We’re channelling our ancestors, crediting our ancestors, claiming we are our ancestors “wildest dreams”, and cautioning against our ancestors’ deepest nightmares.’ As she turned forty, broadcaster and journalist Afua Hirsch set out to reconnect with her heritage and apply what she learned to her body. Through puberty rituals to body hair to waist beads to […]
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT ‘I am determined that we seize this moment and rise to meet the challenge of our age: to build a country in which everyone has a stake and a contribution to make.’ In her first book, All In: How we build a country that works, Lisa Nandy sets out a way in which we can […]
Two of fiction’s rising stars discuss their brilliant debut novels, strong women characters, narrative voice, the perils of modern love and relationships, and how we present ourselves in the physical and digital worlds. Monica Heisey is a writer and comedian from Toronto. She has written for television shows including Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms. Her astute and wildly funny debut […]
In partnership with Create, disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford schools come together to create, build connections and break down barriers. Working with top class musicians they will write and perform original songs inspired by the theme ‘Speak Up!’ at this celebratory event. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Tickets FREE – booking advised […]
Black (African Caribbean and mixed heritage) creatives will get together and showcase their talent. Come along and listen to speakers Corey Brotherson, UK comic creator, and Yomi Ayeni, historic comic creator. There will also be writing workshops for young people and adults, and creative activities for families. An UBUNTU Festival of Events activity in collaboration […]
Get ready Greater Manchester! The Welcome Roadshow is coming to Manchester Central Library on Monday the 23rd this October half term, bringing the magic of dance, circus skills and craft workshops. We're visiting all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, offering FREE workshops. It's not just about honing your dance, circus and craft skills; it's about connecting with your […]
A cosy evening of independent reading for 8 to 11-year-olds. We’ll build dens, decorate our own cosy reading nooks and settle down for an evening of independent reading and escapism – hot chocolate included! You’ll get all the tips, tricks and kit to build your own home-reading den. Part of ‘Take 10 Week’, supporting mental […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press Celebrating Black History Month Tuesday 24th October, 6pm Free entry Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Jolivia Gaston Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 10th October via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer […]
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 […]
Central Library opens its doors to little spooks and ghouls for a fun-filled family spectacular. Fearsome face painters, spooky silent disco, creepy crafts and maybe a few treats and scary surprises. Fancy dress is absolutely encouraged. So dust down your capes, polish your broomsticks and enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with ghoulish delights! £10 per […]
Join us for an informal ukulele lesson and singalong. Ukulele's available. Beginners welcome! Free - please book by emailing catherine.rooney@manchester.gov.uk
Join Lulu, Monty and their friend Tom on a vibrant and colourful journey in English Touring Opera’s new opera for babies, which explores the development of language with the help of music and movement. Composed by Russell Hepplewhite. Suitable for babies aged 6−24 months. Free - booking required below
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
