2017 is a landmark year for Pakistan, the nation turned 70 and the British High Commission marked this anniversary by showcasing important milestones, human stories, and the bonds which exist between the UK and Pakistan. The UK and Pakistan share a past and are striving together to pave the way for a shared future as well. […]
A poignant look back at at Manchester Airport as seen through the lens of acclaimed photographer Shirley Baker, thirty years ago, having spent a day at the airport in 1987 capturing the experiences of passengers using the airport. The exhibition includes photos chosen by the public and Manchester Airport staff. As well as capturing various areas of […]
Manchester Metropolitan University’s Manchester Fashion Institute is involved in an exciting new project that explores the individual and civic identities of Greater Manchester’s young people through style, fashion and dress. Academics Jo Jenkinson, John Earnshaw and Zoë Hitchen have been working with young people to establish how clothing can be used as a catalyst for self-awareness and personal expression, capturing portraits of […]
Manchester Central Library is proud to host a display inspired by the British Library's new exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic. From Friday 20 October 2017, visitors will be able to discover fascinating facts about the History of Magic at Manchester Central Library. Displays will launch simultaneously in 20 public libraries across the UK […]
SORRY, THESE EVENTS ARE NOW BOOKED UP. Journey to where magic and myth began! Have you ever wanted to delve into Divination, ponder the peculiarities of Potions and discover enchanting creatures? Now you can. Watch lecturers at the British Library unveil rare books, manuscripts and magical objects from the British Library's collection, capturing the traditions […]
Darken the doors of Central Library for our spooky Halloween event. Dare to visit the creepy crypt and take part in a ghastly game, hear chilling rhymes from the creature in the corner and then take part in the trick or treat trail with your carefully crafted goody bag. Suitable for families No need to […]
WORD CENTRAL is back on Wednesday 1st November at Central Library. 6pm - 8pm , free entry This month's special guest is poet Mark Mace Smith Glastonbury Festival Poetry Slam Winner 2008, BBC MediaCity Poet in Residence 2011-2015, and author of A Fruit Filled with Bitter Ashes. All open mic slots are already filled, but if you want […]
With the endorsement of WarGen, Manchester Central Library together with one of its volunteer groups, the Manchester Indie Film Makers Group (MIFMG), are presenting a single performance of War Memories, a production written by the MIFMG using film and written material from the published WarGen pages on the internet. WarGen is currently uploading film and transcriptions of the experiences of […]
These days many careers in the ever-growing Creative Industries are freelance. Hear from our experienced panel as they discuss how to survive as a freelancer, make the most of opportunities, and stand out in the new "gig economy". Featuring Tom Clarke from The Sharp Project, Alison Surtees from the Manchester Music Digital Archive and Pip Rustage, photographer. […]
Join us for a screening of the film Mr Stink. The film is presented by the Homeless Film Festival which is a registered charity and the world's biggest festival dedicated to using film screenings, special events and film making workshops as a way of highlighting and tackling homeless issues. Free - to book email homelessfilmfestival@gmail.com
Manchester Histories presents Hidden Histories, Hidden Historians, a Heritage Lottery Fund supported exhibition. Five groups from across Greater Manchester have explored their own hidden histories to create a multi-media exhibition that includes archive photography, historical research, video and oral histories. Free - just drop in
Acclaimed American author Jennifer Egan makes a rare UK visit to talk about her forthcoming novel, Manhattan Beach – her first foray into historical fiction. Set during the Depression and then the war, it tells the story of Anna Kerrigan, a navy diver making her own way at a transformative time for women; in a […]
This event is sold out The former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will talk about a remarkable 40 years on the political frontline. Join us for this landmark event to celebrate the release of his forthcoming memoir, My Life, Our Times, which reflects candidly on an extraordinary career; from New Labour's 1997 landslide electoral victory, to the 2008 global […]
To celebrate Explore Your Archive Week, join us to celebrate 120 years of the Disabled Living charity. Join us as we find out how the charity has changed over the years by using their archive images in a range of fun activities for all the family. Free - just drop in
In the countdown to Illuminate, our new site specific piece created for Manchester Central Library by Company Chameleon, we’re excited to present a series of free countdown events ahead of the main event. Mon 20 Nov, 12-2pm | Pop-up: listen A lunchtime performance of live music and a chance to hear the new and original […]
Please note: Illuminate is now sold out, however, you can join the waiting list for a chance to still get tickets. Plus, why not join us for the free countdown events taking place across the Library’s spaces between 20-24 Nov. New dance, music and light art combine in this visually stunning and extraordinary site-specific piece created by Company […]
A LIVE SCREENING FROM THE BRITISH LIBRARY An evening of extraordinary sounds and discussion The 2017 Longplayer Conversation brings together long time collaborators, sound recordist Chris Watson and naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Join us for what promises to be a fascinating conversation informed by their shared interests and experiences as sound recordists in […]
Library Lounge is delighted to announce an evening of conversation and questions with BAFTA winning screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst. Danny’s TV credits include In The Dark, Ordinary Lies, The Accused, Exile, Talk To Me, Shameless, The Driver and Clocking Off. He also co-wrote the recent SKY One international hit show The Five – based on the […]
LipService theatre take a comic look at Jane Austen's letters, examine the vagaries of the Georgian postal system and wonder what witty words Jane could have conjured up with a Twitter account.We examine the world of communication from quill pen to SnapChat. With extracts from Jane Austen's novels, letters to family members and wickedly funny […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
