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 […]
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 […]
With Summer in full swing Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns for its spectacular sixth edition. With more features than the complimentary newspapers in the BIPC, this month’s episode sees host Alan Lynch sitting down with acclaimed Manchester children’s author Kimberly Whittam. Kimberly’s new book ‘Quiet Storm’ has just been selected to be Manchester Libraries’ […]
Join us for an evening exploring the fascinating Assheton family of Middleton. Meet a medieval Middleton Bowman and discover everyday life through close-up encounters with original historic documents from the Assheton collection. Free event with refreshments. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of […]
Blink Publishing and Manchester Libraries present an evening with Jo Hamilton at Central Library. 'My first big discrepancy came in the shape of a £2,000 shortfall that just made no sense at all. Of all the things that kept me awake once in the thick of the nightmare that unfolded, it was being stuck in […]
We're are thrilled to welcome Julia Armfield back to Manchester for the paperback publication of Private Rites, an uneasy, water-logged tale of family, queer love and faith at the end of the world. Julia will be in conversation with Jess White. Tickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy the book. About the […]
‘At the height of the inferno, around 75 firefighters tackled the blaze.’ MEN, 7 Aug 2019 What happens to collective memory, history and place when a devastating fire blazes through the heart of a community building rendering everything to ashes? How does one find strength to carry on when all that is familiar vanishes? Join […]
This Summer, OASIS, make their highly anticipated return to their hometown and Central Library are getting ready to Roll With It. As the Gallagher brothers prepare to rock Heaton Park, right here in the city centre, Central Library will be paying tribute to the legendary Manchester band with seven days of FREE festivities in its […]
The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network are back for another cosy night in at Central Library to watch queer films with our friends, and we’re inviting you! We all love a good movie night, but nothing beats watching a film with your pals. So join us on Monday 14 July - everyone is welcome! We want you […]
Manchester Central Library presents... The Big Oasis Quiz. This July, the big Central Library Quiz returns for a one-off “Oasis Week” special. Do you know... Your Alan McGee, from your Alan White? Your “Hindu Times”, from your ‘Heathen Chemistry’? Your Beady Eye, from your High Flying Birds? Definitely? Or, just Maybeeee? Then it's time to […]
For those in the mood for a Talk Tonight, on 15th July, expect to find esteemed Northern music journalist and frontman of the Membranes / Goldblade JOHN ROBB in-conversation about his brand new book ‘Live Forever: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Oasis’ at Manchester Central Library. Part of "Oasis Week" at Central Library, John […]
Part of "Oasis Week" at Central Library, join us for a sensational singalong with the NEW HORIZONS CHOIR. Led by Tom Guest, the choir will be offering their own innovative take on Oasis hits with their stunning vocal talents. A fun, welcoming, inclusive choir who meet for a sing every week in the Manchester Central Library, […]
This is the best kind of thriller: as literate and thoughtful as it is fast-moving. Attica Locke has bags of style, and sings the blues on every page’ - Mick Herron (Slow Horses) We’re thrilled to welcome American crime writer Attica Locke to Manchester Literature Festival for a rare UK event. In Guide Me Home, the […]
Mystery Screening of an Oasis documentary – chosen by you! Part of "Oasis Week" at Central Library, come along to our Oasis Film Night where you choose the title. Many a great film has been made about the Gallagher brothers over the years, but which is the greatest of them all? From 'Familiar to Millions' […]
Didn't get Oasis tickets? Then its time to 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'... Appearing for a special stripped-back appearance, Central Library presents... NOASIS - live! On the day that Oasis will be appearing at Heaton Park for the second weekend of their sold-out shows, Central Library is delighted to be offering something special for those […]
"Oasis Week" at Central Library will conclude with ‘Live Forever’ – a day of special Oasis-themed live sessions on Saturday 19th July. The day will begin with a little Morning Glory from the MANCHESTER STRING QUARTET performing classical renditions of Oasis hits in the Central Library Entrance (11am-12pm). Then an early afternoon performance in the Henry Watson […]
Join us for an afternoon of science-based fun brought to you by CHaOS (Cambridge Hands-On Science)! All CHaOS events are run by friendly student volunteers from the University of Cambridge, bringing a selection of their favourite experiments from across the sciences for you and your family to get involved with! Fun, informative and great for […]
This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the fifth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 21st July 2025 • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Book you pay what you can tickets here (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, […]
Join us for a free interactive session inspired by the Summer Reading Challenge! Make wonderful paper flowers and find out how you can win prizes for reading. We’ll provide loads of colourful materials for you: just bring yourself! Suitable for children aged 4-11. Free entry - just drop in
Meet the Live Animals from ZooLab! Step into the wild garden of adventure and meet the amazing creatures from ZooLab! These real-life animal storytellers will take you on a journey through their own tales, full of slithers, scuttles, and surprises. Come face-to-face with nature’s most curious characters and discover the magic of their world! Suitable […]
Love Stories Etc… launched in 2024 with a one-day festival held at Manchester Central Library, with panels, workshops and book signings, aimed at encouraging romance readers to discover new authors. For 2025, there will be events across two days, with an impressive mix of bestselling brand authors, emerging stars and debuts writing in the romance […]
Join us at Central Library for our school holidays arts and craft session! Make wonderful carnivorous plants and giant pompom flowers, and find out all about the Summer Reading Challenge! All materials provided. Suitable for all children. No need to book. Free - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live […]
Join us for a special family craft session dedicated to South Asian Heritage Month. We’ll provide all the materials and teach you how to make marionettes! All welcome. 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
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. ‘Now We Are Nine’ birthday celebration. Tuesday 29th July, 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 Angela Smith. Book your open […]
Join us for this exciting session brought to you by National Football Museum! Every great game needs rules, but who says we can’t rewrite them? In this workshop, you’re the rule-maker of football. What do your laws of the game look like? Maybe every goal gets a dance-off, everyone wears capes, or kindness on the […]
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children up to 4 years old. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one […]
The Wise Owls are waiting! Join us in the Story Garden for a magical hour filled with Owl wisdom! Whether you're curious or just love a good story, the Wise Owls are ready to welcome you with a hoot! Suitable for children aged 4-11. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to […]
Are you a reader and gardener in the making? Want to find out how you can get prizes for reading books? Then this session is for you! Decorate your very own terracotta pot, plant some seeds and find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge during this interactive session. All materials provided. Paint and plant! […]
Does Friday afternoon and cinema sound like a good combo to you? Then join us at Manchester Central Library for a free film screening with themed crafts! We may even have popcorn! Suitable for children up to 12 years old. No need to book, drop in from 2pm. Film screenings start at 2pm.
Leo HC is a 20 year old solo musician, creating alternative folk tracks to soothe the soul. Equipped, usually, with an acoustic guitar, his voice and lots of reverb, his music creates an introspective and melancholic atmosphere for all to listen and enjoy. His debut album was released on 8 November 2024. Leo is currently […]
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.
