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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T120000
DTSTAMP:20260303T152342Z
CREATED:20260303T113829Z
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SUMMARY:Beyond Words Book Club Pop-Up
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate World Reading Night\, the gunnercooke foundation and House of Books and Friends are excited to invite you to our Beyond Words Book Club pop-up – an accessible book club session for adults with learning needs and disabilities and their carers. \nBeyond Words Book Club is perfect for anyone who may prefer to read pictures than words. By creating a community of book lovers and storytellers\, we hope to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for participants and their carers. We want to create a space where people feel like they belong\, share stories\, and have fun! \nHow Does it Work? \nIn the session\, we will use a specially designed illustrated book from Beyond Words Books\, which has no words. Instead\, participants take it in turns to interpret the illustrations on the page. We will develop the story together as each page is shaped by everyone’s thoughts\, feelings\, and experiences. \nOur Beyond Words host will help guide the session\, asking open ended questions such as ‘Who do you think that is?’\, ‘What do you think they are feeling?’\, and ‘Where do you think they are going?’ to help move the story along if needed. \nWhen is the Beyond Words Book Club Pop-Up? \nThursday 23 April 11am – 12pm \nHow long does the session last?  \nThe session will consist of 5 participants and their families/carers\, and last between 45 minutes – 1 hour. \nTickets & Booking \nTickets for the Pop-Up are free. We ask that you book a ticket\, just so we know how many people to expect. \n1 ticket admits 1 participant plus accompanying adult/s. You can book a ticket here or in person at the bookshop. \nAccess Information \nPlease see our access page for information about accessing the bookshop. \nA member of staff will be at the door to greet you. \nAt the beginning of the session our Beyond Words host will explain where our accessible toilets are as well as a designated quite space for the session. \nPlease contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380 if you have any questions regarding accessibility. \nBeyond Words Books \nWe’d like to thank Beyond Words Books for their help in establishing Beyond Words Book Club at House of Books & Friends. To find out more about their work click here. \nBeyond Words Book Club is delivered through House of Books and Friends by the Gunnercooke Foundation\, and in partnership with Books Beyond Words.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/beyond-words-book-club-pop-up
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
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ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T095838Z
CREATED:20260403T095443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T095838Z
UID:19232-1776967200-1776974400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:World Book Night Spring Social
DESCRIPTION:In Honour of World Book Night\, House of Books and Friends will be hosting an event from 6-8pm on April 23rd! Come along if you want to have some bookish fun\, take part in Hobaf’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year\, and have the chance to take home a free book! World Book Night takes place every year\, with the hope of fostering readership among the public and as a celebration as to how reading enriches one’s life. If you’re interested in joining us for World Book Night\, sign up here
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/world-book-night-spring-social
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260424T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260424T120000
DTSTAMP:20260317T102112Z
CREATED:20260317T100834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T102112Z
UID:18717-1777028400-1777032000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Connections \nAt House of Books & Friends\, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. In a time when we are more digitally connected than ever\, it can be hard to find real and meaningful connections. We want to create opportunities for people to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge new friendships and community. \nHow does it work? \nAt the beginning of each session\, there will be a 5-minute group activity to get the conversation flowing led by a member of our team. Everybody is then invited to write down their favourite topic of conversation and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull out 3 topics\, which we will discuss for 10 minutes each. Remember\, there is no need to be an expert! All discussions are designed to be relaxed\, respectful and enjoyable! We’ll organise everything you need to have a great time. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nCoffee & Connections is only open to people over 18. Meet ups will take place in public\, and we ask all participants to be mindful of their own safety when attending – for example\, thinking carefully before sharing personal information such as your home address with other participants. We ask all people to be respectful of other participants taking part in the session. \nWhat dates and times are the sessions taking place? \nSessions are 60 minutes\, and run weekly on Fridays from 11 – 12pm \nTickets \nIt is free to attend Coffee & Connections\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. There is a free hot drink available for people taking part in the event. \nYou can book a ticket on our website by following the links below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 24 April
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meetup-9
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260427T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260427T200000
DTSTAMP:20260330T154400Z
CREATED:20260318T111047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T154400Z
UID:18278-1777316400-1777320000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club – Online
DESCRIPTION:This session of The Book Club will take place on Monday 27th  7pm – 8pm via Zoom. This month\, we are reading Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan. £9.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club\, and the group will be split up into smaller groups in breakout rooms to discuss the questions. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book \nBo knows she should go. Years of rain have drowned the city and almost everyone else has fled. Her mother was carried away in a storm surge and ever since\, Bo has been alone. She is stalled: an artist unable to make art\, a daughter unable to give up the hope that her mother may still be alive. Half-heartedly\, she allows her cousin to plan for her escape—but as the departure day approaches\, she finds a note slipped under her door from Mia\, an elderly woman who lives in her building and wants to hire Bo to be her caregiver. Suddenly\, Bo has a reason to stay. \nMia can be prickly\, and yet still she and Bo forge a connection deeper than any Bo has had with a client. Mia shares stories of her life that pull Bo back toward art\, toward the practice she thought she’d abandoned. Listening to Mia\, allowing her memories to become entangled with Bo’s own\, she’s struck by how much history will be lost as the city gives way to water. Then Mia’s health turns\, and Bo determines to honor their disappearing world and this woman who’s brought her back to it\, a project that teaches her the lessons that matter most: how to care\, how to be present\, how to commemorate a life and a place\, soon to be lost forever.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-online-7
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
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ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T132532Z
CREATED:20260318T161513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T132532Z
UID:18778-1777399200-1777406400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'Darkening Song' with Delphine Seddon
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is overjoyed to welcome  Delphine Seddon to discuss her debut novel\,  ‘Darkening Song’. The event will take place in-store on 28th April\, at 6pm\, and will last for 1 hour. There will be a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance to have your book signed by Delphine. \nTickets \nTickets are £7\, with the option to add on a copy of the book. Click here to get your ticket. \nAbout the book \nPower dynamics in the entertainment world also feature prominently in debut author\, and former music industry executive\, Delphine Seddon’s fiercely feminist novel set in the music business. Daisy Jones & The Six meets Euphoria\, ‘Darkening Song’ follows a teen star from Manchester and her ambitious manager as they navigate friendship\, ambition\, and the devastating cost of success. Darkening Song has an original score soundtrack written and produced by an all-female team and performed by the incredible independent artist\, S.Michaud. The book is going to be adapted into a major TV series. \nAbout Delphine Seddon \nDelphine Seddon writes female-driven contemporary fiction and poetry. For the past 20 years she’s worked in the music business. She started out as a talent lawyer during the ‘Myspace era’ and dawn of Lily Allen before becoming Head of Business Affairs at Warner Brothers Records\, working across an incredible roster which included Dua Lipa\, Liam Gallagher\, Foals\, Royal Blood and Enya. She managed artists for a while and most recently\, she was COO at September\, operationally responsible for the record label\, management company and publishing business across London and LA. September’s clients include Glass Animals\, Little Simz and Adele. Originally from Staffordshire\, England\, Delphine now lives by the sea in rural West Wales.  \n 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-darkening-souls
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/darkening-song-3.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260429T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260429T190000
DTSTAMP:20260318T115558Z
CREATED:20260318T190045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T115558Z
UID:18280-1777485600-1777489200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Evening
DESCRIPTION:This session of The Book Club will take place on Wednesday 29th 6pm – 7pm in person. This month\, we are reading Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan. £9.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club\, and the group will be split up into smaller groups in breakout rooms to discuss the questions. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book \nBo knows she should go. Years of rain have drowned the city and almost everyone else has fled. Her mother was carried away in a storm surge and ever since\, Bo has been alone. She is stalled: an artist unable to make art\, a daughter unable to give up the hope that her mother may still be alive. Half-heartedly\, she allows her cousin to plan for her escape—but as the departure day approaches\, she finds a note slipped under her door from Mia\, an elderly woman who lives in her building and wants to hire Bo to be her caregiver. Suddenly\, Bo has a reason to stay. \nMia can be prickly\, and yet still she and Bo forge a connection deeper than any Bo has had with a client. Mia shares stories of her life that pull Bo back toward art\, toward the practice she thought she’d abandoned. Listening to Mia\, allowing her memories to become entangled with Bo’s own\, she’s struck by how much history will be lost as the city gives way to water. Then Mia’s health turns\, and Bo determines to honor their disappearing world and this woman who’s brought her back to it\, a project that teaches her the lessons that matter most: how to care\, how to be present\, how to commemorate a life and a place\, soon to be lost forever.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-evening-april
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
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ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T143140Z
CREATED:20260322T105747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T143140Z
UID:18756-1777545000-1777548600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club – Baby Friendly
DESCRIPTION:This baby-friendly session of The Book Club will take place on Thursday 30th April 10:30-11:30am in person. This month\, we are reading Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan. £9.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nPLEASE NOTE: This is a baby friendly session of our adult bookclub\, parents are able to bring little ones and we understand there may be noise and interruption. Much like baby friendly movie screenings\, the books will still contain adult themes and language etc. We ask that all in attendance understand and expect this. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club and everyone will discuss the book and some questions. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book \nBo knows she should go. Years of rain have drowned the city and almost everyone else has fled. Her mother was carried away in a storm surge and ever since\, Bo has been alone. She is stalled: an artist unable to make art\, a daughter unable to give up the hope that her mother may still be alive. Half-heartedly\, she allows her cousin to plan for her escape—but as the departure day approaches\, she finds a note slipped under her door from Mia\, an elderly woman who lives in her building and wants to hire Bo to be her caregiver. Suddenly\, Bo has a reason to stay. \nMia can be prickly\, and yet still she and Bo forge a connection deeper than any Bo has had with a client. Mia shares stories of her life that pull Bo back toward art\, toward the practice she thought she’d abandoned. Listening to Mia\, allowing her memories to become entangled with Bo’s own\, she’s struck by how much history will be lost as the city gives way to water. Then Mia’s health turns\, and Bo determines to honor their disappearing world and this woman who’s brought her back to it\, a project that teaches her the lessons that matter most: how to care\, how to be present\, how to commemorate a life and a place\, soon to be lost forever.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-baby-friendly-2
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
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ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T150000
DTSTAMP:20260330T154440Z
CREATED:20260318T111049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T154440Z
UID:18276-1777557600-1777561200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Afternoon
DESCRIPTION:This session of The Book Club will take place on Thursday 30th 2-3pm in person. This month\, we are reading Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan. £9.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club\, and the group will be split up into smaller groups in breakout groups to discuss the questions. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book \nBo knows she should go. Years of rain have drowned the city and almost everyone else has fled. Her mother was carried away in a storm surge and ever since\, Bo has been alone. She is stalled: an artist unable to make art\, a daughter unable to give up the hope that her mother may still be alive. Half-heartedly\, she allows her cousin to plan for her escape—but as the departure day approaches\, she finds a note slipped under her door from Mia\, an elderly woman who lives in her building and wants to hire Bo to be her caregiver. Suddenly\, Bo has a reason to stay. \nMia can be prickly\, and yet still she and Bo forge a connection deeper than any Bo has had with a client. Mia shares stories of her life that pull Bo back toward art\, toward the practice she thought she’d abandoned. Listening to Mia\, allowing her memories to become entangled with Bo’s own\, she’s struck by how much history will be lost as the city gives way to water. Then Mia’s health turns\, and Bo determines to honor their disappearing world and this woman who’s brought her back to it\, a project that teaches her the lessons that matter most: how to care\, how to be present\, how to commemorate a life and a place\, soon to be lost forever.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-afternoon-5
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/THE-BOOK-CLUB-Instagram-Post-45-6.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T190000
DTSTAMP:20260305T150547Z
CREATED:20260305T095055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T150547Z
UID:18088-1777572000-1777575600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: The Others with Sheena Kalayil
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is thrilled to welcome Sheena Kalayil on Thursday 30th April at 6pm to discuss her book\, ‘The Others’\, recently longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. The evening will involve a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance to get your book signed by Sheena. The evening will be chaired by Isabelle Kenyon\, owner of Fly on the Wall Press. \nTickets \nBook and ticket £12.99 \nTicket only £5 \nAs always\, we have a limited amount of complimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book \nSecrets\, lies and love as the DDR collapses.  \nIt is 1989\, and in a small Baltic city in East Germany\, the Deutsche Demokratische Republik\, three young people from vastly different backgrounds become friends. Armando is a factory worker from Mozambique\, Lolita is a medical student from India\, and Theo is an East Berliner who dreams of being a writer. \nWhen Armando and Lolita make a grisly discovery\, they find themselves caught up in the politics of Theo’s homeland more than ever before. While a quiet revolution sweeps through Eastern Europe\, and the Berlin Wall teeters\, the three find themselves entangled in a poignant love triangle which threatens their futures. \nAs the world order shifts\, their three lives are bound together in a web of love\, lies and fears\, leaving each irrevocably changed. \nAbout the author \nSheena Kalayil is a critically acclaimed Manchester-based author and teacher. ‘The Others’ is Kalayil’s fourth novel\, continuing her profound examination of untold stories from the crossroads of history and human experience. Kalayil’s debut novel\, ‘The Bureau of Second Chances’\, announced her as a major new literary talent\, winning the prestigious Writers’ Guild Award for Best First Novel and being shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Prize for Fiction with a Sense of Place. With a lifetime of experiences teaching around the world\, from Nepal and Mozambique to Tunisia and Venezuela\, Kalayil brings a truly global perspective to her writing. Since 2002\, she has called the UK home\, now teaching at the University of Manchester while penning rich\, immersive narratives that transcend borders.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-the-others-with-sheena-kalayil
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/THE-OTHERS.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260501T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260501T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T132327Z
CREATED:20260415T132149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T132327Z
UID:19627-1777633200-1777636800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections – Weekly Community Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Connections \nAt House of Books & Friends\, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. In a time when we are more digitally connected than ever\, it can be hard to find real and meaningful connections. We want to create opportunities for people to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge new friendships and community. \nHow does it work? \nAt the beginning of each session\, there will be a 5-minute group activity to get the conversation flowing led by a member of our team. Everybody is then invited to write down their favourite topic of conversation and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull out 3 topics\, which we will discuss for 10 minutes each. Remember\, there is no need to be an expert! All discussions are designed to be relaxed\, respectful and enjoyable! We’ll organise everything you need to have a great time. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nCoffee & Connections is only open to people over 18. Meet ups will take place in public\, and we ask all participants to be mindful of their own safety when attending – for example\, thinking carefully before sharing personal information such as your home address with other participants. We ask all people to be respectful of other participants taking part in the session. \nWhat dates and times are the sessions taking place? \nSessions are 60 minutes\, and run weekly on Fridays from 11am – 12pm (except bank holidays). \nTickets \nIt is free to attend Coffee & Connections\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. There is a free hot drink available for people taking part in the event. \nYou can book a ticket on our website by following the links below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 1 May \nFriday 8 May \nFriday 15 May \nFriday 22 May \nFriday 29 May
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meetup-10
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T170000
DTSTAMP:20260503T143200Z
CREATED:20260412T121327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T143200Z
UID:19518-1777795200-1777827600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Little Bookworms May 2026
DESCRIPTION:Have you got a little bookworm in your life? Then look no further than House of Books & Friends. We are excited to invite you to Little Bookworms\, our monthly book club for 8-12 years. The book club runs the first Sunday of every month\, 11am-12pm. \nFor May\, we will be reading Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler. You have until the day of the book club to finish the title – this is available to buy as part of your ticket\, or you can purchase a ticket only. \nAs well as discussing the book\, there will be book-related activities each month for our Little Bookworms to get stuck into\, fun quizzes and games\, and squash and biscuits for all. Our Little Bookworms will also get their own book lovers passport to add to each month they attend as they jet set around the world through reading. \nAll sessions will be ticketed: £7.99 for the book and ticket\, and £2 for just the ticket. All little ones must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased on our website and in store. A limited number of complementary tickets will also be reserved for those who might need them so please do let us know. \nIf you have any questions about the book club or tickets\, you can always take a look at our website\, email us\, or ask a friendly bookseller in store \nAbout the book: \nA rip-roaring adventure story of magic\, myth and mermaids\, featuring Liz Kessler’s popular character Emily Windsnap. \nNeptune and Thor battle for power and their fight upsets the balance of the world. Lightning strikes\, curses fly and towering waves swallow a Viking longship and its crew into a watery valley\, taking with it the secret of the magical blue crystals. \nA thousand years later\, Emily\, a girl who is half human\, half mermaid\, discovers a bangle with a mysterious and beautiful blue crystal. With the help of her human and mer friends\, she discovers the truth about the jewel – and the danger the world faces. The team must race against time to persuade the powerful but notoriously selfish gods of sea and sky to make peace with each other\, before disaster strikes.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/little-bookworms-may-2026
CATEGORIES:Children's Events,The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LIL-BW-May-26.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260505T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260505T190000
DTSTAMP:20260313T180932Z
CREATED:20260309T103102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T180932Z
UID:18468-1778004000-1778007600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'The Mercy Step' Marcia Hutchinson with Pete Kalu
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is excited to welcome back Marcia Hutchinson on Tuesday 5th of May to discuss her Women Fiction Longlist  title ‘The Mercy Step‘. The evening will begin at 6pm\, and involve a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance to get your book signed by Marcia. Marcia will be in conversation with Pete Kalu\, a Mancunian poet\, writer and playwright. \nTickets \nBook and Ticket £9.99 \nTicket Only £5 \nAs always\, we have a limited amount of complimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book \nBradford\, December 1962. \nA precocious Mercy makes her reluctant entrance into the world\, torn from the warm embrace of her mother’s womb\, to a chaotic household that seems to have no place for her. Her siblings do not understand her\, her mother’s attention is given to the Church\, and the entire family lives at the whims of her father’s quick temper. \nLeft to herself\, Mercy finds solace in books\, her imagination\, and the quiet comfort of her faithful toy\, Dolly. But escapism has its limits\, and as the grip of family\, faith and fear threatens to close in\, Mercy learns she must act if she wants a different future; one where she is seen\, heard\, and her family set free. \nAbout the author \nMarcia Hutchinson was born in Manningham\, Bradford\, the seventh of nine children to Windrush generation Jamaican parents. The first pupil from her school to go to Oxford\, Marcia worked as a lawyer before returning to the North and founding the educational publishing company Primary Colours. She was awarded an MBE in 2011 for her services to Cultural Diversity. Now a full-time writer and member of the Black Writers’ Guild\, Marcia’s solo literary debut\, The Mercy Step (Cassava Republic Press)\, was published in July 2025\, and longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2026. The Mercy Step was also nominated for the Nibbies Book of the Year ‘Discover’ Category.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-the-mercy-step-marcia-hutchinson-with-pete-kalu
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/THE-OTHERS-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T190000
DTSTAMP:20260316T113622Z
CREATED:20260316T101843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T113622Z
UID:18686-1778090400-1778094000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:POETRY EVENT: 'Little Bitch' launch with Ellora Sutton\, Betty Doyle and Roma Havers
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is thrilled to welcome Ellora Sutton on Wednesday 6th of May from 6pm to discuss their new poetry collection\, ‘Little Bitch’. Ellora will be joined by Betty Doyle\, author of poetry collection ‘Fruits of Labour’\, and Roma Havers\, author of poetry collection ‘The Natural Way’. There will be 8-10 minutes of reading from the poets\, and 20-30 min discussion with chair\, Stuart Bartholomew. There will also be a Q&A\, and an opportunity for attendees to get their books signed. \nTickets \nAs there are multiple authors in discussion\, you can purchase a ticket-only option\, or you can purchase a copy of the book from us to act as a ticket; see options below: \n£5 Ticket only and the option to buy ONE of the titles available here \n£27 for all 3 books to act as your ticket here \nAbout Little Bitch \nLittle Bitch hangs out in cemeteries\, art galleries\, hot-pink nuclear bunkers. She ruins your favourite movies and won’t stop talking about how hungry she is\, horses\, roses\, her dead mother\, the sea. She watches too much Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She is a Venusian hellhole. She is too pretty to cry. \nEllora Sutton’s hotly-anticipated debut collection is an unsettling exposé of wasted potential\, the precarity of desire\, and the violence of girlhood. With cameos from Hello Kitty\, Susan Sontag\, Tony Hawk\, and Marina Abramović\, Little Bitch uses a powderpuff to serve up a suckerpunch with a side of Black Forest gateau. \nAbout Fruits of Labor \nBetty Doyle’s Fruits of Labour charts coming to terms with childlessness\, from initial symptoms and diagnosis\, grief and uncertainty\, to emerging with acceptance\, hope\, and survival. Doyle explores the impact of childlessness\, and the threat of infertility on the speaker’s sense of self\, femininity\, and family. While initially the body is examined from a place of shame and regret\, it also becomes a site of resilience and abandon. \nThere is joy here\, too – in the unexpected freedom that childlessness brings. Doyle rejects enforced gender roles\, embracing independence and freedom of choice. While the body in these poems can be a site of suffering\, or even viewed by some as deficient\, it is also defiant\, and ultimately\, these poems emerge triumphant\, surviving and thriving on the speaker’s own terms. \nAbout The Natural Way \n‘We’re trying the natural way’\, Havers once said when asked about children in their queer partnership. What follows is their sparklingly disruptive debut\, drawing on inside jokes\, ironies and imaginings for new ways of thinking about what we call natural and the ways and paths we choose to get there. \nFrom Oscar Wilde to an unlikely pelican\, this book’s wandering way resists the traditional nature poem\, instead digging into the muck and rock of queer wilderness. Formally inventive\, these poems span the width of the page and draw on mathematics\, tablecloth patterns and swimming pools for their structures. Ingenious and funny\, Havers’ debut questions received ideas about inheritance and legacies: what if\, it asks\, we live outside the familiar\, familial archive? \nAbout Stuart Bartholomew / Verve Press \nVoted Most Innovative Press at Saboteur Awards and Winner of Michael Marks Publishers Award.\n‘…the always exciting Verve Poetry press’ – Andrew McMillan \nVerve Poetry Press is a Birmingham based poetry indie publishing poets from all corners of the UK. – with a focus on poets that chime with the city’s diverse and energetic qualities. We publish both full collections and pamphlets and favour performance poetry just as much as poems that are written for the page.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/poetry-event-little-bitch-launch-with-ellora-sutton-betty-doyle-and-roma-havers
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LITTLE-BITCH.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T190000
DTSTAMP:20260412T105322Z
CREATED:20260118T131657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T105322Z
UID:17318-1778176800-1778180400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'The Jackfruit Chronicles' by Shahnaz Ahsan
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is overjoyed to welcome Shahnaz Ahsan to discuss her book\, ‘The Jackfruit Chronicles: Memories and Recipes from a British-Bangladeshi Kitchen‘. The event will take place on 7th May at 6pm\, and will involve a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance for you to get your book signed by Shahnaz. Shahnaz will be interviewed by Dr Munza Rahman\, a senior lecturer from MMU whose research focuses primarily on contemporary Postcolonial writing and film\, and more specifically how this intersects with the interdisciplinary field of Food Studies. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket \nClick here to buy a ticket only \nAbout the book \nWith insight and love\, Ahsan guides us through the vibrant flavours and captivating story of Bengali food and its place in Britain. Beginning with the arrival of her grandfather\, Habib\, in Manchester in the 1950s\, this is a spellbinding journey not just through one family story\, but also the broader tale of the Bangladeshi diaspora’s quest for a new life in Britain. \nAhsan beautifully weaves together this narrative of migration and hope with treasured family recipes\, including dishes like sour tomato broth\, jackfruit kofta curry\, lentil fritters\, fish with clementine peels and much more. \nAbout the author \nShahnaz Ahsan is an author\, columnist and award-winning food writer. Shahnaz’s debut novel Hashim & Family was an Observer Best Book of 2020 and was shortlisted for the Guardian Not the Booker Prize. Born and raised in West Yorkshire\, Shahnaz is of British-Bangladeshi heritage\, and has also lived in the USA\, Ethiopia\, Zimbabwe and Rwanda. Shahnaz regularly appears on national and international radio\, including BBC Radio 4\, BBC Asian Network\, BBC Scotland\, and ABC Radio Australia. She has also taught creative writing at the University of Westminster\, and facilitates sessions on food culture for public and private sector clients.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-the-jackfruit-chronicles-by-shahnaz-ahsan
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jackfruit-rose-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T132440Z
CREATED:20260415T132440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T132440Z
UID:19634-1778238000-1778241600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections – Weekly Community Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Connections \nAt House of Books & Friends\, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. In a time when we are more digitally connected than ever\, it can be hard to find real and meaningful connections. We want to create opportunities for people to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge new friendships and community. \nHow does it work? \nAt the beginning of each session\, there will be a 5-minute group activity to get the conversation flowing led by a member of our team. Everybody is then invited to write down their favourite topic of conversation and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull out 3 topics\, which we will discuss for 10 minutes each. Remember\, there is no need to be an expert! All discussions are designed to be relaxed\, respectful and enjoyable! We’ll organise everything you need to have a great time. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nCoffee & Connections is only open to people over 18. Meet ups will take place in public\, and we ask all participants to be mindful of their own safety when attending – for example\, thinking carefully before sharing personal information such as your home address with other participants. We ask all people to be respectful of other participants taking part in the session. \nWhat dates and times are the sessions taking place? \nSessions are 60 minutes\, and run weekly on Fridays from 11 – 12pm (except bank holidays). \nTickets \nIt is free to attend Coffee & Connections\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. There is a free hot drink available for people taking part in the event. \nYou can book a ticket on our website by following the links below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 8 May \nFriday 15 May \nFriday 22 May \nFriday 29 May
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meetup-11
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260511T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260511T180000
DTSTAMP:20260416T094914Z
CREATED:20260401T110215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T094914Z
UID:19137-1778518800-1778522400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:HOBAF Craft Club
DESCRIPTION:Introducing our monthly Craft Club at House of Books and Friends – a space dedicated to sharing creativity and meeting new people! \nThese peer-led\, relaxed sessions will take place on the first Monday of the month\, 5pm – 6pm. We encourage you to bring along a project or use one of the small kits provided. All abilities are welcome\, and no previous crafting experience is needed. \nTickets \nTickets cost £3 and include a hot drink. You can purchase a ticket on our website by following the link below or in person at the bookshop. \nMonday 11 May ticket (date change due to bank holiday). \nAs always\, we have a limited amount of complimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nWe can’t wait for you to join us!
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/hobaf-craft-club
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Craft-CLUB.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T190000
DTSTAMP:20260307T104225Z
CREATED:20260207T152914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T104225Z
UID:17791-1778781600-1778785200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'Rose and Renzo' with Carolyn O'Brien
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is thrilled to welcome Carolyn O’Brien on Thursday 14th of May from 6pm to discuss their new book\, ‘Rose and Renzo‘. The evening will involve a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance to get your book signed by Carolyn. Carolyn will be in conversation with Louisa Reid\, author of adult and YA fiction including ‘Handle with Care’. \nTickets \nBook and Ticket £9.99 \nTicket Only £5 \nAs always\, we have a limited amount of complimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book \nAfter the death of their father\, two sisters arrive in Manchester’s vibrant ‘Little Italy’: creative misfit\, Rose\, and her much older sister\, Ivy. Frustrated and desperate to pursue her artistic passion\, Rose meets Renzo\, a painter arrived from Europe. Their connection is instant and powerful. Yet as their feelings deepen\, Renzo’s past in Mussolini’s Italy remains a mystery. In a time of looming fascism in Europe\, Blackshirts are marching the streets. Rose is drawn to fight this\, but what about Renzo? \nAbout the author \nCarolyn is a historical fiction writer from Manchester. Her writing has a strong sense of the north-west of England. Consistently drawn to the struggle for equality\, as illustrated in her first novel\, The Song of Peterloo\, her work features strong female characters striving to find their place in the world.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-rose-and-renzo-with-carolyn-obrien
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
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ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T125009Z
CREATED:20260408T101912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T125009Z
UID:19364-1778839200-1778846400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Pop-Up
DESCRIPTION:To mark Dying Matters Week\, on Friday 15 May\, the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service will be hosting their pop up session at the House of Books & Friends from 10am – 12pm. \nAll are welcome to attend to learn more about bereavement and the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service. These free drop ins are open to the public\, service users and professionals\, just register your attendance via Eventbrite. \nThere will also be an opportunity to speak to a Bereavement Practitioner for help and support. \nEach month the topic will change so keep on eye out for information and feel free to get in touch with any questions by calling 0161 983 0902 or emailing gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net. \nFuture Pop-Up Dates (10am – 12pm) \n\nThursday 20th August\nFriday 11th September\nThursday 3rd December\n\nFor more information visit greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/greater-manchester-bereavement-service-pop-up
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
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ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T132700Z
CREATED:20260415T132626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T132700Z
UID:19636-1778842800-1778846400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections – Weekly Community Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Connections \nAt House of Books & Friends\, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. In a time when we are more digitally connected than ever\, it can be hard to find real and meaningful connections. We want to create opportunities for people to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge new friendships and community. \nHow does it work? \nAt the beginning of each session\, there will be a 5-minute group activity to get the conversation flowing led by a member of our team. Everybody is then invited to write down their favourite topic of conversation and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull out 3 topics\, which we will discuss for 10 minutes each. Remember\, there is no need to be an expert! All discussions are designed to be relaxed\, respectful and enjoyable! We’ll organise everything you need to have a great time. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nCoffee & Connections is only open to people over 18. Meet ups will take place in public\, and we ask all participants to be mindful of their own safety when attending – for example\, thinking carefully before sharing personal information such as your home address with other participants. We ask all people to be respectful of other participants taking part in the session. \nWhat dates and times are the sessions taking place? \nSessions are 60 minutes\, and run weekly on Fridays from 11 – 12pm (except bank holidays). \nTickets \nIt is free to attend Coffee & Connections\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. There is a free hot drink available for people taking part in the event. \nYou can book a ticket on our website by following the links below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 15 May \nFriday 22 May \nFriday 29 May
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/19636
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T190000
DTSTAMP:20260503T143143Z
CREATED:20260423T103925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T143143Z
UID:19588-1779300000-1779303600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Feminist Book Club with Kate Feld - May
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends are delighted to announce that we are hosting the Feminist Book Club. Taking place monthly\, this will be a space for people of all genders to discuss feminist books. In May we will be discussing Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter. \nTickets \nBook & Ticket – £9.99 \nTicket Only – £3 \nAs always\, there are a limited amount of complimentary tickets available for those who need them. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597 365380. \nAbout the Book \nIs Sophie Fevvers\, toast of Europe’s capitals\, part swan…or all fake? \nCourted by the Prince of Wales and painted by Toulouse-Lautrec\, she is an aerialiste extraordinaire and star of Colonel Kearney’s circus. She is also part woman\, part swan. Jack Walser\, an American journalist\, is on a quest to discover the truth behind her identity. Dazzled by his love for her\, and desperate for the scoop of a lifetime\, Walser has no choice but to join the circus on its magical tour through turn-of-the-nineteenth-century London\, St Petersburg and Siberia.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/feminist-book-club-with-kate-feld-may
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260522T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260522T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T132823Z
CREATED:20260415T132823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T132823Z
UID:19639-1779447600-1779451200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections – Weekly Community Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Connections \nAt House of Books & Friends\, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. In a time when we are more digitally connected than ever\, it can be hard to find real and meaningful connections. We want to create opportunities for people to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge new friendships and community. \nHow does it work? \nAt the beginning of each session\, there will be a 5-minute group activity to get the conversation flowing led by a member of our team. Everybody is then invited to write down their favourite topic of conversation and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull out 3 topics\, which we will discuss for 10 minutes each. Remember\, there is no need to be an expert! All discussions are designed to be relaxed\, respectful and enjoyable! We’ll organise everything you need to have a great time. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nCoffee & Connections is only open to people over 18. Meet ups will take place in public\, and we ask all participants to be mindful of their own safety when attending – for example\, thinking carefully before sharing personal information such as your home address with other participants. We ask all people to be respectful of other participants taking part in the session. \nWhat dates and times are the sessions taking place? \nSessions are 60 minutes\, and run weekly on Fridays from 11 – 12pm (except bank holidays). \nTickets \nIt is free to attend Coffee & Connections\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. There is a free hot drink available for people taking part in the event. \nYou can book a ticket on our website by following the links below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 22 May \nFriday 29 May
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meetup-12
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260523T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260523T113000
DTSTAMP:20260514T151722Z
CREATED:20260413T092003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T151722Z
UID:19549-1779532200-1779535800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Books and Beats
DESCRIPTION:The gunnercooke foundation and House of Books and Friends are so excited to invite you to Books and Beats this school holiday! Led by our fabulous workshop leader\, Beth Bishop\, Books and Beats is a relaxed\, interactive musical storytelling session\, designed for children with special education needs and disabilities and their families. \nThis session is suitable for children aged 6 – 11. \nSquash and biscuits/healthy snacks will be available for all throughout the session. \nWhere and when is Books and Beats taking place? \nSaturday 23 May 2026 \n10:30 – 11:30am \nHouse of Books and Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH \nTickets \nTickets are £5 per young person. 1 ticket admits 1 participant plus accompanying adult/s. You can book a ticket here or in person at the bookshop. \nComplimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nAccess Information \nPlease see our access page for information about accessing the bookshop. \nA member of staff will be at the door to greet you. \nAt the beginning of the session our workshop leader will explain where our accessible toilets are as well as a designated quite space for the session. \nPlease contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380 if you have any questions regarding accessibility.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/books-and-beats-2
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Children's Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Books-Beats-Poster-3.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260525T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260525T200000
DTSTAMP:20260503T125841Z
CREATED:20260406T131231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T125841Z
UID:19002-1779735600-1779739200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Online
DESCRIPTION:This session of The Book Club will take place on Monday 25th May 7-8 pm via Zoom. This month\, we are reading The Vet’s Daughter by Barbara Comyns. £10.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club\, and the group will be split up into smaller groups in breakout rooms to discuss the questions. A Zoom link will be emailed to ticketholders prior to the event starting. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book: \nGrowing up in Edwardian South London\, Alice Rowlands longs for romance and excitement\, for a release from a life that is dreary\, restrictive and lonely. Her father\, a vet\, is harsh and domineering; his new girlfriend brash and lascivious. Alice seeks refuge in memories and fantasies\, in her rapturous longing for Nicholas\, a handsome young sailor and in the blossoming of what she perceives as her occult powers. \nA series of strange events unfolds that leads her\, dressed in bridal white to a scene of ecstatic triumph and disaster among the crowds on Clapham Common. The Vet’s Daughter is a uniquely vivid\, witty and touching story of love and mystery.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/may-book-club-online
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LAURA-22.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T180000
DTSTAMP:20260424T132735Z
CREATED:20260424T122741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T132735Z
UID:19975-1779814800-1779818400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Issue One - An Evening by Optera
DESCRIPTION:An intimate gathering for men committed to personal growth\, connection\, and showing up as their best selves. On the evening of May 26th\, Optera invites men to come together for an evening of honest conversation & reflection at House of Books & Friends. The night will feature a guest speaker sharing their experience of performance\, adversity\, and what it really takes to operate at your optimum. Followed by a journaling exercise using the Optera journal\, designed to help every man in the room leave with more clarity than he arrived with. This is not a networking event. There are no slides\, no sales pitches. Just a room full of like-minded men\, doing the work. \nPlease feel free to bring a notepad and pen. We will also have some pen and paper on hand for the journaling exercises. \nTickets \nTickets for this event are free\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket below so we know how many people to expect. \nClick here for a free ticket to Issue One – A Evening by Optera  \n 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/issue-one-an-evening-by-optera
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/optera-location-london-1-5682.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260527T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260527T190000
DTSTAMP:20260503T125846Z
CREATED:20260406T131141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T125846Z
UID:19004-1779904800-1779908400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Evening
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Wednesday 27th May 6pm-7pm in person. In this month’s Book Club\, we are reading A Vet’s Daughter by Barbara Comyns. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £10.99. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club\, and we will split into smaller groups to discuss the questions. We always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book \nGrowing up in Edwardian South London\, Alice Rowlands longs for romance and excitement\, for a release from a life that is dreary\, restrictive and lonely. Her father\, a vet\, is harsh and domineering; his new girlfriend brash and lascivious. Alice seeks refuge in memories and fantasies\, in her rapturous longing for Nicholas\, a handsome young sailor and in the blossoming of what she perceives as her occult powers. \nA series of strange events unfolds that leads her\, dressed in bridal white to a scene of ecstatic triumph and disaster among the crowds on Clapham Common. The Vet’s Daughter is a uniquely vivid\, witty and touching story of love and mystery.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/may-book-club-evening
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LAURA-22.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T113000
DTSTAMP:20260503T125857Z
CREATED:20260406T131916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T125857Z
UID:19013-1779964200-1779967800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Baby Friendly
DESCRIPTION:This baby-friendly session of The Book Club will take place on Thursday 28th May 10:30-11:30am in person. This month\, we are reading A Vet’s Duaghter by Barabara Comyns. 10.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nPLEASE NOTE: This is a baby friendly session of our adult bookclub\, parents are able to bring little ones and we understand there may be noise and interruption. Much like baby friendly movie screenings\, the books will still contain adult themes and language etc. We ask that all in attendance understand and expect this. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club and everyone will discuss the book and some questions. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the Book:  \nGrowing up in Edwardian South London\, Alice Rowlands longs for romance and excitement\, for a release from a life that is dreary\, restrictive and lonely. Her father\, a vet\, is harsh and domineering; his new girlfriend brash and lascivious. Alice seeks refuge in memories and fantasies\, in her rapturous longing for Nicholas\, a handsome young sailor and in the blossoming of what she perceives as her occult powers. \nA series of strange events unfolds that leads her\, dressed in bridal white to a scene of ecstatic triumph and disaster among the crowds on Clapham Common. The Vet’s Daughter is a uniquely vivid\, witty and touching story of love and mystery.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/may-book-club-baby-friendly
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LAURA-23.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T125852Z
CREATED:20260406T131447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T125852Z
UID:19008-1779976800-1779980400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Afternoon
DESCRIPTION:This session of The Book Club will take place on Thursday 30th April 2pm -3pm\, in person. This month\, we are reading The Vet’s Daughter by Barbara Comyns. £10.99 is the price of the book and a ticket to the session. The book can be delivered directly to you (please add your shipping address and tick the box for shipping) or you can collect it in store free of charge. You can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. You can purchase a ticket only here. \nFor those unable to afford a book or ticket at present\, we have a limited amount of complementary books/tickets. Please contact the bookshop via bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nOne of our booksellers will lead the book club\, and the group will be split up into smaller groups in breakout rooms to discuss the questions. A Zoom link will be emailed to ticketholders prior to the event starting. \nWe always ask that you be respectful and kind whilst discussing the book and others’ opinions of it. \nAbout the book: \nGrowing up in Edwardian South London\, Alice Rowlands longs for romance and excitement\, for a release from a life that is dreary\, restrictive and lonely. Her father\, a vet\, is harsh and domineering; his new girlfriend brash and lascivious. Alice seeks refuge in memories and fantasies\, in her rapturous longing for Nicholas\, a handsome young sailor and in the blossoming of what she perceives as her occult powers. \nA series of strange events unfolds that leads her\, dressed in bridal white to a scene of ecstatic triumph and disaster among the crowds on Clapham Common. The Vet’s Daughter is a uniquely vivid\, witty and touching story of love and mystery.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/may-book-club-afternoon
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LAURA-22.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260529T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260529T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T132934Z
CREATED:20260415T132934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T132934Z
UID:19641-1780052400-1780056000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections – Weekly Community Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Connections \nAt House of Books & Friends\, our mission is to combat loneliness and social isolation. In a time when we are more digitally connected than ever\, it can be hard to find real and meaningful connections. We want to create opportunities for people to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge new friendships and community. \nHow does it work? \nAt the beginning of each session\, there will be a 5-minute group activity to get the conversation flowing led by a member of our team. Everybody is then invited to write down their favourite topic of conversation and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull out 3 topics\, which we will discuss for 10 minutes each. Remember\, there is no need to be an expert! All discussions are designed to be relaxed\, respectful and enjoyable! We’ll organise everything you need to have a great time. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nCoffee & Connections is only open to people over 18. Meet ups will take place in public\, and we ask all participants to be mindful of their own safety when attending – for example\, thinking carefully before sharing personal information such as your home address with other participants. We ask all people to be respectful of other participants taking part in the session. \nWhat dates and times are the sessions taking place? \nSessions are 60 minutes\, and run weekly on Fridays from 11 – 12pm (except bank holidays). \nTickets \nIt is free to attend Coffee & Connections\, but we do ask for you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. There is a free hot drink available for people taking part in the event. \nYou can book a ticket on our website by following the links below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 29 May
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meetup-13
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260601T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260601T180000
DTSTAMP:20260416T095257Z
CREATED:20260416T095257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T095257Z
UID:19666-1780333200-1780336800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:HOBAF Craft Club
DESCRIPTION:Introducing our monthly Craft Club at House of Books and Friends – a space dedicated to sharing creativity and meeting new people! \nThese peer-led\, relaxed sessions will take place on the first Monday of the month\, 5pm – 6pm. We encourage you to bring along a project or use one of the small kits provided. All abilities are welcome\, and no previous crafting experience is needed. \nTickets \nTickets cost £3 and include a hot drink. You can purchase a ticket on our website by following the link below or in person at the bookshop. \nMonday 1 June  \nAs always\, we have a limited amount of complimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nWe can’t wait for you to join us!
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/hobaf-craft-club-2
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Craft Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Craft-CLUB.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260602T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260602T190000
DTSTAMP:20260414T105320Z
CREATED:20260412T144033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T105320Z
UID:19536-1780423200-1780426800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'The New Fatherhood' Kevin Maguire in conversation with Sacha Lord
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is excited to welcome Kevin Maguire to the store on Tuesday 2nd June at 6pm to discuss his book\, The New Fatherhood: Why Everything They Told You About Being a Dad Is Wrong and How Embracing It Will Transform Your Life. As well as a discussion on his book\, there will also be a Q&A\, plus the chance to get your books signed by Kevin. Kevin will be in conversation with Sacha Lord\, co-founder of The Warehouse Project and Parklife Festival\, and fellow dad. \nTickets \nBuy a book and ticket here \nBuy a ticket only here \nAs always\, we have a limited amount of complimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book  \nFatherhood will change you. That much is certain. But whilst it can never be under your control\, it can be under your influence. \nThe old rules of fatherhood are no longer fit for purpose. It used to be simple: you had to protect\, provide for\, and preside over your family. But the world has changed\, seeing today’s dads question the role they play in society\, at work\, and in their homes\, as they feel the once-solid foundation of fatherhood crumble beneath their feet. \nThis redefinition of a role previously set in stone for generations has sent dads looking for answers. Thousands have found them in their inboxes\, via The New Fatherhood\, the #1 fatherhood newsletter on Substack from Kevin Maguire. For five years\, he has interviewed some of the world’s best thinkers\, studied the output of our most creative minds\, and dove deep into the archives of peer-reviewed parenting. This book transforms those sources into an updated operating system for modern dads: delivered through deeply personal stories\, transformative perspectives on success and sense of purpose\, compact frameworks\, habits that stick\, and techniques you can apply in even the most turbulent moments.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-the-new-fatherhood-with-kevin-maguire
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WHOS-THE-REAL-DAD-new-fatherhood-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR