Library Live

Festival of Libraries: MMU Manchester Skill Map
2026-06-11 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Ground Floor
Join us for an interactive activity connecting Manchester residents to skills, opportunities and each other. Discover skills you can learn, share knowledge and shape your future in this fun and engaging workshop. Find out more at https://rise.mmu.ac.uk
Free – just drop in
Please consider making a donation here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Storytelling & Moving Image Showcase: A Schools Takeover
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
This June, Manchester Central Library hosts the showcase for SNE Studios Storytelling & Moving Image pilot – a programme delivered in partnership with St Peter’s RC High School and Manchester City of Literature.
Over eight weeks, students from St Peter’s have worked alongside professional creatives to understand the power of storytelling and narrative voice, get hands on with cameras and editing software, and transform poems by Manchester writers into short films of their own, exploring themes of place, belonging, and community voice.
The evening presents the finished films to the public for the first time, alongside an awards ceremony and a panel discussion, co-hosted by SNE‘s Executive Director Baka Bah and a student, and featuring representatives from Manchester Metropolitan University (RISE), St Peter’s RC High School, and Blackmagic Design.
This is the proof of concept for a wider vision: an annual moving image and media literacy programme for young people, built on the belief that the next generation of storytellers deserves the tools, the training, and the platform to tell their own stories.
FREE TICKETS CAN BE BOOKED HERE.

Festival of Libraries: Lifelong Learning Summer Roadshow
2026-06-12 10:00 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Join Trafford and Stockport College Group for Summer Roadshow. Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops where you can create your own floral buttonhole and jewellery, design a personalised craft box and discover new opportunities at our Gateway to Lifelong Learning information session. Come along, try something new, and leave with a renewed passion for learning.
Free – find out more and reserve a place on Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Heartstone: KFOR AND KOSOVO +25 Event
2026-06-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Performance Space
On June 12th, the photo-documentary exhibition, ‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’, is at the centre of an extraordinary event being staged at Manchester Central Library as part of Manchester’s Festival of Libraries.

Produced by internationally acclaimed photographer, Nick Sidle, covering the period 2000-1, in the aftermath of the 1999 Kosova war, the exhibition tells an uplifting visual story of the resilience of ordinary people recovering from a period of horrific ethnic cleansing and the role of the KFOR peacekeepers in bringing the stability and security from which peace followed. Many in the Greater Manchester region supported at the time with funds, blankets, toys and other items.
This event will bring together online for the first time some of the civilians pictured in the images, who have been located 25 years later in Kosova, and others who were part of this period in the North West and other parts of the UK. In Kosova, the event is taking shape from the National Library of Kosova opened by Kosova’s Minister for Culture, Saranda Bogujevci, herself a survivor of the Podujeva Massacre and one of those evacuated to Manchester in 1999.
Admission is free and there is no booking required, but please come early to be secure of a place at this event.
Header Photo by ©Nick Sidle.

A Dance for my Foremothers
2026-06-13 12:00 - 14:30 | Performance Space
Get ready to move and honor the powerful women who came before us with a dance experience full of soul and stories.

Dance has long brought people together and is a key part of the Baganda People of Uganda. This workshop explores how dance can challenge authoritarian rule, focusing on how Baganda dances strengthen community and empowerment.
Coordinated by Peninah Wampamba and Brenda Sempasa, the session connects dance with politics, health, and decolonisation. Participants will also take part in the dancing themselves.

Choirs Manchester - Live Performance
2026-06-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Come along to the Henry Watson Music Library for some exceptional choral music from: Choirs Manchester.
Choirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. They have performed yearly at the renowned Manchester 10k, at Refuge, Manchester and are consistently part of local community events in South Manchester such as Chorlton Arts Festival and for the charity Emmeline’s Pantry.
Choirs Manchester are led by the talented Sarah Adams, who among her many other accolades has conducted the Manchester’s Survivors’ Choir and performed alongside Take That. As a singer/songwriter of her own accord, she has also performed in reputable venues across the city such as Band on the Wall, Manchester Academy, Bury Met, Deaf Institute and been part of the ‘Live at Lunchtime’ series at Bridgewater Hall.
Speaking about Choirs Manchester and their concerts, Sarah says:
“I pride myself on creating a relaxed, no pressure environment that is all about singing to feel good and my ability to encourage a sense of community during a session. It is an empowering activity, not just for an individual but also for connecting people as a group.”
This June, take a seat in the historic music library, sit-back, watch, listen, and immerse yourself in their uplifting vibe.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Manchester Literature Festival presents Natalie Haynes
2026-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House – an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea.
Based on Euripides’ classic tragedy, No Friend to This House explores love, vengeance, power and survival, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s lives. Known for her bold and compassionate retellings of Greek mythology, Natalie brings fresh life to this ancient story, placing one of literature’s most misunderstood women centre stage.
Join us to see experienced broadcaster Natalie Haynes discuss her enduring passion for the classics and why these ancient stories continue to resonate so powerfully today.
‘It’s superb: sharp, funny, inventive, powerfully humane…she is one of the most brilliant women in the media.’ Katherine Rundell
‘Muse, sorceress, high priestess, Haynes is all of these, but above all she is the consummate storyteller.’ Adam Rutherford
‘an illuminating and often thrilling work of feminist reclamation…Haynes creates an account of her maligned protagonist that is powerfully affecting in its complexity.’ Guardian
Natalie Haynes is a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster. She is the author of novels The Amber Fury, The Children of Jocasta, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; A Thousand Ships, a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and Stone Blind, a re-telling of the Medusa story. Her non-fiction books include The Ancient Guide to Modern Life; Pandora’s Jar about the women in Greek myths and Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth.
She has written and presented eleven series of BBC Radio 4’s Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics and is celebrated for bringing Greek myth and classical history to a wide contemporary audience.
A Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.
Booking tickets here Natalie Haynes | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below

POSTPONED: Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
2026-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
** POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE **
This event has been postponed to 17 June – 10AM – 2PM. Thank you for your understanding.
*****
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College.

As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop of talented musicians.

An unmissable opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, from the comfort of your library, this FREE daytime event will showcase performances from a wide range of rising talents across the college, including intimate sets from solo singers to frenetic full band arrangements.
Following the success of their inaugural launch event in the Spring, the 2026 cohort will be rounding the Summer term off with a bang. Full line-up TBC.

The event is open to the public, and completely free to attend. See you down the front!

Free – please drop in
Please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Launch gig: AnaKi
2026-06-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
On Monday 15 June, rising North-west star AnaKi will launch her latest single with an intimate live show and listening party at the Henry Watson Music Library.
AnaKi isa Manchester based singer-songwriter, who blends her faith with honest lyrics to bring people to a posture of introspection.
The new single she will be premiering, “Lord Don’t”, is a prayer that requests for grounding as the world keeps spinning, trying to take her in many directions.
At this special launch event, attendees can expect live performances of AnaKi’s acclaimed previous singles, a few covers, and perhaps even a preview of a brand new song yet to be debuted.
Expect an intimate, memorable and soulful night to remember.
This event is FREE. Reserve a ticket via Eventbrite here to ensure a place, or please pop-by on the evening.
Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes, or online.

Listen to more by Anaki here:

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast
2026-06-16 00:00 - 2026-07-04 00:00 | Online
Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with a packed Pride Month special. Listen Here
With so many events taking place across our libraries in June, this month presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson take you through their pick of the litter with a cavalcade of cracking interviews.
There’s an interview with Greek mythology goddess Natalie Haynes as she tells us about her favourite myths and her new book ‘No Friend To This House’ ahead of her appearance at the Manchester Literature Festival in Central Library. Elsewhere, author and Louder Than War journalist Iain Key drops in to give Alan the scoop on his brand new book ‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told: A People’s History of The Smiths’, with plenty of chat about Manchester’s favourite indie icons.
Plus, Gary Parkinson sits down with author, poet, playwright, actor and director: Gerry Potter. Renowned as both creator and destroyer of Chloe Poems, the infamous gay, Scouse, Socialist, gingham-clad, drag queen diva tells Gary about his incredible work and life. Alongside this, there’s reflections on Pride and highlights from the Manchester Libraries’ staff on their LGBTQI+ icons, and a themed From The Archives Clip from the Piccadilly Archives.
And there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, including a chat with Ollie from Greater Manchester Choirs, and all the usual fun and games.
Tune in now here!

Talk English Circles
2026-06-16 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-23 12:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-30 12:30 - 14:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people.
Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education.
Open to all levels.
Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Live Music: Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
2026-06-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College.

As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop of talented musicians.

An unmissable opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, from the comfort of your library, this FREE daytime event will showcase performances from a wide range of rising talents across the college, including intimate sets from solo singers to frenetic full band arrangements.
Following the success of their inaugural launch event in the Spring, the 2026 cohort will be rounding the Summer term off with a bang. Full line-up for the 17th June edition will include performances by:

Connie-Mae (Singer)
Zahra Majid (Singer)
Miriki (Band)
Emily-Mae (Singer-songwriter)
Rosie (Singer-songwriter)
Bobby B (Singer-songwriter)

The event is open to the public, and completely free to attend. See you down the front!

Free – please drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Little Reads
2026-06-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-20 11:00 - 11:30 | Children’s Library
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 – 6, but all family members are welcome.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Woodshed Collective - Live at the Library!
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Jazz quartet to perform a special lunchtime set at the Henry Watson Music Library this June.

Woodshed Collective is unified by a shared passion for performing and composing jazz in its many forms.
The band takes its inspiration from traditional artists such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley, aiming to develop their own sound based on the trademark sounds of these artists.
The collective consists of Olli Bonada on the piano, saxophonist David Sotunde, experienced bassist Darren Randle and drummer Luke Komlosy.
The quartet is looking forward to bringing their sound to Central Library’s Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime show, with their one-hour setlist includes upcoming original single ‘Spiralling’ as well as classic standards such as ‘Take the “A” Train’ and ‘My Favorite Things’.
Purchase ‘pay-what-you-can’ tickets on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries

Conversation Club
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group to practice your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Teen Book Club
2026-06-20 11:00 - 12:30 | Lower Ground Floor
Aged 12 – 16 and love reading? Join our teen book club.

We don’t have a set text we simply come together to chat about what we have read over the last month. At the same time, we might do a craft, zine making, make a reading journal or bookmark etc.
We are a friendly and inclusive group all about reading for pleasure, no judgment on what anyone is reading, from romance to non-fiction, paperback, eBook or audio book. We just love talking about books.
You will find us downstairs (or via the lift to the lower ground floor) and we will be on the tables near the children’s library.

Free – reserve a spot on Eventbrite here
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online.

Persian Calligraphy Workshop
2026-06-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Lower Ground Floor
We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.
Free entry – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Refugee Week Celebrations
2026-06-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Lower Ground Floor
Join us for a special day of events celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Experience a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi, join storytime sessions, and much more.
Programme

Persian Calligraphy workshop
11am-1pm

Lower Ground Floor

We are hosting a community Persian Calligraphy taster session led by Iranian artist Sareh Moradi. This welcoming workshop invites participants to come together and explore the beauty of calligraphy through shared creativity. Guided by Sareh, you will learn the basics of traditional lettering, experiment with ink and reed pens, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Open to all levels, the session offers a chance to experience the joy of making art as a community.

Storytimes

1-2pm Arabic

3-4pm Farsi

Children’s Library

Listen to stories and songs in English and other languages. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds.

Free entry – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Make Music Day Gig: Greater Manchester Voices choir
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of Make Music Day 2026, the Greater Manchester Voices choir will be performing a very special set in the Henry Watson Music Library.
The Greater Manchester Voices is a lively community choir based in South Manchester, built on three simple foundations: Singing, Smiling and Socialising.
Founded by Musical Director Ollie Mills in 2011, the choir are going strong in their 15th year. Meeting every Thursday at St Nicholas Church, Kingsway they have a reputation for belting out anything from pop and show tunes, to jazz and classical, and even a little world music.
With an “everyone welcome” attitude, the encouraging group is made up of four vocal sections who enthusiastically rehearse all year round. The result is a choir with luscious harmonies and ambitious vocal arrangements.
Taking place on Saturday 20th June, this FREE afternoon concert at Central Library, is titled “Summer Songs In The City”. The show will mark their first public outing in Manchester city centre and the group are excited to share their joy of singing with a new audience.
Visitors can expect Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Lloyd-Webber, traditional African songs and even a sea shanty….
Free – just drop in!
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an interactive session celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music. Learn about this traditional Chinese holiday by making your own mugwort sachet and designing your own kite during this fun and engaging workshop. Suitable for children.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

French Film Club: Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis
2026-06-22 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
The French Film Club is an invitation to discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Screenings of exclusive French-language films (with English subtitles) take place once a month and are free and open to all. Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis.
Synopsis: ‘A French public servant from Provence is banished to the far North. Strongly prejudiced against this cold and inhospitable place, he leaves his family behind to relocate temporarily there, with the firm intent to quickly return.’
These free screenings are offered with the support of the Institut Français. Unless otherwise indicated, all Alliance Française de Manchester cultural events are open and accessible to everyone. They are public events and under 18s remain the responsibility of their parent/guardian at all times. Please be aware that films may not have a UK age classification.
Film in French with English subtitles. Recommended age rating for this film is 15+.
Free – booking required via Alliance Française website or click ‘Book now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Crime Central
2026-06-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library.

AUTHORS APPEARING IN JUNE ARE LIZZY BARBER, LIV MATTHEWS AND CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH!
Bringing the best from all over!
Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to Manchester!
Go behind the scenes!
Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world.
Meet your favourite authors!
With giveaways, audience interaction, book signings, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city.
Pay what you can tickets can be booked here.

Music Q&A: ‘It's Time the Tale Were Told - A People's History of the Smiths'
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports.
Featuring the words of over 500 fans of the band, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans.
With personal photographs, memorabilia, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite.
Iain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books.
Iain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books, Richard Houghton, Expect an intimate, in-person talk, Q&A and book signing with the author.

Tickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ – available via Eventbrite here or clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below, simply ‘pay-what-you can’.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

Behind the Scenes Tour
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Entrance Hall
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common?
Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library?
What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles?
All these questions – and many more – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take you to all the areas not normally accessible to the general public and tell the story of this iconic building. Tours last around 90 minutes and include the chance to see some of our rarest treasures and archives.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm.
Did you know, you can join our Library Lovers scheme and enjoy a free tour, plus discounts in our shop and cafe, and invites to other events and exhibition launches? Find out more and join online.
Book you place on this tour on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.

Italian Storytime
2026-06-27 11:30 - 12:00 | Children’s Library
Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you!
Suitable for children aged 4–7.
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

Robin Ince: Let the Quiet Ones Rise Book Launch
2026-06-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Monday 29th June, 6.00pm – 7.15pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
“It takes insight and empathy to have unpatronising sympathy.”
Let the Quiet Ones Rise: Poems About Standing Up and Standing Out is a collection of instinctual poetry from the deepest part of a neurodivergent heart, and considers the sadness of being alone, but also the happiness of finding people who empower you.
“Profundity, fecundity, brevity and levity, it’s all here.” Shaun Keaveny
“Words of empathy and compassion.” Tanita Tikaram
Robin Ince is a flibbertigibbet. His working life began in stand-up comedy, but he is excited by too many things to take a single path. He was co-creator and, for 16 years, co-host of the multi-award-winning international success The Infinite Monkey Cage. He has written books on the universe (and all the stuff that is in it), the neurodivergent mind, giant killer crab novels, and his deep love of bookshops and libraries. In 2024 he started writing poetry obsessively and he loves the freedom that comes with it.
Robin is two-time Bookseller’s Association Author of the Year winner, a winner of Celebrity Mastermind, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Pointless Celebrities (twice), and his best pointless answers were ‘Alderney’ and ‘Eve Ferret’.
