Join South Korean queer writer Kim Bong-gon for a talk and Q&A exploring themes of intimacy, invisibility and queer life through contemporary Korean literature. Kim Bong-gon emerged at a moment when previously marginalised voices were reshaping South Korean literature. In 2016, the same year Han Kang’s The Vegetarian and Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 […]
Long before today’s sober-curious conversations, Bookstagram posts, and bestselling quit-lit titles, people were already using words, stories, and literature to challenge drinking culture. This talk explores the original temperance movement, which emerged as a powerful social force in the Northwest before sweeping across Britain and beyond. Drawing on historical examples, it looks at how early temperance […]
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 […]
Join us to celebrate publication of the second in Rob Parker's Cam Killick series: Forbidden Waters! We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Rob Parker's Forbidden Waters on the 15th of January at Manchester Central Library! Rob will be in conversation with Luca Veste, author of The Bone Keeper. Doors: 5.30pm, starts: 6pm. Tickets are £4. Admission is […]
Join us for a special screening of Shchedryk, a feature film by director Olesia Morgunets-Isaenko (122 min), in Ukrainian with English subtitles. At its heart is the world-famous melody by Leontovych, Carol of the Bells. The film intertwines the lives of Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Russians against the backdrop of Soviet repression, occupation, and war. This is […]
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate all things Christmas. Bring the whole family and get stuck in our craft sessions, listen to Christmas carols perform by local choirs, including Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, and much more! Performance Programme Ground Floor 12 noon - Loreto […]
Our Saturday Spectacular turns Christmassy this December! With family favourite films shown on our big screen, some delicious snacks to dig into, Christmas crafting, plus a seasonal singalong too; this Saturday Spectacular is guaranteed to fill the whole family with yuletide cheer. A family friendly event, suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free- […]
In this talk, Dr Fang ZONG will introduce some traditional garden plants of China and their journeys to the West. Their cultural symbolism, presence in art and medical applications will also be discussed. The seasonal plants will be highlighted, for example, bamboo, flowering plum and evergreen pine as the ‘Three Friends of Winter’. Dr Fang […]
Rebellion, identity, and survival This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the event page for the eighth 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 soft […]
Join Great Northern Poetry Slam Champion Kieren King for the launch of his new collection. Including an author performance, interview, Q&A, and book signing. Pull up a stool, mind your pint, and drink in perfectly pitched poetry from the Great Northern Slam champion and four-time UK National Slam finalist. With poems of pubs, politics, love, […]
The Disabled People's Archive (DPA) and North West Film Archive (NWFA) are hosting a free, disabled-led event to celebrate UK Disability History Month and the launch of DPA's new project. Expect a DPA object handling table, a creative group film-making activity, a community lunch, and much more. For more information and to book your free […]
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 all coming to Manchester! Go behind the scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the […]
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.
