Library Live

Storytime and Mindfulness for Children (4+ years)
2026-06-06 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş.
We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft.
Suitable for children aged 4+.
Book your free spot via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Library Lunchtime Choir
2026-06-09 12:30 - 13:15 | Henry Watson Music Library
Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session!
There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we’re just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. You don’t need to be able to read music, we will learn everything by ear using the lyrics.
Sessions are run by Sarah Adams (Choirs Manchester) and the ethos is all about setting a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy singing together as a group.
Come along with a friend or on your own, it’ll be a friendly, laid back session!
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Ukulele Lesson - Small Group!
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us this June for something a little different at the Henry Watson Music Library — a relaxed, beginner-friendly ukulele workshop.
Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting.
For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to venues across Manchester – and now he will be coming to Central Library for a evening of strumming and good company for folks of all abilities.
Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re tempted to try something new, this workshop is open to complete beginners and rusty returners alike. No music reading required — and instruments are provided.
Perfectly timed for an after-work drop-in, expect a friendly, low-pressure session where we’ll learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs together, and enjoy making music in a supportive small group.
Come along, give it a try, and discover just how enjoyable making music can be.
Small group – limited places available. Tuesday 9 June, 6pm-7pm.
Instruments provided – just bring yourself!
It’s never too late to play…
Tickets are just ‘pay-what-you-can’. Book HERE.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

Festival of Libraries 2026
2026-06-10 08:00 - 2026-06-14 17:00
Join us for this celebration of Greater Manchester’s 133 libraries. The award-winning festival, supported by Arts Council England, features a vibrant programme that highlights the library network’s full offer, across wellbeing, culture and creativity, digital and information and reading.
The full programme for the Festival of Libraries 2025, including event and activities at Central Library, can be found on the Festival of Libraries website here.

Festival of Libraries: MMU Manchester Skill Map
2026-06-11 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Ground Floor
Join us for an interactive activity connecting Manchester residents to skills, opportunities and each other. Discover skills you can learn, share knowledge and shape your future in this fun and engaging workshop. Find out more at https://rise.mmu.ac.uk
Free – just drop in
Please consider making a donation here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Festival of Libraries: Lifelong Learning Summer Roadshow
2026-06-12 10:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join Trafford and Stockport College Group for Summer Roadshow. Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops where you can create your own floral buttonhole and jewellery, design a personalised craft box and discover new opportunities at our Gateway to Lifelong Learning information session. Come along, try something new, and leave with a renewed passion for learning.
Free – find out more and reserve a place on Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

A Dance for my Foremothers
2026-06-13 12:00 - 16:30 | Performance Space
Get ready to move and honor the powerful women who came before us with a dance experience full of soul and stories.

Dance has long brought people together and is a key part of the Baganda People of Uganda. This workshop explores how dance can challenge authoritarian rule, focusing on how Baganda dances strengthen community and empowerment.
Coordinated by Peninah Wampamba and Brenda Sempasa, the session connects dance with politics, health, and decolonisation. Participants will also take part in the dancing themselves.

Choirs Manchester - Live Performance
2026-06-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Come along to the Henry Watson Music Library for some exceptional choral music from: Choirs Manchester.
Choirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. They have performed yearly at the renowned Manchester 10k, at Refuge, Manchester and are consistently part of local community events in South Manchester such as Chorlton Arts Festival and for the charity Emmeline’s Pantry.
Choirs Manchester are led by the talented Sarah Adams, who among her many other accolades has conducted the Manchester’s Survivors’ Choir and performed alongside Take That. As a singer/songwriter of her own accord, she has also performed in reputable venues across the city such as Band on the Wall, Manchester Academy, Bury Met, Deaf Institute and been part of the ‘Live at Lunchtime’ series at Bridgewater Hall.
Speaking about Choirs Manchester and their concerts, Sarah says:
“I pride myself on creating a relaxed, no pressure environment that is all about singing to feel good and my ability to encourage a sense of community during a session. It is an empowering activity, not just for an individual but also for connecting people as a group.”
This June, take a seat in the historic music library, sit-back, watch, listen, and immerse yourself in their uplifting vibe.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Festival of Libraries Sunday Funday
2026-06-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor
Join us for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate the final day of Festival of Libraries 2026. Expect special performances, music, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages!
Free entry – please drop in (face painting: £2 per child)
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Manchester Literature Festival presents Natalie Haynes
2026-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House – an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea.
Based on Euripides’ classic tragedy, No Friend to This House explores love, vengeance, power and survival, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s lives. Known for her bold and compassionate retellings of Greek mythology, Natalie brings fresh life to this ancient story, placing one of literature’s most misunderstood women centre stage.
Join us to see experienced broadcaster Natalie Haynes discuss her enduring passion for the classics and why these ancient stories continue to resonate so powerfully today.
‘It’s superb: sharp, funny, inventive, powerfully humane…she is one of the most brilliant women in the media.’ Katherine Rundell
‘Muse, sorceress, high priestess, Haynes is all of these, but above all she is the consummate storyteller.’ Adam Rutherford
‘an illuminating and often thrilling work of feminist reclamation…Haynes creates an account of her maligned protagonist that is powerfully affecting in its complexity.’ Guardian
Natalie Haynes is a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster. She is the author of novels The Amber Fury, The Children of Jocasta, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; A Thousand Ships, a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and Stone Blind, a re-telling of the Medusa story. Her non-fiction books include The Ancient Guide to Modern Life; Pandora’s Jar about the women in Greek myths and Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth.
She has written and presented eleven series of BBC Radio 4’s Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics and is celebrated for bringing Greek myth and classical history to a wide contemporary audience.
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking tickets here Natalie Haynes | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below

Launch gig: AnaKi
2026-06-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
On Monday 15 June, rising North-west star AnaKi will launch her latest single with an intimate live show and listening party at the Henry Watson Music Library.
AnaKi isa Manchester based singer-songwriter, who blends her faith with honest lyrics to bring people to a posture of introspection.
The new single she will be premiering, “Lord Don’t”, is a prayer that requests for grounding as the world keeps spinning, trying to take her in many directions.
At this special launch event, attendees can expect live performances of AnaKi’s acclaimed previous singles, a few covers, and perhaps even a preview of a brand new song yet to be debuted.
Expect an intimate, memorable and soulful night to remember.
This event is FREE. Reserve a ticket via Eventbrite here to ensure a place, or please pop-by on the evening.
Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes, or online.

Listen to more by Anaki here:

Refugee Week Celebrations
2026-06-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for a special day of events celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Experience a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi, join storytime sessions, and much more.
Programme

Persian Calligraphy workshop
11am-1pm

Lower Ground Floor

We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.

Storytimes

1-2pm Arabic

3-4pm Farsi

Children’s Library

Listen to stories and songs in English and other languages. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds.

Free entry – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Make Music Day Gig: Greater Manchester Voices choir
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of Make Music Day 2026, the Greater Manchester Voices choir will be performing a very special set in the Henry Watson Music Library.
The Greater Manchester Voices is a lively community choir based in South Manchester, built on three simple foundations: Singing, Smiling and Socialising.
Founded by Musical Director Ollie Mills in 2011, the choir are going strong in their 15th year. Meeting every Thursday at St Nicholas Church, Kingsway they have a reputation for belting out anything from pop and show tunes, to jazz and classical, and even a little world music.
With an “everyone welcome” attitude, the encouraging group is made up of four vocal sections who enthusiastically rehearse all year round. The result is a choir with luscious harmonies and ambitious vocal arrangements.
Taking place on Saturday 20th June, this FREE afternoon concert at Central Library, is titled “Summer Songs In The City”. The show will mark their first public outing in Manchester city centre and the group are excited to share their joy of singing with a new audience.
Visitors can expect Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Lloyd-Webber, traditional African songs and even a sea shanty….
Free – just drop in!
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an interactive session celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music. Learn about this traditional Chinese holiday by making your own mugwort sachet and designing your own kite during this fun and engaging workshop. Suitable for children.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Crime Central
2026-06-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.

AUTHORS APPEARING IN JUNE ARE LIZZY BARBER, LIV MATTHEWS AND CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH!
Bringing the best from all over!
Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to Manchester!
Go behind the scenes!
Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world.
Meet your favourite authors!
With giveaways, audience interaction, book signings, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city.
Pay what you can tickets can be booked here.

Music Q&A: ‘It's Time the Tale Were Told - A People's History of the Smiths'
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports.
Featuring the words of over 500 fans of the band, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans.
With personal photographs, memorabilia, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite.
Iain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books.
Iain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books, Richard Houghton, Expect an intimate, in-person talk, Q&A and book signing with the author.

Tickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ – available via Eventbrite here or clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below, simply ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

Behind the Scenes Tour
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Entrance Hall
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common?
Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library?
What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles?
All these questions – and many more – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take you to all the areas not normally accessible to the general public and tell the story of this iconic building. Tours last around 90 minutes and include the chance to see some of our rarest treasures and archives.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm.
Did you know, you can join our Library Lovers scheme and enjoy a free tour, plus discounts in our shop and cafe, and invites to other events and exhibition launches? Find out more and join online.
Book you place on this tour on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.

New Horizons Choir sing Punk Classics
2026-07-08 17:15 - 18:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations marking the anniversary of the Sex Pistols’ legendary Lesser Free Trade Hall, the New Horizons Choirs will be performing a special punk set.

New Horizons is a fun, welcoming, inclusive choir who meet for a sing every week in the Manchester Central Library. With a varied repertoire of songs, from 80s pop ballads through classics and showtunes to upbeat contemporary bangers, they have been the house choir at the library for many years. After a stunning “Oasis Week” set last year, the choir are now preparing for a special punk set like no other.
As choir leader Tom Guest says of the set:
“Punk is not the obvious choice of genre for a choir, but it has been great putting these Punk classics together in rehearsal. These songs by Blondie, The Clash, The Jam and Buzzcocks are all so infectious – so make sure you sing along with us and raise the roof again, 50 years on!”
Primarily a singing group for well-being, with the focus on enjoying the mental health benefits singing together can bring, the choir have also given performances at established local venues such as Manchester Cathedral, Gorton Monastery, and of course Manchester Central Library.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Never Mind The Books Here’s PUNK DAY!
2026-07-11 11:30 - 16:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
This July, the Henry Watson Music Library will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols’ iconic 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.
A definitive milestone in the city’s musical history, Sex Pistols’ first appearance in Manchester has since become the stuff of rock legend. Named “the most important gig of all time” by the NME, it was a watershed moment that ushered in a new generation of artists and a new way of thinking, and redefined music in the North, and beyond, forever.

With the former Lesser Free Trade Hall just across the street, the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library will be commemorating that legendary date with a day that salutes everything PUNK.

Promising a packed afternoon of themed talks and Q&As, acclaimed author DAVID NOLAN will be presenting his book “I Swear I Was There – Sex Pistols, Manchester and the Gig that Changed the World”. Despite thousands claiming they were in attendance, only a handful of people were actually there – but those that were went on to form bands including The Smiths, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, New Order and The Fall. In a myth-busting masterclass of investigative journalism, Nolan has sorted the hardcore facts from the rock’n’roll fiction and will be appearing at the Library in-person to tell us exactly who really was at the Lesser Free Trade Hall gig, and who has just been blagging…

Elsewhere, Manchester music scene legend and talking head JOHN ROBB, will be talking about his brand new book “Punk Rock Ruined My Life and Other Stories”. As the frontman of both Membranes and Goldblade, and founder of tastemaker site Louder Than War, John is a man who knows punk inside-out. Chatting through his new memoir, he will be delving into his deep friendships with figures like Poly Styrene to Chris Packham, growing up in Blackpool, interviewing icons like Mark E. Smith to Patti Smith, plus opening-up on a host of other riotous stories.

Plus, proving it wasn’t just the Pistols tearing up the rule book, Louder Than War journalist IAIN KEY will be presenting his new “All The Young Punks: A People’s History of The Clash”. From their own punk explosion of 1976 to become an internationally acclaimed arena act, Iain will be discussing their history with lifelong Clash fan PAUL HANLEY (ex-Fall).

And in true punk spirit, one of Manchester’s most fiery new acts DEAD STILETTOS will be performing live to show us that the legacy of what the Sex Pistols started in the Lesser Free Trade Hall is alive and well. DIY to the core, the five-piece have been described as “Stoogified Mancunian Punk” and will deliver a shot of live rock’n’roll mayhem to close proceedings with a bang.

Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’. All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

LOVE STORIES etc FESTIVAL
2026-07-17 10:00 - 2026-07-18 20:00 | Performance Space
#LoveStoriesEtc romance festival is returning for a third year to Manchester Central Library on 17th and 18th July 2026 for two packed days of exciting author panels, industry expert led workshops, and creative sessions!
The schedule for Friday 17th July includes…
‘How to Boss Booktok’ with Ash Jayy from The Picture of Romance
‘What Can an Editor do for You?’ with freelance editor Caroline Hogg
A writer’s advice session hosted by the Romantic Novelists’ Association
‘How to look Professional Online on a Budget’ with Branding Expert and Photographer, Claire Gardner from The Authors Lounge
A Book Bedazzling Party
Kindly sponsored by Vinci Books. Escape to the sun with a Sublime Retreats romance by Joy Skye!
A Booklovers tour of Manchester
A Silent Reading Social Event
Why Romance Readers Should Rule The World with Bella North
On Saturday 18th, we’re spoiling you with a bumper Author Day including –
Rosie Walsh, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, Kate Lord Brown,
Cal Speet, Rachel Hore, Jessica George,
Cressida McLaughlin, Kiley Dunbar, Rufaro Faith Mazarura,
Liz Fenwick, Holly Hepburn, Chloe Seager,
Bella Osborne, Jill Mansell, Kirstie Pelling,
Rachel Wood, Libby Page, Beth Moran, Megan Clawson
Bianca Gillam, Matt Cain MBE, Ellis Hunter
Jack Strange, Tessa Bickers,
Catrin Cadogan, Roxy Dunn, Annie Lord
Rosie Storey and Georgia Stone!!
DUE TO DEMAND, EXTRA TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE HERE!

Stereo Listening Booth - LIVE!
2026-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library.

Ellesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester’s Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth.
Reviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’, Louder than War magazine described the experience as ‘somewhere between a less sleazy Soft Cell and more interesting New Order’.
The band’s mission statement is a simple one: ‘nothing ruled out, nothing ruled in’.
Stereo Listening Booth will be performing live at selective venues throughout the year, with an exclusive performance right here in the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library.
Special guests TBC – watch this space.
Book tickets and make a donation on Eventbrite here or ‘Book Now’ below
All donations go to the Manchester Libraries Trust (registered charity number: 1150161).

Watch / listen to “99 Otago St” here:

The Puppet Folk Experience!
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00
The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry.

Manchester Libraries are so excited to welcome the wonderful Puppet Folk Experience to Central Library this August. It’s going to be the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational show!!
The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry.
Musician Andy and puppeteer Liam bring songs, characters, and playful storytelling together in a performance full of humour, nostalgia, and warmth. Featuring lively banjo-led music and an ensemble of expressive puppet characters, the show celebrates the charm of classic puppetry and musical storytelling.
The Puppet Folk Experience delights audiences young and old with a performance that is heartfelt, imaginative, and full of fun.
Doors opem 6.30pm
Performance starts 7pm
Cafe and bar will be open all evening.
Tickets are only £5 plus booking fee. There is also a buy 4 tickets for the price of 3 offer!

Manchester Literature Festival presents An Evening with Mieko Kawakami
2026-08-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Join us for an unmissable evening with one of Japan’s most celebrated young novelists.
The Booker-shortlisted author of Heaven and Breasts and Eggs, Mieko Kawakami makes a rare visit to the UK to launch Sisters in Yellow, a gripping, stylish noir set in Tokyo’s shadowy underbelly.
Hana is fifteen, hopeful and living in a tiny Tokyo apartment with her mother, with no money and no security. Then Kimiko enters her life – a bright, magnetic force who offers escape. Together they open Lemon, a shabby bar that becomes a fragile haven of friendship, independence and possibility. For a moment, Hana feels invincible. In the narrow alleys of Sangenjaya however, nothing is as it seems, and hope can quickly turn to danger.
Twenty years later, Kimiko stands trial for a shocking crime, and Hana must confront her own past and its devastating consequences.
Dark, hypnotic and utterly compelling, Sisters in Yellow confirms Mieko Kawakami as one of the great writers of her generation. Join us as she discusses sisterhood, betrayal and the stories that haunt us.
‘This is not the Japan you find in novels about cats, cafés and bookshops. Kawakami draws back this cosy façade to reveal the grimy reality underneath — and she does it with consummate style. With Sisters in Yellow, she proves she is still the most exciting Japanese novelist at work today’ The Times
‘I can never forget the sense of pure astonishment I felt when I first read Mieko Kawakami’ Haruki Murakami
Mieko Kawakami is the acclaimed author of the internationally best-selling novel Breasts and Eggs, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and one of Time’s Best 10 Books of 2020. Her other novels, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, include Heaven, shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize, and All the Lovers in the Night. In 2024, Sisters in Yellow won the Yomiuri Prize for Literature in Japan. Her books, translated into over forty languages, are known for their insights into the female body, and philosophical questions surrounding gender, class, and ethics in modern society. Born in Osaka, Kawakami lives in Tokyo, Japan.
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking tickets here or ‘Book Now’ below
