What's on

New Horizons Choir Sing… OASIS!

Part of "Oasis Week" at Central Library, join us for a sensational singalong with the NEW HORIZONS CHOIR. Led by Tom Guest, the choir will be offering their own innovative take on Oasis hits with their stunning vocal talents. A fun, welcoming, inclusive choir who meet for a sing every week in the Manchester Central Library, […]

Attica Locke

Performance Space

This is the best kind of thriller: as literate and thoughtful as it is fast-moving. Attica Locke has bags of style, and sings the blues on every page’ - Mick Herron (Slow Horses) We’re thrilled to welcome American crime writer Attica Locke to Manchester Literature Festival for a rare UK event. In Guide Me Home, the […]

‘Live Forever’ – A Day of Oasis Music – Live!

"Oasis Week" at Central Library will conclude with ‘Live Forever’ – a day of special Oasis-themed live sessions on Saturday 19th July.  The day will begin with a little Morning Glory from the MANCHESTER STRING QUARTET performing classical renditions of Oasis hits in the Central Library Entrance (11am-12pm). Then an early afternoon performance in the Henry Watson […]

CHaOS Science Summer Roadshow

Performance Space

Join us for an afternoon of science-based fun brought to you by CHaOS (Cambridge Hands-On Science)! All CHaOS events are run by friendly student volunteers from the University of Cambridge, bringing a selection of their favourite experiments from across the sciences for you and your family to get involved with! Fun, informative and great for […]

Mystery International Film Club Screening

Performance Space

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the fifth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 21st July 2025 • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Book you pay what you can tickets here (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, […]

Story Garden Paper Flowers!

Lower Ground Floor

Join us for a free interactive session inspired by the Summer Reading Challenge! Make wonderful paper flowers and find out how you can win prizes for reading. We’ll provide loads of colourful materials for you: just bring yourself! Suitable for children aged 4-11. Free entry - just drop in

ZooLab

Lower Ground Floor

Meet the Live Animals from ZooLab! Step into the wild garden of adventure and meet the amazing creatures from ZooLab! These real-life animal storytellers will take you on a journey through their own tales, full of slithers, scuttles, and surprises. Come face-to-face with nature’s most curious characters and discover the magic of their world! Suitable […]

LOVE STORIES etc FESTIVAL 2025

Performance Space

Love Stories Etc… launched in 2024 with a one-day festival held at Manchester Central Library, with panels, workshops and book signings, aimed at encouraging romance readers to discover new authors. For 2025, there will be events across two days, with an impressive mix of bestselling brand authors, emerging stars and debuts writing in the romance […]

Story Garden Crafts!

Performance Space

Join us at Central Library for our school holidays arts and craft session! Make wonderful carnivorous plants and giant pompom flowers, and find out all about the Summer Reading Challenge! All materials provided. Suitable for all children. No need to book. Free - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live […]

Family Crafts for South Asian Heritage Month

Lower Ground Floor

Join us for a special family craft session dedicated to South Asian Heritage Month. We’ll provide all the materials and teach you how to make marionettes! All welcome. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online