Spend an evening with one of Britain’s greatest contemporary writers as M. John Harrison discusses his remarkable new novel, The End of Everything, with acclaimed writer Helen Mort. Set in a fractured near-future where Europe has been mislaid, governments barely function and mysterious new life forms emerge from the sea, this unsettling and darkly funny novel follows a scavenger […]
Join acclaimed musician, songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin for a special evening celebrating his powerful new novel, The Left and the Lucky. Set in Portland, Oregon, the novel tells the story of Eddie, a solitary house painter, and Russell, the vulnerable small neighbour who slowly changes his life. Heart wrenching yet uplifting, The Left and the Lucky is a […]
The Poet Laureate Simon Armitage returns to present his exhilarating new verse translation of Gilgamesh, one of the world’s oldest and most compelling, surviving works of literature. Originating in ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, this epic tale follows King Gilgamesh through adventures, battles and profound personal loss. The poem explores themes that remain strikingly […]
An afternoon exploring the supernatural with writers Jenn Ashworth, David Gaffney, Beth Barker and Nicholas Royle – four contributors to Brutalist Ghost Stories, a haunting new anthology inspired by Britain’s post-war architecture. Blending literary fiction with the uncanny, these original stories reimagine Brutalist buildings as places where history, memory and the supernatural collide. From Preston Bus Station and the Barbican to Forton Service […]
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two of the world’s most visionary poets read and discuss their sublime poetry, exploring political engagement and the interplay between survival and testimony. Over five decades, American poet Carolyn Forché has established herself as both ‘a poet of witness’ and an indefatigable human rights activist. Beautifully crafted, her poems are testimonies, enquiries and wonderments. Her anthology, Against Forgetting, […]
Two of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed, contemporary authors, Louise Kennedy and Wendy Erskine, join BBC 6 Music broadcaster Deb Grant for an unmissable conversation about storytelling and identity. Louise Kennedy (Trespasses) introduces Stations, one of the most anticipated novels of 2026, a moving and immersive story of first love, friendship, freedom and reinvention that spans decades and explores the choices that echo throughout our […]
Beloved author, screenwriter and Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce brings his trademark wit and warmth to a moving conversation about books, imagination and the stories that shape our lives. Inspired by his new non-fiction book, A British Childhood, as well as many of his own favourite reads, Frank reflects on what it means to grow up in Britain today, […]
Beloved poet, broadcaster and performer Ian McMillan launches his moving and inventive new collection Red River Valley. Drawing on family life, everyday absurdities and the impact of austerity on the South Yorkshire village where he has lived all his life, Ian creates poems that are funny, poignant and full of humanity. Renowned for his warmth, wit and extraordinary live readings, he brings language vividly to life […]
Bestselling Canadian author Emily St. John Mandel joins us to discuss her electrifying new novel Exit Party – exploring parallel worlds, political unrest and blurred realities. In a near-future Los Angeles emerging from conflict, Ari Walker and her friend Gloria are going to a party. But the party becomes the site of something inexplicable, drawing Ari into a mystery that will haunt her across […]
Brought to you by the Windrush prize in collaboration with Dr Kate Dorney, Senior lecturer in drama at Manchester University. Join us for our fifth workshop! We're taking it to Manchester, where we'll be offering practical playwriting tips, advice on story and structure, writing resources, and guidance on how to apply. Meet fellow British Caribbean […]
Kylie Minogue is one of the world's most successful pop stars, and in his new book, Can't Get You Out of My Head, music journalist Michael Cragg takes us on a hugely entertaining journey from her early days on Ramsey Street to her current status as global icon. We're thrilled to be welcoming Michael to Manchester […]
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Manchester’s Civic Week with a spectacular showcase of the best of our city’s heritage as industrial powerhouse and modern icon of global communities! Discover the History of Civic Week 1926 - 2026 Archives Exhibition (Ground Floor) 125 years of Manchester Tramways exhibition - explore the history of Manchester's electric tramways […]
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.
