What's on

A Northern Life – it’s not all about Margaret

First Floor Display Cases

Welcome to the wonderful world of local artist Lorraine Rudyard. Lorraine creates three-dimensional sculptures using recycled materials and vintage finds. Her work is colourful, humorous, warm and engaging, and reflects her Northern upbringing. Free - just drop in - to help keep our activities free in the future please consider making a donation, either online […]

Cracking Crafts

Lower Ground Floor Link

Pop in to Central Library for cracking creativity. Make some spring and Easter themed crafts to celebrate the start of spring. Suitable for families with children under 12. Free - just drop in - to help keep our activities free in the future please consider making a donation, either online or at one of our […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press present Word Central Open Mic Night Hosted by Tony Curry Featuring special guest Steph Lonsdale! Here's some more biog information from Steph - I was born in Salford, in the North West of England in 1981. I live in Manchester and work in Salford, having lived for nine years in […]

MIRO Chamber Ensemble

Henry Watson Music Library

Join us for an intimate performance by a Manchester International Roots Orchestra chamber ensemble in the Hentry Watson Music Library on the First Floor of Central Library. The Manchester International Roots Orchestra (MIRO) is a unique ensemble of musicians with roots from across the world including students from the RNCM. Our repertoire skilfully combines diverse musical influences […]

Crime Central: A New Crime Club at Central Library!

Performance Space

Crime Central is a new monthly event at Manchester Central Library, featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country. Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world. There’ll be giveaways, audience interaction, book […]

£5

Queen Elizabeth II and Manchester Exhibition

Archives+ Ground Floor

This June marks the 70th year anniversary that Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. To celebrate this, we host an exhibition to celebrate her life so far, and her links to Manchester. This fascinating photographic and video exhibition celebrates the Queen’s life. Included are several photographs of visits the Queen has made to […]

Polish Heritage Days Exhibition

First Floor Exhibition Hall

The Polish Heritage Days is an annual festival organised and run under the patronage of the Polish Embassy in London. The idea behind Polish Heritage Days is to promote and celebrate Polish culture, heritage of past generations, and Polish contribution to the cultural, economic, and social life of the United Kingdom. Together with the Consulate […]

Narratives of Covid: Loss, Dying, Death and Grief during Covid-19

Performance Space

How have you experienced loss and grief during COVID-19? The pandemic has brought loss, death, and change to everyday life on a global scale. Join us for an evening of reflection and discussion as we share Narratives of COVID and question what it means to live and die during the pandemic. About the book: it […]

Northern Publishers’ Fair

Performance Space

Drop in, chat about books, buy way too many, and find your new favourite people at our annual Northern Publishers' Fair, organised by Fly on the Wall Press! Publishers so far: Bluemoose Books, TTA Press, Stairwell Books, Manchester University Press, UCLAN Publishing, Confingo Publishing, Fly on the Wall Press, Comma Press, Crocus Books (CommonWord), Flapjack […]

Devolved Vision: Granada TV and the Future of British TV

Performance Space

Granada TV has a very significant place in British television history and still holds a powerful place in the cultural memory of northerners. Once described as the ‘greatest television company in the world’, it was founded by Sidney Bernstein in 1954 and began broadcasting to the North in May 1956, when independent television was born. […]

Living Library: Domestic Violence

Every year, over two million people in the UK experience domestic abuse. None of them should have to wait until they’re in crisis before we pay attention. We need to see the whole person, the whole family and the whole society if we are to truly see the whole picture. Alongside Allie Crewe’s powerful exhibition, I Am, […]