|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
Sunday
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 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 […] 
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, […] |
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 […]
-
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 […] |
8 events, |
10 events,
-
'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 […]
-
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 […] |
7 events, |
9 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 […]
-
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. |
7 events, |
7 events, |
9 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 […]
-
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 […] |
9 events,
Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café! Open to all ages and abilities. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online |
9 events,
Featured
Presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries. This May, Alan sits down with rising Cumbrian author Shaun Wilson, who tells all on his acclaimed debut novel ‘Malc’s Boy’. Shaun will be coming to Central Library later this month in person for a […] 
Featured
Recurring
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group to practice your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. Free – just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library |
9 events,
-
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 […] |
12 events,
Featured
-
Featured
Join us for Central Library’s French Storytime session. Listen to stories in French and English, learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. 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
-
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 […]
-
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, […] |
8 events, |
9 events,
-
Welcome to the latest 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 a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! […] |
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […] |
10 events,
Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café! Open to all ages and abilities. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
-
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 […] |
10 events,
Featured
-
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 […]
-
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 […] |
8 events, |
14 events,
Featured
-
Featured
Join us in Central Library’s Children Library to hear stories and sing songs in Arabic and English. Learn new words and make new friends! Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or […] 
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […] 
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 - […] |
8 events, |
9 events,
-
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, Vouse Ne Désirez Que Moi, by Claire Simon […] |
9 events,
-
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 […] |
11 events,
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
-
Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group? Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library.
Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Join our free weekly boardgames sessions and enjoy 20% off in the library café! Open to all ages and abilities. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online |
11 events,
Featured
Recurring
Would you like to improve your English conversation skills? Join our friendly group to practice your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. Free – just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
-
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 […]
-
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common? Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library? What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles? All these questions – and many more […] |
8 events, |
9 events,
-
Join our fun and interactive storytelling session in Polish! We will listen to stories in Polish and English. Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free – drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library |
8 events, |
9 events, |
12 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 […]
-
Join us at Central Library for an interactive craft workshop as we prepare for Eid. We will provide all the materials to make Eid-themed bookmarks, just bring yourself! Suitable for children. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]
-
Join us for a unique event celebrating Mieczysław Fogg, Poland's legendary crooner on the 125th anniversary of his birth. Dive into the vibe of 1930s cabaret and discover how his music became a symbol of wartime resistance. With stories from cultural researcher and journalist Juliette Bretan, a visual journey through his inspiring life and melodies […]
-
Instituto Cervantes Manchester celebrates International Week of Literature in Spanish with Benengeli 2026, this year's theme - Libraries! The Instituto Cervantes Manchester is once again taking part in Benengeli 2026: International Week of Literature in Spanish. We invite you to join us in this global celebration of literature, which brings together readers, writers and lovers of […] |
13 events,
-
Instituto Cervantes Manchester celebrates International Week of Literature in Spanish with Benengeli 2026, this year's theme - Libraries! The Instituto Cervantes Manchester is once again taking part in Benengeli 2026: International Week of Literature in Spanish. We invite you to join us in this global celebration of literature, which brings together readers, writers and lovers of […]
-
Join local children's author Sabrina Martins Alauf for a gentle storytelling and colouring session inspired by her children's book series, Ducklee Adventures. Children and families will meet Ducklee, a curious and kind-hearted little duck who explores friendship, discovery and gentle adventures. The session will include an introduction to the story, an interactive chat with the […]
-
Join us for an interactive craft session as we draw the curtain on the 200th anniversary of the invention of the modern railway. We'll be making some lovely paper trains and a colourful railway track. Suitable for children aged 4-10. All materials provided, just bring yourself. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to […] |
11 events,
-
Join us for a fun and interactive storytime session in Farsi and English! Expect singing and crafts as we learn new words and make new friends. Suitable for children aged 4-7. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […]
-
Join us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios, and much more! We'll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […] |
10 events,
-
A hands-on LEGO robotics workshop for children. Children work in small teams to design and build your own racing robots without step-by-step instructions, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. They then program their robots using simple block-based coding to detect and avoid obstacles using motion sensors. Once complete, robots are tested through fun challenges, racing and navigating […] |
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 […]
-
Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time monthly sessions, where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story. Suitable for children aged 4-7 Free - just drop in. Please consider making a […] |
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.
