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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 […] 
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, […] 
Manchester Archives+ presents archive material, photographs and film footage from the Archives+ collections to remember the day when time stood still for the city. This exhibition captures Manchester's drive to recover and rebuild, aided by the extraordinary wave of support from people, communities and institutions across the region and the world. Free – just drop […] 
School’s out and the Summer Reading Challenge is in! Join us at Central Library and discover a jam-packed programme of free activities for the whole family! From Lego clubs to family crafts, from film screenings to DJing and Ukulele groups, there is something for everyone! Make new friends and discover how to take part in […] 
This documentary photography exhibition presents the work of Ukrainian photographer Olena Melnykova, a member of the volunteer team Auto Angel Lviv, who regularly takes part in humanitarian missions to eastern Ukraine. Travelling alongside volunteers, she documents the lives of local people, the work of the team, and the everyday reality of war. These photographs are […] 
View the 2026 Women Into Visual Arts and Enterprise exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of women artists from Nigeria and Salford, plus the finalists from their local women’s arts competition. Delivered by Langworthy Cornerstone Association Ltd in partnership with Collabo2Succeed CIC, the exhibition showcases empowering artistic journeys, from beginner workshops to final exhibition display […] 
Explore bold and beautiful material from Queer Up North 1992–2002, Europe's first cross-arts LGBTQIA+ festival. Established in 1992 by Tanja Farman and Gavin Barlow as part of the original Manchester Festival, Queer Up North quickly became a beacon for queer culture, drawing artists and audiences from across the globe. Over its first decade, the festival […] 
UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students from The Manchester College have developed a personal body of work inspired by books selected from Manchester Central Library. The boards on display provide an insight into each student's individual research, interests and creative journey. Through exploration and experimentation, students have investigated ideas, conducted research, and tested […] |
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Come along if you are between 15-19 years old, of any background, and interested in anti-racism, local histories, creative practices. There will be 8 sessions (one morning and one afternoon per day), and you can attend all or as many as you wish. Food, drinks and necessary equipment will be provided.
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Calling all little groovers! Enjoy a fun, high-energy session filled with music and dance. Get ready to show off some moves – we’ll bring the tunes! Suitable for children up to 4 years old. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our […]
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Meet DJ Mu-Mu who will demonstrate the art of turntables and vinyl at our Read & Rave activity! Children can bop, dance, do a musical worksheet or read! Children will be able to have 5 minutes each on the decks. Space is limited for turntable activity, but the read & rave is open to all […] |
10 events,
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Join Jim Wallace for a fun and relaxed beginner ukulele session for children. No experience is needed and instruments are provided. Kids will learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs, and enjoy making music together in a friendly, small-group setting. Suitable for ages 7+. Places are limited. Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite link […] 
TheatreMCR presents The Comedy of Errors: a compact hour-long slapstick rollercoaster ride of Shakespeare's most ridiculous comedy. Expect comic capers, original music and acapella singing from the talented ensemble in the beautiful wood panelled setting of the Henry Watson Music Library. Shakespeare's classic comedy will be performed live at Central Library's Henry Watson Music Library […] |
10 events,
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 […]
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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,
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Join us at Central Library for a fun and interactive craft workshop where we will be making princess hats. We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity. Free entry - 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
TheatreMCR presents The Comedy of Errors: a compact hour-long slapstick rollercoaster ride of Shakespeare's most ridiculous comedy. Expect comic capers, original music and acapella singing from the talented ensemble in the beautiful wood panelled setting of the Henry Watson Music Library. Shakespeare's classic comedy will be performed live at Central Library's Henry Watson Music Library […] |
10 events,
As a working-class artist and photographer, Tricia Ashworth has always been fascinated by what society deems ordinary. The beauty, the nuances, humour, strength and steeliness of everyday life in the ordinary. This exhibition of portraits, from the north-west and beyond, explores and celebrates the extraordinary. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to […] 
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in. Please make a donation to support […]
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Join our new friendly group and spend a cosy afternoon meeting new people and learning a new skill! Have a go at knitting, cross-stitch and hand embroidery in a relaxed environment. All materials provided, just bring yourself. All levels welcome. Pay what you feel. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme […] |
13 events,
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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 […]
TheatreMCR presents The Comedy of Errors: a compact hour-long slapstick rollercoaster ride of Shakespeare's most ridiculous comedy. Expect comic capers, original music and acapella singing from the talented ensemble in the beautiful wood panelled setting of the Henry Watson Music Library. Shakespeare's classic comedy will be performed live at Central Library's Henry Watson Music Library […]
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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 |
9 events,
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, […] |
10 events,
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, […]
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Get ready to move, groove, and feel the rhythm! Drumroots brings the heart of Africa to life with high-energy drumming, vibrant beats, and joyful vibes. Whether you’re clapping, dancing, or drumming along, this is your chance to connect through rhythm and let the music tell a story. No experience needed, just bring your hands and […] |
11 events,
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Featured
Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting. For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to venues across Manchester - and now he will be coming to Central Library for a evening of strumming and good company for folks […]
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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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A relaxed, drop-in creative session inspired by music. Children can design and decorate their own cardboard guitars using craft materials. Join the “big doodle” artwork which will be passed around for everyone to add to. Music will play throughout to spark ideas and create a fun, shared atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop […] |
9 events,
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 […] |
9 events,
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Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science! Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. Free entry, just drop in Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes […] |
10 events,
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in. Please make a donation to support […]
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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 |
9 events,
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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 |
9 events,
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or […] |
9 events,
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or […] |
9 events,
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Join us for this accessible and inclusive cosplay event for teens that has been co-created with young people. Come in your best cosplay outfit, it might be bought or made by hand, it could be cosplay or wardrobe play, it can be anime, manga or book related. Crafts Cosplay competition A panel - participants to be […] |
10 events,
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 […]
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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. |
10 events,
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Join us for Britannica Education’s “Can You Dig It?” Summer Reading event. This fossil-tastic drop-in event will provide a fun, dinosaur-themed activity kit to every attendee and the opportunity for children to explore Britannica Library to discover cool facts! Free entry, just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of […]
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Manchester Libraries are so excited to welcome the wonderful Puppet Folk Experience to Central Library this August. It's going to be the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational show!! The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry. Musician Andy and puppeteer Liam bring songs, characters, and playful storytelling together […] |
9 events,
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in. Please make a donation to support […] |
8 events, |
9 events,
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or […] |
10 events,
Join us for a relaxed colouring session in the children’s library. Let yourself be transported by the music and use the materials provided to create your next masterpiece. Perfect for those who want to discover the Summer Reading Challenge at their own pace. Free entry - just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or […]
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Join us for an unmissable evening with one of Japan's most celebrated young novelists. The Booker-shortlisted author of Heaven and Breasts and Eggs, Mieko Kawakami makes a rare visit to the UK to launch Sisters in Yellow, a gripping, stylish noir set in Tokyo’s shadowy underbelly. Hana is fifteen, hopeful and living in a tiny Tokyo apartment with her mother, […] |
10 events,
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Join us for an unmissable evening with one of Japan's most celebrated young novelists. The Booker-shortlisted author of Heaven and Breasts and Eggs, Mieko Kawakami makes a rare visit to the UK to launch Sisters in Yellow, a gripping, stylish noir set in Tokyo’s shadowy underbelly. Hana is fifteen, hopeful and living in a tiny Tokyo apartment with her mother, […]
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Join artist Caroline for a fun, free Summer Reading Challenge activity! Get ready to sing, play, and create! Warm up your vocal cords and bring your puppet to life in this exciting craft session! Suitable for ages 4-11. Free entry, just drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our […] |
9 events,
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 […] |
9 events,
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Kick off your Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Manchester Central Library. Join us for a fun and interactive storytime with songs, rhymes and Pride-themed picture books. Then get crafty! Create your own protest signs and noise-makers, to celebrate in style and make your voice heard! We will also have a […] |
9 events,
Unleash the musical theatre kid in you with this programme of music-themed films! Watch a family classic on the library’s huge screen, get involved in music-themed crafts and find out how you can take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free entry, just drop in. Please make a donation to support […] |
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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.
