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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20251103T103407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T073850Z
UID:12045-1762513200-1774868399@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Architecture for the People - Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Architecture for the People \nManchester City Architect’s Department\, 1902-2003 \nFor 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 Hall to the hidden away but essential facilities like mortuaries. \nFor the first time\, this exhibition presents a selection of the works delivered under the direction of the seven official City Architects spanning across the twentieth century. In the early days of the Department\, Manchester Corporation controlled gas and electricity undertakings\, most public transport\, schools\, police\, fire and ambulance services\, waste collection\, parks and recreation\, housing\, libraries\, crematoriums and more. Such responsibilities meant a need for new buildings and the upkeep of existing facilities. The City Architect’s Department designed and delivered these\, changing the face of the city and its suburbs\, providing thousands of new homes\, and scores of schools\, libraries\, public baths\, amongst a host of civic buildings. Using archival photographs\, drawings and ephemera\, the exhibition traces the Department and its buildings\, showing how architectural commissions mirrored the constitution of the Corporation and the changing fortunes of the city. \nCurated by Martin Dodge (University of Manchester) and Richard Brook (Lancaster University) \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/exhibition-architecture-for-the-people/
LOCATION:First Floor Exhibition Hall
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20251127T153720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143117Z
UID:12209-1764144000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Great Hall Exhibition
DESCRIPTION: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 the building. Our approach to the unique elements of this  space reflects the level of care needed for the whole project. This exhibition looks at just three details of the Great Hall to tell some of the story of the Our Town Hall project. \n\n\nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-great-hall-exhibition/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-250430-MCC-DSC_0166-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251219
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260119
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20251110T131349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T091521Z
UID:12076-1766142000-1768733999@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Full Volume Podcast: Christmas Edition
DESCRIPTION:Step into Christmas with Manchester Libraries for the final Full Volume podcast of 2025.  \nBack for one last hurrah before the year is out\, presenter Alan Lynch and co-host Gary Parkinson have a nostalgic look back at what was a magical year for Manchester Libraries. Reflecting on the successful launch of the podcast and the litany of special guests who appeared on the show\, Gary and Alan also chat to a whole host of staff from across our libraries to get their highlights. Elsewhere Danny Middleton gives us a sneak peak of events coming up in the New Year\, whereas Head of Libraries\, Galleries\, and Culture Neil MacInnes gives us his exclusive insight. \nMeanwhile\, ascending folk artist Hannah Brine gets a grilling on her favourite Christmas songs following her recent concert at the Library. Plus\, we have nostalgic reflections from three Central Library staff who worked in the building during the 1970s and beyond. \nThere’s also plenty of What’s On Tips\, a book review of Christmas classic “A Christmas Carol”\, and much more to enjoy on this December edition of Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast. ***** ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch\, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips\, exclusive interviews\, book reviews\, and much more. Receiving rave reviews and overwhelming support from listeners\, the podcast has so far featured special guests such as celebrated authors and poets Dame Jacqueline Wilson\, Kate Mosse\, Jackie Kay\, Tynah Matembe\, and Kimberly Whittam\, Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach speaking about his exhibition ‘Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce’\, folk musician Cole Stacey\, legendary Manchester artist and illustrator Stanley Chow\, Manchester’s Lord Mayor\, Councillor John Hacking\, BBC broadcaster and esteemed newspaper columnist Emma Barnett\, International Women’s Rugby player Libby Andrew\, plus Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries\, Galleries\, and Culture Neil MacInnes OBE more. ‘Episode 11: Christmas Edition’\, the new episode of ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is on all major streaming services now. \nTurn it up\, and tune in – now: Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast by Manchester Libraries | Listen on Spotify\, Apple Podcasts\, Amazon Music | PUSH.fm \nWatch out for a new episode in the new year…
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/full-volume-christmas/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FV-christmas.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260112T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260228T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20251209T121259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T083223Z
UID:12288-1768204800-1772298000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Funny Stuff – Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:A creative and humorous response to grief\, memories and the stuff we accumulate\, hoard and hate to let go\, from Manchester comedy legend\, Lipservice Theatre Company. \nSue Ryding is one half of legendary comedy duo LipService. In 2022 her comedy partner Maggie Fox died and Sue was left with a shipping container full of stage props\, costumes\, wigs\, hats\, shoes\, sheep\, you name it. This exhibition looks at all the “stuff” we accumulate\, hoard and hate to let go. \nIn this humorous and creative response to grief\, Sue struggles to part with a life sized stuffed sheep\, a badger onesie\, some ruby slippers\, a sinking bog\, Charlotte Bronte’s knickers and a host of soft toys. \nTouring anecdotes are combined with archive footage from LipService shows. We follow the stories of things Sue has already given away\, the wicker horse that appeared every night in an improvised panto\, the vintage suitcases turned into a sculpture in Stockport\, the crazy Chief Exec of the Tall Ships Festival who dresses up as a fish! Not all the items will be making it back up the loft ladder\, so the audience is invited to take something home. \nSue is aiming to end up with “the right stuff”\, a small selection that captures the essence of LipService Theatre to go into a national theatre collection. Help Sue on her journey of letting go. \nFree – just drop in.  \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/funny-stuff-exhibition/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Main-image-landscape-edit-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260112T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260112T153000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20250813T092704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T151628Z
UID:11485-1768226400-1768231800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manga Appreciation Club
DESCRIPTION: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. \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/new-manga-appreciation-club/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Manga-Appreciation-Club-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260115T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260115T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20251203T152147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T152500Z
UID:12249-1768500000-1768505400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Book Launch: Forbidden Waters by Rob Parker
DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate publication of the second in Rob Parker’s Cam Killick series: Forbidden Waters!\n\n\n\nWe are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Rob Parker’s Forbidden Waters on the 15th of January at Manchester Central Library! Rob will be in conversation with Luca Veste\, author of The Bone Keeper. \nDoors: 5.30pm\, starts: 6pm. \nTickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy of the book in advance. \nAbout Forbidden Waters: \nIt starts with the knife. Found at the bottom of a hidden lake in the Norfolk Broads\, covered in blood and heart tissue so fresh the water hasn’t yet washed it all away. What salvage diver Cam Killick has found is a murder weapon from a very recent crime – but how do you solve a murder without a body? \nThe remoteness of the setting is itself a clue. Only a handful of people know the location of the lake\, let alone how to access it. But no sooner have Cam and DS Claire Rogers started working through this ready-made suspect pool than one of them disappears. \nThe ripples from Cam’s discovery have disturbed a dangerous predator\, one who knows the water even better than Cam himself. The question now is what they want – and how many more people will die before Cam can stop them? \nAbout the author: \nRob Parker is the author of Far From The Tree\, the No. 1 bestselling thriller for Audible Original and the first instalment in the Thirty Miles trilogy\, as well as eight novels for independent publishers. He is the host of both Crime Central Manchester\, a monthly showcase of emerging crime writing talent and blockbuster bestsellers\, and the Blood Brothers podcast. Rob lives in Warrington with his wife\, three children and their dogs\, and was inspired to write The Troubled Deep by years of holidays in the Norfolk Broads – during which he has never\, he is pleased to say\, found a dead body. Forbidden Waters is the second in the Cam Killick series. \nIf you cannot make the event but would like a dedicated copy of the book\, please email events.manchester@blackwell.co.uk or call 0161 274 3331.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/crime-writer-rob-parker-in-conversation-with-luca-veste/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Book Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rob.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260119T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260220T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20260119T120148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T083357Z
UID:12568-1768809600-1771606800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:My Voice Travelling Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Central Library and The Fed’s My Voice Project are proud to announce the launch of the My Voice Travelling Exhibition – a powerful public showcase of Holocaust Survivor life stories that have shaped Greater Manchester. \n\n\nThe exhibition forms a key part of the Sanctuary Through Story: Inspiring Unity After Hate initiative and brings to life the extraordinary testimonies of Survivors who rebuilt their lives in Greater Manchester. Their stories – rooted in courage\, resilience\, gratitude and hope – offer visitors a deeply meaningful educational experience. \n\n\nThe exhibition helps people of all ages explore: \n\n\nThe dangers of prejudice and antisemitism\nThe importance of empathy\, respect and moral responsibility\nHow diversity strengthens communities\nWhy rejecting hate is essential for a safe and cohesive Manchester\n\n\nThis launch is especially significant following the Heaton Park Synagogue terrorist attack\, offering a space where communities can come together\, reflect and reinforce Manchester’s commitment to unity\, understanding and compassion. \n\n\nThe Travelling Exhibition will ensure these vital lessons reach people of all ages. \nFree – please drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/my-voice-travelling-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1000001786-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260120T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260120T143000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20260116T135951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T140345Z
UID:12507-1768912200-1768919400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Talk English Circles
DESCRIPTION:Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English\, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. \nEvery Tuesday\, 12.30-2.30pm \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/talk-english-circles/2026-01-20/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Talk-English.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260121T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260121T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20250321T120305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T140801Z
UID:10724-1769014800-1769022000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Boardgames Club
DESCRIPTION: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. \nFree\, no need to book – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/new-boardgames-club/2026-01-21/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Board-Games-Club.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260124T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260226T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20251209T115616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T135510Z
UID:12280-1769241600-1772125200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bridge of Sunflowers - Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Drop by the Reading and Ground Floor Oculus area to see this compelling exhibition composed of artwork by young Ukrainian artists from the city of Lviv. This unique collection explores the impacts of the ongoing conflict\, as well as the hopes and dreams of those living through it. \nParticipants were supported by the Sunflower Dreams Project\, which showcases the work of Ukrainian children in exhibitions across the European Union\, the United Kingdom and North America. The project was created and is supported exclusively by a team of multinational volunteers. \nCreative responses from young people in Manchester can be viewed alongside the artwork. These are the outcome of workshops run by creative arts charity Never Such Innocence (NSI)\, who give children and young people a voice on conflict. The workshops were led by expert practitioners – author Nik Perring and artist Alex Hinge. All of the work on display is responding to NSI’s international competition theme for 2025/26 – ‘In Someone Else’s Shoes’. \nThis exhibition is a collaboration between the Sunflower Dreams Project\, Never Such Innocence and Manchester Libraries. \nFree please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/bridge-of-sunflowers-exhibition/
LOCATION:Ground Floor and Reading Room
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sunflower-dreams-official-logo-black-text-logo-ALp7nJaMGyiB09XA.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260127T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260127T143000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20260116T135951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T135951Z
UID:12514-1769517000-1769524200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Talk English Circles
DESCRIPTION:Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English\, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. \nEvery Tuesday\, 12.30-2.30pm \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/talk-english-circles/2026-01-27/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Handling Tables)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Talk-English.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260127T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260127T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20260115T163034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T163034Z
UID:12500-1769536800-1769540400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Temperance Movement: What Did #QuitLit Look Like 100 Years Ago?
DESCRIPTION:Long before today’s sober-curious conversations\, Bookstagram posts\, and bestselling quit-lit titles\, people were already using words\, stories\, and literature to challenge drinking culture. \nThis talk explores the original temperance movement\, which emerged as a powerful social force in the Northwest before sweeping across Britain and beyond. Drawing on historical examples\, it looks at how early temperance advocates used novels\, pamphlets\, tracts\, and personal stories to influence public opinion\, reshape attitudes to alcohol\, and support people in rethinking their relationship with drink. \nBy revisiting these early forms of “quit lit”\, the talk reveals striking parallels between 19th-century temperance literature and today’s modern sober narratives – showing that storytelling has long been a central tool in movements for change. \nWhether you’re interested in social history\, literature\, wellbeing\, or the contemporary sober movement\, this session offers a fascinating perspective on how the past continues to shape present-day conversations around alcohol. \nChaired – Yvonne Norris (Researcher\, PhD\, MMU) \nSpeaker – Dr Annmarie McAllister – expert and a leading scholar on the temperance movement \nAlongside a guest panel including leading voices from present-day sober communities from across the Northwest.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-temperance-movement-what-did-quitlit-look-like-100-years-ago/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/m68983-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260128T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260128T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20250321T120305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T120305Z
UID:12519-1769619600-1769626800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Boardgames Club
DESCRIPTION: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. \nFree\, no need to book – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/new-boardgames-club/2026-01-28/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Board-Games-Club.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260131T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260131T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20220202T120643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T151717Z
UID:5803-1769866200-1769868000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:French Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join us for French Storytime to listen to stories in French and English\, learn new words and make new friends!. \nSuitable for children aged 4-7 \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/french-storytime/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/French-Storytime.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260131T143000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260131T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233640
CREATED:20260122T150805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T150805Z
UID:12632-1769869800-1769877000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:K-Queer: Intimacies of the Invisible
DESCRIPTION:Join South Korean queer writer Kim Bong-gon for a talk and Q&A exploring themes of intimacy\, invisibility and queer life through contemporary Korean literature. \nKim Bong-gon emerged at a moment when previously marginalised voices were reshaping South Korean literature. In 2016\, the same year Han Kang’s The Vegetarian and Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Ji-young\, Born 1982 ignited global conversations about gender and power\, Kim Bong-gon became South Korea’s first openly gay novelist\, introducing semi-autobiographical fiction that centred around the everyday life\, desire\, and interiority of a gay man. \nHis debut Auto won the Dong-A Ilbo New Writer’s Prize in 2016 and led to nominations for the Lee Hyo-seok Literary Award and the Munhakdongne Young Writer’s Award. \nFree- booking required by emailing your full name\, phone number\, email address and number of seats required to k.queer.org@gmail.com
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/k-queer-intimacies-of-the-invisible/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Author-Image-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
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