• Manchester Literature Festival presents Tayari Jones

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Polish Heritage Month Family Crafts

    Performance Space

    Join us for a fun and interactive craft session for children aged 4-7. We will be celebrating Polish Heritage Month by creating cardboard radios, and much more! We'll provide all the materials, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at […]

  • Mieczysław Fogg – 1930s Cabaret to Wartime Resistance

    Performance Space

    Join us for a unique event celebrating Mieczysław Fogg, Poland's legendary crooner on the 125th anniversary of his birth. Dive into the vibe of 1930s cabaret and discover how his music became a symbol of wartime resistance. With stories from cultural researcher and journalist Juliette Bretan, a visual journey through his inspiring life and melodies […]

  • ‘Malc’s Boy’. Shaun Wilson in conversation with Tony Walsh.

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Word Central

    Performance Space

    Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Tuesday 19th May, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Cathy Shaw. Our special guest Cathy Shaw’s poems tend to be either gut wrenchingly sad or laugh out loud funny. Based […]

  • Family Film Club: Planetarium Go! Special

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Manchester: One City, Many Voices

    Performance Space

    Join the Manchester Lit&Phil and MACFEST for a vibrant evening celebrating the power of words to bridge cultures, spark understanding, and illuminate the rich tapestry of our city. We bring together a distinguished panel of poets, whose award-winning works span continents, traditions, and lived experiences. Through live readings and personal reflections our guest writers will […]

  • Crime Central

    Performance Space

    Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. AUTHORS APPEARING IN MAY ARE ZOE SHARPE, SIMON MICHAEL AND DAVID PENNY!! 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 […]

  • A Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Evening Lecture.

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • A Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Afternoon Lecture.

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Mystery International Film Screening

    Performance Space

    Welcome to the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. 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 drink from the fully stocked café! […]

  • Family Space Adventures

    Performance Space

    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 […]