In celebration of the centenary of the Representation of the People Act, this exhibition has been created by Heritage schools to showcase the work of local primary and secondary school students as they explored key people and historic sites linked to the Suffrage movement in Manchester. Free - please drop in
From incisive studio portraiture to grand rural vistas, Hit the North celebrates northern photography across five decades. The exhibition is curated by Manchester-based Hobo Photo, which promotes photography with high-quality roving exhibitions. Free - please drop in
An exhibition of images from the golden age of The Smiths, by photographer Stephen Wright. 'A sweeter set of pictures were never taken’ Morrissey, Boxing Day, 1985 Free – please drop in **To compliment this fabulous exhibition, the library shop on the ground floor will be selling a range of exclusive Smiths related goodies!**
CALL OUT FOR YOUNG DANCE ARTISTS - CHAMELEON YOUTH IS RECRUITING! Be part of a dance company that is inspiring and different to the mainstream. Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company, is calling out for new members for 2018/19. If you’re age 11 to 21, this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a dance […]
An enchanting display of books for children from Central Library's special collections. Ranging from a 17th Century Latin Dictionary to favourite characters such as Babar, The Snowman and Latin versions of Peter the Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh.
The Summer Reading Challenge is back so come and be a Mischief Maker with Manchester Libraries! Join at any library to get your free pack of goodies and collect rewards for reading along the way. Read six or more library books of your choice and enter our grand prize draw. The Challenge is accompanied by an array summer-long fun […]
Prompted by poor economic conditions, unemployment, and a change in societal attitudes, the 1970s-1990s saw a wave of workers’ co-operatives set up. This exhibition showcases some of the findings of the HLF funded ‘Working Together’ project and includes insights into the importance of the movement, through case studies and personal recollections of those involved. Free […]
We're buzzing to have teamed up with Bee in the City this summer. Come into Central Library and start ticking off the super-size and little bees in your trail map. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds. […]
Word Central open mic and spoken word hosted by Tony Curry. Featuring guest poet Alex Slater! Alex Slater's fast paced poetry is laced with humour and charm, from the political to the absurd. He is the co-runner of SPEAK, a spoken word night in Manchester's Northern Quarter driven to bringing poetry to the masses. A multi-slam-finalist, […]
From the no. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How to Stop Time, a personal and vital look at how to feel happy, human and whole in the 21st century. The world is messing with our minds. – How can we stay sane on a planet that makes us mad? […]
Charles Goodyear turned natural rubber into a product that revolutionised industries around the world – but his journey was far from easy. Through theatre, art, humour, and song, Lioness Theatre present the dark true tale of how a bankrupt button-maker became one of the most important inventors of all time – and the terrible price […]
Seen a performance you really liked in libraries that you could nominate for Manchester's inaugral culture awards? You can now nominate people, groups and organisations who made culture buzz in Manchester during April 2017 to April 2018. The top three nominees in each category will be invited to a prestigious dinner in November, where the winners […]
The Northern Carnival Against the Nazis - a rally and concert held on 15th July 1978 in Moss Side, Manchester - was a defining moment in establishing anti-racism in the city and beyond. The 15,000 people who marched across town and the 40,000 people who danced in Alexandra Park that day didn’t just make racism […]
Our favourite DJ John Ryan returns to Central Library with another Retro Silent Disco on Friday 20th July with a special summer treat. This time you can dance the night away to - The Best Northern Soul and Motown featuring Gloria Jones, Al Wilson, The Flirtations and all the biggest dance floor fillers. Made in Manchester Stone Roses, […]
An afternoon of free family fun as we get creative with all things Bee inspired. Take a seat, enjoy the animated film, bee crafts and illustration. Join the family Bee a Reader Challenge from Read Manchester and pick up an entry form for our bee themed writing competition for 7-16 year olds. And as if […]
A powerful exhibition by Manchester based photographer, Allie Crewe, whose work is "highly rated, sincere, poignant and classical ", Magnum Photography. There is nothing linear about femininity - or what it means to be a woman - in the 21st century. Sex and gender are not limited to the monolithic paradigm of genetics; they are informed by […]
What weird, wonderful and wacky creations can you build using just your imagination and a big pile of LEGO!. Come along to our friendly Lego Club and show what you can do. Children of all ages welcome (under-8s must be accompanied by an adult) Location is the link area on the lower ground floor. Ask […]
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.
