MANCHESTER LIBRARIES, INFORMATION & ARCHIVES NEWSLETTER (Nov 24)

Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce

Learn about the dedicated team behind the Town Hall restoration project at a new exhibition in Manchester Central Library. See their faces and hear their stories as they breathe new life into this iconic building. Discover the rare heritage trades involved, from stonemasonry to stained glass repair. Visit Library Live to find out more.

Library of the Month

Burnage Library is a little gem brimming with activities, resources, and warmth for everyone in the community.

With a rich selection of books, access to the library catalogue, free computers and WI-FI, its a real hub of learning and connection.

Burnage Library offers a wide range of activities for all ages, needs and tastes, from a weekly story time session for pre-school children, to a digital café and clothing repair café and so many more good things!

Discover more on the Libraries blog

Manchester Libraries twin with Ukraine Library

Manchester Libraries have become twinned with Lviv Regional Youth Library in Ukraine.  The twinning programme aims to promote information exchange about language, literature, and culture, to develop joint initiatives, connect audiences through exchange of experience, books and digital material as well as celebrating both UK and Ukrainian literature and culture. Read more on the library blog.

Manchester Libraries gain funding to help communities connect with nature

Manchester Libraries received funding to help communities connect with nature through workshops, activities, and eco-projects, promoting green awareness across local libraries. Find out more on Manchester City Council website.

Celebrate Hey Duggee’s tenth anniversary with ten specially selected episodes of the celebrated pre-school children’s animated television series, on a loop, as part of the Manchester Animation Festival.

Visit Library Live website to find out more!

The Society of Bookbinders Celebrates 50 Years

Join us for free events and workshops celebrating the Society of Bookbinders’ 50th anniversary at Central Library. See bookbinding demonstrations, learn about bookmaking, and admire fine bindings. Find out more on Library Live website!

Events run from October to December.

Conversation Club

Would you like to improve your English conversation skills at Manchester Central Library? Join our friendly group to improve your English and meet new friends. Suitable for adults. Free – just drop in. Visit Library Live website for more information. 

Thursday, 7 November, 1-2.30pm and Thursday, 21 November, 1-2.30pm 

Crochet and Chat Club 

Do you want to learn how to crochet and make new friends? Why not come along to our new monthly group? Free – just drop in. Visit Library Live for more info. 

Manchester Central Library, Wednesday, 20 November, 2-4pm 

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Join us for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique Mexican celebration. This exciting event will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, themed crafts and a typical Mexican altar. Free drop-in, suitable for all ages!

Visit Library Live for more info. 

Manchester Central Library, Saturday 9 November, 1pm - 4pm

Drag Queen Bingo! 

Why not soak up the Christmas Markets then join us at Central Library for a special festive cabaret evening of singalongs, bongo bingo and party games! 18+ only. 7-9pm. Find out more on the Library Live website

Manchester Central Library, Friday 15 November, 7pm.

Christmas Silent Disco! 

The ever-popular Retro Silent Disco returns for a Christmas Special at Central Library! Join DJ John for a night of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s hits, with a sprinkling of Manchester bands and festive classics throughout. Bar open all night. Christmas jumpers and party gear recommended! Visit the Library Live website for more.

Manchester Central Library, Friday 6 December 8pm

E-book of the Month

This month's ebook highlight is : Peace on the Western Front by Mattia Signori. 'A small gem of a novel about the folly and wickedness of war'. A.N Wilson. Unlimited copies are available not to borrow with BorrowBox.

Magazines and newspapers online

This month's highlight is Vegan Food and Living with loads of tips for the perfect vegan Christmas! Discover hundreds more UK magazines and daily newspapers on our BorrowBox app. Just download them to your phone or tablet for free!  

Validate your family history research

Learn essential techniques to verify online sources and ensure your genealogical records remain accurate and reliable amidst today’s vast digital resources.

Manchester Central Library, Saturday 23 November 10.30am

NEW! Ukrainian Storytime

Привіт! Join our new monthly Ukrainian storytelling sessions! We also have storytimes in Italian, Mandarin and a BSL storytime. Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. Visit Library live to find out more.

Join us and Manchester Deaf Centre’s Children and Young People’s Service for this session, which helps deaf children and young people to nurture friendships, skills and confidence for a bright future ahead! You will also have the chance to learn some signs during the session.

Visit Library Live website for more info!

Christmas Lights at Z-arts 

Made specially for children aged 1 - 4, Christmas Lights at Z-arts is a brand-new festive performance that shows us how the power of friendship can light up the dark. Find out more at Z-Arts.

LEGO Club

Do you love Lego? So do we! Drop in, pick your favourite bricks and build anything that takes your fancy. From castles to spaceships, the possibilities are endless. Visit the Library Live website to learn more.

Manchester Central Library, Saturday 30 November 2pm - 3.30pm

A History of Pies and Puddings

Join local food historian Neil Buttery for a fascinating journey through the history of British pies and puddings. Discover their surprising origins and how they’ve evolved over time. Learn about regional favourites like Manchester pudding, Yorkshire pudding, haggis, and Cornish pasties. Visit Library Live website for more information.

Manchester Central Library, Tuesday 5 December 6pm

Exhibition: When Marianne and Britannia Meet

Discover the story behind the Entente Cordiale, the 1904 agreement that ended decades of rivalry between France and the UK. See rare historical documents and learn about the conflicts, negotiations, and rapprochement that led to this historic moment. Visit Library Live website to find our more.

Manchester Central Library, 6 Nov 2024 — 28 Nov 2024