What's on

Central Library’s Big Language Celebration

Performance Space

Do you speak more than one language? Want to find out more about the languages spoken in Manchester? Then join us for an engaging exploration of our foreign language archives, where visitors can uncover stories, documents, and cultural treasures from Manchester’s amazingly diverse communities. Performance Schedule 1.30pm Welcome by the Portuguese Consulate 1.45pm Irish storytelling […]

Children’s Voices and Archives for Community Action: the Marcus Rashford Mural Collection

Archives+ Ground Floor

Join us as we offer a rare glimpse into this significant collection, much of which is created by children. Read their messages, thoughts and feelings as they voice their inspiring stand, united against bullying and racism. In 2021 following a missed EUFA penalty, a community-funded mural in Withington of local footballer Marcus Rashford was defaced […]

An evening with Katherine Rundell

Performance Space

We are delighted to welcome bestselling author Katherine Rundell to Manchester to celebrate the release of The Poisoned King! The mesmerising follow-up to Rundell's Waterstones Book of the Year 2023-winning Impossible Creatures finds Christopher embroiled in an elaborate rescue mission as he returns to the magical world of the Archipelago. Katherine joins us at Manchester Central Library for a talk, […]

Reading, Rhyming, Remembering: Children’s education from the Past

Archives+ Ground Floor

Explore how children learned Pre-20th Century and Early 1900s, through images, storybooks, rhymes, and moral tales. A fun and nostalgic exhibition for schools and families—where learning met imagination! Discover the storybook world of early childhood learning at Manchester Council’s Heritage Open Day. This special exhibition showcases a rich collection of children’s books published Pre-20th Century […]

Saturday Spectacular: Lowry Takeover

Performance Space

Come join the Lowry at Central Library and get involved in some fantastic fun for all the family. Enjoy arts and crafts, interactive storytelling and engaging workshops. There will also be the chance to watch family classics on the big screen, and more! Free - more info to follow Please consider making a donation if […]

Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins -EVENT CANCELLED

Children's Library

THIS EVENT HAS  BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.AND WILL BE RESCEHDULED IN THE FUTURE A Spooky & Silly Storytelling Show for 7+ told by Gav Cross. Gav does not believe in ghosts, has never seen a ghost, doesn’t think there are monsters under his bed. But he cannot get enough of the stories that […]

Mystery International Film Screening

Performance Space

Welcome to the sixth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:25 • Film starts: 17:30 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! To celebrate half a years’ worth of screenings, we’ll […]

Not just any old iron! Afternoon Lecture

Performance Space

Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]

Not just any old iron! Evening Lecture

Performance Space

Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]

Crafting Connections – Autumn Workshops

Lwr Ground Floor - Manchester Histories Hub

Following a hugely positive response to our spring and summer workshops, Manchester Histories is delighted to offer a brand-new series of 10 weekly (every Wednesday) crafting connections sessions this autumn. These workshops bring people together through fun, hands-on heritage-inspired activities like weaving, singing, sketching and storytelling. Designed with well-being and connection in mind, each session […]

Crime Central Returns!

Performance Space

Get it in your diaries!! Crime Central returns 24th September with a monster! Jo Furniss, Louisa Scarr, KJ Whitle and Michael Wodd will all be joining Rob Parker at Manchester Central Library. Don't miss it! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the […]

Northern Publisher’s Fair

Performance Space

The Northern Publishers' Fair returns this autumn with its biggest celebration yet of independent publishing, taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025 from 11am to 3:30pm at Manchester Central Library's Performance Space. Organised bi-annually by Fly on the Wall Press, this free-entry event will showcase the diverse landscape of independent publishing across the North, featuring 16 publishers […]