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
In collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, representatives of all the Latin American women communities in Manchester are here to commemorate this day through dance and literature from wonderful writers who fight for women’s rights in Latin America. International Women's Day is a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face, such […]
Join our Mandarin Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin, then English. Have fun and learn new words! Suitable for children aged 4–7. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
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 […]
It's a MONSTER HIT!! This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the voting page for the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. 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 […]
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. Every Tuesday, 12.30-2.30pm Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to […]
Bring a book. Get cosy and read alongside other book fans. Take some time for yourself and escape into a story. Join our Cosy Reading Club at Manchester Central Library, our new silent reading group, offering a relaxed, shared space to read in peace and quiet in the company of others. This is no ordinary […]
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop […]
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop […]
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust, in partnership with the University of Manchester, is launching a new annual lecture in honour of our founder, Professor Lou Kushnick. Lou was a tireless advocate for anti‑racist education and a driving force behind both the Education Trust and the RACE Centre. Since his death in early 2025, he […]
Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book, 'Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985'. The Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It's where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded, as […]
A celebration of contemporary Japanese fiction, this special event brings together Satoshi Yagisawa and Emi Yagi to discuss storytelling, love and loneliness. From the tender life-affirming novel Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, to the joyful, queer love story of When the Museum Is Closed, hear two of Japan’s most exciting writers. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Supported by Library Live. Book tickets at manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk or click on […]
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 […]
A celebration of contemporary Japanese fiction, this special event brings together Satoshi Yagisawa and Emi Yagi to discuss storytelling, love and loneliness. From the tender life-affirming novel Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, to the joyful, queer love story of When the Museum Is Closed, hear two of Japan’s most exciting writers. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Supported by Library Live. Book tickets at manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk or click on […]
Join us for a wonderful day of celebration of Hungarian independence organised by the Hungarian Consulate in Manchester. Watch special performances of traditional music and dances and meet the Hungarian community in Manchester. Please note that this event will be in Hungarian. Free - please drop in Please make a donation to support our Library […]
Join the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society (MLFHS) on St Patrick's Day for a special Irish Research Day including informative sessions and fascinating presentations including: Finding Irish Ancestors – the Difficulty of Researching, 10:30am – 11.15 (45mins) - booking required via Eventbrite here Thinking Outside the Box: my continuing search for Irish Ancestors, 11:30 […]
Join the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society (MLFHS) on St Patrick's Day for a special Irish Research Day including informative sessions and fascinating presentations including: Finding Irish Ancestors – the Difficulty of Researching, 10:30am – 11.15 (45mins) - booking required via Eventbrite here Thinking Outside the Box: my continuing search for Irish Ancestors, 11:30 […]
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.
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 - […]
Are you a manga fan aged 12-18 in Manchester? Join our FREE workshop with manga artist Inko and learn to draw manga with step-by-step instructions! If you are you a young manga fan or interested in Japanese folktales and myths, then why not join one of two hands-on workshop in Manchester Central Library led by manga artist […]
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! Whether you always wanted to try Carcassone, or whether you are a champ at backgammon or Trivial Pursuit, this is the place for you. Try new games, […]
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
Acclaimed Polish pianist, Daria Chromik, will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime performance. Presenting ‘Between Note and Emotion – Piano Recital’, the concert will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to hear the artist perform in this intimate setting for the first time. Daria Chomik is a pianist with […]
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 […]
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
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 on Eventbrite here Please make a donation to […]
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.