What's on

Women’s Community Festival 2025

Performance Space

International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March. Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together […]

IMLD 25: How to Make a Tank Disappear – Screening

Performance Space

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam […]

Emma Barnett

Performance Space

'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]

Bill Leader Celebration

Henry Watson Music Library

Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. […]

Mystery International Film Screening

Performance Space

Welcome to the second edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:15 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the […]

Word Central with guest poet Lateral G!

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Tuesday 25th March, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lateral G. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th March via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential […]

Black British Book Festival Manchester

The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023. The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025. It is another incredible opportunity to connect with […]

Our Lives, Our Privacy

First Floor

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is marking its 40th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 items, showing how privacy and information rights have played a pivotal role at prominent times during the past four decades. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast – E3: DJ Paulette

Online

Now in its third episode, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast  returns with another feast of features for its listeners. This month’s big interview comes from the legendary DJ Paulette, who speaks to the podcast about her incredible life, brand new book ‘Welcome To The Club’, and her involvement in the upcoming Black British Book Festival at Central […]

French Film Club: L’Année du Requin

Performance Space

Alliance Française de Manchester present this month’s film, ‘L’Année du Requin’. Maja, a maritime police officer in the Landes region, faces her worst nightmare coming true: retiring early! Thierry, her husband, has already planned the camping spot and the mobile home. However, the disappearance of a holiday-maker puts the entire coast on alert: a shark […]

Manc Holes and Beyond Exhibition

First Floor Display Cases

The Manchester Manhole Collective is proud to present Manc Holes and Beyond, the world’s first exhibition celebrating the art and design of manhole & drain covers. These well-trodden yet often overlooked works of art that adorn the streets, roads & pavements of Manchester and beyond. Amaze at how these heavy industrial designs exemplify art at […]

Mystery International Film Night

Performance Space

Welcome to the voting page for the third edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 14 April 2025 • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! At the […]