What's on

The Poetry Exchange

Is there a poem that has been a friend to you? You are invited to book an individual slot to come and explore a poem that has been a friend to you, in conversation with The Poetry Exchange team. The conversation will take place in a quiet corner of Manchester Central Library, over a cup […]

International Mother Language Day

Performance Space

Join us for a fun packed celebration. Communities from across the city will be delivering cultural performances and traditional crafts to share their heritage and celebrate our multilingual Manchester. Pop into the mushaira poetry pod to meet a local poet or share your own favourite poem with the Poetry Exchange. Listen to a collection of […]

Festival of Belonging

Join Manchester Jewish museum in a multi-arts festival, exploring what makes us feel that we belong, how we assimilate in new places and what happens when we don’t belong. We have been thinking about the stories of Jewish people who came to Manchester in playful and creative ways. There’s theatre, comedy, music, installations, family story-telling […]

International Women’s Day

Performance Space

Celebrate International Women’s Day with activities and some special community led performances. Find out more about health, employment, education and opportunities for Manchester women and girls, or just relax and catch up with friends. You can also take part in the walk through the city that leaves Cathedral Gardens at 12pm, arriving at the library […]

Spanish Story Time

Lower Ground Floor Link

Come along to a new session of stories, songs and activities in Spanish, suitable for 4-7 year olds Monthly on a Saturday from 2.00-2.30. No need to book. Dates for 2020 7th March 4th April 2nd May 23rd May 27th June 19th September 10th October 14th November 12th December Free - please drop in

Roving Robots Coding Workshop

Media Lounge

THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED Do you want to learn how to code? Come along to our new series of coding workshops for all. Families, adults, grandparents, in fact anyone aged 8 years or more, is welcome to join us to learn how to code these cute and friendly robots. Free – please drop in

Xian Xinghai: The People’s Composer

Performance Space

Xian Xinghai (1905-1945) is one of the most famous Chinese composers of the 20th century. Thanks to his hardworking nature and international education, he composed numerous music pieces ranging from mass songs to more complex music formats, such as his most notable work 'The Yellow River Cantata'. This talk aims to outline Xian’s life and […]

Word Central Open Mic Night with Emma Decent

Performance Space

THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED WORD CENTRAL open mic poetry and spoken word hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Emma Decent. Wednesday 18th March at Manchester Central Library 6pm - 7.45pm - Free Entry. March’s special guest Emma Decent has been writing and performing for over fifteen years. She has produced two solo shows […]

Club Ceoil: Manchester’s Irish Traditional Music Archive

Henry Watson Music Library

THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED A celebration of Manchester’s traditional Irish music with young musicians, plus a presentation exploring the collaboration of the Club Ceoil Archive in partnership with the British Library’s ‘Unlocking Our Sound Heritage’ Free – please drop in

Children’s Chatter Books Reading Group

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Do you like reading and trying new activities?  Do you want to share books you have read and make new friends? We are starting a very special new reading group at Central Library and we are looking for members aged 8-10 year old. The reading group will run for 6 sessions. […]

Louis Kossuth Commemoration

Archives+ Ground Floor

THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED An event to celebrate the 172nd anniversary of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution, organised by the Hungarian English Cultural Society, including the official opening of the exhibition, ‘Louis Kossuth (1802-1894): Hungarian Statesman, Freedom Fighter, Exile and His Impact on Britain’ which runs from 21 March to Friday 27 March Free – […]

Saturday Spectacular: Celebrating Bilingual Manchester

Performance Space

THIS EVENT IS NOW CANCELLED Seyed Ali Jaberi and the Hamdel Ensemble bring you a hauntingly beautiful music production inspired by Persia’s beloved Sufi Mystic and renowned poet, Rumi. Join our fabulous storyteller and create "A Day out in Manchester": a giant sized multi-lingual storybook, which will live in the library throughout March.   Decorate bags, […]