The Town Hall Photographers' Collection is a large photographic collection held in Archives+ Central Library, ranging in date from 1956 to 2007. The collection consists of tens of thousands of images, covering the varied areas of work of Manchester Corporation and latterly, Manchester City Council. The photographs were taken by staff photographers, who were tasked to document […]
Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Hosted by Tony Curry Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries With special guest John Darwin John writes from the heart about the mystery of relationships, the piquancy of location, and the pleasure of escaping from day-to-day drudgery. He was the host of Write Out Loud's poetry night in Sale for two […]
Manchester Libraries, Faber Books and Blackwells Bookshop are proud to present An Evening with Don Paterson to celebrate the publication of TOY FIGHTS - an exquisitely sharp, deeply humane and brutally hilarious boyhood memoir from one of the greatest writers of his generation. Don Paterson will be in conversation with Roma Havers, Learning Manager from […]
In 1967 the law in England and Wales changed to partially decriminalise homosexual acts between men in private. This was followed by further legislation relating to the age of consent, the role of LGBTQ+ people in the armed forces, improved partnership, inheritance, and adoption rights, that have positively affected the lives of LGBTQ+ people. However, […]
Throughout February and March, we are delighted to be working with Manchester City of Literature who have an exhibition available to celebrate International Mother Language Day, showcasing our international connection to the other UNESCO Cities of Literature and celebrating Manchester’s work at home. Manchester Histories Hub The exhibition is free and is the second exhibition […]
In The City is a collection of Manchester images taken by photographer Richard Davis over the last 35 Years. Join Richard for this talk about the exhibtion that centres around Richard’s love of art, music, culture and football. From the heady days of Madchester, right through to the dynamism of the present day, the excitement […]
Spend Valentines Night celebrating the best of LGBTQ+ films. We'll be screening one of these four game changers. All you need to do is register for pay-what-you-can tickets here. We'll be in touch with everyone who registers to let them know the winning film! We're going way back to an 80's and 90's classic or […]
WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY AT CENTRAL LIBRARY Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating […]
Crime Central is back with a bang on Thursday 16th February! Joining your wonderful host Rob Parker will be... Lia Middleton, author of the massive debut thriller 'When They Find Her'. Her new novel 'Your Word or Mine' came out in September 2022 to more rave reviews! Elliot Sweeney, who's debut novel is entitled 'The […]
This year marks 35 years since the protest against Section 28 in Manchester. Join organisers and attendees from the time to hear more. The event forms part of LGBT History month 2023. It aims to provide insight into a specific period of LGBT history (1987-2003) in which the demonstration in Manchester was highly significant, and which gained […]
Behind The Lens is this year's theme for LGBT+ history month. Join us to celebrate at our animation workshop inspired by popular culture. All are welcome at this free drop-in. This activity is suitable for ages 8+ Free - just drop in - please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, […]
Join us for a day of children’s music activities! 11:30 - Rhyme Time Stories and songs. 12:20 - HWML instruments A brief showing of some of the music library’s instruments, originating in different time periods and places around the world. Feel free to ask questions! 12:40 - Children’s instruments Xylophones, maracas, triangles, ukuleles and much […]
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.
