Join us for a film screening and discussion exploring Manchester's urban history and development from the 1940s to today. Organised in collaboration with The Modernist and the current exhibition at Central Library, Architecture for the people: the works of Manchester City Architect’s Department (1902-2003), this Manchester Urban Film Series screening and discussion will revisit Manchester's urban […]
A free event, suitable for budding listeners of poetry or those keen to try out some of their own poetry. Listen to a selection of Manchester Writers from a 2025 publication Bards across the Pond with USA and UK writers in February If you would like to read a poem, book your seat via the links below […]
Nothing remained unchanged but the clouds by Alan J. Ward is an artist book in the fullest sense: a work conceived, shaped, and authored through artistic practice. Developed through sustained collaboration with the community of Grandpré in the French Ardennes, the book traces stories held within German WWI postcards and transforms them into a living archive […]
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 insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the […]
Manchester Town Hall closed in 2018 for major restoration to repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work includes conservation of many original heritage features. The Heritage Lectures in Central Library shine a light on some of this fascinating work and the next one – on Tuesday 3 February – will focus on […]
Join South Korean queer writer Kim Bong-gon for a talk and Q&A exploring themes of intimacy, invisibility and queer life through contemporary Korean literature. Kim Bong-gon emerged at a moment when previously marginalised voices were reshaping South Korean literature. In 2016, the same year Han Kang’s The Vegetarian and Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 […]
Long before today’s sober-curious conversations, Bookstagram posts, and bestselling quit-lit titles, people were already using words, stories, and literature to challenge drinking culture. This talk explores the original temperance movement, which emerged as a powerful social force in the Northwest before sweeping across Britain and beyond. Drawing on historical examples, it looks at how early temperance […]
Join us to celebrate publication of the second in Rob Parker's Cam Killick series: Forbidden Waters! We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Rob Parker's Forbidden Waters on the 15th of January at Manchester Central Library! Rob will be in conversation with Luca Veste, author of The Bone Keeper. Doors: 5.30pm, starts: 6pm. Tickets are £4. Admission is […]
Join us for a special screening of Shchedryk, a feature film by director Olesia Morgunets-Isaenko (122 min), in Ukrainian with English subtitles. At its heart is the world-famous melody by Leontovych, Carol of the Bells. The film intertwines the lives of Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Russians against the backdrop of Soviet repression, occupation, and war. This is […]
Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate all things Christmas. Bring the whole family and get stuck in our craft sessions, listen to Christmas carols perform by local choirs, including Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, and much more! Performance Programme Ground Floor 12 noon - Loreto […]
Our Saturday Spectacular turns Christmassy this December! With family favourite films shown on our big screen, some delicious snacks to dig into, Christmas crafting, plus a seasonal singalong too; this Saturday Spectacular is guaranteed to fill the whole family with yuletide cheer. A family friendly event, suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free- […]
In this talk, Dr Fang ZONG will introduce some traditional garden plants of China and their journeys to the West. Their cultural symbolism, presence in art and medical applications will also be discussed. The seasonal plants will be highlighted, for example, bamboo, flowering plum and evergreen pine as the ‘Three Friends of Winter’. Dr Fang […]
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.
