The National Society Of Bookbinders was founded in Manchester in 1974 and celebrates it's 50th Anniversary with a number of events, workshops and displays at Central Library between October-December. All events are free and there is no need to book in advance. The Journey of a Book: a display about making books by hand, Archives […]
A history of migration in and out of North West England told through 100 stories from Roman times to the present day. Explore the region’s long history of migration and ways in which it has shaped and continues to shape our social landscape. Browse the stories of individual women, men and children arriving in and […]
Our latest first-floor exhibition comes courtesy of the team currently working on the Our Town Hall Project to repair, renovate and refurbish Manchester's iconic Town Hall. Extraordinarily little is known about the artisans who built the Town Hall between 1868 and 1877, and certainly no photographs exist. But fast-forward 150 years and today’s skilled workers […]
Visit this latest exhibition showcasing items from our unique archive, including playbills, programmes, posters and other memorabilia, dating from the 18th century to the present day and documenting the vibrant history of theatre in Manchester. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Oliver James Lomax. Tuesday 29th October, 6.00pm – 7.45pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. October’s special guest Oliver James Lomax is a poet, educator and trustee of Salford’s Working-Class Movement Library, whose poems are […]
Rob Parker and Manchester Libraries invite you to a CRIME CENTRAL SPOOKTACULAR!! With Jo Callaghan, Graeme Cumming and Steve Kedie! 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 […]
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 […]
EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES Join ex-Horrible Histories historian and chart-topping You’re Dead to Me podcaster Greg Jenner, as he goes back in time to explore Roman Britain! You can expect myth-busting, quick-fire quizzes and to discover mind-boggling truths about everything from Roman gods and emperors to invasions and life in a fort! So, hold […]
EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES Join ex-Horrible Histories historian and chart-topping You’re Dead to Me podcaster Greg Jenner, as he goes back in time to explore Roman Britain! You can expect myth-busting, quick-fire quizzes and to discover mind-boggling truths about everything from Roman gods and emperors to invasions and life in a fort! So, hold […]
Signed in 1904, the Entente Cordiale brought to an end several decades of colonial rivalry between France and the UK. This exhibition, marking the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, features extracts of great historical and symbolic significance from French and British archives, shedding unique light on the political and social repercussions of the agreement. You will learn more about […]
Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers (The Overstory) makes a rare visit to the UK in support of his compelling new, Booker Prize-longlisted novel Playground. The tiny island of Makatea in French Polynesia unites four people: Evie, one of the first female divers, now in her 90s; Ina, an artist who creates large sculptures from the […]
Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers (The Overstory) makes a rare visit to the UK in support of his compelling new, Booker Prize-longlisted novel Playground. The tiny island of Makatea in French Polynesia unites four people: Evie, one of the first female divers, now in her 90s; Ina, an artist who creates large sculptures from the […]
Come and join us for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and ancient Mexican celebration. This exciting event will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, themed activities, craft workshops, and a typical Mexican altar. Suitable for all ages! Suitable for all ages Free - please consider making a donation […]
Celebrate Hey Duggee’s tenth anniversary with ten specially selected episodes of the celebrated pre-school children’s animated television series, on a loop, as part of the Manchester Animation Festival. Free - drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Tout Simplement Noir. JP, a 40-year-old failed actor, decides to organise the first big black protest march in France, but his often burlesque encounters with influential figures in the community and the interested support he receives from Fary mean he vacillates between the desire […]
AFTERNOON LECTURE Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) […]
EVENING LECTURE Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) […]
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 – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take […]
Rob Parker, Manchester Libraries and Instituto Cervantes invite you to very special CRIME CENTRAL!! With SL McManus, Teresa Solana and Nick Triplow! 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 […]
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 […]
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.
