Chinese New Year is one of the biggest events of the year at Central Library and the venue will be celebrating the Year of the Horse in epic fashion. Families, children, schools, and community members are warmly invited to join us for performances, hands-on cultural activities, and fun learning experiences provided by Bowen Education, Chinese […]
For three weeks in February, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. Get ready for brand new immersive experiences with David Attenborough, and Laika – The First Dog In Space. Plus, Wallace & Gromit, The Berlin Blitz, Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’, meditation experiences, and more. Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to […]
A creative and humorous response to grief, memories and the stuff we accumulate, hoard and hate to let go, from Manchester comedy legend, Lipservice Theatre Company. Sue Ryding is one half of legendary comedy duo LipService. In 2022 her comedy partner Maggie Fox died and Sue was left with a shipping container full of stage props, […]
Our Long Goodbye is an exhibition of photos, films and texts that candidly and sensitively show the everyday love and heartbreak of someone you know living with dementia. From 5 November until 19 December Central Library hosts this tender exhibition, with the relationship between artist Jenny Harris and her mum at its heart. It is […]
We’re getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy Central Library for a fun-filled family Halloween. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? Read on, if you dare! Face painting Throughout the afternoon, 1-4pm - just drop in. £2 per person. Ground […]
Are you 12-18 years old and passionate about inclusive, creative learning that centres the voices, histories, experiences and activism of global majority communities across Greater Manchester? Join the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust for an interactive creative workshop to discuss what inclusive education should look like and contribute to a youth-led set of recommendations that […]
Calling all students! Manchester Central Library is getting involved with the Oxford Road Corridor's #CulturalWelcomeWeek. With events in venues up and down Oxford Road 6-12 October, at Central Library we're inviting new students to the city to come and join us for a host of FREE activities... Share your passions for Manga and Anime, Chess, […]
Explore the history of independent radio in Manchester from the birth of Piccadilly Radio in 1974 through to Key 103’s 1990s heyday. This free exhibition tells the story of the DJs, programme makers and listeners through audio, photography and ephemera. Listen to clips from your favourite DJs, find out what it was like to work […]
Join us for a chat and a chance to have a look at some great objects from our archives as we honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Free - no need to book - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]
Join us for a chat and a chance to have a look at some great objects from our archives as we honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Free - no need to book - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]
Celebrate the Year of the Snake as Bowen Education join us for arts & crafts, face painting, a selfie booth, and a Hanfu Show featuring traditional Chinese clothing. This event is a celebration of cultural fusion, bringing together Eastern and Western traditions to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Chinese […]
Calling all budding chess players! Head to our Performance Space and meet other players at this informal and fun drop-in session. Open to all children and families. For more information, contact angela.rawcliffe@manchester.gov.uk or alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or […]
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.
