Manchester Histories presents Hidden Histories, Hidden Historians, a Heritage Lottery Fund supported exhibition. Five groups from across Greater Manchester have explored their own hidden histories to create a multi-media exhibition that includes archive photography, historical research, video and oral histories. Free - just drop in
Acclaimed American author Jennifer Egan makes a rare UK visit to talk about her forthcoming novel, Manhattan Beach – her first foray into historical fiction. Set during the Depression and then the war, it tells the story of Anna Kerrigan, a navy diver making her own way at a transformative time for women; in a […]
This event is sold out The former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will talk about a remarkable 40 years on the political frontline. Join us for this landmark event to celebrate the release of his forthcoming memoir, My Life, Our Times, which reflects candidly on an extraordinary career; from New Labour's 1997 landslide electoral victory, to the 2008 global […]
To celebrate Explore Your Archive Week, join us to celebrate 120 years of the Disabled Living charity. Join us as we find out how the charity has changed over the years by using their archive images in a range of fun activities for all the family. Free - just drop in
In the countdown to Illuminate, our new site specific piece created for Manchester Central Library by Company Chameleon, we’re excited to present a series of free countdown events ahead of the main event. Mon 20 Nov, 12-2pm | Pop-up: listen A lunchtime performance of live music and a chance to hear the new and original […]
Please note: Illuminate is now sold out, however, you can join the waiting list for a chance to still get tickets. Plus, why not join us for the free countdown events taking place across the Library’s spaces between 20-24 Nov. New dance, music and light art combine in this visually stunning and extraordinary site-specific piece created by Company […]
A LIVE SCREENING FROM THE BRITISH LIBRARY An evening of extraordinary sounds and discussion The 2017 Longplayer Conversation brings together long time collaborators, sound recordist Chris Watson and naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Join us for what promises to be a fascinating conversation informed by their shared interests and experiences as sound recordists in […]
Library Lounge is delighted to announce an evening of conversation and questions with BAFTA winning screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst. Danny’s TV credits include In The Dark, Ordinary Lies, The Accused, Exile, Talk To Me, Shameless, The Driver and Clocking Off. He also co-wrote the recent SKY One international hit show The Five – based on the […]
LipService theatre take a comic look at Jane Austen's letters, examine the vagaries of the Georgian postal system and wonder what witty words Jane could have conjured up with a Twitter account.We examine the world of communication from quill pen to SnapChat. With extracts from Jane Austen's novels, letters to family members and wickedly funny […]
Paul Hanley was the drummer in Manchester legends The Fall from 1980-85 and now plays with Brix & The Extricated. He’s currently completing his English degree with the Open University and occasionally writes for Louder Than War. This Library Lounge event will be an exploration of Paul's love of music, books and libraries and the influence they […]
Meet author Joanna Williams, whose book Abel Heywood, the Man who Built the Town Hall, was published by the History Press on 1 September 2017. Abel Heywood (1810-93), Mayor of Manchester, as chair of the New Town Hall Committee was the leading light behind the construction of the 'municipal palace' in Albert Square. Rising from severe poverty, he […]
India, Africa, the West Indies and recruitment through culture explored in two parallel exhibitions telling the story of World War 1 via the British colonial experience. Southern Voices exhibition, From the Shadows of War and Empire, tells the story from the colonies’ point of view, whilst Kooj Chuhan’s video installation, The Poppy Retake, explores coercion […]
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.
