Central Library is throwing its doors open for a special Sunday afternoon of free entertainment for the whole family.
And the internationally renowned musician Guy Garvey will be broadcasting his BBC 6 music radio show, ‘Finest Hour’, live from the library on the day.
From stories and songs to Minecraft mask-making and bunting workshops – plus a chance to find your inner rockstar by trying out a range of musical instruments – a host of fun activities for people of all ages will be taking place on Sunday 6 September (12 – 4pm).
Music fans are also offered a unique opportunity to see the frontman of Elbow, Guy Garvey, live in the library’s Performance Space as he introduces and shares some of his favourite songs for BBC 6 music listeners nationwide (2 – 4pm).
Guy will be joined on the show by guests including Radiohead’s Phil Selway and New Order’s Stephen Morris, to discuss the literary influences that have inspired their work.
During the show, Phil Selway will present Central Library with a special drumkit, in memory of Radiohead’s drum technician Scott Johnson.
Since Scott’s tragic death in 2012, the band’s management company and Scott’s family have been distributing drumkits across the world, to give young people the chance to play.
The commemorative kit for Scott will join the collection of musical instruments in the Henry Watson Music Library, on the first floor – where visitors can also get hands on with guitars and pianos, or put more high-tech music technology to the test by composing a song on a computer, or learn how to DJ.
Minecraft mask-making will take place in the library’s high-tech Media Lounge, giving young fans of the hit game the chance to create a mask of their favourite Minecraft character. All the necessary materials are provided and the activity is suitable for all ages – although children must be accompanied by an adult.
Under-fives and their parents are invited to a series of sing-along story sessions. These ‘Tiny Tots and Toddler Times’ sessions start at 12.30, 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30 in the Children’s Library section of City Library, on the lower ground floor.
Elsewhere, in the interactive Archives+ Centre (ground floor), visitors are invited to step back in time by exploring some of the historical treasures which are cared for in the Central Library’s archives.
Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Rosa Battle, said: “The activities on offer at Central Library for this special Sunday opening highlight the sheer breadth of appeal that this wonderful building has for people of all ages.
“With books, live music, craft activities, interactive archive exhibitions and cutting edge IT facilities all on offer, this promises to be a brilliant day out for the whole family.”
The special Sunday opening has been funded by the Manchester Central Library Development Trust and the Oglesby Charitable Trust.
The day also marks the launch of the Central Library Development Trust’s ‘Library Lovers’ scheme, which gives members the chance to sign up to enjoy exclusive events, previews and discounts in the library shop and cafe throughout the year, while supporting the work of Central Library.
More information can be found at www.manchester.gov.uk
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