'Polite Society?' Mini Festival

Dining In: Exploring Manchester’s histories through our stomachs is an exhibition about the history of dining and food in the Northwest of England, how that’s changed over time, and the future of food and dining through interactive events.

Echoes invites audiences to engage with the Portico Library's collection & the communities who are reclaiming the colonial narrative written & illustrated in the Library's books. It navigates Britain’s complex colonial relations with China & Hong Kong.

For In the Margins, a group of artists, writers, students, and Manchester residents have come together to challenge the traditionally ‘male, stale, and pale’ reputation of historic libraries by asking: Whose voice is loud enough to be heard?

From descriptions of botany, the stealing of plant samples and trade secrets in silk manufacture to descriptions of China and people in East Asia, Infamous explores a key and difficult period in the relationship between the two nations.

Free events with writers and groups to highlight new writing for older children and young Adults. Part of our Portico Sadie Massey Award Programme.

The Portico was opened as a library and newsroom in 1806. It was split into two in the 1920s. The ambitious project to reunite the building for the people of Manchester and beyond is supported by experimental events on the building & collections.

The Portico Library is pleased to announce the re-launch of Rewriting the North, a programme of events celebrating writers and writing connected with the North of England.

Introducing the Portico Kitchen, a centre for food writing, history and culture in one of Manchester’s oldest lunch spots. Keep your eyes open for our exciting programme of food-based events including talks, workshops and ever popular Portico Feasts.

A selection of the treasured collection created by Aboriginal children interned at the remote Western Australian settlement of Carrolup in the 1940s will be showcased at The Portico Library in Manchester until September 26.

The Portico Library is thrilled to welcome Anita Sethi as our Rambler in Residence at the Portico Library from March to June 2023 with an exciting series of radical walks and events exploring protest, the right to roam and who can walk where.

Weird as Folk is a co-curated exhibition on folk stories from Lancashire and Yorkshire, forged in partnership with our critical friends, volunteers, researchers, authors, artists, musicians and folklorists. They have contributed to all these events.