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 […]
The images in this display, in the oculus area on the Ground Floor, are from TiPP projects working in partnership with regional Youth Justice Services. They capture movements of creativity by some of society's most underserved communities. This project fosters collaboration between professional artists and young people, promoting connections between young people and the environment. […]
In 2024, Manchester Central Library celebrated ten years since its major transformation, and 90 years since its grand opening by King George V on 17 July 1934. This display in the Wolfson Reading Room celebrates it's many achievements and successes over those ten years. As the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Manchester’s libraries, and one […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Tuesday 28th January, 6.00pm – 7.45pm, at Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Griot Gabriel. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 14th January via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic […]
Celebrate the Year of the Snake as Bowen Education join us for arts & crafts, face painting, a selfie booth, and a Hanfu Show featuring traditional Chinese clothing. This event is a celebration of cultural fusion, bringing together Eastern and Western traditions to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Chinese […]
DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED Sheila Rowbotham will discuss her book, 'Reasons to Rebel'. In this memoir she recounts her experiences of putting feminist thinking into practice in her job at the left-wing Greater London Council (GLC). Rose Hunter is a member of the North Staffs Miners Wives Action Group. She […]
Celebrate the Year of the Snake as Bowen Education join us on this special Sunday opening with with dance and music performances, arts and crafts, face painting (£2), and much more. This event is a celebration of cultural fusion, bringing together Eastern and Western traditions to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to immerse […]
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month we’re hosting a film night where you get to decide the film we watch. The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network will be turning the Central Library Performance Space into the plaza for one night only, complete with popcorn! Monday 3rd February 2025 Doors open at 5pm. Film starts at 5:45pm on the […]
Welcome to the Manchester Central Library International Film Society! We’re thrilled to have you join us for the very first edition of our film club. Our inaugural screening will take place on Monday, 17th February in the Central Library’s performance space, and we can’t wait to introduce you to the wonders of world cinema. Monday […]
Join us for a free seminar on Nova Scotian folk music, folklore and song collecting. Includes talk, discussion, screening, plus free tea and biscuits! Free - please drop in
Join us for a free seminar on Nova Scotian folk music, folklore and song collecting. Includes talk, discussion, screening, plus free tea and biscuits! Free - please drop in
AFTERNOON LECTURE Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work […]
EVENING LECTURE Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work […]
Join us to celebrate the diverse language and culture of our city and local communities through traditional performances and crafts. Everyone welcome. Free - just drop in - please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central […]
Join us and Geologise Theatre for their unique blend of storytelling, songs, and science, in this uplifting show about a family trying to adapt to a changing world. Thirteen-year-old Chrissie is a budding climate change campaigner, but her family just don’t get it! When a huge storm hits her seaside town of Skiddle, Chrissie reluctantly […]
An insightful exhibition in memory of Sir Tony Lloyd (1950-2024) - a popular politician who represented three different constituencies in the Greater Manchester area for a total of 36 years across five decades. He served as the country's first Police and Crime Commissioner before becoming the first Mayor of Greater Manchester, returning to Parliament in […]
‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11) Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage. Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Mike Garry. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th February 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 […]
Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. NEXT EVENT: Wednesday 26th February An hour chat with special guests Susy Aspley, Nick Quantrill and Eve Smith - followed by a Q & A and book signing! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing […]
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.
