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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. This activity is for ages 13-16 year olds only. Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/ Free - […]
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 […]
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, […]
*** Due to unforeseen circumstances this event has now been postponed until next month. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. **** Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes of Manchester proudly present the Hispanic Film Club. Join us for this month's film, Mamá cumple 100 años. The Manchester Central Library and Instituto Cervantes Manchester present […]
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.
