What's on

An Evening with A.F. Steadman

Performance Space

Join us for what promises to be a brilliant Q&A event with internationally bestselling author A.F. Steadman to celebrate the release of Skandar and the Spirit War, the fifth and final book in the blockbuster Skandar series! Join us to hear all about the Skandar series and there will also be a Q&A so you can put your burning questions to […]

Half and Half Scarves

Lower Ground Floor

Join us at Central Library for a collaborative and fun session led by the National Football Museum! Half & half scarves tell a story of rivalries, friendships, big matches, and personal connections. Now, it’s your turn to create one that represents you! Pick your colours and patterns, choosing a simple design that reflect two sides […]

Wonderland Sunday Funday at Central Library!

Not quite ready for the end of the holidays? Join us at Central Library for a special end-of-summer extravaganza brought to you by Z-Arts and Manchester Libraries! *FULL PROGRAMME* Yoga and movement sessions for children Performance Space (Ground Floor) Start times: 12pm, 1pm Storytimes Performance Space (Ground Floor) Start times: 12.30pm, 1.30pm Bessie’s Bees (Storytime) […]

Japan Week

Performance Space

Join us for Japan Week to learn more about leading Japanese destinations from EXPO 2025 in Osaka, as well as hidden gems that will inspire your next visit. You can also view incredible exhibitions and performances from Japanese artists and join workshops to give yourself a taste of traditional Japanese culture right here in Manchester. […]

Recurring

Conversation Club

Ground Floor (Handling Tables)

Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group, improve your English, and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. 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

An Evening with Kathy Reichs

Performance Space

​Join #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs for a rare visit to the UK to celebrate over 25 years of her bestselling series. ​Best known as the inspiration behind Fox Television's longest-running scripted drama, Bones, Kathy will be in Manchester for a one-night-only. She'll be discussing her career as an author and forensic anthropologist, how she crafts her […]

Time Travellers Tea Room

Lwr Ground Floor - Manchester Histories Hub

Join Manchester Hstories for Time Travellers Tea Room, a monthly gathering where we explore the personal stories, memories and everyday objects that shape Manchester’s rich and diverse heritage. These relaxed sessions are open to anyone with an interest in the past, whether you're a lifelong Mancunian, new to the city, or simply curious about local […]

Central Library’s Big Language Celebration

Performance Space

Do you speak more than one language? Want to find out more about the languages spoken in Manchester? Then join us for an engaging exploration of our foreign language archives, where visitors can uncover stories, documents, and cultural treasures from Manchester’s amazingly diverse communities. Performance Schedule 1.30pm Welcome by the Portuguese Consulate 1.45pm Irish storytelling […]

Children’s Voices and Archives for Community Action: the Marcus Rashford Mural Collection

Archives+ Ground Floor

Join us as we offer a rare glimpse into this significant collection, much of which is created by children. Read their messages, thoughts and feelings as they voice their inspiring stand, united against bullying and racism. In 2021 following a missed EUFA penalty, a community-funded mural in Withington of local footballer Marcus Rashford was defaced […]