• Come Meet the Wise Owls in the Story Garden!

    Performance Space

    The Wise Owls are waiting!  Join us in the Story Garden for a magical hour filled with Owl wisdom!  Whether you're curious or just love a good story, the Wise Owls are ready to welcome you with a hoot! Suitable for children aged 4-11. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to […]

  • Word Central 9th Birthday!!

    Performance Space

    Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. ‘Now We Are Nine’ birthday celebration. Tuesday 29th July, 6.00pm – 7.45pm, at Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Angela Smith. Book your open […]

  • Story Garden Crafts!

    Performance Space

    Join us at Central Library for our school holidays arts and craft session! Make wonderful carnivorous plants and giant pompom flowers, and find out all about the Summer Reading Challenge! All materials provided. Suitable for all children. No need to book. Free - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live […]

  • LOVE STORIES etc FESTIVAL 2025

    Performance Space

    Love Stories Etc… launched in 2024 with a one-day festival held at Manchester Central Library, with panels, workshops and book signings, aimed at encouraging romance readers to discover new authors. For 2025, there will be events across two days, with an impressive mix of bestselling brand authors, emerging stars and debuts writing in the romance […]

  • Mystery International Film Club Screening

    Performance Space

    This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the fifth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 21st July 2025 • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Book you pay what you can tickets here (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, […]

  • CHaOS Science Summer Roadshow

    Performance Space

    Join us for an afternoon of science-based fun brought to you by CHaOS (Cambridge Hands-On Science)! All CHaOS events are run by friendly student volunteers from the University of Cambridge, bringing a selection of their favourite experiments from across the sciences for you and your family to get involved with! Fun, informative and great for […]

  • Attica Locke

    Performance Space

    This is the best kind of thriller: as literate and thoughtful as it is fast-moving. Attica Locke has bags of style, and sings the blues on every page’ - Mick Herron (Slow Horses) We’re thrilled to welcome American crime writer Attica Locke to Manchester Literature Festival for a rare UK event. In Guide Me Home, the […]

  • LGBTQ+ Film Night

    Performance Space

    The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network are back for another cosy night in at Central Library to watch queer films with our friends, and we’re inviting you! We all love a good movie night, but nothing beats watching a film with your pals. So join us on Monday 14 July -  everyone is welcome! We want you […]

  • PRIVATE RITES: Julia Armfield in conversation with Jess White

    Performance Space

    We're are thrilled to welcome Julia Armfield back to Manchester for the paperback publication of Private Rites, an uneasy, water-logged tale of family, queer love and faith at the end of the world. Julia will be in conversation with Jess White. Tickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy the book. About the […]

  • Jo Hamilton: The Post Office Scandal

    Performance Space

    Blink Publishing and Manchester Libraries present an evening with Jo Hamilton at Central Library. 'My first big discrepancy came in the shape of a £2,000 shortfall that just made no sense at all. Of all the things that kept me awake once in the thick of the nightmare that unfolded, it was being stuck in […]

  • Lords and Ladies of Middleton Manor

    Performance Space

    Join us for an evening exploring the fascinating Assheton family of Middleton. Meet a medieval Middleton Bowman and discover everyday life through close-up encounters with  original historic documents from the Assheton collection. Free event with refreshments. Free – just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of […]

  • An Evening with V. E. Schwab

    Performance Space

    We are hugely excited to welcome bestselling author V.E. Schwab to Manchester Central Library as we celebrate the publication of her new genre-defying, unforgettable novel Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. From the author of the incredible standalone novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue comes a spellbinding queer love story following the desires and dreams of […]