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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In 2024, Manchester was crowned the first ever European Capital of Cycling, recognising the city’s commitment to making cycling safer and more accessible for all. As part of International Women’s Day, the aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition celebrates the achievements of women in cycling and explores themes of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, representation and visibility […]
“We had dreams, goals, prospects, and we were working towards them…Everything was perfect! And now…” No family, no home, no language… The Rising Sun is a documentary about a happy life that was destroyed by Russia, leaving darkness, uncertainty and fear ahead. This is the heart breaking story of a young woman who, with her […]
The pioneering Manchester Corinthians women’s football team was established during 1948-49. They toured the globe promoting the sport, Manchester and female endeavour at a time when women’s football was banned by the Football Association. Experiencing tours to Portugal, Germany, South America, North Africa, Italy, France and Spain during the 1950s to 1970s, the Corinthians also […]
International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March. Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together […]
At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam […]
'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]
'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]
Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. […]
Welcome to the second edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:15 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Tuesday 25th March, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lateral G. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th March via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential […]
The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023. The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025. It is another incredible opportunity to connect with […]
The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023. The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025. It is another incredible opportunity to connect with […]
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is marking its 40th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 items, showing how privacy and information rights have played a pivotal role at prominent times during the past four decades. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
Now in its third episode, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with another feast of features for its listeners. This month’s big interview comes from the legendary DJ Paulette, who speaks to the podcast about her incredible life, brand new book ‘Welcome To The Club’, and her involvement in the upcoming Black British Book Festival at Central […]
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.
