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 […]
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 […]
Calling all future star explorers! Join us at Central Library for a space-themed day of fun as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Get ready for space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more! Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
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 […]
Calling all space explorers - join us for a special edition of our Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed activities as we celebrate the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester. Most suitable for under 12s. Visit librarylive.co.uk for more information. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to […]
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 […]
One of the most irresistible voices in contemporary fiction Tayari Jones discusses her highly anticipated new novel Kin. Born days apart, Vernice and Annie share loss and friendship. Growing up in segregated America, their paths diverge, until danger forces Vernice to risk everything. An exploration of love, loyalty and motherhood, powerful. Presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester […]
Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House - an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea. Based on Euripides’ classic tragedy, No Friend to This House explores love, vengeance, power and survival, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s […]
#LoveStoriesEtc romance festival is returning for a third year to Manchester Central Library on 17th and 18th July 2026 for two packed days of exciting author panels, industry expert led workshops, and creative sessions! The schedule for Friday 17th July includes... 'How to Boss Booktok’ with Ash Jayy from The Picture of Romance ‘What Can […]
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, […]
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.
