French Film Club: La Haine
2026-07-20 17:45 - 19:30 UTC | Performance Space
Join us and discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Alliance Française de Manchester present this month’s film, the critically acclaimed social thriller ‘La Haine’, which follows 4 hours in the lives of three young men in the French suburbs the day after a violent riot.
Screening is in French with English subtitles. Suitable for 15 years and over. Under 18s remain the responsibility of their parent / guardian.
Free – booking required via French Film Club – Manchester Central Library or by clicking ‘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.

South Asian Heritage Month Crafts
2026-07-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Create your very own dholak drums, inspired by traditional instruments from India! These beautiful drums originated in the Indian subcontinent and have deep roots in South Asian culture. Suitable for children and families aged 5 and up. Come craft, create, and celebrate with us!
Free – drop in
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Books on Your Head: Manchester Day Parade Workshops!
2026-07-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-25 11:00 - 13:00 | 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Cosy Reading Club
2026-07-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Bring a book, get comfortable and stay cool in our quiet, dedicated reading space. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story!
Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, a silent reading group offering a peaceful, shared space to unwind with a good book and talk with fellow book lovers. There’s no pressured discussions, no set text and no forced expectations, just quiet time to read in comfortable surroundings and the calming company of others. Whether you’re looking for a gentle break at the end of a busy day, a calm refuge away from the rush hour traffic or simply a cool, comfortable place in the heart of the city to explore your next favourite book.
Come cool down at the library this summer. Public libraries are welcoming, relaxing spaces for everyone, and our Cosy Reading Club is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy a fully air‑conditioned room, comfortable seating, light refreshments, and a peaceful atmosphere as part of our ‘Cool Spaces’ initiative to help offer our communities some respite from the sun during the Summer months.
Don’t have a book? No problem! Come along at 5.30pm to get help from our friendly library staff before the session begins (at 6pm) to get personalised help from our friendly library team and find your next favourite book!
What to expect:
5:30pm – Doors open
Settle into your favourite chair and grab a free cool refreshment or hot drink
Bring your own book or choose one from our curated displays
Library staff will be on hand to help you find a book you won’t want to put down
6:00 – 7pm – Quiet Reading Hour
Quiet, individual reading in a shared, relaxed space
A calm, welcoming environment to slow down, breathe and immerse yourself in a world of words
7:00 – 7:30pm – Optional Sharing Time
A gentle facilitated opportunity to chat about what you’ve been reading with fellow book lovers
This is completely optional with no pressure to stay or take part
Free light refreshments are provided. Stay for as long or as little as you like.
Book your ‘pay what you can’ tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below.

2hr DJ/Music Production Workshop at Central Library
2026-07-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for a hands-on DJ and music production workshop at Central Library.
Hosted by tutor Niah Jemijog, this 2 hour session is designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels.
This small group session will cover the fundamentals of beat making, mixing, and live looping/DJ performance, using industry-standard tools like Ableton Live, MIDI Controllers and live instruments.
The workshop will take a multi-genre approach, encouraging participants to explore and create across styles such as hip hop, electronic, house, experimental, and more.
The focus will be on building confidence, developing practical skills, and giving people the tools to start honing their musical intuition and creating their own music straight away.
With a strong emphasis on inclusion, creativity, and real-world application, this group session in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor will be suitable for all ages and abilities.
Tickets are limited, so be quick!
The next session will include the following:
• Brief explanation of Ableton, acoustics and digital music production.
• Randomness technique demonstration (with audience participation)
• Random Sample Jamming
• Beat Making/Loop Jam/Songwriting Demonstration & Walkthrough
• Deeper explanation into Ableton Acoustics & Music Production Techniques
And more!
Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Stereo Listening Booth - LIVE!
2026-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library.

Ellesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester’s Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth.
Reviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’, Louder than War magazine described the experience as ‘somewhere between a less sleazy Soft Cell and more interesting New Order’.
The band’s mission statement is a simple one: ‘nothing ruled out, nothing ruled in’.
Stereo Listening Booth will be performing live at selective venues throughout the year, with an exclusive performance right here in the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library.
Special guests TBC – watch this space.
Book tickets and make a donation on Eventbrite here or ‘Book Now’ below
All donations go to the Manchester Libraries Trust (registered charity number: 1150161).

Watch / listen to “99 Otago St” here:

French Storytime
2026-07-25 13:30 - 14:00 | Children’s Library
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
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Sunday Funday - Manchester Day 2026
2026-07-26 11:30 - 17:00 | Ground Floor
We’re celebrating Manchester Day at Central Library!
This year’s Manchester Day celebrates our city’s cultural links with Barcelona. Following Manchester’s appearance at Barcelona’s La Mercè festival in 2025, artists from the city will return the visit. Alongside the international line-up, this year’s event also includes a book-inspired theme.
So, obviously we’re ALWAYS ready to celebrate reading at Central Library. Join us as book characters come to life!
Take a magical journey to Narnia, take a ride in the glass lift (or elevator!) with Willy Wonka, and avoid being recruited by Captain Hook to walk the plank!

Free entry – please drop in (face painting: £2 per child)
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Race Centre Summer School
2026-08-03 08:00 - 2026-08-06 17:00 | Performance Space
Come along if you are between 15-19 years old, of any background, and interested in anti-racism, local histories, creative practices. There will be 8 sessions (one morning and one afternoon per day), and you can attend all or as many as you wish. Food, drinks and necessary equipment will be provided.

Little Movers and Shakers
2026-08-03 11:00 - 11:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Calling all little groovers! Enjoy a fun, high-energy session filled with music and dance. Get ready to show off some moves – we’ll bring the tunes! Suitable for children up to 4 years old.
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

Summer Reading Challenge: Read and Rave!
2026-08-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Henry Watson 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Summer Reading Challenge: Ukulele Taster Session
2026-08-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson 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.
Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors
2026-08-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
TheatreMCR presents The Comedy of Errors: a compact hour-long slapstick rollercoaster ride of Shakespeare’s most ridiculous comedy.
Expect comic capers, original music and acapella singing from the talented ensemble in the beautiful wood panelled setting of the Henry Watson Music Library.
Shakespeare’s classic comedy will be performed live at Central Library’s Henry Watson Music Library at these dates and times as follows:
Tuesday 4 August @ 6pm
Thursday 6 August @ 6pm
Saturday 8 August @ 1pm + 3pm
Tickets are simply ‘pay-what-you can’. Available below, or via Eventbrite here.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
Instagram: theatre.mcr

LEGO Club
2026-08-05 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-08 14:00 - 15:00 | City Library
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! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above.
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

Board Games Café
2026-08-05 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! Open to all ages and abilities.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Craft Session: Princess Hat Making
2026-08-06 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

In the ordinary, there is always the extraordinary
2026-08-07 08:00 - 2026-10-31 17:00 | Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
As a working-class artist and photographer, Tricia Ashworth has always been fascinated by what society deems ordinary. The beauty, the nuances, humour, strength and steeliness of everyday life in the ordinary. This exhibition of portraits, from the north-west and beyond, explores and celebrates the extraordinary.
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.

Film Fridays
2026-08-07 13:00 - 16:00 | 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.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Knitting, Cross-stitch and Embroidery Group
2026-08-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join our new friendly group and spend a cosy afternoon meeting new people and learning a new skill! Have a go at knitting, cross-stitch and hand embroidery in a relaxed environment. All materials provided, just bring yourself. All levels welcome.
Pay what you feel.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online.

Ukrainian Storytime
2026-08-08 13:30 - 14:00 | 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.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Arabic Storytime
2026-08-08 14:00 - 15:00
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. Free – just drop in.
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

Intergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub
2026-08-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, accessible and welcoming to everyone.
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

Summer Reading Challenge: Feel the Beat with Drumroots!
2026-08-10 14:00 - 15:00 | 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
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Library Lunchtime Choir
2026-08-11 12:30 - 13:15 | Henry Watson Music Library
Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session!
There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we’re just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. You don’t need to be able to read music, we will learn everything by ear using the lyrics.
Sessions are run by Sarah Adams (Choirs Manchester) and the ethos is all about setting a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy singing together as a group.
Come along with a friend or on your own, it’ll be a friendly, laid back session!
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

Summer Reading Challenge: Guitar Craft
2026-08-11 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
