An international exchange exhibition bringing together the worlds of Nigerian diaspora artists Chigozie obi, Daniel Oyegade and Dou, as they crack and connect the mirrors of their heritage, history and culture. Through photography, paintings and film installations, the exhibition is an ode to what is alive within the mundane. Free – just drop in Please […]
Lorraine Rudyard creates three-dimensional sculptures using recycled materials and vintage finds, encapsulated in story boxes. Her work is very Northern and what you will see are closely observed people and lots of lovely details and references to Lorraine's childhood, i.e. a budgie in a cage named Monty, a bathroom scene with fish wall-paper that are […]
Manchester artist, Fiona Donald, has created an installation of drawings documenting the impermanence of the changing seasons. Initially Inspired by the quote around the dome of the Wolfson Reading Room she has created four large columns and 12 smaller pillars which draw on the rhythmic cycles of time passing. Some capture the immediacy of walking […]
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 13th August via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. Performance slots are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis from the stated booking time. If they are already filled you will […]
A chance to create your own piece of Canvas Artworks with one of the featured artists in the exhibition, 'DOU'. Come and explore how our worlds are connected through stories of history, heritage and culture. For all ages. Free, booking recommended. Please email alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk
Join us and Manchester Deaf Centre’s Children and Young People’s Service for this session, which helps deaf children and young people to nurture friendships, skills and confidence for a bright future ahead! You will also have the chance to learn some signs during the session. For more information, contact angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Free - Please make a donation […]
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk […]
Come join our Lowry friends at Central Library and get involved in some fantastic fun for the whole family. From arts and crafts to interactive storytelling, engaging workshops and a chance to watch a classic story on the big screen, plus much more! Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our 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 to 6 but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Please make a donation […]
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group, improve your English, and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. For more information email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk 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
Forget fast fashion – take a long look at an old favourite: the Tootal scarf. Join Manchester Histories Festival for a celebration of this iconic Manchester-made fashion accessory - a deep dive into this icon of accessories. Seven writers and artists premiere brand-new work responding to the history and culture of the Tootal scarf, designed […]
Our monthly 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. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time monthly sessions, where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4-7 For more information email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk Free - just drop […]
Bring the family along to join in our Mandarin and English Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin then English and it will be a chance for the children to have some fun and learn some new words. This session is suitable for children aged 4-7years old. For more information, email angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk […]
Word Central hosted by Tony Curry. Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 10th September via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. Performance slots are allocated […]
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT Join us for a very special event with bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, as she discusses her new novel, Think Again. Featuring the characters from her beloved Girls series of children’s novels now as adults, Jacqueline chronicles a life on the cusp of change in this engaging and warm-hearted story […]
Slate Expectations - Restoring Our Town Hall's roof Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most complicated elements of the entire building is the roof. Seen from above we get a better perspective of the scale and complexity of it. With […]
Slate Expectations – Restoring Our Town Hall’s roof Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most complicated elements of the entire building is the roof. Seen from above we get a better perspective of the scale and complexity of it. With […]
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 […]
SORRY THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT We're celebrating older people's day with a Rock 'n' Rolling party starring MANC ELVIS AND HIS MAGICAL BAND! Manchester's premier Elvis tribute act present a Saturday afternoon packed with all THE KING'S greatest hits guaranteed to get you up and dancing! Think 'a little less conversation' and a lot […]
ROB PARKER WILL BE WELCOMING THE BRILLIANT DAVID COSTA, LOUISE MINCHIN AND TIM SULLIVAN TO THIS MONTHS CRIME CENTRAL! 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 […]
Immerse yourself in the vibrant literary landscape of the North at the Northern Publishers' Fair, organised by Fly on the Wall Press. Discover dynamic new voices, meet authors and buy books directly from regional independent presses including Bluemoose, Carcanet, Comma, Commonword, Flapjack, Saraband, Salt, Northodox and many more. Enjoy live pop-up performances from Nicholas Boniface, […]
Immerse yourself in the vibrant literary landscape of the North at the Northern Publishers' Fair, organised by Fly on the Wall Press. Discover dynamic new voices, meet authors and buy books directly from regional independent presses including Bluemoose, Carcanet, Comma, Commonword, Flapjack, Saraband, Salt, Northodox and many more. Enjoy live pop-up performances from Nicholas Boniface, […]
‘This is a book of delights.’ John Simpson In Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, British-Chinese journalist Yuan Yang tells the fascinating story of modern China through the lives of four ordinary women. Leiya, born in a patriarchal rural village, bluffs her way onto the factory floor; June sets herself a goal […]
‘I was standing outside an apartment block that had been split apart by a missile. The words of a poem came to me when I could no longer find my own.’ In the four decades she’s spent as a foreign correspondent, Lindsey Hilsum has always carried a book of poetry with her. Poetry has helped […]
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.
