Wildlife is always just a walk away wherever you are in Manchester and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. This exhibition showcases the creative talents and passions of our Central Library staff members. We hope to inspire you to explore and enjoy the many areas of Manchester’s natural beauty, and to discover and appreciate hidden gems […]
A documentary photography project spanning 7 years (2016-2023). Photographers Michael Baker & Phil Portus explore ‘present day’ Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, and challenge perceptions of what ‘Curry Mile’ now represents, as opposed to nostalgia & past recollections. The ethnic make-up of Rusholme has changed significantly over recent years. Barber shops, shisha bars & dessert parlours have […]
Paper Piano – A Retrospective For the last 10 years, Paper Piano have been creating music related artwork and packaging. More recently they have focused on hand-made books; this combination of music and books makes them the ideal label to exhibit at The Henry Watson Music Library. Paper Piano have worked with many illustrious musicians […]
This new exhibition showcases a range of original publicity material and print adverts created as marketing for the Port of Manchester. This saw a revolution in publicity with modern ideas on typefaces, much more dynamic imagery and bolder use of colour. Manchester Ship Canal Company started using imaginative visual design to sell itself more effectively […]
GMCA: Futures for All is an employability skills programme for young people across Greater Manchester with SEN, that empowers employers to recognise and celebrate the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of young people from the SEND schools and settings. The exhibition showcases a series of short films co-produced with alumni from SEND schools across […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press Tuesday 26th September, 6.00pm – 7.45pm. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Janine Booth Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 12th September via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that […]
As the nights get darker, Crime Central returns with three amazing authors and three new books to chill your bones. Rob Parker welcomes Fiona Erskine, Luca Veste and Neil Broadfoot to Central Library! Fiona Erskine Engineer by day, writer by night. Fiona was born in Edinburgh, and grew up playing guitar, riding motorbikes and jumping into […]
Angel invites you to a Saturday afternoon of fun and games. We all love a game of bingo! but add in some 'play your cards right' and 'name that tune' with a sprinkling of singalongs and surprises, who could resist!
Brushstrokes of Bridgerton will be a delightful evening of painting ‘the Ton’. Partake in a glass of wine with top-quality music and enjoy a panel discussion about the show, colour-blind casting, changing the narrative, and our experience within the world of theatre, TV and film. Period costume is optional. An UBUNTU Festival of Events activity.
‘I projected myself into her and she became music.’ In August Blue, the latest novel by acclaimed author Deborah Levy, virtuoso pianist Elsa M. Anderson sees a woman in a flea market in Athens who she believes is her double. Following a catastrophic performance where she walked off stage, Elsa is on the run from her […]
‘I projected myself into her and she became music.’ In August Blue, the latest novel by acclaimed author Deborah Levy, virtuoso pianist Elsa M. Anderson sees a woman in a flea market in Athens who she believes is her double. Following a catastrophic performance where she walked off stage, Elsa is on the run from her […]
‘I am, indeed, notorious, feared over sea and land. I am the one they did not believe could exist. I am the commander of the Ghost Ship.’ In her gripping new novel, The Ghost Ship, internationally acclaimed author Kate Mosse tells the tale of a woman in a man’s world. A tale of adventure and liberation, […]
Much loved Turkish-British novelist and regular MLF guest Elif Shafak joins us for a very special event. Elif will discuss some of the writers and poets that have influenced and inspired her in her work and her life, some of the books she returns to regularly for pleasure and guidance and her own life-long passion for reading, […]
Much loved Turkish-British novelist and regular MLF guest Elif Shafak joins us for a very special event. Elif will discuss some of the writers and poets that have influenced and inspired her in her work and her life, some of the books she returns to regularly for pleasure and guidance and her own life-long passion for reading, […]
'THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES' ‘Is this the beginning of the end? Or the end of the beginning? How many women like me are changing like this, all at once, from a butterfly into a caterpillar?’ Through their latest books, Quilt on Fire: The Messy Magic of Friends, Sex & Love and What’s Wrong […]
There are currently thousands of refugees in the UK waiting for decisions on their family reunion applications. Forced migration and the traumatic consequences of separation, as well as of the obstacles to the reunification process, are well documented, as are the most immediate needs of families, once reunited. The longer-term lived experience of reunited refugee […]
‘To be honest with you, I want to make music.’ In Annie Macmanus’ absorbing second novel The Mess We’re In it’s the early noughties and 21-year-old Orla Quinn has made her way to London with a burning desire to become part of the music industry. Moving into a squalid house in Kilburn with her friend Neema and […]
‘To be honest with you, I want to make music.’ In Annie Macmanus’ absorbing second novel The Mess We’re In it’s the early noughties and 21-year-old Orla Quinn has made her way to London with a burning desire to become part of the music industry. Moving into a squalid house in Kilburn with her friend Neema and […]
Anyone who has visited the Paper Piano exhibition may have wondered who or what DJ Goalpost is. To answer that, and to mark the end of the exhibition, Paper Piano will be giving away a limited edition DJ Goalpost book. The book is part exploration of what an alter-ego can be, part self-help guide and […]
Anyone who has visited the Paper Piano exhibition may have wondered who or what DJ Goalpost is. To answer that, and to mark the end of the exhibition, Paper Piano will be giving away a limited edition DJ Goalpost book. The book is part exploration of what an alter-ego can be, part self-help guide and […]
Three dynamic poets perform work from their latest collections, exploring identity, heritage and injustice. Terrance Hayes returns to MLF with his blistering new work So to Speak. Exploring what it means to be an artist and a Black man, Terrance writes about figures including Bob Ross, Lil’ Wayne, David Berman and George Floyd, navigating his way through the […]
Author Nathan Bryon and illustrator Dapo Adeola’s loveable character Rocket has already taught us about space in the award-winning Look Up! Then she tackled ocean pollution in Clean Up! Now, in Speak Up! she’s back to save her local library which she is horrified to learn is closing for lack of funding. Hear how Dapo and Nathan […]
Exhibiting work spanning 20 years, Robert Watson (one of the country’s leading documentary and contemporary photographic artists) returns to Central Library. This free exhibition features images of Manchester Pride and his internationally exhibited Blackpool seascapes. It premiers the series ‘The Sky Above Her’; these vibrant and soulful pictures illustrate the kaleidoscope of colours, seen in […]
Author Nathan Bryon and illustrator Dapo Adeola’s loveable character Rocket has already taught us about space in the award-winning Look Up! Then she tackled ocean pollution in Clean Up! Now, in Speak Up! she’s back to save her local library which she is horrified to learn is closing for lack of funding. Hear how Dapo and Nathan […]
‘Perhaps have something that the poems don’t. Or perhaps they don’t have something that the poems do’. Where do song lyrics and poetry converge? Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has always been inspired as much by music as he is the written or spoken word. His latest book Never Good With Horses collects Simon’s musical outpourings, from the […]
EVENT POSTPONED: Please note that due to travel disruptions we are having to postpone this event. Details of the new date will be confirmed shortly and our box office will be in touch with customers to offer a ticket transfer or refund. ‘Have no doubt, we are facing a species emergency – but we can […]
‘Perhaps have something that the poems don’t. Or perhaps they don’t have something that the poems do’. Where do song lyrics and poetry converge? Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has always been inspired as much by music as he is the written or spoken word. His latest book Never Good With Horses collects Simon’s musical outpourings, from the […]
EVENT POSTPONED: Please note that due to travel disruptions we are having to postpone this event. Details of the new date will be confirmed shortly and our box office will be in touch with customers to offer a ticket transfer or refund. ‘Have no doubt, we are facing a species emergency – but we can […]
Karl Ove Knausgaard, author of My Struggle, ‘the greatest literary invention of the 21st century’, makes his MLF debut to discuss his dazzling new novel The Wolves of Eternity (translated by Martin Aitkin). In Southern Norway in 1986, Syvert Løyning returns home from military service and discovers letters to his late father which lead him to the Soviet Union. In […]
Karl Ove Knausgaard, author of My Struggle, ‘the greatest literary invention of the 21st century’, makes his MLF debut to discuss his dazzling new novel The Wolves of Eternity (translated by Martin Aitkin). In Southern Norway in 1986, Syvert Løyning returns home from military service and discovers letters to his late father which lead him to the Soviet Union. In […]
We’re channelling our ancestors, crediting our ancestors, claiming we are our ancestors “wildest dreams”, and cautioning against our ancestors’ deepest nightmares.’ As she turned forty, broadcaster and journalist Afua Hirsch set out to reconnect with her heritage and apply what she learned to her body. Through puberty rituals to body hair to waist beads to […]
We’re channelling our ancestors, crediting our ancestors, claiming we are our ancestors “wildest dreams”, and cautioning against our ancestors’ deepest nightmares.’ As she turned forty, broadcaster and journalist Afua Hirsch set out to reconnect with her heritage and apply what she learned to her body. Through puberty rituals to body hair to waist beads to […]
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT ‘I am determined that we seize this moment and rise to meet the challenge of our age: to build a country in which everyone has a stake and a contribution to make.’ In her first book, All In: How we build a country that works, Lisa Nandy sets out a way in which we can […]
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT ‘I am determined that we seize this moment and rise to meet the challenge of our age: to build a country in which everyone has a stake and a contribution to make.’ In her first book, All In: How we build a country that works, Lisa Nandy sets out a way in which we can […]
Two of fiction’s rising stars discuss their brilliant debut novels, strong women characters, narrative voice, the perils of modern love and relationships, and how we present ourselves in the physical and digital worlds. Monica Heisey is a writer and comedian from Toronto. She has written for television shows including Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms. Her astute and wildly funny debut […]
Two of fiction’s rising stars discuss their brilliant debut novels, strong women characters, narrative voice, the perils of modern love and relationships, and how we present ourselves in the physical and digital worlds. Monica Heisey is a writer and comedian from Toronto. She has written for television shows including Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms. Her astute and wildly funny debut […]
In partnership with Create, disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford schools come together to create, build connections and break down barriers. Working with top class musicians they will write and perform original songs inspired by the theme ‘Speak Up!’ at this celebratory event. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Tickets FREE – booking advised […]
Black (African Caribbean and mixed heritage) creatives will get together and showcase their talent. Come along and listen to speakers Corey Brotherson, UK comic creator, and Yomi Ayeni, historic comic creator. There will also be writing workshops for young people and adults, and creative activities for families. An UBUNTU Festival of Events activity in collaboration […]
Get ready Greater Manchester! The Welcome Roadshow is coming to Manchester Central Library on Monday the 23rd this October half term, bringing the magic of dance, circus skills and craft workshops. We're visiting all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, offering FREE workshops. It's not just about honing your dance, circus and craft skills; it's about connecting with your […]
Get ready Greater Manchester! The Welcome Roadshow is coming to Manchester Central Library on Monday the 23rd this October half term, bringing the magic of dance, circus skills and craft workshops. We're visiting all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, offering FREE workshops. It's not just about honing your dance, circus and craft skills; it's about connecting with your […]
A cosy evening of independent reading for 8 to 11-year-olds. We’ll build dens, decorate our own cosy reading nooks and settle down for an evening of independent reading and escapism – hot chocolate included! You’ll get all the tips, tricks and kit to build your own home-reading den. Part of ‘Take 10 Week’, supporting mental […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press Celebrating Black History Month Tuesday 24th October, 6pm Free entry Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Jolivia Gaston Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 10th October via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer […]
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 […]
Central Library opens its doors to little spooks and ghouls for a fun-filled family spectacular. Fearsome face painters, spooky silent disco, creepy crafts and maybe a few treats and scary surprises. Fancy dress is absolutely encouraged. So dust down your capes, polish your broomsticks and enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with ghoulish delights! £10 per […]
Join us for an informal ukulele lesson and singalong. Ukulele's available. Beginners welcome! Free - please book by emailing catherine.rooney@manchester.gov.uk
Join us for this special ancient Mexican celebration celebrating the cycle of life. Dia de los Muertos features traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, followed by themed activities and craft workshops. An example of an ofrenda, a Mexican altar typically present in Mexican households at this time of the year, will be on […]
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.
