Library Live

Manchester Pride Presents...The Mancunian Gay magazine revisited
2017-07-24 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Performance Space
Hear the stories behind some of the magazine’s featured headlines;
“Anderton on the rampage”
“Poppers the price you pay”
“Gay sauna raid”
“Job security for lesbian and gay workers”
“New gay bar in Bolton”
Amateur yet unashamed, over its lifespan (1978- 1986) The Mancunian Gay magazine documented the evolution of the LGBT rights movement in the UK. Its front pages shed light on a dynamic and vibrant era for queer community activism during the 1980’s. An era equally defined by homophobia, police harassment and the AIDS crisis.
Manchester Pride in association with Archives+ at Manchester Central Library are delving into the past to uncover some of Manchester’s LGBT hidden histories.
Join us as we hear the fascinating story behind the birth of the magazine from one of the founding members of the Mancunian Gay collective, Paul Fairweather; including how a magazine produced in a kitchen in Greater Manchester gave dispersed and isolated queer people an outlet for participation and inclusion by offering a voice which resonated with many.
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act, Manchester Pride has commissioned a special anniversary edition of the The Mancunian Gay Magazine which attendees will be able to take as a momentum of this historic occasion.
Following an exploration of the magazine and its impact on queer culture in Manchester in the early 80s there will be a panel discussion around it’s lasting legacy and the chance for attendees to carry out a Q&A with the panel.
Tickets to the event are limited but free to all who wish to attend.
All guests will recieve a welcome drink and a copy of the special anniversary edition of the Mancunian Gay to take home with them.

Royal Society Science Book Prize
2017-07-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Seminar Suite, Floor Two
Join us at Manchester Central Library for a live screening from the British Library celebrating science writing past, present and future. There will be a panel discussion beamed from the British Library chaired by Dara O’Briain and including Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Vivienne Parry and Professor Mark Miodownik – with your chance to put questions to the panel via Twitter.
There will also be a once in a lifetime opportunity to examine some of the most revolutionary scientific books from Manchester Central Libraries collections including first and rare editions of works by Newton, Vesalius, John Dalton and Galileo amongst others.
The event is free but places are limited. Please book below to reserve a place.

Saturday Spectacular - Animal Prints and Book Making Fun!
2017-07-15 12:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a fun afternoon of free family activities. Have a go at letterpress printing with images from the archives. Create your own wonderful prints to take home. The Architectural School for Children will be visiting to deliver a book-making workshop.
Free – no need to book – just drop in

every thing every time
2017-07-14 09:00 - 2017-08-09 17:00 | Lwr Ground floor – City Library
What stories can be uncovered from a city?
every thing every time, a new flip-dot artwork by Naho Matsuda, takes information from our interactions within the city to tell a new story about the people and the places of Manchester.
With the rise of the ‘Smart City’ asking important questions of what we want from the future, where do we see ourselves in it? As Manchester’s citizens interact with the city, a poem is generated, made anonymous and resonated across several locations, from a garden centre to a public library; a university square to a city laboratory.
the sun rises
the streets are empty
today is the last day of the term
the car park is almost empty
the traffic light turns green
the cleaning shift starts
the bus is on time
and it is colder than yesterday
every thing every time will be placed within the public realm across the Oxford Corridor from the 22nd June until 9th July; locations include Hulme Community Garden Centre, University Place at the University of Manchester and CityLabs 1.0.
Manchester Central Library will host an extended run of the work outside the Wolfson Reading Room from 22 June until 9 August
Project supported by Arts Council England, Future Everything and CityVerve

Central Library in LEGO
2017-07-13 09:00 - 2017-09-30 17:00
Pop in and see this wonderful LEGO model of Central Library, which was built by Robert Clarkson for ‘Bricktastic’ at Manchester Convention Centre in 2015. It has been shown around the country and is here now, ‘inside itself’, in the Central Library Search Room, for a limited time only!
Robert says: ‘My hobby is creating new and unique models out of LEGO. As I enjoy making buildings, Manchester Central Library was an ideal choice, especially as it is such a distinctive local landmark. Its architecture, style and design were just itching to be portrayed in LEGO. I gathered what plans and details I could about the building, including visits to take photographs and walk around the building to study it. Getting the perspective, scale and features right are very important.
After spending some time creating designs on paper and my laptop it took me around six weeks to build, say 300 hours. Being a member of recognised LEGO User Group, Northern Brickworks, helped me in acquiring the necessary bricks and elements I needed. Now completed, the model measures half a metre in height, three quarters of a metre wide. With the portico at the front this adds another quarter of a metre. I know for certain that it contains over 21,000 elements, as I counted them myself when building it!’
Free – please drop in (see times – opposite)

Deities at the Bottom of the Garden
2017-07-13 08:00 - 2017-09-23 17:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
In this fascinating exhibition, artist Richard Bartle explores in minute detail the customs and icons of major world religions and belief systems. Manifested in a series of 12 scale modelled garden sheds, the work reduces the usually grand architecture of churches and temples into more private spaces of worship. Viewers are invited to make their own minds up about the question of what it is to have faith, and the differences and similarities between differing belief systems.
Each sculpture has been extensively researched by Richard through visiting places of worship and talking to people from the communities that use them, as well as researching religious, documentary and historical texts. Each shed and its interior has been painstakingly hand crafted, wherever possible staying true to materials and respecting the sacred and ideological value of the objects and images appropriate to that belief. The work explores the ideas of dedication and obsession, a global perspective of religion and politics, and our relationship with physical objects and architecture.
Richard Bartle is a Sheffield based artist who has exhibited widely in the UK and Europe. He has many works in both private and public collections. He says about his work; ‘I have always sought to observe the fundamental driving forces behind society and its ideas of political, economic and philosophical progress’.
Free – please drop in

Freelance Giggle-oh: The 2nd Thingy from Daniel Hutchings
2017-07-13 05:30 - 20:00 | Performance Space
In 2014 Daniel Hutchings made Django Away! (the j is silent). Now he’s back and he’s on the brink of success beyond his wildest dreams.
Daniel Hutchings is the self-proclaimed Freelance Giggle-oh and he’s got his big break on Gemma Wilde’s show. Hutchings is introduced to the world with such fascinating facts as his favourite colour (“Denim”) and his favourite food (“Any”). When he is asked how he came to be on the show he takes us back to when he met a theatrical agent called Mr Patient, the first person he felt really saw his potential to make the world a happier place.
From Mr Patient’s office, our Freelance Giggle-oh weaves us a movie in and around memories and imagination. Through comedy gigs and door-to-door entertaining, adverts and trips into comedy history, fantastical notions and serendipitous acquaintances, we see Hutchings’ secret fantasies and deepest fears as he remembers the stuff he’s done and imagines the stuff he’d like to do in the continuing adventures of your Freelance Giggle-oh: trying to make the world a happier place, one laugh at a time.
Suitable for all ages

Read Manchester BookBench Trail
2017-07-10 08:00 - 2017-09-10 17:00
Come into Central Library to pick up your Trail map and plan your summer activities around our BookBenches! Venues across the city are hosting 58 BookBench sculptures – all decorated by local schools and community groups. Pick up a map and start ticking them off as you see them and get involved in the summer family activities available across Manchester.

Piccadilly Gardens Exhibition: How Did Your Garden Grow?
2017-07-10 08:00 - 2017-08-31 17:00 | Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
The Architecture School for Children have worked with 4 local schools from the Moss Side and Hulme area of Manchester, St Marys C of E Primary, Claremont Road Primary, Webster Primary and Martenscroft Nursery School, to help them learn about Piccadilly Gardens in the past and re-imagine a Piccadilly Gardens of the future.
This exhibition is a celebration of the work created by the children as they visited the gardens, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Metropolitan University and Central Library.
Suitable for all ages
Free – please drop in

Word Central: Open Mic Night
2017-07-05 18:00 - 20:00
WORD CENTRAL
a semaphore-exploding mind-flow
open mic poetry & spoken word hosted by Tony Curry
Wednesday 5th July
Manchester Central Library
6pm – 8pm [doors open 5.30pm]
Free entry
All of July’s open mic slots are now filled
To get your name on the reserve list please email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk
[NB Open mic slots are 4 minutes maximum]

ME - Portrait Exhibition
2017-07-03 09:00 - 2017-08-28 17:00 | First Floor Display Cases
This special exhibition features work from artists taking part in creative workshops at the Booth Centre, which aims to bring about positive change in the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and help them plan for and realise a better future.
The Booth Centre runs creative workshops every day for people who visit the centre with experience of homelessness. This year the arts group have formed an Arts Committee who meet regularly to discuss ideas for new projects, research exhibition venues and plan events to showcase their work.
The idea of this project, entitled ME, was created by the artists after discussions about the invisibility and isolation felt whilst experiencing homelessness.
Free – just drop in
The Booth Centre would like to thank their partners at the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) for their support with this exhibition

Wizard Academy: Celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter
2017-06-26 15:00 - 18:30
Calling all Witches, Wizards and Muggles!
It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become an expert in mystery and magic.
During this interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
A magical challenge for students aged 5 and over. Each participant is provided with an Adventure Booklet to complete as they travel around the rooms and corridors of Central Library meeting the Professors along the way.
This is a free drop in event for the whole family, no need to book.
Please note: The Professors will be running workshops from 3pm until 6.30pm. To complete all four workshops you need at least an hour, so the final Academy enrolment will be at 5.30pm.

Chameleon Youth FREE Taster Session
2017-06-24 08:00 - 17:00
We’ll provide the spark – You create the movement. Chameleon Youth is looking for raw dance talent.
Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company based at Central Library, is calling out for young people with raw dance talent and a big desire to dance and be creative.
If you’re age 11 to 18, this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream. It’s an opportunity to develop as a young dance artist where creativity is a big thing, and it’s an opportunity to get passionate about pushing yourself to develop an original movement style.
Launched last year at Central Library, Chameleon Youth is the first youth dance company of its kind for Manchester. Members of the youth company learn directly from a professional dance company, which for ten years, has toured and performed across the world, giving new meaning to dance and movement.
As part of Chameleon Youth, you’ll learn skills and techniques from a rich mix of dance styles and you’ll develop confidence through self-expression and working with others. And, as you’re taught a new language through dance and movement, you’ll be inspired to make and create your own choreography that tells the story you want it to tell.
Find out more at the FREE TASTER SESSION
All levels welcome. Dance experience is by no means essential, what’s most important is a positive attitude, loads of enthusiasm and a big desire to dance and be creative.
Chameleon Youth Try-Outs (aka auditions) follow on from the Tasters and will be held at Central Library on Sat 8 July.

Manchester Voices - Interactive Exhibition
2017-06-23 08:00 - 2017-08-31 17:00 | Archives+ Ground Floor
Manchester Voices is an ongoing project investigating and celebrating the accents, dialects, and people of Greater Manchester. It looks at the ways in which our use of language makes us who we are and explores perceptions of the way we speak across the region. Following a successful tour of the ten boroughs in our Accent Van, we are launching an interactive exhibition where you can hear voices from across the region and listen to people talking about themselves and their communities, the way they speak, and their sense of local and regional identity. There will be various spaces and installations telling the story of our findings so far, including interactive map displays and audio/video clips. Visitors will be invited to add their own voices to the project.
We will be tweeting under #MCRVoices
Free – please drop in

International Music Day: The music everywhere and the concert nowhere
2017-06-21 12:00 - 20:00
To celebrate International Music Day we will have a series of informal pop-up musical performances throughout the day with opportunities to share your love of music as a listener or performer.

Sunday Funday – Manchester Day
2017-06-18 12:00 - 16:00
Visit the library to celebrate Manchester Day. Explore and discover the magic of science, crafts, face-painting, performance and drama. Fun for all the family!
Kindly supported by The Oglesby Charitable Trust and Manchester Central Library Development Trust

Chameleon Youth FREE Taster Session
2017-06-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
We’ll provide the spark – You create the movement. Chameleon Youth is looking for raw dance talent.
Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company based at Central Library, is calling out for young people with raw dance talent and a big desire to dance and be creative.
If you’re age 11 to 18, this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream. It’s an opportunity to develop as a young dance artist where creativity is a big thing, and it’s an opportunity to get passionate about pushing yourself to develop an original movement style.
Launched last year at Central Library, Chameleon Youth is the first youth dance company of its kind for Manchester. Members of the youth company learn directly from a professional dance company, which for ten years, has toured and performed across the world, giving new meaning to dance and movement.
As part of Chameleon Youth, you’ll learn skills and techniques from a rich mix of dance styles and you’ll develop confidence through self-expression and working with others. And, as you’re taught a new language through dance and movement, you’ll be inspired to make and create your own choreography that tells the story you want it to tell.
Find out more at the FREE TASTER SESSIONS
All levels welcome. Dance experience is by no means essential, what’s most important is a positive attitude, loads of enthusiasm and a big desire to dance and be creative.
Chameleon Youth Try-Outs (aka auditions) follow on from the Tasters and will be held at Central Library on Sat 8 July.

Amore!
2017-06-03 14:30 - 16:00 | Performance Space
If music be the food of love…join us and the City of Manchester Opera to hear beautiful, accessible, opera.
Conductor: Juan Ortunõ
Accompanist: Jonathan Ellis
Book tickets at www.comoperasec@btinternet.com

North West Film Archive – 40th Anniversary Exhibition
2017-06-01 08:00 - 2017-06-30 17:00 | First Floor Display Cases
Since 1977, the North West Film Archive has been collecting and preserving the region’s filmed heritage, and making it available for people to enjoy. This exhibition showcases a selection from eclectic collections of photographs and ephemera relating to the local film and cinema industries.
Free – please drop in

Just an Ordinary Lawyer
2017-05-30 18:00 - 2017-05-31 20:00 | Performance Space
“The British Empire was trying desperately to hold on to its colonial possessions by any means … and the foul would often override the fair.”
Tayo Aluko follows the multi-award winning Call Mr Robeson with another brilliantly put-together history lesson delivered as art, as we host the first performance in the North West. Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first Black judge in 1978. Also a fine concert singer and keen cricket lover, he muses on international politics and history as they affect the Black world from Africa to the USA and Britain, from the point of view of one who would rather watch sports, and spread love and peace through the medium of song.

Hari Kunzru - EVENT CANCELLED
2017-05-25 18:30 - 20:30
EVENT CANCELLED
Manchester Literature Festival have released the following statement:

‘Upon reflection, we have decided to cancel our event with Hari Kunzru and Nikesh Shukla at Central Library on Thursday 25th May. We have been deeply saddened by the incident in Manchester earlier this week and know the reverberations are still being felt across our great city. We are sorry to disappoint ticket holders and hope to have Hari visit Manchester Literature Festival again in the future. Our thoughts are with the many families and partners grieving and know the city and its literary community will stay strong, united and resilient. Our box office at Quaytickets will be in touch with all customers to offer a refund.

Cathy Bolton & Sarah-Jane Roberts, Manchester Literature Festival Co-Directors’

More info at: http://www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/hari-kunzru-37671

Saturday Spectacular – Picture a Story
2017-05-20 12:00 - 16:00
It’s National Share a Story Month in May! Help us create an interactive storybook for our upcoming “Read Manchester” Book bench. We would like you to help re-tell Manchester’s iconic history using stop-motion animation*, artwork and illustration, performance and green screen.
All ages welcome, no need to book.
*Stop-motion animation activity for ages 13+
Free – please drop-in

Juliet the Moon
2017-05-18 18:00 - 20:00
Letters sent between Frank Merrick, pianist and tutor at the RNCM, and his wife Hope Squires throughout Merrick’s imprisonment during WWI for being an opponent to the war effort provide the inspiration for this unique evening of music, as part of Manchester After Hours 2017.
RNCM composers Philippos Rousiamanis and Deane Smith have written two new works specially for the Wolfson Reading Room, which will be performed by an ensemble of singers and cellists, with singing glasses.
Exploring themes of loss and intimacy, the two pieces are performed independently and then gradually combined as the evening progresses. There will also be a display of letters, programmes, articles and other materials uncovered during the RNCM’s research into Manchester’s musical life in the First World War.
Free – please drop in

Fermata-with Arundo Quartet
2017-05-12 14:30 - 15:30 | First Floor Display Cases
In today’s digital society, people are constantly bombarded with information, meaning that chances to switch off are almost impossible to find. Rising pressure online and offline has prompted an alarming decline in our mental health, with one in four people now experiencing a mental health problem as often as every 12 months. By bringing together mindfulness and music, The Arundo Quartet have found a winning combination to help you successfully navigate whatever each day throws at you. They have assembled a programme of carefully selected minimalist works, arranged for the quartet, to create a mood that will be optimum for encouraging a relaxed route into mindful breathing exercises. They will perform these, whilst playing pre-recorded entry level breathing exercises through a speaker. Swing by and listen to the music, participate in the exercise or simply have a nap whilst enjoying a breather from the intensity of daily life.

An Evening with Patrick Ness
2017-05-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Performance Space
The bestselling author of The Rest of Us Just Live Here and A Monster Calls (now a major motion picture) will be talking about and signing copies of his new novel, Release.
Release is the most personal and tender novel yet from Patrick Ness, the twice Carnegie Medal-winning author of A Monster Calls. It’s Saturday, it’s summer and, although he doesn’t know it yet, everything in Adam Thorn’s life is going to fall apart. But maybe, just maybe, he’ll find freedom from the release. Time is running out though, because way across town, a ghost has risen from the lake… This uplifting coming-of-age novel will remind you what it’s like to fall in love.
Tickets: £7 general admission, £5 Waterstones cardholder or £17 includes entry and a copy of Release (RRP £12.99). Books will also be available to purchase at the event.
Please note: seating is unreserved so will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Henry Normal: Travelling Second Class Through Hope
2017-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Better known as co-writer of award-winning TV and film shows such as The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, The Parole Officer, Coogan’s Run and Paul Calf, and producer of, amongst many others, Oscar-nominated Philomena, Gavin and Stacey, Moone Boy, Uncle and Alan Partridge, Henry Normal started his writing career as a poet.
Born in Nottingham, Henry’s writing career blossomed during his time in Manchester. He set up the Manchester Poetry Festival in the nineties, which continues to this day having widened to become the Manchester Literature Festival. In 2016 he set up the Nottingham Poetry Festival, now an annual event.
In the early eighties he performed at pop concerts, cabaret and comedy clubs, folk clubs, jazz clubs, factories, hospitals, schools and poetry events. Henry toured with Pulp in their early days and later with Lemn Sissay and I am Kloot’s John Bramwell, then called Johnny Dangerously.
Henry performed full runs at the Edinburgh Festival with Hattie Hayridge, Linda Smith, and his one man show ‘Encyclopedia Poetica’ – later to become a 4 part BBC Radio 4 series.
Spotted at Edinburgh, Henry was given a six episode Channel 4 series called Packet of Three, co-starring Frank Skinner and Jenny Eclair. He has since worked on over 400 TV and radio shows and films, as either script editor or producer or both.
In 2016 Henry was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by Nottingham Trent University.
Since his first book Is Love Science Fiction? in 1986 he had eight further books published up to 1994. In 2016, after an absence of 22 years, Henry published Staring Directly at the Eclipse and has begun performing poetry again at major Literature Festivals. His recent Radio 4 shows A Normal Family and A Normal Life were much acclaimed and a third Radio Show A Normal Love will be transmitted on Valentine’s Day 2018.
Travelling Second Class Through Hope contains seventy poems personally selected from his early collections.
“Dovetails bittersweet poetry with a sublimely observant wit” – Guardian
“The Alan Bennett of Poetry” – The Scotsman
“The nerd triumphant” – Manchester Evening News
“A gentle giant of stand-up poetry” – List
“In amongst his work lie some of the most tender, compassionate and moving pieces I have read from a modern poet” – Artful Reporter
“The enfant terrible of alternative poetry” – Leeds Other paper
“Witty and uncannily accurate with his observations” – The Stage
“Distinctly funny” – Time Out
FREE EVENT. DOORS OPEN AT 5.30PM.

Nick Sharratt Exhibition Launch
2017-05-06 10:00 - 16:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
Meet Nick Sharratt at his exhibition launch!
Come along to Manchester Central Library on Saturday 6 May for the opening of the Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants exhibition. Meet the wonderful Nick Sharratt, get him to sign your favourite book and have a go at lots of free, fun, Nick-themed crafts and activities. 10am to 4pm.

Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants
2017-05-06 08:00 - 2017-07-01 17:00 | First Floor Exhibition Hall
We’re very excited that Nick Sharratt is now the subject of a magical exhibition at Central Library. The well loved author of classic picture books including Shark in the Park, and illustrator of books by authors including Jacqueline Wilson is celebrated in this interactive and action packed exhibition.
Nick says:
‘I’d like to invite you to this exhibition which is all about me and my work. There’s a lot to find out and plenty to do. You’ll see how I drew when I was younger and discover how I became an illustrator. There are loads of my books to explore, all kinds of fun activities to do, and a whole crowd of characters to meet – some might be familiar, some you’ll be bumping into for the first time’.
Nick will be at the official exhibition launch on Saturday 6th May from 10am-4pm.

Pilot Light TV Festival: Season 2
2017-05-05 09:30 - 2017-05-06 17:00
Dedicated to celebrating the past, present and future of TV and web series, Manchester’s Pilot Light TV Festival returns. Central Library events feature a combination of Web Series Screenings and special panels designed for those wanting to get involved in TV/Web Series Production.
Age: 15+ years

Word Central Open Mic Night featuring Genevieve Walsh
2017-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Performance Space
Open Mic Poetry & Spoken Word hosted by Tony Curry.
With special guest Genevieve L. Walsh.
Wednesday 3rd May 2017, 6pm – 8pm [doors open 5.30pm]. Free entry.
Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD.
To book an open mic slot (4 minutes max) – please email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk to get on the reserve list.
Geneviève L. Walsh’s debut solo collection covers her first five years of performing her punk-song-length poetry about love, hatred, aggressive platitudes, sexual politics, alienation and inebriation.
Includes a Foreword by Henry Normal.
“A collection full of passion and subversion … keen and urgent with an untamed beauty – like a puma caught under a streetlight. She chooses her language and targets with precision and infuses humour and fight in every verse.” – Henry Normal, poet
“Rejecting the beige and embracing the dark, this collection is a lyrical and defiant hymn to vodka nights and concrete days. Shot through with nostalgia and the fear of losing fellow dancers to normality.” – Kate Fox, Stand-up Poet
“A unique and passionately inclusive voice guides us with incredible skill and dexterity through everything that unites us: love, loss, and drunk conversations. This book is a brutally affectionate hug and a call to arms for all the losers, freaks, and feral lost souls of the world.” – Steve Nash, Saboteur Awards Performer of the Year
