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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Full Volume returns for something of a Manchester Literature Festival Special this October. With the festival now marking its 20th Anniversary, host Alan Lynch chats to the acclaimed author Kate Mosse about her two upcoming appearances at Central Library this month, and gets the scoop on her latest book ‘Feminist History for Every Day of the Year’. […]
South Manchester Camera Club 2025 Exhibition of Members’ Images. SMCC welcomes everyone to visit Manchester Central library to view a wide selection of members’ images. Pictures have been captured across a wide section of our members representing their individual skill, technique and style. SMCC is an active, friendly and progressive photography club offering a wide range […]
Come and celebrate Green Libraries Week with us at Central Library. Pick up free seeds from our seed library and get creative making your very own cress head to take home. A perfect blend of gardening and crafting! Suitable for families. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if you can online or at […]
Looking for something to do over the half term holidays? Check out our half term activity programme coming soon, including arts and crafts, with plenty to see, make and do! . All materials provided, just bring your imagination! Here's what to expect: Make Cress Heads for Green Libraries Week: Monday 27 October, 2-3pm, Lower Ground […]
Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session in the music library on the first floor of Central Library. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children under 4. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if […]
Queer Lit and Manchester Libraries present a truly special evening as we welcome T.J. Klune – the international bestselling author and legend in queer literature – for an intimate conversation at Manchester Central Library. Expect: Thoughtful discussion about his iconic books Book signing opportunities Meet & greet and photo ops A warm, welcoming space to celebrate queer […]
Join us at Central Library for a day of free activities and events celebrating The Festival of Social Science - an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022. The festival is an opportunity for anyone to explore topics relating to social science, from health and […]
Join us at Central Library for a day of free activities and events celebrating The Festival of Social Science - an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022. The festival is an opportunity for anyone to explore topics relating to social science, from health and […]
Are you 12-18 years old and passionate about inclusive, creative learning that centres the voices, histories, experiences and activism of global majority communities across Greater Manchester? Join the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust for an interactive creative workshop to discuss what inclusive education should look like and contribute to a youth-led set of recommendations that […]
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support […]
Calling all budding gardeners (pun intended)! Join us for this engaging session inspired by Green Libraries Week. You'll get to plant your very own daffodil and take it home with you! We'll provide all the materials, just come ready to get potting! Suitable for families. Free – just drop in. Please consider making a donation […]
We’re getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? Read on, if you dare! Face painting Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm - just drop in. £2 per person. Ground […]
Join Helen and Zoe for a spooky story time, with spooky, but not too scary stories such as Room on the Broom, Wake up Do Lydia Doo and more. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
Join us for a vibrant celebration of life, love, and remembrance! 🌟 We're thrilled to bring you Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and special ancient Mexican tradition that's all about honouring our loved ones who've passed on. 🌿💀🇲🇽 In Mexican culture, it's believed that during this time of year, our beloved […]
Привіт! Join our monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! Learn new words, listen to stories in Ukrainian and English and have fun! Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Free - just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support […]
Join us for a coffee and a relaxed chat as we reflect on Remembrance Day. Expect presentations from the North West Film Archive, Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society, and more! Programme: 10am: Tea and coffee 10.30am: Film screening and Q&A by the North West Film Archive 12pm: Remembrance Day resources by the Manchester and […]
Join us for a coffee and a relaxed chat as we reflect on Remembrance Day. Expect presentations from the North West Film Archive, Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society, and more! Programme: 10am: Tea and coffee 10.30am: Film screening and Q&A by the North West Film Archive 12pm: Remembrance Day resources by the Manchester and […]
Join the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Centre and Education Trust for a powerful evening of reflection, resistance, and creative expression. This event builds on the vital conversation we began last year with journalist and author Gary Younge, who returns to help us reflect on what important Black histories mean today. His address will be followed by a shared […]
Manchester Confucius Institute presents Uniting Musical Cultures from Manchester to Hong Kong. Recently returned from his trip to Hong Kong, acclaimed conductor Robert Guy shares his experience and insights from working across musical and educational cultures in Hong Kong and Manchester. Free – book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
Greater Manchester has an amazing legacy of alternative and community newspapers from the 1970s - offering us a window into the everyday issues, groups, places, events and organising efforts of the time - yet they are often overlooked or rarely known about today. Many have limited or almost no online presence making them hard to […]
Our Long Goodbye is an exhibition of photos, films and texts that candidly and sensitively show the everyday love and heartbreak of someone you know living with dementia. From 5 November until 19 December Central Library hosts this tender exhibition, with the relationship between artist Jenny Harris and her mum at its heart. It is […]
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 scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the […]
Architecture for the People Manchester City Architect’s Department, 1902-2003 For 101 years, the City Architect’s Department in the Town Hall served the citizens and met diverse civic needs by designing hundreds of different municipal buildings. They ranged from grand airport terminals to the small public lavatories, from the high profile like the new Free Trade […]
Sanctuary movements have long been a part of the movement for migrant rights in Britain, but the meaning of sanctuary and the forms it has taken have varied dramatically. This event brings together scholars and practitioners of sanctuary, past and present, to discuss its history, trajectories, current forms, and possible futures in this country. Hosted […]
Join us for two hands-on workshops designed to give you the skills to collect, preserve, and share the stories that matter most. 🗣️ Keeping Our Stories Alive: A Community Archiving Starter Kit Dates: Saturday 8th & Saturday 15th November 2025 Time: 1:30 pm start Location: Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre & Education Trust, Central Library, Manchester Tickets: Free — Book […]
Join us as we host activities for the UK’s largest Animation Festival, dedicated to celebrating the animated art form. The festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together with the international community to delight in all things animated. We’ll also have exclusive talks and signings with the MAF book club! Mon 10 Nov, […]
In its penultimate edition of 2025, Full Volume is back with another treasure trove of library-related gold. This month, host Alan Lynch sits down with award-winning money coach, global speaker and passionate advocate for financial inclusion: Tynah Matembe. As part of Manchester Libraries’ Black History Month celebrations, Tynah popped by to offer some top money […]
Are you a manga fan? Never read a manga before but want to see what the whole fuss is about? Either way, this group is for you! Share your passion, meet new people and join themed activities. Free – just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of […]
Age 13 -16 and love books? Want to read more and chat about books? Join Central Library Teen Book Club! Discover your next favourite read, share recommendations and join book themed activities. Free - just drop in
Join us for French Storytime to listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends!. Suitable for children aged 4-7 Free - please drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
Join us for two hands-on workshops designed to give you the skills to collect, preserve, and share the stories that matter most. 🗣️ Keeping Our Stories Alive: A Community Archiving Starter Kit Dates: Saturday 8th & Saturday 15th November 2025 Time: 1:30 pm start Location: Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre & Education Trust, Central Library, Manchester Tickets: Free — Book […]
Cole Stacey performs his debut album live in the magnificent Manchester Central Library, part of a series of 5 concerts in truly remarkable places. Immerse yourself in this remarkable space in the heart of Manchester, for one of five unique concerts with Cole Stacey as he presents his critically acclaimed debut album Postcards From Lost […]
Photographer Tracey Welch and five musicians from diverse musical backgrounds come together in an exploration of photography and music. A fascinating collaborative project and exhibition, inspiring new connections, shared experience and experimental composition. In 2022, photography and music came together in the Stroboscopic Project, an exploration of photographic technique and musical inspiration. Such was its […]
The tenth anniversary of Manchester-based charity Delia Derbyshire Day celebrates the unique work and legacy of this electronic music pioneer. Join us for an array of family-friendly creative activities. Be inspired, play with weird and wonderful sounds, and experience new artworks that reflect this fascinating heritage. Delia’s most famous work was the original Doctor Who theme […]
Welcome to the seventh edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:20 • Film starts: 17:30• Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab […]
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Kieren King. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th November 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 […]
Manchester Town Hall closed in January 2018 and work then began on a labour of love: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to repair, protect and update this architectural masterpiece for future generations. The Great Hall is the Town Hall’s centrepiece. It includes a huge variety of conservation and restoration projects and is a great example of the work we’re doing throughout […]
Join our free weekly boardgames sessions! Try new games, rediscover old favourites and make new friends. Open to all ages and abilities. Boardgames provided - just bring yourself. Free, no need to book – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]
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 scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the […]
The French Film Club is an invitation to discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Screenings of exclusive French-language films (with English subtitles) take place once a month and are free and open to all. Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, 'Mystère'. Film synopsis: 'Stéphane decides to move to […]
Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless! No need to book in advance. First come first served. Suitable for ages 4 and above. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support […]
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.
