Manchester City Council

See maps, prints, postcards and books from an era when Britain led the world in rail transportation.

Central Library Opening Hours

Location Details: Social Sciences Library, 1st Floor, Manchester Central Library, St. Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. Telephone: 0161 234 1900 (switchboard).

LGBT Month is a chance to learn more about the lives and stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender people. We'll hear inspiring true stories, uncover hidden histories, combat discrimination and ignorance and have a laugh too! All these events are free unless otherwise stated and all are open to everyone.

John Amaechi

The UK's first NBA superstar played pro-basketball for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets. He scored the first points of the new millenium - and was the first NBA player to 'come out' as a gay man. Now 'retired', John supports a wide range of causes, including LGBT issues, cultural diversity, literacy and child welfare. Getting children involved in sport and helping them to be the best they can be is his passion: his ABC Foundation funded the Amaechi Basketball Centre in Whalley Range and he is an ambassador for London 2012.

Central Library, 2nd Floor, Committee Room on Wednesday 11 February at 6pm

LGBT reading group

A monthly group for anyone who enjoys LGBT-interest fiction. In February it's The Secret History by Donna Tartt. March (16th) is The End of The Affair by Graham Greene. More info from Libby on 234 1981.

Central Library, 2nd Floor, Reception Room on Monday 16 February between 6 and 7pm

Provincial Queens

A talk about gay and lesbian communities in the North West by Dr. Mike Homfray: Manchester, gay identities and communitarian political and social ideas.

Central Library, 2nd Floor, Committee Room on Wednesday 25 February between 6 and 7.45pm

Big Gay Quiz

Giles Bastow of the legendary Big Fat Stupid Quiz - www.myspace.com/bigfatstupidquizzes - is your host. Free entry and a free glass of wine. Collection for the Albert Kennedy Trust.

Central Library, 2nd Floor, Committee Room on Thursday 26 February at 6pm

LGBT Archive Open Day

A fascinating selection of archives from Manchester's LGBT history. Archivists will be on hand to talk about the items and the service in general. Just drop in.

Central Library, 1st Floor, Archives & Local Studies on Saturday 28 February between 1 and 4pm

Location Details: Central Library, St. Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. Telephone: 0161 234 1900 (switchboard).

Find out more about LGBT History Month

If you're aged 6 or over, come and join us for Harry Potter drama workshops. Talk about your favourite characters and act out some scenes. You don't need to be an actor - or a witch or wizard - just someone who likes to have fun! Dress up as a character and you could win a prize - there's one up for grabs at every session.

If you're 8 or over, then you can join the Homework Support crew for a bit of creativity - from animation to mosaics, collages to er... fish. Just turn up - we'll provide everything you need. Remember, space can be limited in some libraries, so get there early. And if you're under 8, you need to bring an adult with you.

View the Programme