What's on

Saturday Spectacular: Bee Amazing…Bee a Reader!

An afternoon of free family fun as we get creative with all things Bee inspired. Take a seat, enjoy the animated film, bee crafts and illustration. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds.   And as if […]

You Brought Your Own Light

First Floor Exhibition Hall

A powerful exhibition by Manchester based photographer, Allie Crewe, whose work is "highly rated, sincere, poignant and classical ", Magnum Photography. There is nothing linear about femininity - or what it means to be a woman - in the 21st century. Sex and gender are not limited to the monolithic paradigm of genetics; they are informed by […]

Lego Club

Lower Ground Floor Link

What weird, wonderful and wacky creations can you build using just your imagination and a big pile of LEGO!. Come along to our friendly Lego Club and show what you can do. Children of all ages welcome (under-8s must be accompanied by an adult) Location is the link area on the lower ground floor. Ask […]

Family Fun!

Performance Space

Break out the popcorn and join in the fun for these free family film screenings. Lots to enjoy, including free craft sessions. Event dates and film classification below: Thursday 9 August (U) Friday 10 August (PG) Tuesday 14 August (U) Thursday 16 August (U) Tuesday 21 August (12) Friday 24 August (PG) Tuesday 28 August […]

Manchester Comics and Reading (MCR) Festival

We are proud to announce the first Manchester Comics and Reading (MCR) Festival at Central Library! This is a triple event special. That's right, three in one day. We have a traditional comic event, an anime / manga showcase and a cosplay event all rolled into one day and venue, but in three very distinct […]

Julia Davenport: ‘Order and Chaos’ Book Launch

Performance Space

The poems in this brand new book are about Love, War, Anti-Austerity, Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Murder, Child Abuse, Gender Identity, Race, and Climate Change. All Book profits are being donated to the mental health charity 'Mind'. This collection of poetry is based on and around the themes of Order and Chaos. It has been […]

Henry Normal – ‘This Phantom Breath’ Book Launch

Performance Space

‘The Alan Bennett of poetry’ – The Scotsman ‘Dovetails bittersweet poetry with a sublimely observant wit’ – The Guardian Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries are proud to host the launch of Henry Normal's new collection of poetry, 'This Phantom Breath'. Written between August 2016 and August 2017, the poems in this collection are concerned with […]

The Guilty Feminist

Performance Space

Deborah Frances-White has turned her hit comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist into a funny, joyful, frank and inspiring book about embracing both our feminism and our imperfections. We're thrilled to welcome Deborah to Manchester Central Library, where she'll explore live what it means to be a 21st Century Feminist. The event will be chaired by […]

£20

An Evening with Deliciously Ella

Performance Space

Ella Mills Woodward’s inspirational, lively writing and delicious recipes have inspired countless people to move towards a plant-based diet.  Her fans will find much to savour in her new book, which highlights some of the most popular dishes served in her own deli. We’re delighted to welcome her to discuss her writing and the personal […]

£5 – £15

Connie Glynn presents the Rosewood Chronicles

Come and join Connie Glynn for a new term at Rosewood Hall at an event in celebration of Princess In Practice, the hotly-anticipated sequel to Undercover Princess. Connie will be talking about the world of THE ROSEWOOD CHRONICLES and modern fairy tales, her experiences as an author, and answering your burning questions about the new […]

£12.99

Junior Jam: Movie Music

Children's Library

Free jam-packed music session for children aged 4-8. Help your little ones develop their musical skills in a fun, friendly and accessible way. Presented by creative music charity Brighter Sound and led by Kabantu - a quintet of award-winning musicians and music educators, known for their infectious rhythms and beautiful melodies from around the globe. […]

Over 50’s Line Dance Extravaganza

Performance Space

To Celebrate Valuing Older People’s Day, Manchester Libraries and Manchester Prairie Dogs present A BEGINNERS LINE DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA Age friendly line dance lessons County and Western photo booth Games and quizzes Refreshments at the Watering Hole Places are free but limited so please book early by calling 0161 234 1940 or emailing j.kettlety@manchester.gov.uk.