January 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war (1967-1970). The Nigerian civil war invites profound questions on issues like the legacies of British colonialism, the challenges of peaceful ethnic coexistence, mass starvation and humanitarianism, and the influence of foreign powers on African politics. This event brings together academics, film-makers and […]
Discover wondrous objects from the depth of the library. Be the first to find hidden clues from our new trail and help us complete our new weird and wonderful Cabinet of Wonders. You can also join us for a film screening. Suitable for families Free – please drop in
The tinseltastic drag queen Angel Delight returns to Central Library for a fabulously festive party! Including... Family Fortunes Play Your Cards Right Name that Tune Bingo Christmas cabaret and singalong ...and many more Christmas party games! Tickets are limited. Bar open all evening. 18+ Some of the quizzes will be through your smartphone. Just […]
Join us for the Grimmfest annual Christmas movie gathering. This year’s choice is an eighties classic, which pays off-kilter homage to tradition - Richard Donner's cult classic, Scrooged. It sees Dickens' tale of miserliness and redemption relocated to 80s New York, and Ebeneezer Scrooge magnificently re-imagined in the form of Bill Murray's hard-nosed TV executive, […]
This pop-up exhibition reflects on the materials used in the development and transformation of medical practice. Featuring objects from the Museum of Medicine and Health’s fascinating collection, it raises important questions about material functions, sustainability and innovation in contemporary medical practices. Free – please drop in
A new monthly sensory storytime, suitable for children with sensory or autistic spectrum needs. The sessions will consist of a story and 3-4 songs, and will aim to be as visual as possible. Age group 4-7 years (flexible depending upon the individual needs of the child). All bookings can be made by phone on 234 1990. Places are free […]
Join us for musical performances from disabled Manchester artists as we celebrate UK Disability History Month and International Day of Disabled People 2019. Confirmed artists: the fantastic Spotlighters band, brilliant singer/songwriter Dennis Queen, and the very talented Bee Vocal Manchester Mental Health Choir, plus a disability history talk "Disabled people against apartheid" by disability history […]
Manchester Literature Festival presents... Queens of Tartan Noir, Val McDermid and Denise Mina, join us to discuss their brilliant new novels. In How the Dead Speak, Val brings Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan together again when the remains of a killer, who’s supposedly alive and in prison, are found on a construction site. […]
A variety of different types of prostheses were used by the Greeks and Romans to replace various missing body parts. In this talk, we shall consider the following questions: How common – or uncommon – were prostheses in classical antiquity? Who made them? How and why did they make them? Who used them? How and […]
Grab a sandwich and head to the Performance Space for a relaxing lunchtime listening to clips from Central Library's sound archives. Unlocking Our Sound Heritage is a new audio preservation project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Tapes the project has recently digitised include classical music, radio drama, life stories, folk music, celebrity interviews […]
A Photographic Journey through Hulme in the 1980's - 90's, and how I survived and thrived by Richard Davis A talk and book signing by photographer Richard Davis.... 'I arrived in Hulme in 1988, having left behind Birmingham so I could study Photography at Manchester Polytechnic. For the next five years Hulme was Home and […]
Accordion/Viola/Electronics duo debuting brand new material from their upcoming album to be released in 2020. Widely regarded as two of the best players, innovators and performers in traditional folk amongst a precociously gifted generation, their finely-crafted arrangements wield a rare potency. Now, having toured with with some of the biggest and brightest acts 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.
