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9 events,
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 […] 
For the first time, this exhibition tells the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearean theatre in the Victorian era and reveals present day evidence of the city’s innovative engagement with the works of Shakespeare. Free - please drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live […] 
"Building China: People’s Infrastructure" invites audiences to encounter China from the kitchen table and the street corner rather than the skyline. Bringing together photographs and prints from the 1950s to the 1980s with field images from the early 2000s and contemporary works, the exhibition traces urban change through the ordinary spaces where life unfolds. Across […] 
Exhibition featuring 12 UNESCO Heritage Forts. Organised by Leena Desshmukh, Founder of Sahyadri CIC UK, in collaboration with Sahyadri Pratishtan India. This exhibition honours the extraordinary hill forts of the Sahyadri mountain range, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding universal value. These formidable structures stand as enduring symbols of architectural innovation, strategic […] 
Take a poetry journey from loss to hope, from home to infinity, to find your own personal True North. 80 people from Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme, many affected by homelessness and other issues, have made poetic paths for all to follow, opening eyes to a wider world. These restless poems leap from the page […] 
This exhibition from Polonia Northern England uncovers the remarkable history of a Polish community (Polonia) deported and displaced during WWII. Through photographs, letters, and personal documents, it showcases experiences of forced deportation, war crimes, refuge, and significant contributions to Britain's freedom. The exhibition also explores post-war resettlement in exile in Northern England and community efforts […] 
Featured
Presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries. This April, Alan heads over to Wythenshawe Forum where he sits in on a feast of audio treats from Manchester music scene powerhouse Rowetta, plus BBC Radio 1 + 2 award-winning folk musician Ríoghnach Connolly; […] 
Voices of the City exhibition is a powerful and welcoming photography exhibition of a creative project which celebrated identity, belonging and community. Created by Community Arts North West, the project brought together a group of diverse young people and adults to tell their stories by working with drama facilitator and physical theatre director, Julia Wilson […] 
A major new exhibition at Manchester Central Library explores the process of Cultural Masterplanning and how creative interventions in urban spaces undergoing redevelopment can reconnect fragmented places with their past and allow us to look to a dynamic shared future. These playful interactions change how transformation feels and help us involved and that change is happening with us, […] |
11 events,
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. Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator Free – just drop in. Please make […]
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Bring a book, get cosy and stay motivated by reading alongside other book lovers. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story. Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, a silent reading group offering a peaceful, shared space to unwind with a good book. There’s no pressured discussions, no set text […] |
9 events, |
11 events,
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'Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love' is a people's history of the biggest rock band in the world. And on Thursday 30 April, its author Richard Houghton will be talking all about it, in the Henry Watson Music Library. This extraordinary book tells Zeppelin's story in the words of over 750 fans, as recounted by […]
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Punk poet, latterly dub poet, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Attila the Stockbroker exploded into public consciousness in 1982-3 via two John Peel sessions and a Melody Maker front cover, and is now celebrating 45 years earning a living doing what he loves. Fiery Words for Hellish Times is his most topical and incendiary publication yet. As […] |
8 events, |
10 events,
Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […]
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Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş. We will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft. Suitable for children aged 4+. Book your free spot via Eventbrite here. |
8 events, |
8 events, |
10 events,
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. Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator Free – just drop in. Please make […]
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Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute's second public talk linked to our 20th anniversary exhibition , Building China: People’s Infrastructure This talk moves from the visual culture of the 1950s and the institutional landscapes of the 1970s to contemporary studies of markets, parks, sidewalks, and sites of urban redevelopment. Across these moments, infrastructure is approached […] |
8 events, |
7 events, |
8 events,
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Sedbergh Prep School will bring their tour to Manchester Central Library Saturday 9th May. Mixing cultural activities with performances in a few well-known establishments around the city, the Casterton choir will be calling-in at the Henry Watson Music Library. Based in the North-west, they have performed recent concerts at esteemed venues such as Bolton Priory, St […] |
10 events,
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Sedbergh Prep School will bring their tour to Manchester Central Library Saturday 9th May. Mixing cultural activities with performances in a few well-known establishments around the city, the Casterton choir will be calling-in at the Henry Watson Music Library. Based in the North-west, they have performed recent concerts at esteemed venues such as Bolton Priory, St […]
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Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring! As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family. On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, […]
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Calling all future star explorers! Join us at Central Library for a space-themed day of fun as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Get ready for space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more! Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […] |
7 events, |
7 events, |
10 events,
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. Book your free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1986065030971?aff=oddtdtcreator Free – just drop in. Please make […]
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Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Afternoon Session 1pm A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Afternoon lecture. In this Heritage Lecture, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town […]
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Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Evening Session 5.30pm A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Evening lecture. In this Heritage Lecture, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town […] |
8 events,
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Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. AUTHORS APPEARING IN MAY ARE ZOE SHARPE, SIMON MICHAEL AND DAVID PENNY!! 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 […] |
9 events,
Featured
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Featured
Join us for a hands-on DJ and music production workshop at Central Library. Hosted by tutor Niah Jemijog, this 2 hour session is designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels. This small group session will cover the fundamentals of beat making, mixing, and live looping/DJ performance, using industry-standard tools […]
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Join the Manchester Lit&Phil and MACFEST for a vibrant evening celebrating the power of words to bridge cultures, spark understanding, and illuminate the rich tapestry of our city. We bring together a distinguished panel of poets, whose award-winning works span continents, traditions, and lived experiences. Through live readings and personal reflections our guest writers will […] |
7 events, |
11 events,
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. This activity is for ages 13-16 year olds only. Part of Super Duper Family Festival. Discover the full programme at https://www.visitmanchester.com/super-duper-family-festival/ Free - […]
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Calling all space explorers - join us for a special edition of our Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed activities as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Most suitable for under 12s. Visit librarylive.co.uk for more information. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to […]
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Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring! As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family. On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, […] |
7 events, |
7 events, |
9 events,
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Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session! There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we're just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. […]
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Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Tuesday 19th May, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Cathy Shaw. Our special guest Cathy Shaw’s poems tend to be either gut wrenchingly sad or laugh out loud funny. Based […] |
7 events, |
8 events,
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Hailed by David Keenan as “fierce, funny, poignant and real", Malc’s Boy is being tipped as one of the most exciting debuts of 2026! Brutal, beautiful, and darkly funny – a groundbreaking portrait of fathers, sons, and northern masculinity. Malc’s Boy charts a son’s struggle and friendship with his father amidst a legacy of toxic […] |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
8 events, |
8 events,
Looking for some family fun over the holidays? Check out our full half-term activity programme. With crafts, games, and activities to be found across the library every day of the holidays, come and discover a world of fun right here in the library. All materials will be provided – you just need to pack your […] |
8 events, |
8 events, |
8 events, |
8 events,
Our monthly morning sessions are interactive and fun, involving a blend of themed stories, rhymes, and a final craft activity. Learn new phrases whilst gesturing, chanting, and singing. We can’t wait to meet you! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […] |
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.
