Library Live

Easter Film Eggs-travaganza!
2018-04-03 13:00 - 2018-04-12 15:00 UTC | Performance Space
Break out the popcorn and get down to Central Library to watch a selection of great family films. Why not explore the library before or after the film? There will be plenty of crafts to keep everyone busy and entertained whilst the film is showing. Come down and enjoy the fun!
Event Days:
Tuesday 3 April, 1-3pm
Thursday 5 April, 1-3pm
Wednesday 11 April, 1-3pm
Thursday 12 April, 1-4pm
Suitable for families with children aged 12 and under
Free – please drop in

Suffrage in Manchester
2018-04-03 08:00 - 2018-06-30 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
In celebration of the centenary of the Representation of the People Act, this exhibition has been created by Heritage schools to showcase the work of local primary and secondary school students as they explored key people and historic sites linked to the Suffrage movement in Manchester.
Free – please drop in

Twelfth Day - Live
2018-03-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
In the wordless communication that passes between Orcadian fiddler Catriona Price and Peebles harpist Esther Swift as they perform, the strength of their decade-long musical partnership, friendship and shared humour is evident.
It’s this depth of connection, and tangible desire to have fun, that gives Twelfth Day its extra edge. This is not so much a duo, but a two person quartet. Their two distinctly different voices, the fiddle, and the pedal harp, build layer upon layer of a complex and ever-evolving sound, rich with rhythm, harmony and texture.
Twelfth Day are happy to be hard to define. Classically trained, they bring outstanding technical ability as well as an adventurous mix of folk, jazz and classical influences to their compositions and arrangements – blended with the folklore and inspirations of their respective Scottish Highland and Lowland upbringings.
“a boldly brilliant record, suffused with dark humour and wildly inventive musicianship” ★★★★★ fRoots
“genre-blending style that is both edgy and inventive. . . A bold, intriguing set.” ★★★★ The Guardian
“challenging, virtuosic music that is far more than the sum of its parts” ★★★★ The Skinny
“one of the most rewarding listening experiences to be placed before an audience this year.” Folk Radio UK

The Laureate's Choice at Central Library
2018-03-29 18:00 - 21:00
smith|doorstop Books present the Laureate’s Choice poets 2018, four up-and-coming poets chosen by Carol Ann Duffy.
The poets in attendance are :
Keith Hutson has written for Coronation Street and many well know comedians. His poetry has been widely published in journals, and his debut pamphlet, Routines, was published in 2016 by Poetry Salzburg (where he is now a member of the editorial board)
Natalie Burdett is a poet from the West Midlands. Her poetry is widely published in anthologies and magazines and has been shortlisted for The London Magazine and Bridport prizes.
John Fennelly is ‘House Poet’ at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Writing School. He is a poet, teacher, and workshop facilitator and has been published in various magazines and commended in the Bridport and Bare Fiction Prizes.
Reading on video in a recording made specially for this event:
Hera Lindsay Bird is a poet from New Zealand. Her debut collection Hera Lindsay Bird has become a cult best-seller in her own country, and was released by Penguin UK in 2017. She has won the 2017 Sarah Broom Prize and the Ockham Best First Poetry Book Award.
Four fantastic poets reading from their pamphlets. We hope you can join us.

Meet Film and TV legend Bruce Campbell
2018-03-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Performance Space
SORRY, THIS EVENT HAS NOW SOLD OUT
A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen for UK fans of Bruce Campbell – the owner of the mightiest chin in history is coming to Manchester Central Library!
Bruce will be reading from his Best Selling book ‘Hail to the Chin’, and providing a Q&A experience that’s out of this world. Following the Q&A there will be a signing and opportunity to meet the man himself.
Tickets are £5 for entry or £19.99 including a special edition of ‘Hail to the Chin’, made available just for this UK tour.
Please note: Bruce Campbell will sign all copies of the book and ONE extra piece of official memorabilia per person at the event. He regrets that he will be unable to pose for individual photos on the evening.
DOORS OPEN 5.30PM
EVENT STARTS 6.30PM

Patrisse Khan-Cullors in conversation about #BlackLivesMatter
2018-03-13 19:00 - 20:30
Manchester Literature Festival is delighted to welcome Patrisse Khan-Cullors to Manchester to discuss her illuminating memoir, When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir. She will be in conversation with Manchester Literature Festival Patron, writer and poet Jackie Kay.
One of the most prominent activists of her generation, Patrisse is an artist, organizer and freedom fighter from Los Angeles, California. She’s also a Fullbright scholar, an NAACP History Maker and a Los Angeles Times’ Civil Rights Leader for the 21st Century. Patrisse began her journey as a community organizer at sixteen and has co-founded several activist and civil rights movements in the US, including Dignity, Power Now and Black Lives Matter.
Co-written with author and journalist Asha Bandele, When They Call You a Terrorist is a courageous and extraordinary account of survival, strength and resistance. Informed by Patrisse’s personal story and experiences, her memoir shows what led her to become a founder of Black Lives Matter, seeking to end the culture that declares black life expendable. From accounts of the brutal treatment of family and friends by the State, to the severe socio-economic disadvantages handed to those born in black majority communities; dismaying personal experiences of racial and LGBTQ+ stigma to Patrisse’s first community campaigns as an intersectional feminist activist, When They Call You a Terrorist builds a deep understanding of the cultural drivers of structural inequality, oppression, misogyny and racism, and why they need to be actively addressed from the ground up.
Join us to hear Patrisse discuss her necessary and timely memoir, the aims and actions of #BlackLivesMatter and how the movement has expanded to mobilise activists across the world. This event is in partnership with the Centre for New Writing.
Doors open at 6.30pm, event starts at 7pm

Frankenstein: An Immersive Experience
2018-03-12 17:00 - 2018-03-15 20:00
Join us for a unique immersive experience based on the story of Frankenstein.
Rediscover this iconic novel through the voices of Mary Shelley’s haunting characters as you journey through the library’s hidden corners. With a soundscape created by award winning musician, Taz Modi, venture from room to room and from memory to memory following the ghost of Victor Frankenstein to the dramatic climax of the tale.
There are two performances on each of the following days –
Monday 12 March 5 – 6pm and 6.30 – 7.30pm
Wednesday 14 March 5 – 6pm and 6.30 – 7.30pm
Thursday 15 March 5 – 6pm and 6.30 – 7.30pm
This production includes a large amount of walking up and down stairs. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs.
About the company:
Pure Expression is an immersive theatre company that reimagines classic stories in unique environments that create the ideal setting. We work particularly in libraries, museums and galleries.
For more information about our company please check out our website. https://www.pureexpressiontheatre.com/

The Peterloo Massacre: a talk by Dr Robert Poole
2018-03-10 14:00 - 15:00
Manchester Libraries are pleased to welcome Dr Robert Poole for a fascinating talk on the Peterloo Massacre as part of the BBC Civilisations Festival.
One of the major interests of Dr Robert Poole is popular protest in the age of reform and industrial revolution 1780s-1850s. He is a leading authority on the subject of Peterloo, Chartism etc. In 2016 he was interviewed by Melvin Bragg on the BBC Radio 4 show ‘The Matter of the North’ exploring the radical movements that sprang from the North. His recently published book “Return to Peterloo” offers new perspectives and crucial new evidence.
Dr Poole will be signing and selling his book – ‘Return to Peterloo’ after the talk.
Supported by Manchester Histories, HLF, National Lottery Players and Manchester City Council.

Both Sides Now: Open Space
2018-03-09 10:30 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Brighter Sound and The Hub UK present Both Sides Now – Open Space: Making gender equality in the music industry a reality… what can we all do?
Both Sides Now is a large-scale initiative taking place across the North of England to support emerging female artists and up-and-coming industry professionals to transform the future of the music industry.
We want to create a growing network, deliver sustainable activity, and affect permanent change around the perception, opportunities and profiling of women in music, from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the stage.
This first ‘Open Space’ event is for anyone with an interest in this conversation – whether male, female, non-binary, cis and trans – to come together and discuss what could make a real difference – whether that’s about role models, motherhood, education, social mobility, policy change or something else entirely.
Unfolding over a series of informal conversations, the agenda will be yours to set. You might want to convene a conversation about something you feel passionately about, or join a conversation kick-started by someone else. More than just a talking shop, our aim is to get things and people moving.
Open Space is a method of facilitation, where participants create and manage their own agenda of discussions around a central theme.
The event is open to everyone, food and drinks will be provided and there will be activities for children.

Votes for Women
2018-03-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
In the centenary year commemorating (some) UK women first gaining the vote, learn how Manchester played a major role in the fight. This entertaining and informative illustrated talk covers the campaign tactics of both peaceful suffragists and militant suffragettes, and the often barbaric backlash they endured.
Free talk – please drop in

Inside View: Original and Creative Work by Learners at HMP Manchester
2018-03-05 08:00 - 2018-05-31 17:00 | First Floor Display Cases
An exhibition of creative work produced by learners attending NOVUS Education classes at HMP Manchester. This joint collaboration between Manchester Central Library and NOVUS Education showcases the excellent standard of creative work produced using a limited range of resources.
Free – please drop in

World Book Day Celebration Afternoon
2018-03-03 14:00 - 16:00
A very special afternoon of reading loveliness at Central Library. We will be sharing stories, making crafts, and discovering digital fun using our favourite books to celebrate World Book Day 2018.
Free – please drop in

The Drag Ball: Exposing Manchester's Hidden Past
2018-02-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
In September 1880, Detective Jerome Caminada and his Manchester police force raided the Temperance Hall in Hulme. Once inside, they found 47 men and half of them were in women’s clothing. It was an event that shocked both city and country but who were these men and what became of them? Join us for this free talk by PhD student, Tom McGrath.
Free – no need to book

The Section 28 March - 30 Years On
2018-02-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Performance Space
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Manchester March against Section 28 – still the largest LGBT march in this country. Join us to hear how this event was organised and who spoke and performed at the rally and the concert that followed. See some of the archive items and film footage from the event.
The national march, rally and festival on 20 February 1988 attracted 20,000 people, filling Albert Square outside the Town Hall. In the evening a festival of entertainment took place at the Free Trade Hall.
If you were on the march come and tell us your own story.
Refreshments served.
This event is free but booking is required.

Sunday Funday: Celebrate Chinese New Year
2018-02-18 12:00 - 17:00 | St. Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 5PD, United Kingdom
Join us for a celebration of Chinese arts, crafts and culture on one of our exclusive Sunday openings.
We are celebrating the Year of the Dog. Visit Central Library and you’ll find musicians, storytellers, artists and activities for all the family. Soak up the atmosphere with traditional Chinese music, art and dance.
Take part in an afternoon packed full of Chinese traditions with the Confucius Institute of Manchester University. Join free drop-in workshops, where you can learn about the Chinese arts of paper folding and the tea ceremony.
There will also be free family crafts in the City Library on the Lower Ground Floor. There’s something for everyone – you won’t want to miss it! Drop in throughout the afternoon. All activities are free, no need to book.
Sunday Fundays at Central Library are generously supported by The Oglesby Charitable Trust and Manchester Central Library Development Trust.

QUEER CONTACT '18: Drag Queen Storytime
2018-02-17 14:00 - 15:00
Storytime doesn’t get more glamorous than this!
Manchester Libraries are proud to be working with Queer Contact and The Family Gorgeous to present their first Drag Queen Storytime at Central Library.
Drag Queen Storytime is exactly what it sounds like, drag queens reading stories to children in libraries. The aim is to capture the freedom of childhood and give children positive, gender fluid and unabashedly queer role models in a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.

We Built This City: Retro Silent Disco Returns!
2018-02-16 20:00 - 2018-02-17 00:00 | Performance Space
You don’t need Romeo and Juliet in your life to enjoy our silent disco crazy crazy nights! Just grab your handbags and gladrags and discover a reason to believe. Whether you are an owner of a lonely heart searching for the power of love or a piano man desperate to fly away on a runaway train we’ll find the perfect song for you. Heaven is a place on earth. Oh yeah!
We can now announce that due to popular demand there will be a channel dedicated to ROCK BALLADS!
Our favourite DJ John Ryan from RETRO SILENT DISCO will be here to make your disco dreams come true.
Bar open till midnight.

QUEER CONTACT '18 Outspoken
2018-02-14 18:30 - 20:00
Prose, poetry and spoken word from an all-female line-up of Outspoken voices.
Afshan D’souza-Lodhi hosts, with readings from Seni Seneviratne, Jackie Hagan, Mandla Rae and Louise Wallwein.
Plus new work from Superbia’s Manchester Chapbook project.

Women’s Words on Manchester
2018-02-14 08:00 - 2018-04-27 17:00 | Wolfson Reading Room
Women’s Words is a joint project between Manchester Libraries, Pankhurst Centre, Soroptimist International Manchester and Wordplay Community Arts. It captures a moment in Manchester’s history. One hundred years on from the Suffragette movement, born here in our city, Women’s Words gives voice to untold stories from women in Manchester in 2018
Free – please drop in

Fat Roland at Word Central
2018-02-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
WORD CENTRAL
A semaphore-exploding mind-flow open mic poetry & spoken word hosted by Tony Curry.
February’s special guest poet is Fat Roland!
Fat Roland has been likened to “Johnny Vegas devouring Sam Simmons… on a rollercoaster… driven by a depressed buffalo”. He is champion of Literary Death Match Manchester and co-runs Bad Language, voted the UK’s best spoken word night two years in a row. He recently won a Developed With The Lowry commission to write a new show, which probably won’t include rollercoasters or buffalo.
The open mic is now full. To get your name on the reserve list email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk
NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes maximum.

Made In Manchester: Funny Business - how to make it in the Comedy industry
2018-01-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Comedy is big business these days.
Hear from our experienced panel as they give a unique insight into the many facets of the world of Comedy; from Performing, Writing, Promoting and breaking into TV and Radio. Find how you can make a living in an often precarious career.
Henry Normal
Henry is a writer, poet, TV and film producer. As co-founder of the incredibly successful Baby Cow Productions, hIs many credits include Gavin and Stacey, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa and Philomena. In June 2017 he was honoured with a special BAFTA for services to television.
Justin Moorhouse
Justin is a stand-up comedian, radio DJ and actor. He appeared in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Looking for Eric and Guess The Attendance. He has written and appeared in his own BBC Radio 4 sitcom Everyone Quite Likes Justin and tours regularly.
Hazel O’Keefe, Dulcet Sounds
Hazel is the founder of Dulcet Sounds, Laughing Cows Comedy, Club Feminista, The Women in Comedy Festival and is the catalyst for many other projects. A full time self employed consultant, event manager, curator and promotor, who is value and principle driven. Her work was recognised by Manchester City Council who awarded her ‘Women of Arts and Culture‘, commended by Northern Power Women and awarded comedy business of the year by the Northern Soul awards.
Moderated by Martyn Walsh from the Inspiral Carpets and Creative Industries Guru in Residence at the Business & IP Centre Manchester
Made In Manchester is a new series of panel events discussing the business aspects of the creative industries in the city.

Stories of Sacrifice
2018-01-23 08:00 - 2018-03-31 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
From recruitment to burial, this exhibition developed by the British Muslim Heritage Centre and part funded by the Community Covenant, gives an insight into the selfless sacrifice of Muslim soldiers, who valiantly fought for the freedoms and privileges that we take for granted in Great Britain today.
Free – please drop in

The Danger Tree – An Augmented Reality Experience
2018-01-15 09:00 - 2018-03-31 20:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
Scarlett Raven and Marc Marot are acknowledged to be amongst the world’s first augmented reality fine artists. The Danger Tree exhibition, visually brought to life by award-winning film set designer Kave Quinn, evokes the devastation of WWI while the narratives behind each painting tell the stories of those lost and lamented, but never forgotten.
Raven is the first oil painter to work in the world of augmented reality: using a smartphone app, visitors to the exhibition can reveal the creative journey behind each artwork with animation, music and poetry, read by actors including Sean Bean and Vicky McClure, superimposed on the artworks.
This is a free exhibition, and iPads and headphones will be provided for visitors to participate in the full AR experience.
Free – please drop in

WORD CENTRAL: Open Mic and Spoken Word Night
2018-01-04 18:00 - 20:00
Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press present:
WORD CENTRAL
a semaphore-exploding mind-flow. Open mic poetry & spoken word hosted by Tony Curry
Featuring special guest poet Potting Shed Pete.
The open mic line up is now complete.To get on the reserve list please email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk
NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes maximum
Further Word Central dates for your diary –
Wed 7th February
Thurs 1st March
Thurs 5th April
Wed 2nd May
Wed 6th June
Thurs 5th July
Thurs 2nd August
Thurs 6th September
Thurs 4th October
Thurs 1st November
Thurs 6th December

The Crimson Pioneers
2017-12-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Join us for the premiere of new sci-fi adventure The Crimson Pioneers made by the Manchester Indie Film Makers Group, based at Central Library.
Synopsis: The first generation of ‘Crimson Pioneers’ have started to make Mars their new home. When all seems to be going to plan the unexpected happens and throws everything into chaos.
Doors: 6pm

A Dinner Engagement - Manchester Opera Ensemble
2017-12-19 18:30 - 2017-12-20 20:00 | Performance Space
Manchester Opera Ensemble return to Central Library on 19th and 20th December to present a new production of British composer Lennox Berkeley’s farce, A Dinner Engagement. Set in a Greater Manchester family home during the run up to Christmas dinner this production promises beautiful sounds, sights, smells and of course, a pinch of disaster. The production is directed by ALRA trained actor Charlotte Broadbent and directed by Ewan Gilford, currently working on the music staff at Northern Ballet.
Tickets

Yellow £15 – A yellow ticket affords you one of the best seats in the house, with close up views of the performers and a front row seat to watch the mayhem unfold
Green £12 – Our green tickets affords you a seat with an excellent view of the action, but slightly further back from the action.
Pink £9 – Our pink tickets sometimes offer a restricted view, but with the theatre in the round, you certainly won’t miss out on the immersive experience that the theatre offers.

IMPORTANT:
Event starts at 6.30pm prompt. Doors close at 6.25pm

Christmas Extravaganza
2017-12-16 09:30 - 16:00
Get your festive season underway with our annual family extravaganza. Listen to a fantastic line-up of local choirs and bands and enjoy a mince pie with us. Create your own Christmas crafts. There will be performances and activities galore and Father Christmas will be here!
For full details visit archivesplus.org

Feeling Sound: Evelyn Glennie in Conversation with Colin Blakemore
2017-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Seminar Suite, Floor Two
A LIVE SCREENING FROM THE BRITISH LIBRARY
Think hearing is just sound waves hitting your ear drums? Think again.

Percussionist Evelyn Glennie’s unique connection to her music comes from having lost almost all of her hearing by the age of 12. She joins neuroscientist Colin Blakemore to discuss how we can all really listen.
This event was conceived by and first presented at Cheltenham Science Festival 2017. It will be subtitled by Stagetext.
Part of a Season of Sound, celebrating the Library’s sound archive. Audio installation supplied by Bowers & Wilkins.
Tickets are free but booking is advised.

Project M and Introduction X Launch
2017-12-14 18:00 - 19:45 | Performance Space
Come and celebrate the launch of Introduction X, The Poetry Business New Poets anthology.
Introduction X is a gathering of outstanding poets at an early stage in their writing careers. Apart from this ‘newness’, and talent, and what W S Graham would call ‘the rarer gift of application’, what these writers happen to have in common is that at some point The Poetry Business has been fortunate enough to encounter them – either through residential courses, The New Poets Prize, or workshops and mentoring schemes, such as The Writing Squad.
Readers will include Northern Writers Award Winner Jasmine Simms, Now Then’s Word LIfe Editor Elizabeth Gibson, Foyles Young Poet of the Year Fielding Ronshaugen, and Gregory Kearns who was Highly Commended in this year’s Poetry Business New Poet Awards.
Project M is a workshop of writers aged 17-21 run by The Writing Squad and Manchester Literature Festival. Over the last year they have been meeting monthly with Squad writers James Varney and Lenni Sanders. They will share some of their work as a curtain raiser to the Introduction X anthology.

Black Christmas
2017-12-11 18:20 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Join our friends Grimm up North, as they present the classic 1974 christmas slasher movie, Black Christmas!
It’s time for the Christmas break, and the sorority sisters make plans for the holiday, but the strange anonymous phone calls are beginning to put them on edge. When Clare disappears, they contact the police, who don’t express much concern. Meanwhile Jess is planning to get an abortion, but boyfriend Peter is very much against it. The police finally begin to get concerned when a 13-year-old girl is found dead in the park. They set up a wiretap to the sorority house, but is it too late?
Grimm Up North have partnered with 101 Films to bring you this very special screening, celebrating the recent Blu-ray re-mastered release (first time in the UK!) of this classic shocker starring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, John Saxon and Margot Kidder.
Complimentary mince pies will be on offer throughout the evening and attendees will also be in with a chance of winning a brand new copy of the film on blu-ray, just by showing up for the screening. There will also be some bargain christmas stocking fillers, Grimmfest t-shirts, posters & horror DVDs available to buy at knock down prices.
Strictly 18+ years only
Doors: 5.50pm
Film starts: 6.20pm (prompt)
