On 4 June 1976, the Sex Pistols played for the first time in Manchester at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. The gig is seen as the catalyst for the Manchester music scene which followed. Paul Welsh was the only person there on the night taking photographs, which have since been sold world-wide through Getty Images. […]
From Millworkers to Millennials: paintings, drawings and screen prints by Jean Hobson When Jean Hobson started drawing Manchester’s old buildings in 2007, she did not realise she was charting a pivotal moment in the City’s history. This new body of work explores the story of Manchester’s second renaissance. It looks at how the city’s rich […]
This exhibition of over 70 Loving Earth Project textile panels will be at six city centre venues in Manchester. Central Library is one of these venues and has 10 panels on display. Each panel is individually crafted and depicts places, creatures and other things that the maker loves, but which are threatened by growing climate […]
Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries invite you to the book launch of new poetry collections of two of Manchester's finest. John Darwin: Ultrasilence From the provincial peccadilloes of Prestwich in Manchester to coffee houses and bars by the Bosporus in İstanbul, John Darwin explores life’s three stages of arriving, staying for a bit, and then […]
Crime Central returns in November with three more amazing writers! Lauren North - writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families. Lauren’s love of psychological suspense has grown since childhood and from her dark imagination of always wondering what’s the worst thing that could happen in every situation. Roger Price - […]
Grass Roots Books was Manchester's radical bookshop from 1971 to 1990, becoming the largest outside London and a worker's co-operative. Former workers have collected memories and archive material about it. At this launch you will have the chance to see radical books and ephemera from the period. Archive material will also be on display in the library throughout […]
This year the BBC celebrates its centenary. Archives+ has partnered with the BBC Archives and Greater Manchester’s ten archives services to select interesting local items from the BBC’s radio and TV archives. You can explore the new content on the Greater Manchester Place interactive at Archives+ showing content for each of the ten local authorities. […]
Join Manchester Animation Festival for a selection of special free animation screenings on loop. Jump into classics from the iconic Manchester studio Cosgrove Hall such as Danger Mouse & The Wind in the Willows; and family favourites from Lupus Films like The Snowman and The Snowdog, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To Tea. 14 November, 1–7pm […]
As part of Manchester Animation Festival 2022, some of the best immersive animated films and experiences from around the world are on offer. This programme is full of virtual reality and 360 films that showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore. 14 November, 1–7pm 15 November, 12 noon–7pm 16 November, 10am–7pm 17 November, […]
A National Lottery Heritage Funded project to reveal the hidden ‘herstory’ of the Pankhurst Trust. Delivered in partnership with Manchester Histories. This exhibition displays the Pankhurst Trust’s organisational archive, now preserved for the public to access for the first time in Archives+. It will also premier a film Is the Fight Over? made by four […]
Male beauty vlogging is flourishing in China despite fears of a masculinity ‘crisis’, sissyphobia and LGBT crackdowns. Key questions arise: To what extent does male beauty vlogging challenge the notion of a crisis of masculinity and offer new, positive gender expressions for men? To what extent does it reinforce hierarchical and oppressive formations of gender […]
Come celebrate four years of northern indie publishing with Fly on the Wall Press - bring your best Xmas outfit for a chance to win a prize! The four year celebration of Fly on the Wall Press invites all members of the public both new and much-loved to be a part of our Christmas antics […]
Film screening of Two and a Half Questions, followed by Q&A with director Clovis Lowe and producer Marsha Lowe. How has your race shaped your life and dreams? Two and a Half Questions is an exploration of the lives and aspirations of the Windrush generation and those who came after them. Working with a group […]
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED Award-winning musician and author Tiki Black released her sophomore album this year, which is entitled “The Sound Of The Broken Wand.” The Manchester-based artist, via Paris and Cameroon, has drawn inspiration from some of the best names in the industry worldwide to create memorable albums. The acclaimed second album received an […]
Vintage and retro businesses are more popular than ever before. Ebay trading and other online platforms have made it easy to start a side hustle, but can you turn your hobby into a full time business? As Affleck's Palace turns 40 this year, Viva Vintage! explores the different aspects of running this type of enterprise. […]
Come and celebrate with Manchester City Council and the Young Creatives from Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People. There will be a panel discussion, "State of the Disabled Nation" with audience questions. As the Cost of Living crisis bites and austerity deepens, we will talk about the realities of disabled people's lives and the issues […]
VERY FEW TICKETS LEFT. PRE-BOOKING ADVISED! The ever popular Retro Silent Disco returns for a Christmas Special at Central Library! Join DJ John Ryan for a night of 70's, 80's and 90's pop classics, with a sprinkling of festive hits throughout. Bar open all night. Christmas jumpers and party gear recommended! Doors open 8pm till […]
Come in from the cold to our Sunday Winter Warmer – a special Sunday afternoon opening for the family to have some fun and keep toasty. We'll have crafts, entertainment and nice treats. Suitable for families. Free – please make a donation to support our cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]
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.
