• BIG BOOK QUIZ!

    Performance Space

    Celebrate World Book Night with us! It's World Book Night, so how could you miss the ultimate book quiz at Central Library. Join us for an evening celebrating your love of reading with quizzes, party games, prizes and the odd surprise challenge! Our cafe will also be open serving snacks, cakes and a range of […]

  • Family Film Club

    Performance Space

    Enjoy a special edition of the Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and a family classic on the library’s huge screen. Screenings start at 1.30pm – drop in from 1pm. Most suitable for under 12s. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our […]

  • People as Infrastructure: The Architectural Wisdom of Informality

    Performance Space

    Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute's first public talk of the year, launching our anniversary exhibition, Building China: People’s Infrastructure. Explore the spontaneous and ingenious adaptations found in China’s urban marketplaces, where everyday materials become functional art. This talk delves into the world of informal architectural practices that thrive without formal design processes, reflecting a […]

  • Hispanic Film Club: Mamá cumple 100 años

    Performance Space

    Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes of Manchester proudly present the Hispanic Film Club. Join us for this month's film, Mamá cumple 100 años. The Manchester Central Library and Instituto Cervantes Manchester present the Hispanic Film Club, a programme designed to celebrate the richness of Spanish-language cinema. This new series is dedicated to the […]

  • Japanese Manga Drawing Workshops

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • National Memorial Day of Hungary

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Manchester Literature Festival presents Satoshi Yagisawa & Emi Yagi

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Knowing Yesterday, Shaping Tomorrow: The Inaugural Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture with Professor Abdul Alkalimat

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Cosy Reading Club

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Mystery International Film Club!

    Performance Space

    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 […]

  • Manchester International Women’s Day 2026

    Performance Space

    Manchester International Women's Day 2026: When women thrive, we all rise... Join us for a community celebration of International Women’s Day, co‑designed by local women. This is a space to: Meet new people Learn something new Get creative Find inspiration Come along to celebrate women’s contributions, share knowledge and be part of a community committed […]

  • Crime Central

    Performance Space

    Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. 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 […]