Music Crafts
2026-02-19 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | 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

Little Reads
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

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.

Boardgames Club
2026-02-25 17:00 - 19:00
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

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.

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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.

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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.

Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
2026-03-12 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.
In what will be the first edition of 2026, the inaugural Access Creative College Live In The Library will feature guest slots from fusion punk/rock band Wholegrain, three-piece alternative rock/noise rock band Peasant Fool, and rising indie upstarts Beeside, and more!

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

Knowing Yesterday, Shaping Tomorrow: The Inaugural Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture with Professor Abdul Alkalimat
2026-03-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust, in partnership with the University of Manchester, is launching a new annual lecture in honour of our founder, Professor Lou Kushnick. Lou was a tireless advocate for anti‑racist education and a driving force behind both the Education Trust and the RACE Centre. Since his death in early 2025, he has been deeply missed.
This new lecture series celebrates his legacy, beginning with an inaugural talk by Professor Abdul Alkalimat. Professor Alkalimat – internationally respected scholar-activist and a founding figure in Black Studies in the United States – was a friend and colleague of Lou’s.
Professor Alkalimat opens this new lecture series by commemorating Lou’s important work. He will respond to four key questions: Who was Lou Kushnick? Why am I speaking about him? Why was he concerned about racism? And why should we be concerned about racism? His perspective will reflect his African American identity, but will also connect with the trans-Atlantic perspective he shared with Lou.
We welcome friends observing Ramadan and our programme will allow for Maghrib and Iftar.
There is a dedicated prayer space in Manchester Central Library.
Complimentary hot food, tea and coffee will be provided.

Book your free space on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.

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About Professor Abdul Alkalimat

Abdul Alkalimat (born Gerald A. McWorter) is a founder of the field of Black Studies and author of many books and papers about Black liberation. He wrote the first college textbook for the field, Introduction to Afro-American Studies, which has seen seven editions, the last one free and online. A lifelong scholar-activist with a PhD from the University of Chicago, he has lectured, taught, and directed academic programs across the US, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and China. Two of his early contributions were serving as chair of the Chicago chapter of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and co-founding the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) in 1967. Raised in Chicago’s Cabrini Rowhouses, he is now professor emeritus of African American Studies and Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
His most recent books are:
* The History of Black Studies, published by Pluto Press 2021
* Dialectics of Liberation: The African Liberation Support Committee, published by Africa World Press 2022
* The Wall of Respect: Public Art and Black Liberation in 1960s Chicago, co-edited with Romi Crawford and Rebecca Zorach and published by Northwestern University Press 2017
* New Philadelphia, written by Gerald A. McWorter and Kate Williams-McWorter for the New Philadelphia (IL) Association and published by Path Press 2018.
Much of his work is freely available at http://www.alkalimat.org.

Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985
2026-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book, ‘Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985’.
The Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It’s where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded, as well as other influential tracks from The Fall, Gang of Four, The Chameleons, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, A Certain Ratio, Echo and the Bunnymen, and many more. It was also where David Gedge of the Wedding Present, Lisa Stansfield and Roland Gift first recorded.
A true labour of love, Chris Connelly spent twelve years researching the 360-page hard-back book which features over a thousand pictures and music memorabilia. With over 900 people interviewed, it also includes essays by artists who recorded there, who expand upon the times, hustling to get gigs, the politics of the day, and venues played.
Launching his book in Manchester City Centre for the first time, Chris Connelly will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library on Thursday 12 March @ 6pm.
He will be in conversation with author and musician Mark Hoyle (of the band Dub Sex), who is among the musicians to have recorded at Cargo Studios. Hoyle released his own book ‘Swerve – Dub Sex & Other Stories’ in 2024.
While you’re here…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.

Manchester Literature Festival presents Satoshi Yagisawa & Emi Yagi
2026-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
A celebration of contemporary Japanese fiction, this special event brings together Satoshi Yagisawa and Emi Yagi to discuss storytelling, love and loneliness. From the tender life-affirming novel Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, to the joyful, queer love story of When the Museum Is Closed, hear two of Japan’s most exciting writers. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Supported by Library Live.
Book tickets at manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk or click on ‘Book Now’ below

National Memorial Day of Hungary
2026-03-14 11:00 - 14:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a wonderful day of celebration of Hungarian independence organised by the Hungarian Consulate in Manchester. Watch special performances of traditional music and dances and meet the Hungarian community in Manchester.
Please note that this event will be in Hungarian.
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

Irish Dancing Session
2026-03-14 12:30 - 13:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of St Patrick’s Day 2026, Central Library will be hosting a special Irish dancing display and interactive teaching experience in its Henry Watson Music Library on the First Floor.

Teaming up with the highly acclaimed The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing, the school will be sending two of their finest dancers who have both been pupils in the School since they were 5 years old. Olivia, 28, and Grace, 19, are both dancers who are multiple regional title holders and British National Champions. Olivia has also won a Great Britain title. They are world medal holders and recognised as amongst the elite dancers in their respective age groups.
The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing was launched in 1995 by Justine Ward-Mallinson. Having started Irish dancing at the age of 8 at the St Chads School of Irish dancing and led a prestigious career, she has since found great success with her own school, with classes held at the Irish World Heritage centre. Over the past 30 years, the school has boasted dancers who have achieved podium placements at World and All Ireland Championships, plus title winners at Great Britain, British Nationals and American National Championships.

Inviting library users to get into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with this truly special event, audiences will be able to watch masters at work, with opportunities to join in too.

Suitable for all ages.
All donations will go to Manchester Libraries.
Tickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ and on sale now here or by clicking ‘Book Now’ below. 1 ticket per customer

St Patrick’s Ceili Band Experience with Mouse's Nest
2026-03-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
It wouldn’t be St Patrick’s Day without a ceili would it?
So, on the weekend before the world goes green for Ireland’s patron saint, Central Library is hosting a special ceili band and dancing experience in the Henry Watson Music Library.
Come down on Saturday 14 March, where local legends, Mouses Nest, will perform live in the afternoon to get your St Patrick’s Day weekend swinging.
Hailing from the Northwest, the Mouse’s Nest have put on storming performances across the UK for over 15 years, playing weddings, parties, fundraisers, functions, dance workshops and festivals. Performing in the Henry Watson Music Library for the first time, the band will be playing an exciting mixture of Celtic tunes, carefully chosen for audiences to listen and dance to as they like.
Alongside their accomplished guitarist and fiddle player, the band will bring an expert ‘caller’ for those who might like to get in-step with some traditional Celtic ceili dancing on the day. The caller will walk each dance through before the music starts and will keep calling to make sure everyone dancing knows exactly what to do.
A perfect Celtic experience for families to join in the fun this St Patrick’s Day, catch the Mouse’s Nest on Saturday 14 March from 2.30pm.
Suitable for all ages
All donations will go to Manchester Libraries.
While you’re here…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).
Tickets for the show are ‘pay-what-you-can’. To book, click on the eventbrite event link here or click the ‘Book Now’ button below.

Irish Researcher Day
2026-03-17 10:30 - 14:00 | Seminar Suite, Floor Two
Join the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society (MLFHS) on St Patrick’s Day for a special Irish Research Day including informative sessions and fascinating presentations including:

Finding Irish Ancestors – the Difficulty of Researching, 10:30am – 11.15 (45mins) – booking required via Eventbrite here
Thinking Outside the Box: my continuing search for Irish Ancestors, 11:30 – 12:15 (45 mins) – booking required via Eventbrite here
Let’s Chat about the 1926 Irish Census, 1:00—1:30 (30 mins) – booking required via Eventbrite here
Finding William; An Irish-Mancunian FH Journey, 1:45 – 2:45 (1 hour) – booking required via Eventbrite here

During breaks, lunchtime and after the last session enjoy the following activities:

Handling session Manchester Archives +
Books, maps etc for sale by MLFHS
Free research guides available – members of MLFHS Helpdesk team
Speak with author Dean Kirby for details about his book and walking tours
View letters and resource documents discussed in Presentation 2

Find out more information and ticket booking links for the four sessions on the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society website here or click on the green ‘Book Now’ button below

Japanese Manga Drawing Workshops
2026-03-21 12:30 - 15:00 | Performance Space
Are you a manga fan aged 12-18 in Manchester? Join our FREE workshop with manga artist Inko and learn to draw manga with step-by-step instructions!

If you are you a young manga fan or interested in Japanese folktales and myths, then why not join one of two hands-on workshop in Manchester Central Library led by manga artist Inko to learn more about manga and discover the fascinating world of Japanese yokai – monsters/spirits from Japanese folklore. Inko will teach you step-by-step how to draw one of the most famous yokai characters, Kappa, in the manga style!
These workshops are a great chance to learn more about manga and manga drawing skills, Japanese myths and stories, and ask questions to a professional manga artist. All materials will be provided on the day, and you don’t need to have any experience to join in; all levels of drawing skill are welcome!
Please note that these workshops are for young people aged 12-18 only. If you are booking on behalf of someone, you will be required to provide the name and age for each participant that you book for.
Book a free place on the first session 12.30-1.30pm here: Japanese Manga Drawing Workshop (Manchester) for ages 12-18 Tickets, Saturday, Mar 21 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm | Eventbrite
Book a free place on the first session 2-3pm here: Japanese Manga Drawing Workshop (Manchester) for ages 12-18 Tickets, Saturday, Mar 21 from 2 pm to 3 pm | Eventbrite
If the sessions are sold out, you will be placed on waiting list and will be contacted if spaces become available.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Board Games Café
2026-03-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café! Whether you always wanted to try Carcassone, or whether you are a champ at backgammon or Trivial Pursuit, this is the place for you. Try new games, rediscover old favourites and make new friends. Open to all ages and abilities.
Free entry! Participants get 20% off in the library cafe.
Book your free place on 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
