Library Live

Hannah Brine – Live
2025-12-02 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Henry Watson Music Library
Join jazz singer Hannah Brine for an intimate afternoon of winter music designed to get you right in the mood for Christmas. Those lucky enough to see Hannah open for Rumer at this year’s Buxton International Festival know how great her voice and her original songs are. There’s a reason why she’s been awarded Best Solo Vocal at Buxton Fringe for the last two years!
Hannah has spent 2025 performing all over the UK, including at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and London Jazz venues the 606 and Pizza Express Live’s Pheasantry.
Hannah will be joined by a fabulous pianist to give things a beautiful, festive twist. So, if you’re in the mood for a White Christmas, come and enjoy a gloriously festive musical afternoon brought to you by one of our best local talents.
“Serene, velvety vocals…a new singer giving the world her valuable point of view” – Jazz Journal
“Brine’s effortless voice is smoothly in control throughout” – Jazzwise
“Brine’s voice is distinguished by its’ clarity, warmth and an inviting, rounded tone that draws the listener in” – All About Jazz
“Hannah’s honey toned voice caresses the melodies imbuing the words with a lightness of touch” – Jazz Views
“Brine’s touching vocal captures the emotional gradients of each syllable” – Old Gray Cat
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

Disability History Month Celebration - JOY!
2025-12-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
The Disabled People’s Archive (DPA) and North West Film Archive (NWFA) are hosting a free, disabled-led event to celebrate UK Disability History Month and the launch of DPA’s new project. Expect a DPA object handling table, a creative group film-making activity, a community lunch, and much more.
For more information and to book your free spot, click ‘book’ below or visit the eventbrite page here

Book Launch: Spit & Sawdust by Kieren King
2025-12-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join Great Northern Poetry Slam Champion Kieren King for the launch of his new collection. Including an author performance, interview, Q&A, and book signing.
Pull up a stool, mind your pint, and drink in perfectly pitched poetry from the Great Northern Slam champion and four-time UK National Slam finalist.
With poems of pubs, politics, love, and life in Salford, Kieren King’s first solo collection is funny, fearless, and unapologetically Northern – poetry that belongs as much in the bar as on the bookshelf.
FREE EVENT, EVERYONE WELCOME.
“Stunning.” Adam Farrer
“Wonderful.” Mike Garry
“Beautiful.” Oliver James Lomax
“Alive with craft, wit, and spirit.” Reece Williams
“The best of working-class poetry.” Louise Fazackerley
Flapjack Press: flapjackpress.co.uk

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
2025-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Business Generator
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a wreath making session! Join us for a relaxing hands-on workshop and learn how to create a beautiful wreath to take home with you. Suitable for adults. All materials provided.
Tickets: £27.80. Book your place here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
The workshop will take place in our new Generator Suite next door to Central Library. Please ask a member of staff for directions.

Embroidery and Cross-Stitch for wellbeing with artist Nabila Nabi
2025-12-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Stories live within us — in our memories, our hands, and the quiet rhythm of a needle pulling thread. Join us to explore how storytelling and hand embroidery intertwine — how a single stitch can hold a memory, a dream, or a piece of expression. Free entry! All materials provided. Beginners welcome!

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

Mystery International Film Screening
2025-12-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Rebellion, identity, and survival

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Welcome to the event page for the eighth 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!

With the year winding down and the festive season approaching, we’re back in the Manchester Central Library Performance Space for another round of our monthly international film screening series.
The rules are simple: we give you five films to vote from here, and you’ll find out what won at the screening. This month’s (unintentional) theme? Rebellion, identity, and survival—stories that challenge norms and explore the human spirit across cultures and decades.
If I could show all five I really would as every one of these films is absolutely cracking, as it stands however I can only show one so get voting:
This month’s contenders are:
The Working Class Goes To Heaven (1971, Italy)
A factory worker’s life spirals after an accident, exposing the alienation and exploitation of industrial labour. Petri’s biting critique of capitalism and class struggle remains a cornerstone of Italian political cinema.
The Story of a Three Day Pass (1967, France/USA)
Melvin Van Peebles’ debut feature follows a Black American soldier on leave in France, navigating love and racial tension. A bold, stylish exploration of identity and prejudice during the civil rights era. An outsiders French New Wave film and one of the finest, a rediscovered masterpiece.
The Harder They Come (1972, Jamaica)
In honour of the late Jimmy Cliff revisit this reggae-infused crime drama about a musician turned outlaw, this cult classic captures the grit and dreams of Kingston’s streets. Its soundtrack helped bring reggae to the world stage.
Bacurau (2019, Brazil)
In a remote village, residents face a chilling threat that turns their quiet life into a fight for survival. A genre-bending mix of Western, thriller, and political allegory, Bacurau is a modern masterpiece of resistance and one of the last major roles of the late Udo Kier.
Enamorada (1946, Mexico)
A fiery romance unfolds during the Mexican Revolution as a revolutionary general clashes with a strong-willed woman. Fernández’s lush visuals and María Félix’s commanding presence make this a gem of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.
We’ve made it easier to vote. Just click on the link here to book tickets and fill in your details. You’ll then see a drop down menu of the five films on the shortlist. You just need to select your favourite!

Blooming in the West – Flowers from China
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
In this talk, Dr Fang ZONG will introduce some traditional garden plants of China and their journeys to the West. Their cultural symbolism, presence in art and medical applications will also be discussed. The seasonal plants will be highlighted, for example, bamboo, flowering plum and evergreen pine as the ‘Three Friends of Winter’.
Dr Fang ZONG was a biomedical academic researcher and tutor (PhD in Medical Science from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden), and is now a museum professional, providing research, consultancy, and curation of Chinese culture. She has been working at the Manchester Museum for more than 10 years and was part of the team which established the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery. She was personally awarded an Exceptional Performance Award by the University of Manchester in 2024.
Book your tickets now.
This event is part of the Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series.
Photo By Zhao Mengjian 趙孟堅 b. 1199 – d. circa 1264 Taipei: National Palace Museum., Public Domain

Saturday Spectacular - Christmas Special
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Our Saturday Spectacular turns Christmassy this December! With family favourite films shown on our big screen, some delicious snacks to dig into, Christmas crafting, plus a seasonal singalong too; this Saturday Spectacular is guaranteed to fill the whole family with yuletide cheer.
A family friendly event, suitable for children up to 12 years old.
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

United in Rebellion: The Story of the Anti-Nazi League
2025-12-13 13:30 - 14:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for this talk inspired by Geoff Brown’s book, ‘A People’s History of the Anti-Nazi League, 1977-1981’. Discover how the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) emerged from the streets, schools and music scenes of late 1970s Britain to confront racism and the far right.
Free – book tickets here and click ‘Book Now’ below.

Christmas Extravaganza!
2025-12-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate all things Christmas. Bring the whole family and get stuck in our craft sessions, listen to Christmas carols perform by local choirs, including Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, and much more!
Performance Programme
Ground Floor
12 noon – Loreto Big Band
12.45 – Chinese Community Choir from Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music
1.30 – Manchester Community Choir
2.15 – Streetwise Opera
3.00 – Manchester Musical Youth
Music Library
12.15-1pm – Stretford Ukulele
2-2.30 – Chinese Community Choir from Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music
+ Christmas family crafts throughout the afternoon
Suitable for families.
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

Carol of the Bells-Film Screening
2025-12-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a special screening of Shchedryk, a feature film by director Olesia Morgunets-Isaenko (122 min), in Ukrainian with English subtitles. At its heart is the world-famous melody by Leontovych, Carol of the Bells. The film intertwines the lives of Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Russians against the backdrop of Soviet repression, occupation, and war.
This is a charity screening, with registration and donations welcome. A huge thank you to the film’s producer, Taras Bosak, for providing the film.
The event is organised by Sunflower Manchester in partnership with Kryla Culture CIC, with the support of the “Watch Ukrainian” Association.
Doors: 4.30pm. Film Start: 5pm.
Book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Christmas Singalong
2025-12-17 17:15 - 18:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Ho Ho Ho! Come and join the New Horizons Choir for some Christmassy songs, a mince pie and some festive cheer. The choir will be singing in the Henry Watson Music Library on 17 December at 5.15 pm. All welcome to be serenaded by the singers and to join in with all your favourite Christmas tunes. See you then! Merry Xmas!

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

Full Volume Podcast: Christmas Edition
2025-12-19 - 2026-01-18 | Online
Step into Christmas with Manchester Libraries for the final Full Volume podcast of 2025.
Back for one last hurrah before the year is out, presenter Alan Lynch and co-host Gary Parkinson have a nostalgic look back at what was a magical year for Manchester Libraries. Reflecting on the successful launch of the podcast and the litany of special guests who appeared on the show, Gary and Alan also chat to a whole host of staff from across our libraries to get their highlights. Elsewhere Danny Middleton gives us a sneak peak of events coming up in the New Year, whereas Head of Libraries, Galleries, and Culture Neil MacInnes gives us his exclusive insight.
Meanwhile, ascending folk artist Hannah Brine gets a grilling on her favourite Christmas songs following her recent concert at the Library. Plus, we have nostalgic reflections from three Central Library staff who worked in the building during the 1970s and beyond.
There’s also plenty of What’s On Tips, a book review of Christmas classic “A Christmas Carol”, and much more to enjoy on this December edition of Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast. ***** ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips, exclusive interviews, book reviews, and much more. Receiving rave reviews and overwhelming support from listeners, the podcast has so far featured special guests such as celebrated authors and poets Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Kate Mosse, Jackie Kay, Tynah Matembe, and Kimberly Whittam, Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach speaking about his exhibition ‘Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce’, folk musician Cole Stacey, legendary Manchester artist and illustrator Stanley Chow, Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor John Hacking, BBC broadcaster and esteemed newspaper columnist Emma Barnett, International Women’s Rugby player Libby Andrew, plus Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries, Galleries, and Culture Neil MacInnes OBE more. ‘Episode 11: Christmas Edition’, the new episode of ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is on all major streaming services now.
Turn it up, and tune in – now: Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast by Manchester Libraries | Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music | PUSH.fm
Watch out for a new episode in the new year…

Funny Stuff – Exhibition
2026-01-12 08:00 - 2026-02-28 17:00 | Ground Floor
A creative and humorous response to grief, memories and the stuff we accumulate, hoard and hate to let go, from Manchester comedy legend, Lipservice Theatre Company.
Sue Ryding is one half of legendary comedy duo LipService. In 2022 her comedy partner Maggie Fox died and Sue was left with a shipping container full of stage props, costumes, wigs, hats, shoes, sheep, you name it. This exhibition looks at all the “stuff” we accumulate, hoard and hate to let go.
In this humorous and creative response to grief, Sue struggles to part with a life sized stuffed sheep, a badger onesie, some ruby slippers, a sinking bog, Charlotte Bronte’s knickers and a host of soft toys.
Touring anecdotes are combined with archive footage from LipService shows. We follow the stories of things Sue has already given away, the wicker horse that appeared every night in an improvised panto, the vintage suitcases turned into a sculpture in Stockport, the crazy Chief Exec of the Tall Ships Festival who dresses up as a fish! Not all the items will be making it back up the loft ladder, so the audience is invited to take something home.
Sue is aiming to end up with “the right stuff”, a small selection that captures the essence of LipService Theatre to go into a national theatre collection. Help Sue on her journey of letting go.
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

Manga Appreciation Club
2026-01-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Are you a manga fan? Never read a manga before but want to see what the whole fuss is about? Either way, this group is for you! Share your passion, meet new people and join themed activities.
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

Book Launch: Forbidden Waters by Rob Parker
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Join us to celebrate publication of the second in Rob Parker’s Cam Killick series: Forbidden Waters!

We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Rob Parker’s Forbidden Waters on the 15th of January at Manchester Central Library! Rob will be in conversation with Luca Veste, author of The Bone Keeper.
Doors: 5.30pm, starts: 6pm.
Tickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy of the book in advance.
About Forbidden Waters:
It starts with the knife. Found at the bottom of a hidden lake in the Norfolk Broads, covered in blood and heart tissue so fresh the water hasn’t yet washed it all away. What salvage diver Cam Killick has found is a murder weapon from a very recent crime – but how do you solve a murder without a body?
The remoteness of the setting is itself a clue. Only a handful of people know the location of the lake, let alone how to access it. But no sooner have Cam and DS Claire Rogers started working through this ready-made suspect pool than one of them disappears.
The ripples from Cam’s discovery have disturbed a dangerous predator, one who knows the water even better than Cam himself. The question now is what they want – and how many more people will die before Cam can stop them?
About the author:
Rob Parker is the author of Far From The Tree, the No. 1 bestselling thriller for Audible Original and the first instalment in the Thirty Miles trilogy, as well as eight novels for independent publishers. He is the host of both Crime Central Manchester, a monthly showcase of emerging crime writing talent and blockbuster bestsellers, and the Blood Brothers podcast. Rob lives in Warrington with his wife, three children and their dogs, and was inspired to write The Troubled Deep by years of holidays in the Norfolk Broads – during which he has never, he is pleased to say, found a dead body. Forbidden Waters is the second in the Cam Killick series.
If you cannot make the event but would like a dedicated copy of the book, please email events.manchester@blackwell.co.uk or call 0161 274 3331.

My Voice Travelling Exhibition
2026-01-19 08:00 - 2026-02-20 17:00 | First Floor
Manchester Central Library and The Fed’s My Voice Project are proud to announce the launch of the My Voice Travelling Exhibition – a powerful public showcase of Holocaust Survivor life stories that have shaped Greater Manchester.

The exhibition forms a key part of the Sanctuary Through Story: Inspiring Unity After Hate initiative and brings to life the extraordinary testimonies of Survivors who rebuilt their lives in Greater Manchester. Their stories – rooted in courage, resilience, gratitude and hope – offer visitors a deeply meaningful educational experience.

The exhibition helps people of all ages explore:

The dangers of prejudice and antisemitism
The importance of empathy, respect and moral responsibility
How diversity strengthens communities
Why rejecting hate is essential for a safe and cohesive Manchester

This launch is especially significant following the Heaton Park Synagogue terrorist attack, offering a space where communities can come together, reflect and reinforce Manchester’s commitment to unity, understanding and compassion.

The Travelling Exhibition will ensure these vital lessons reach people of all ages.
Free – please drop in

Talk English Circles
2026-01-20 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-01-27 12:30 - 14:30 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels.
Every Tuesday, 12.30-2.30pm
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

Boardgames Club
2026-01-21 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-28 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-04 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

Bridge of Sunflowers - Exhibition
2026-01-24 08:00 - 2026-02-26 17:00 | Ground Floor and Reading Room
Drop by the Reading and Ground Floor Oculus area to see this compelling exhibition composed of artwork by young Ukrainian artists from the city of Lviv. This unique collection explores the impacts of the ongoing conflict, as well as the hopes and dreams of those living through it.
Participants were supported by the Sunflower Dreams Project, which showcases the work of Ukrainian children in exhibitions across the European Union, the United Kingdom and North America. The project was created and is supported exclusively by a team of multinational volunteers.
Creative responses from young people in Manchester can be viewed alongside the artwork. These are the outcome of workshops run by creative arts charity Never Such Innocence (NSI), who give children and young people a voice on conflict. The workshops were led by expert practitioners – author Nik Perring and artist Alex Hinge. All of the work on display is responding to NSI’s international competition theme for 2025/26 – ‘In Someone Else’s Shoes’.
This exhibition is a collaboration between the Sunflower Dreams Project, Never Such Innocence and Manchester Libraries.
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

The Temperance Movement: What Did #QuitLit Look Like 100 Years Ago?
2026-01-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Long before today’s sober-curious conversations, Bookstagram posts, and bestselling quit-lit titles, people were already using words, stories, and literature to challenge drinking culture.
This talk explores the original temperance movement, which emerged as a powerful social force in the Northwest before sweeping across Britain and beyond. Drawing on historical examples, it looks at how early temperance advocates used novels, pamphlets, tracts, and personal stories to influence public opinion, reshape attitudes to alcohol, and support people in rethinking their relationship with drink.
By revisiting these early forms of “quit lit”, the talk reveals striking parallels between 19th-century temperance literature and today’s modern sober narratives – showing that storytelling has long been a central tool in movements for change.
Whether you’re interested in social history, literature, wellbeing, or the contemporary sober movement, this session offers a fascinating perspective on how the past continues to shape present-day conversations around alcohol.
Chaired – Yvonne Norris (Researcher, PhD, MMU)
Speaker – Dr Annmarie McAllister – expert and a leading scholar on the temperance movement
Alongside a guest panel including leading voices from present-day sober communities from across the Northwest.

French Storytime
2026-01-31 13:30 - 14:00 | Children’s Library
Join us for French Storytime to listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends!.
Suitable for children aged 4-7
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

K-Queer: Intimacies of the Invisible
2026-01-31 14:30 - 16:30 | Performance Space
Join South Korean queer writer Kim Bong-gon for a talk and Q&A exploring themes of intimacy, invisibility and queer life through contemporary Korean literature.
Kim Bong-gon emerged at a moment when previously marginalised voices were reshaping South Korean literature. In 2016, the same year Han Kang’s The Vegetarian and Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 ignited global conversations about gender and power, Kim Bong-gon became South Korea’s first openly gay novelist, introducing semi-autobiographical fiction that centred around the everyday life, desire, and interiority of a gay man.
His debut Auto won the Dong-A Ilbo New Writer’s Prize in 2016 and led to nominations for the Lee Hyo-seok Literary Award and the Munhakdongne Young Writer’s Award.
Free- booking required by emailing your full name, phone number, email address and number of seats required to k.queer.org@gmail.com

Town Hall Lectures: 'Wooden it be nice' - Restoring our Doors and Floors
2026-02-03 13:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Manchester Town Hall closed in 2018 for major restoration to repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work includes conservation of many original heritage features.
The Heritage Lectures in Central Library shine a light on some of this fascinating work and the next one – on Tuesday 3 February – will focus on the work of the woodworking expertise of Swift Crafted, with a presentation by Operations Director, Paul Smith. Restoring the doors and panelling throughout the Town Hall’s many rooms and timber flooring too, Find out more about their trade, their work and some of the features they’ve discovered in and around the Town Hall.
Wooden it be nice – restoring our doors, panelling and timber floors:
Paul Smith, Swift Crafted’s Operations Director, will present this lecture. From the history of carpentry and passing on traditional woodworking skills, through the tools of the trade and how they’ve approached the work they’ve undertaken on the Town Hall’s doors, panelling and timber floors to bring these beautiful features back to their stunning best; this lecture definitely ‘wooden’ be one to miss.
The lectures are free to attend and either session can be booked below:
Session One – 1pm to 2.15pm
Session Two 5.30pm to 6.45pm

VR Headset Experiences
2026-02-04 11:00 - 2026-02-07 19:00 | Ground Floor
For three weeks in February, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences.
Get ready for brand new immersive experiences with David Attenborough, and Laika – The First Dog In Space. Plus, Wallace & Gromit, The Berlin Blitz, Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’, meditation experiences, and more.
Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England, BFI, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space.
After a resoundingly successful debut last summer, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (4-7 Feb), Abraham Moss Library (9-14 Feb), and Wythenshawe Forum (17-20 Feb).
Across the three weeks, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces, plus leap into some brand new experiences too. Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer will include:

**New** Hold the World with Sir David Attenborough: Embark on a ground-breaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience, acts as a private guide, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection, including a blue whale, a stegosaurus, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.

Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!

**New** Laika – Witness one of the most poignant true stories in history with Laika, an immersive VR short film from BAFTA and Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia. Adapted from Nick Abadzis’ acclaimed graphic novel, Laika will transport you to the dawn of the Space Age as it tells the story of an unwanted stray dog who became Earth’s first space traveller.

The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.

Monoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.

Berlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day, travel back in time to experience this especially tense period of WWII history from a seat in the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber. Hold tight.

Phase Space: Escape from the hustle and bustle of life, with this calming, restorative and meditative experience. Feel calmer and more in control in just 7 minutes.

The VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network, a ground-breaking collaboration with eight other library services, including: Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leeds, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.
The Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout February.
Come along to a session at these dates and times as follows:
Wednesday 4 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library

Drop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00]

Drop-In Session [13.00 – 15.00]

Drop-In Session [16.00 – 18.00]

Thursday 5 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library

Drop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00]

Drop-In Session [13.00 – 15.00]

Drop-In Session [16.00 – 18.00]

Friday 6 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library

Drop-In Session [9.00 – 11.00]

Drop-In Session [12.00 – 14.00]

Drop-In Session [15.00 – 16.45]

Saturday 7 Feb – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library

Drop-In Session [10.00 – 12.00]

Drop-In Session [14.00 – 16.00]

Monday 9 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library

Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details

Tuesday 10 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library

Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details

Wednesday 11 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library

Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details

Friday 13 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library

Drop-In Session [Afternoon] – Ask staff for details

Saturday 14 Feb – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library

Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details

Tuesday 17 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space

Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details

Wednesday 18 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space

Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details

Thursday 19 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space

Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details

Friday 20 Feb – Sessions at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space

Drop-In Sessions – Ask staff for details

All sessions are 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

Crime Central
2026-02-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
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.
Tickets are on a ‘pay what you can’ offer.

Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds: Artist talk and UK book launch
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds by Alan J. Ward is an artist book in the fullest sense: a work conceived, shaped, and authored through artistic practice. Developed through sustained collaboration with the community of Grandpré in the French Ardennes, the book traces stories held within German WWI postcards and transforms them into a living archive of memory, material culture, and shared authorship.
The launch will take the form of an illustrated conversation moderated by an arts commissioner familiar with Ward’s practice. Ward will be joined by a small panel of academic, artist, and language collaborators, alongside voices from Grandpré. Together, the discussion will weave local histories with contemporary perspectives, while reanimating the enduring connection between Manchester and Charleville-Mézières, the departmental capital.
With the support of Alliance Française, a special display of selected artefacts from Archives+ and the North West Film Archive has been assembled specifically for the evening. These materials document the shared histories between Manchester and the Ardennes, and sit alongside the themes explored in the book.
The evening will conclude with a question-and-answer session, offering the audience an opportunity to engage directly with the panel, followed by the chance to purchase signed, discounted copies of the artist book.
Free – reserve a seat via eventbrite here
