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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen: The Co-operators, the Peacemakers, and the Enigmas: Women in the SCR Manchester Histories and Manchester Metropolitan University are delighted to host the Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen. Discover the important roles women played in the foundation of the Society for Cultural Relations (SCR) with […]
Explore the history of some our most beloved British foods with local food historian Neil Buttery: pies and puddings, from their rather posh origins to the present day, where they are beloved by all (and treated with suspicion by some). Both have a fascinating and rather convoluted history, and Neil will talk you through the […]
The ever popular Retro Silent Disco returns for a Christmas Special at Central Library! Join DJ John for a night of 70's, 80's and 90's hits, with a sprinkling of Manchester bands and festive classics throughout. Bar open all night. Christmas jumpers and party gear recommended! Doors open 8pm. Tickets are still the bargain £10 […]
We're delighted to invite you to the final talk in our "Chinese instruments in focus" series. The series features three talks hosted by Po Hang Yuen, each focusing on a different traditional Chinese instrument. The last in our series is the guzheng. The talk will introduce writing for the guzheng. It will discuss how our guest […]
Flapjack Press presents How Can I Be Now?, Selected Poems by Dominic Berry. “Maybe I’m strange, but I want to ask whether I’m the only one who wishes more people cried together?” Queer, vegan poet Dominic Berry presents his favourite poems for performance from his collections Tomorrow, I Will Go Dancing, Wizard, No Tigers and Yes […]
Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
The New Horizons choir sing a selection Christmas favourites. The Manchester City Council employees choir rehearse every Wednesday evening in the Henry Watson Music Library, mainly for the joy of singing and to promote wellbeing. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash […]
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. Free - Please make a donation to support our Library […]
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.