International bestselling author Jung Chang brings us Fly, Wild Swans, the long-awaited sequel to her iconic memoir Wild Swans—a book that defined a generation and remains banned in China. Fly, Wild Swans picks up where Wild Swans left off, tracing Chang’s life and China’s transformation from the end of the Mao era to Xi Jinping’s […]
In this fascinating talk, celebrated mathematician and leading scientist Marcus du Sautoy invites us to explore his new book Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity and rethink the boundaries between art and mathematics. From prehistoric stone circles to Zaha Hadid’s sweeping curves, to Shakespeare’s rhythms and Radiohead’s musical experimentation, Marcus discusses how symmetry, prime numbers, fractals […]
Have you dreamed of a writing career but don’t have the confidence to give it a go? Or feel that there are too many barriers to the publishing world to getting your work published? Join bestselling novelist and Discoveries Chair of Judges Kate Mosse for an inspiring talk about her journey and the Women’s Prize […]
Join us for an inspiring evening with internationally bestselling author and Founder Director of the Women’s Prizes Kate Mosse, as she shares insights from her groundbreaking new non-fiction book, Feminist History for Every Day of the Year. This richly illustrated collection celebrates 366 remarkable women and girls - one for every day of the year […]
Join us for an energising and empowering evening with bestselling author and data scientist Hannah Ritchie, one of the most refreshing new voices in the climate conversation. In her surprisingly hopeful new book, Clearing the Air: A Hopeful Guide to Solving Climate Change in 50 Questions and Answers, she answers big climate questions with clarity […]
Get Online Week is coming to Central Library! Join us for an afternoon packed with digital discovery, hands-on help, and exciting tech experiences — all part of Good Things Foundation’s annual campaign to help everyone unlock the benefits of being online. Activities include: Ground Floor: Digital Marketplace Explore a buzzing hub of stalls offering free advice, […]
Nature writing has seen a powerful resurgence in recent years, but we must ask—whose voices are being heard? And who is being welcomed into the landscape? In this thoughtful reading and conversation, John Siddique of WritersMosaic hosts acclaimed poets and co-editors Mona Arshi and Karen McCarthy Woolf and T.S. Eliot Prize-winner Roger Robinson. Together, they […]
A brilliant celebration of creativity and inclusion bringing disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford together to create, build connection and celebrate the songs they have developed with professional musicians over the week. Come and join us for this joyous day presented in partnership with Create. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and supported by […]
DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES LIV LITTLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT. You’re invited to our first proof party with John Murray Press and Dialogue Books! Be among the first to hear from three exciting new voices as they give us an exclusive sneak peek into their 2026 novels and writing. Then […]
Come and celebrate Green Libraries Week with us at Central Library. Pick up free seeds from our seed library and get creative making your very own cress head to take home. A perfect blend of gardening and crafting! Suitable for families. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if you can online or at […]
Looking for something to do over the half term holidays? Check out our half term activity programme coming soon, including arts and crafts, with plenty to see, make and do! . All materials provided, just bring your imagination! Here's what to expect: Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week: Monday 27 October, 2-3pm, Lower Ground […]
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session in the music library on the first floor of Central Library. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children under 4. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if […]
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.
