Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Students from The Manchester College have been developing a body of creative, exciting work inspired initially by a book from Manchester Central Library. Each exhibited board is an insight into personal research and subject matter, produced in traditional messy art school rooms where students become inspired and have tested […]
ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. The exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. Visit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library from 2 April till 31 […]
Explore the history of independent radio in Manchester from the birth of Piccadilly Radio in 1974 through to Key 103’s 1990s heyday. This free exhibition tells the story of the DJs, programme makers and listeners through audio, photography and ephemera. Listen to clips from your favourite DJs, find out what it was like to work […]
A new exhibition explores how punk exploded from the streets of 1970s Britain - raw, loud, and unapologetic. Born of crisis, it raged against capitalism, racism, and conformity. Through music, fashion, protest, and art, punk gave voice to the voiceless, challenged gender roles, and still shapes culture today. Free – just drop in. Please make […]
2025 marks 50 years of queer hope and joy for LGBT Foundation—and the heart of the celebrations begins in the centre of Manchester. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine, the 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition at Manchester Central Library invites the public into a powerful, […]
Join us for Japan Week to learn more about leading Japanese destinations from EXPO 2025 in Osaka, as well as hidden gems that will inspire your next visit. You can also view incredible exhibitions and performances from Japanese artists and join workshops to give yourself a taste of traditional Japanese culture right here in Manchester. […]
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group, improve your English, and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. 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
Feast your eyes on two decades of literary magic with From Page to Stage, a photographic exhibition celebrating Manchester Literature Festival’s 20th anniversary. This intimate collection of photos charts the Festival’s journey from its early days to becoming one of the UK’s most distinctive literary events. Through striking images, we revisit the unforgettable moments and remarkable […]
Join #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs for a rare visit to the UK to celebrate over 25 years of her bestselling series. Best known as the inspiration behind Fox Television's longest-running scripted drama, Bones, Kathy will be in Manchester for a one-night-only. She'll be discussing her career as an author and forensic anthropologist, how she crafts her […]
Join Manchester Hstories for Time Travellers Tea Room, a monthly gathering where we explore the personal stories, memories and everyday objects that shape Manchester’s rich and diverse heritage. These relaxed sessions are open to anyone with an interest in the past, whether you're a lifelong Mancunian, new to the city, or simply curious about local […]
Join Manchester Hstories for Time Travellers Tea Room, a monthly gathering where we explore the personal stories, memories and everyday objects that shape Manchester’s rich and diverse heritage. These relaxed sessions are open to anyone with an interest in the past, whether you're a lifelong Mancunian, new to the city, or simply curious about local […]
Do you speak more than one language? Want to find out more about the languages spoken in Manchester? Then join us for an engaging exploration of our foreign language archives, where visitors can uncover stories, documents, and cultural treasures from Manchester’s amazingly diverse communities. Performance Schedule 1.30pm Welcome by the Portuguese Consulate 1.45pm Irish storytelling […]
Join us as we offer a rare glimpse into this significant collection, much of which is created by children. Read their messages, thoughts and feelings as they voice their inspiring stand, united against bullying and racism. In 2021 following a missed EUFA penalty, a community-funded mural in Withington of local footballer Marcus Rashford was defaced […]
We are delighted to welcome bestselling author Katherine Rundell to Manchester to celebrate the release of The Poisoned King! The mesmerising follow-up to Rundell's Waterstones Book of the Year 2023-winning Impossible Creatures finds Christopher embroiled in an elaborate rescue mission as he returns to the magical world of the Archipelago. Katherine joins us at Manchester Central Library for a talk, […]
Explore how children learned Pre-20th Century and Early 1900s, through images, storybooks, rhymes, and moral tales. A fun and nostalgic exhibition for schools and families—where learning met imagination! Discover the storybook world of early childhood learning at Manchester Council’s Heritage Open Day. This special exhibition showcases a rich collection of children’s books published Pre-20th Century […]
Come join the Lowry at Central Library and get involved in some fantastic fun for all the family. Enjoy arts and crafts, interactive storytelling and engaging workshops. There will also be the chance to watch family classics on the big screen, and more! Free - more info to follow Please consider making a donation if […]
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.AND WILL BE RESCEHDULED IN THE FUTURE A Spooky & Silly Storytelling Show for 7+ told by Gav Cross. Gav does not believe in ghosts, has never seen a ghost, doesn’t think there are monsters under his bed. But he cannot get enough of the stories that […]
Pop in and view this fascinating exhibition at Central Library - Libraries 175: Celebrating 175 years of the Public Libraries Act 1850. 175 years ago the Public Libraries Act was passed, which allowed Local Authorities to raise taxes to fund free public libraries. The borough of Manchester was the first borough in the country to […]
Welcome to the sixth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:25 • Film starts: 17:30 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! To celebrate half a years’ worth of screenings, we’ll […]
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 that’s been […]
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 that’s been […]
Following a hugely positive response to our spring and summer workshops, Manchester Histories is delighted to offer a brand-new series of 10 weekly (every Wednesday) crafting connections sessions this autumn. These workshops bring people together through fun, hands-on heritage-inspired activities like weaving, singing, sketching and storytelling. Designed with well-being and connection in mind, each session […]
Get it in your diaries!! Crime Central returns 24th September with a monster! Jo Furniss, Louisa Scarr, KJ Whitle and Michael Wodd will all be joining Rob Parker at Manchester Central Library. Don't miss it! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the […]
The Northern Publishers' Fair returns this autumn with its biggest celebration yet of independent publishing, taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025 from 11am to 3:30pm at Manchester Central Library's Performance Space. Organised bi-annually by Fly on the Wall Press, this free-entry event will showcase the diverse landscape of independent publishing across the North, featuring 16 publishers […]
Join us in the Henry Watson Music Library for one hour of musical magic. 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. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lisa Moore. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 16th September via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is […]
Join us for a special performance featuring Macdara Yeates and Jennifer Reid trading ballads and broadsides on related topics to illustrate the shared cultures of Dublin and Manchester and the song traditions that would have been active in the two cities in the industrial revolution. Macdara Yeates is an Irish folk singer. Born and raised […]
Join us for a special performance featuring Macdara Yeates and Jennifer Reid trading ballads and broadsides on related topics to illustrate the shared cultures of Dublin and Manchester and the song traditions that would have been active in the two cities in the industrial revolution. Macdara Yeates is an Irish folk singer. Born and raised […]
Come and join Amani Creatives CIC at the launch of The National Heritage Lottery funded FUMBO Exhibition and event to explore the heritage of naming traditions of African communities in North West England. Enjoy free music, dance and drumming workshops, face painting and African cuisine. Exhibition runs 2-31 October 2025 near the café area, ground floor. […]
SORRY, THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. IT'S THE ABBA OVER 50'S PARTY! Take a chance on a super trouper afternoon at Central Library. Two hours of Abba classics to celebrate Older People’s Day! Featuring the fab solo Abba tribute artist ‘One of Us’! Mama Mia * Money Money Money * Fernando * Super Trouper […]
Join us for this free family event where people come together to share their skills, passions and interests! Meet a professional beekeeper, get involved with some ABBA-themed crafts, and much more! Visit www.librarylive.co.uk for more info. Free entry – just drop in.
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.
