Festival of Libraries

Festival of Libraries arrives at Bolton Central Library

Fanzeen Jordanian Comic Exhibition 2026 - 1st June- 30th June 2026

An exhibition of the comics that were drawn by amazing artists inspired by true stories from Jordan’s disabled individuals. Fanzeen is a collective that launched in Amman, Jordan at F.A.D.A. 317 back in 2018. Why? They wanted to write and draw comics the way they wanted to.  Nothing like allowing artists to roam free within the pages of a comic book! There are 7 issues at this point with a lot of amazing artists, professionals and aspirational creators.
The current issue offers a chance to shed light on the real life stories of disabled individuals – organically. It has been an idea brewing since issue 3. You can read more about how it came to be in the intro written by the British Council and Fanzeen’s editor Mike V. Derderian.
Bolton Central Library, Free, no need to book

Great Big Green Get Together Bolton Central Library- Wednesday 10th June 12:00-3:00pm
Celebrate Big Green Week & join us for hints, tips & hacks for living a greener life, community stalls and activities for all ages! All welcome!!
Bolton Central Library, All welcome, no need to book!

Census Theatre Show – Friday 12th June 12pm

This is what happens when a working-class community tells its own story. An award-winning theatre production by Malandra Jacks that celebrates working-class communities through autobiographical storytelling, projection, and real voices. Recommended 12+

Free, Book via Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990955190570?aff=oddtdtcreator

Comic Book Workshop with International Artist- Saturday 13th June, 10:30pm

Interested in how to create your own comics? Join Mike V. Derderian a.k.a. “Sardine” professional comic book artist and Fanzeen analogy editor a talk and workshop guiding you through writing and drawing your own comic strip, sharing the techniques, tricks, and creative mindset used by working comic artists. Recommended 14+ Limited spaces, book free ticket here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988913264113?aff=oddtdtcreator

Olive Branch by Vanhulle Dance Theatre –

Bolton Central Library, Saturday 13th June 11am and 2pm

Olive Branch is a family-friendly acrobatic extravaganza about a funny and feel-good tale of friendship and the wonder of the natural world, told through a captivating mixture of physical theatre and martial arts. Recommended 3+

Free and no need to book!

Author Talk with Matt Cain Sunday 14th June, 2pm

Come join us for an afternoon with the incredible author and Bolton native Matt Cain as we discuss his new book 'The Castle of Stories'.

Recommended 10+

Free, Book via Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984461700366?aff=oddtdtcreator

Festival of Libraries Find out more about the full festival schedule across Greater Manchester here: Festival of Libraries 2026: Full Programme - Manchester City of Literature