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6 events,
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 […] 
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 of speakers, outings and events. The Club was […] 
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. 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 showcased groundbreaking performances and played […] 
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 […] |
7 events,
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Manchester Mahjong Music Club (MMMC) is a new community gathering where mahjong and music bring people together. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been playing for years, everyone is welcome, especially the aunties! Each session pairs casual mahjong with a curated listening experience, introducing players to everything from classical music and timeless favourites to […] |
7 events, |
9 events,
A pop-up exhibition celebrating the city's musical heritage through Paul Wilde's original artwork and research. The Manchester Pop Trail offers a visual record of the city’s musical evolution, through the creative work of writer, historian and artist Paul Wilde. Spanning genres from the Blues to Punk and Britpop, this exhibition traces the city’s popular music story – exploring not only the artists who became household names, […]
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Alternative folk risers THE LAST CABOOSE will be performing live at the Henry Watson Music Library this September. Formed in Manchester in 2024 The Last Caboose play music with an acoustic feel, bringing together elements of Folk, Country, Americana and Classic Pop. A line up which includes mandolin; guitar; double bass and piano, combines with […] |
9 events,
Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns for September: Listen Here A Wythenshawe Forum Library - Creative Space Special, featuring actor Andrew Ellis, Music Evermore, Paint Pots, Ken's Keep Fit Class, Wythenshawe Youth Theatre. Plus, an exclusive interview with acclaimed author, Tony Fletcher and much more! Tune in now here!
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Join our 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 at […] |
11 events,
Featured
Recurring
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 […] 
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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Join the Círculo de Leitura da Comunidade da Língua Portuguesa em Manchester for a special reading and cultural session exploring Mozambique through the work of award-winning Mozambican writer Paulina Chiziane. Using O Alegre Canto da Perdiz as the main reference, we will explore Mozambique through literature, stories and conversation, discovering aspects of the country’s history, culture, traditions, […] |
8 events, |
9 events, |
10 events,
An exhibition of architectural models by students from the Manchester School of Architecture of early nineteenth buildings in Berlin and Manchester created to celebrate the bicentenary of the brief visit of the Prussian court architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841) to Manchester on July 17 1826. During his ‘English’ journey Schinkel was brought into direct contact […] 
This September, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough, Wallace & Gromit, Matthew Bourne, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. For three weeks in September, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take […] |
11 events,
Featured
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Featured
Join Karen McBride for a special evening where she will present 'Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition'; talking about the stories behind the photographs, the making of the exhibition, and the journey that led to 'Just a Girl from North Manchester'. For over 30 years, Karen has documented the people, places and music that […] |
10 events, |
11 events,
This September, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough, Wallace & Gromit, Matthew Bourne, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. For three weeks in September, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take […] |
11 events,
This September, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough, Wallace & Gromit, Matthew Bourne, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. For three weeks in September, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take […] |
9 events, |
9 events, |
10 events,
Featured
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Featured
This September, the acclaimed music journalist, industry head, and broadcaster Tony Fletcher will be discussing his brand new book 'When Pop Went Punk 1980-84' with a special in-conversation event at Central Library. Before authoring eleven books, including best selling biographies of Who drummer Keith Moon, R.E.M. and the Smiths, Tony Fletcher was a teenaged music magazine publisher […] |
11 events,
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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. |
9 events, |
9 events, |
13 events,
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Aged 12 – 16 and love reading? Join our teen book club. We don’t have a set text we simply come together to chat about what we have read over the last month. At the same time, we might do a craft, zine making, make a reading journal or bookmark etc. We are a friendly […]
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Come along for a free afternoon of folk music taking place in the Henry Watson Music library. Bringing together established acts within the Manchester folk scene, expect a showcase of some of its best talents including... Jack Twaites - An introspective singer-songwriter influenced by Folk music across the spectrum, his single 'In the Folds' was […]
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Comic Book Swap with zine and comic strip making for ages 11 plus. Come and swap your comic books and stay to make a Zine, chat to other comic book fans and find out about our collections. Bring your comics to swap, stay to make a zine, or your own comic strip and chat to […] |
9 events, |
9 events, |
12 events,
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Home Educators are invited to bring their young people aged 12 - 16 to our monthly teen book club. This is a relaxed club where we will chat about what we have been reading over the last month. We will sometimes set themes, but for this first club of the new term we will chat […] 
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. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]
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Manchester Town Hall closed in 2018 for major restoration to repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work includes conservation of many original heritage features. The Heritage Lectures in Central Library shine a light on some of this fascinating work and the next one – on Tuesday 22 September – will focus on […] |
11 events,
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Calling all Crime Fiction fans... Not long now until the next Crime Central!! This month, Rob Parker is welcoming Remi Kone, Alis Hawkins and MRG Davies to Central Library! 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 […] |
10 events,
Hosted by the charity Women in Sport, this photo exhibition celebrates everything women bring to coaching. Still in 2026, women are still undervalued and underrepresented in sports coaching. Women in Sport's research has found that 30% of female coaches report being bullied (twice as many as men) and are 18% less likely to say their […]
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Join Manchester Histories and Queer Up North for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring how queer culture can build community, connect generations and sustain radical creative practice. Reflecting on the legacy of Queer Up North, the conversation will consider what the festival built, what it inherited, and what we can learn from it today. The panel […] |
8 events, |
11 events,
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Celebrate the European Day of Languages with Instituto Cervantes at Manchester Central Library! Come along as we sing and bring stories to life in English, Spanish, Polish and Italian. Whether you are looking to introduce your child to new sounds, practice a second language, or simply enjoy the magic of live storytelling, this interactive session […]
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We're celebrating 'Older Peoples Day' with a special Saturday afternoon singalong with the brilliant Dee Dee Allen! We're inviting local community groups for over 55's to get your dancing shoes on for an afternoon full of classic tracks from the 70's to the 90's! Places are free but limited so please phone Central Library on […]
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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 under 5. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation […] |
6 events, |
7 events,
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Join us for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing - an eye-opening 50-minute film bringing together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence and why it matters for things like: Extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living. The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster […] |
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. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]
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A bilingual poetry reading and conversation exploring poetic craft, creative vision, and the nuances of poetry translation. The Instituto Cervantes in Manchester invites you to the second session of its “Poetry Encounters” programme, this time featuring a discussion between Argentinian poet Claudia Masin and author and academic Charlotte Shevchenko Knight. Poetry Encounters was created with the aim of promoting […]
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Join Manchester Histories and Queer Up North for a panel discussion exploring what today’s queer cultural spaces can learn from Queer Up North, cultural activism and the radical past. Looking back at the festival in the context of the AIDS crisis, Section 28 and wider movements for LGBTQ+ rights, the conversation asks what should be […] |
6 events,
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An evening with staff of the Manchester School of Architecture celebrating the 1826 visit to Manchester of the Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel which will include discussion of the making of architectural models of buildings in Manchester and Berlin, an exploration of the influence of his visit and an opportunity to play Schinkel Bingo. Free - […] |
6 events,
Featured
Recurring
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 […]
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Get ready to celebrate Fun Palaces weekend at Central Library with a whole afternoon dedicated to the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar! Join us for an afternoon of traditional Chinese music, interactive workshops and lantern-making with Manchester Confucius Institute and Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music. Programme: 2-4pm - […] |
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.
