT: Never Mind The Books Here’s PUNK DAY!
2026-07-11 11:30 - 16:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
This July, the Henry Watson Music Library will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols’ iconic 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.
A definitive milestone in the city’s musical history, Sex Pistols’ first appearance in Manchester has since become the stuff of rock legend. Named “the most important gig of all time” by the NME, it was a watershed moment that ushered in a new generation of artists and a new way of thinking, and redefined music in the North, and beyond, forever.

With the former Lesser Free Trade Hall just across the street, the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library will be commemorating that legendary date with a day that salutes everything PUNK.

Promising a packed afternoon of themed talks and Q&As, acclaimed author DAVID NOLAN will be presenting his book “I Swear I Was There – Sex Pistols, Manchester and the Gig that Changed the World”. Despite thousands claiming they were in attendance, only a handful of people were actually there – but those that were went on to form bands including The Smiths, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, New Order and The Fall. In a myth-busting masterclass of investigative journalism, Nolan has sorted the hardcore facts from the rock’n’roll fiction and will be appearing at the Library in-person to tell us exactly who really was at the Lesser Free Trade Hall gig, and who has just been blagging…

Elsewhere, Manchester music scene legend and talking head JOHN ROBB, will be talking about his brand new book “Punk Rock Ruined My Life and Other Stories”. As the frontman of both Membranes and Goldblade, and founder of tastemaker site Louder Than War, John is a man who knows punk inside-out. Chatting through his new memoir, he will be delving into his deep friendships with figures like Poly Styrene to Chris Packham, growing up in Blackpool, interviewing icons like Mark E. Smith to Patti Smith, plus opening-up on a host of other riotous stories.

Plus, proving it wasn’t just the Pistols tearing up the rule book, Louder Than War journalist IAIN KEY will be presenting his new “All The Young Punks: A People’s History of The Clash”. From their own punk explosion of 1976 to become an internationally acclaimed arena act, Iain will be discussing their history with lifelong Clash fan PAUL HANLEY (ex-Fall).

And in true punk spirit, one of Manchester’s most fiery new acts DEAD STILETTOS will be performing live to show us that the legacy of what the Sex Pistols started in the Lesser Free Trade Hall is alive and well. DIY to the core, the five-piece have been described as “Stoogified Mancunian Punk” and will deliver a shot of live rock’n’roll mayhem to close proceedings with a bang.
SET TIMES
12:00 12:45 In Conversation: ‘All the Young Punks: A People’s History of the Clash’ –
Q&A w/ Iain Key in conversation with Paul Hanley (ex-Fall)
13:00 13:45 Talk: ‘I Swear I Was There’: David Nolan
David presents a talk on the legendary 1976 Sex Pistols Gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.
14:00 15:00 In Conversation: “Punk Rock Ruined My Life”
Q&A w/ John Robb in conversation with Iain Key
15:45 16:30 Music: Dead Stilettos – LIVE!
*****

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

Family Film Club
2026-07-11 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online.

Ukraine Today Exhibition
2026-07-13 08:00 - 2026-08-28 17:00 | First Floor Display Cases
This documentary photography exhibition presents the work of Ukrainian photographer Olena Melnykova, a member of the volunteer team Auto Angel Lviv, who regularly takes part in humanitarian missions to eastern Ukraine. Travelling alongside volunteers, she documents the lives of local people, the work of the team, and the everyday reality of war. These photographs are not only about destruction, but also about responsibility, resilience, mutual support, and the quiet determination of those who continue to defend Ukraine. This is not a story of the past. This is Ukraine today.
Auto Angel Lviv is a Ukrainian charitable organisation that delivers humanitarian aid and vehicles to Ukraine’s defenders, recovers damaged vehicles from frontline areas, repairs them, and returns them to service. Another key part of its work is providing frontline evacuation teams with essential equipment used in the rescue of wounded soldiers. This exhibition supports a fundraising campaign to provide trauma backpacks—essential medical kits used by frontline evacuation teams to deliver life-saving care to wounded soldiers. In addition, Auto Angel Lviv continuously funds vehicle repairs, replacement parts, fuel, and the recovery and return of repaired vehicles to the front line. Every photograph tells a real story. Every donation helps save lives.
If you would like to donate please use this Stripe link
Free exhibition – just drop in

In Her Colours
2026-07-13 08:00 - 2026-09-23 17:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
View the 2026 Women Into Visual Arts and Enterprise exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of women artists from Nigeria and Salford, plus the finalists from their local women’s arts competition.
Delivered by Langworthy Cornerstone Association Ltd in partnership with Collabo2Succeed CIC, the exhibition showcases empowering artistic journeys, from beginner workshops to final exhibition display and artwork sales.
Free associated community event on Monday 13 July, 11am–2pm.
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.

Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester's LGBTQ+ Heritage
2026-07-13 08:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00 | Archives+ Ground Floor
Explore bold and beautiful material from Queer Up North 1992–2002, Europe’s first cross-arts LGBTQIA+ festival. Established in 1992 by Tanja Farman and Gavin Barlow as part of the original Manchester Festival, Queer Up North quickly became a beacon for queer culture, drawing artists and audiences from across the globe. Over its first decade, the festival showcased groundbreaking performances and played a pivotal role in shaping Manchester’s identity as an inclusive and vibrant LGBTQIA+ city.
In late 2024, Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Heritage was awarded funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from The Granada Foundation. This funding marked a significant milestone in preserving Manchester’s rich LGBTQIA+ heritage, focusing on the Queer Up North festivals held between 1992 and 2002.
All items on display, unless otherwise stated, are drawn from the Queer Up North collection held at Manchester Central Library. You can also listen to a fascinating series of oral histories about the festival in our Sound & Vision pods.
Special thanks to Archives+.
Photo credit: Pamela Sneed
Free – drop in
