• Manchester Literature Festival presents WritersMosaic: Mona Arshi, Karen McCarthy Woolf & Roger Robinson

    Performance Space

    Nature writing has seen a powerful resurgence in recent years, but we must ask—whose voices are being heard? And who is being welcomed into the landscape?  In this thoughtful reading and conversation, John Siddique of WritersMosaic hosts acclaimed poets and co-editors Mona Arshi and Karen McCarthy Woolf and T.S. Eliot Prize-winner Roger Robinson. Together, they […]

  • Manchester Literature Festival presents Creative Connection

    Performance Space

    A brilliant celebration of creativity and inclusion bringing disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford together to create, build connection and celebrate the songs they have developed with professional musicians over the week. Come and join us for this joyous day presented in partnership with Create.  Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by […]

  • Manchester Literature Festival presents John Murray Proof Party

    Performance Space

    DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES LIV LITTLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT. You’re invited to our first proof party with John Murray Press and Dialogue Books!   Be among the first to hear from three exciting new voices as they give us an exclusive sneak peek into their 2026 novels and writing. Then […]

  • Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week!

    Lower Ground Floor

    Come and celebrate Green Libraries Week with us at Central Library. Pick up free seeds from our seed library and get creative making your very own cress head to take home. A perfect blend of gardening and crafting! Suitable for families. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if you can online or at […]

  • October Half Term at Central Library!

    Looking for something to do over the half term holidays? Check out our half term activity programme coming soon, including arts and crafts, with plenty to see, make and do! . All materials provided, just bring your imagination! Here's what to expect: Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week: Monday 27 October, 2-3pm, Lower Ground […]

  • Stories and songs for Green Libraries Week!

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session in the music library on the first floor of Central Library. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children under 4. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if […]

  • An Evening with TJ Klune

    Performance Space

    Queer Lit and Manchester Libraries present a truly special evening as we welcome T.J. Klune – the international bestselling author and legend in queer literature – for an intimate conversation at Manchester Central Library. Expect: Thoughtful discussion about his iconic books Book signing opportunities Meet & greet and photo ops A warm, welcoming space to celebrate queer […]

  • Festival of Social Science Day

    Performance Space

    Join us at Central Library for a day of free activities and events celebrating The Festival of Social Science - an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022. The festival is an opportunity for anyone to explore topics relating to social science, from health and […]

  • Your Voice, Your Education: Shaping Inclusive Educational Resource

    Ground Floor

    Are you 12-18 years old and passionate about inclusive, creative learning that centres the voices, histories, experiences and activism of global majority communities across Greater Manchester? Join the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust for an interactive creative workshop to discuss what inclusive education should look like and contribute to a youth-led set of recommendations that […]

  • Get Planting for Green Libraries Week!

    Lower Ground Floor

    Calling all budding gardeners (pun intended)! Join us for this engaging session inspired by Green Libraries Week. You'll get to plant your very own daffodil and take it home with you! We'll provide all the materials, just come ready to get potting! Suitable for families. Free – just drop in. Please consider making a donation […]

  • Spooky Library

    Ground Floor

    We’re getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? Read on, if you dare! Face painting Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm - just drop in. £2 per person. Ground […]

  • Spooky Storytime

    Children's Library

    Join Helen and Zoe for a spooky story time, with spooky, but not too scary stories such as Room on the Broom, Wake up Do Lydia Doo and more. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library