What's on

Val McDermid & Denise Mina

Performance Space

Manchester Literature Festival presents... Queens of Tartan Noir, Val McDermid and Denise Mina, join us to discuss their brilliant new novels. In How the Dead Speak, Val brings Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan together again when the remains of a killer, who’s supposedly alive and in prison, are found on a construction site. […]

£12

UK Disability History Month

Performance Space

Join us for musical performances from disabled Manchester artists as we celebrate UK Disability History Month and International Day of Disabled People 2019. Confirmed artists: the fantastic Spotlighters band, brilliant singer/songwriter Dennis Queen, and the very talented Bee Vocal Manchester Mental Health Choir, plus a disability history talk "Disabled people against apartheid" by disability history […]

Sensory Story Time

Performance Space

A new monthly sensory storytime, suitable for children with sensory or autistic spectrum needs.  The sessions will consist of a story and 3-4 songs, and will aim to be as visual as possible. Age group 4-7 years (flexible depending upon the individual needs of the child). All bookings can be made by phone on 234 1990.  Places are free […]

Instrumental Change

Performance Space

This pop-up exhibition reflects on the materials used in the development and transformation of medical practice. Featuring objects from the Museum of Medicine and Health’s fascinating collection, it raises important questions about material functions, sustainability and innovation in contemporary medical practices. Free – please drop in

Christmas Extravaganza

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. Enjoy a special festive ‘Story-time with Dad’. There will be performances and activities galore and Father Christmas will be here! Free – please […]

Scrooged – Christmas Film

Performance Space

Join us for the Grimmfest annual Christmas movie gathering. This year’s choice is an eighties classic, which pays off-kilter homage to tradition - Richard Donner's cult classic, Scrooged. It sees Dickens' tale of miserliness and redemption relocated to 80s New York, and Ebeneezer Scrooge magnificently re-imagined in the form of Bill Murray's hard-nosed TV executive, […]

£5.00

Addison Act 100: Exhibition Launch

Archives+ Ground Floor

In 1919 the ‘Addison Act’ was passed by Parliament. This Housing Act helped local authorities to build social housing after World War One and guided policy for the country’s housing sector for most of the 20th century. Join us for the launch of this exhibition exploring its impact on Manchester. Free - please drop in

Christmas Games Night with Angel Delight!

Performance Space

The tinseltastic drag queen Angel Delight returns to Central Library for a fabulously festive party! Including... Family Fortunes Play Your Cards Right Name that Tune Bingo Christmas cabaret and singalong ...and many more Christmas party games! Tickets are limited. Bar open all evening. 18+   Some of the quizzes will be through your smartphone. Just […]

£10

Greek Gods: Animate it

Media Lounge

Join us for animated fun! Discover stories, myths and characters inspired by the Ancient Greeks. Make an animated scene to tell the stories to your friends, in your own distinct way! Suitable for families Free – please drop in

Manchester’s Lost District

Archives+ Ground Floor

A exhibition of many previously unseen photographs of the area now covered by the Manchester Arndale. They include the pubs, clubs, chapels and many shops and businesses swept away to build the shopping centre. From the book 'Manchester's Lost District' by Keith Warrender. Free - please drop in

An Evening with Tom Kerridge

Start the new year in great shape and join us for an evening with Michelin-starred chef, bestselling author and BBC presenter Tom Kerridge as we celebrate the launch of his latest cookbook LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT. Tom will be chatting to Emily Heward (Food, drink and events editor at Manchester Evening News and City […]

£5 – £22

Cabinet of Wonders

Performance Space

Discover wondrous objects from the depth of the library. Be the first to find hidden clues from our new trail and help us complete our new weird and wonderful Cabinet of Wonders. You can also join us for a film screening. Suitable for families Free – please drop in