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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260603T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260603T190000
DTSTAMP:20260419T104416Z
CREATED:20260417T101524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T104416Z
UID:19620-1780509600-1780513200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'Literally' with Ella Willis
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is thrilled to welcome Ella Willis to the store on 3rd June at 6pm to discuss their book\, Literally\, a joyful\, realistic and relatable guide to being autistic\, whether you know you are\, think you may be or love someone who is. As well as a discussion on their book\, there will also be a Q&A\, plus the chance to get your books signed by Ella. The event will be chaired by our bookseller\, Leah. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket – £16.99\nClick here to buy a ticket 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: \nThere are three reasons why this book is called Literally: \nNumber 1: Autistic people can take things literally.\nNumber 2: This is a literal book. Clear in its language\, easy to understand and accessible.\nNumber 3: It’s relatable. What do you say when someone says something so profoundly relatable that it connects to your own experience perfectly? ‘LITERALLY!’\nTenuous fourth reason: It looks great on a front cover. \nIllustrator and content creator Ella Willis was 22 when they were formally diagnosed with autism but this was no surprise. Growing up they felt like they’d surely been dropped on earth by aliens and would eventually be rescued. Social blunders\, overstimulation\, intense joyful special interests: with the label of autism\, these experiences made so much more sense. \nIn Literally\, Ella is here to help you navigate all parts of being autistic\, destigmatize neurodivergence and offer accessible\, practical and hopeful advice. From getting a diagnosis to self-diagnosis\, stimming to masking\, navigating relationships to sensory issues\, Ella uses their personal story\, research\, illustrations and interviews to provide a clear-eyed view of the autistic experience\, \nThis is the book to help you – or your loved ones – thrive.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-literally-with-ella-willis
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:20260605T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260605T120000
DTSTAMP:20260518T133032Z
CREATED:20260518T130721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T133032Z
UID:20645-1780657200-1780660800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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 5 June 2026 \nFriday 12 June 2026 \nFriday 19 June 2026 \nFriday 26 June 2026
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up
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:20260605T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260605T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T114503Z
CREATED:20260402T182221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T114503Z
UID:19200-1780664400-1780668000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:LUNCHTIME LECTURE - Chris Moss 'Lancashire: Exploring the Historic County that Made the Modern World'
DESCRIPTION:House of Books and Friends is excited to introduce the next guest for their ‘Lunchtime Lecture’ series: Chris Moss\, author of Lancashire: Exploring the Historic County that Made the Modern World. Join us on 5th June at 1pm to hear Chris discuss his book\, with special attention paid to Manchester’s place in Lancashire. \nThe talk will begin at 1pm and last for 1 hour. \nTickets \nTicket only £5 \nBook and ticket £25 \nAbout the talk \nAuthor Chris Moss will talk about the development and writing process of his book\, with additional context of returning to Lancashire after living away from his home county for decades. Attendees will be encouraged to consider Lancashire’s central role in modern history as a pioneer of industry\, the heart of social change\, and how the identity of ‘Lancashire’ continues to shift in the 21st Century. \nWith a chapter dedicated to Manchester\, entitled ‘Mancashire… Madchester… Manchattan’\, Chris will invite audiences to consider the reinvention of the city and a sense of belonging unique to Mancunians.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/lunchtime-lecture-chris-moss-lancashire-exploring-the-historic-county-that-made-the-modern-world
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:20260607T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260607T120000
DTSTAMP:20260503T140707Z
CREATED:20260412T130913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T140707Z
UID:19526-1780830000-1780833600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Little Bookworms June 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 Scare BnB by Catherine Doyle. 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: \nTed McKenley would rather live anywhere than with Frankie “spawn-of-the-devil” Stark. And Frankie wouldn’t go near a coward like Ted. Too bad – their parents just got married and blew their savings turning a creepy old mansion into a boutique hotel. At least it’s big enough for the stepsiblings to stay far apart. \nBut when Ted encounters a disappearing housekeeper and Frankie runs into a screaming suit of armour\, their feud becomes the least of their problems. \nWith cranky spirits on the loose\, Ted and Frankie reluctantly team up to stop the devious Duke of Snoring from turning their new home into haunted rubble.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/little-bookworms-june-2026
CATEGORIES:Children's Events,The Book Club
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260612T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260612T120000
DTSTAMP:20260519T144811Z
CREATED:20260518T131252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T144811Z
UID:20647-1781262000-1781265600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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? \n**Please note\, for this Coffee & Connections there will be no designated host. This is an opportunity for you to drop in\, grab a free drink and have a conversation with a stranger! We’ll provide prompts to keep the conversation flowing or go freestyle yourself. Coffee & Connections will return to it’s usual format 26th June** \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 12 June 2026 \nFriday 19 June 2026 \nFriday 26 June 2026
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-2
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:20260615T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260615T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T083004Z
CREATED:20260417T135828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T083004Z
UID:19789-1781524800-1781528400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Chatty Café Brunch
DESCRIPTION:Our Chatty Café Volunteers will be around to do what they do best – chat! Why not pop in to the shop\, enjoy some free pastries\, and have a good natter. No need to book\, just drop in. \nTimings: Monday & Wednesday 12 – 1pm & Third Sunday of the month 11am – 1pm \nCreated by Marmalade Trust\, Loneliness Awareness Week (15 – 21 June) is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open\, honest conversations\, acknowledging that loneliness affects us all at different times of our lives.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/chatty-cafe-brunch
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/2026/04/Event-Text-1-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260615T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260615T190000
DTSTAMP:20260505T133115Z
CREATED:20260419T110417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T133115Z
UID:19822-1781546400-1781550000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'I'm Just A Girl' with Jess Bacon
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is ecstatic to welcome Jess Bacon to the store on 15th June at 6pm to discuss their book\, ‘I’m Just a Girl’: How Reclaiming Girlhood Can Redefine Womanhood. As well as a discussion on their book\, there will also be a Q&A\, plus the chance to get your books signed by Jess. The event will be chaired by our bookseller\, Brooke. \nWe are leaning into bringing your ‘girlhood**’ into your current self\, so we encourage you to dress in a way that would make younger you proud\, and we will be writing notes to our younger selves in the talk! \n**’girlhood’ in this sense is gender neutral – what aspects of your youth do you wish to hold onto? What do you think you had to ‘leave behind’ as you entered adulthood? \nTickets \nClick here for a book and ticket \nClick here for a ticket only \nAbout the book \nIt is a truth universally acknowledged that boys will be boys and girls have to grow up… \nOver the past decade\, girlhood has repainted the cultural landscape pink. From Taylor Swift’s The Era’s Tour to Barbiemania\, this nostalgia for girlhood has become a billion-dollar business\, seen in the music we listen to\, the clothes we wear\, and the 2000s movies (and their long-awaited sequels) we watch on repeat. \nBut at a time when women’s rights are being rewritten\, this resurgence in girlhood is complicated. Women are caught between a genuine desire to relive the wild freedom\, joy and safety found in girlhood\, while facing an ever-growing pressure to hold onto their youth. The world demands women continue to look like girls\, yet they are rarely given the space to actually be girls. \nIn I’m Just a Girl\, journalist Jess Bacon introduces readers to the ‘second girlhood’\, the extended adolescence that adult women have crafted for themselves as a means to reconnect with the part of themselves they left behind: the girl. \nReconnecting with our inner girl is an empowering act of rebellion\, allowing us to reclaim what was once taken from us. Jess shows us how our second girlhood offers a return to creativity and play that can ultimately improve our relationships\, our mental wellbeing and establish a renewed sense of self. For far too long we have been presented with a false choice between womanhood and girlhood – this book is a celebration of a new way of being where we can fully embrace both.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-im-just-a-girl-with-jess-bacon
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/LITERALLY-EVENT-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260617T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260617T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T083404Z
CREATED:20260417T140146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T083404Z
UID:19794-1781697600-1781701200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Chatty Cafe Brunch
DESCRIPTION:Our Chatty Café Volunteers will be around to do what they do best – chat! Why not pop in to the shop\, enjoy some free pastries\, and have a good natter. No need to book\, just drop in. \nTimings: Monday & Wednesday 12 – 1pm \nCreated by Marmalade Trust\, Loneliness Awareness Week (15 – 21 June) is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open\, honest conversations\, acknowledging that loneliness affects us all at different times of our lives.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/chatty-cafe-brunch-2
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/2026/04/Event-Text-1-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260617T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260617T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T114715Z
CREATED:20260510T104451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T114715Z
UID:20435-1781719200-1781724600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Feminist Bookclub with Kate Feld - June
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 June we will be discussing Good and Mad by Rebecca Traister. \nTickets \nBook & Ticket – £9.99 \nTicket only – £3 \nAbout the Book \nLong before Pantsuit Nation\, before the Women’s March\, and before the #MeToo movement\, women’s anger was not only politically catalytic—but politically problematic. The story of female fury and its cultural significance demonstrates its crucial role in women’s slow rise to political power in America\, as well as the ways that anger is received when it comes from women as opposed to when it comes from men. Good and Mad tracks the history of female anger as political fuel\, from suffragettes marching on the White House to office workers vacating their buildings after Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-feminist-bookclub-with-kate-feld-june
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:20260618T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260618T200000
DTSTAMP:20260610T102647Z
CREATED:20260417T135302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T102647Z
UID:19786-1781805600-1781812800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Bookish Summer Social
DESCRIPTION:Looking for a fun way to meet fellow bookworms? Come along to our Bookish Summer Social! Expect to see the winning works from our creative competition\, take part in games\, eat some cake and enjoy a free\, fun-filled evening – the perfect opportunity to celebrate Independent Bookshop & Loneliness Awareness Week 2026! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to connect\, find out more about upcoming events in The Loneliness Project\, and make new friends. If you’re interested in joining us\, sign up in store or using this link. \nTimings: 6pm – 8pm \nCreated by Marmalade Trust\, Loneliness Awareness Week (15 – 21 June) is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open\, honest conversations\, acknowledging that loneliness affects us all at different times of our lives. \nPlease note: filming will be taking place throughout the evening.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/bookish-summer-social
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections,The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Event-Image-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260619T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260619T120000
DTSTAMP:20260610T103320Z
CREATED:20260420T112813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T103320Z
UID:19840-1781866800-1781870400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Loneliness Awareness Week 2026
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. \nFor Loneliness Awareness Week 2026\, we’ll be celebrating those little moments of connection that make such a big difference. \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 link below or in person at the bookshop. \nFriday 19 June \nPlease note: filming will be taking place throughout this session as part of Loneliness Awareness Week. If you would prefer to not be on camera\, please let a member of staff know.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-loneliness-awareness-week-2026
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/2026/04/Event-Image-3.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T140000
DTSTAMP:20260605T083713Z
CREATED:20260417T090617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T083713Z
UID:19725-1781951400-1781964000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Books & Friends Connection Tours
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate Loneliness Awareness Week 2026\, we’re teaming up with Manchester City of Literature to host a walking tour with a difference! Our Books & Friends: Connection Tours are less about history and more about meeting new people and discovering local places to connect. Using the Manchester UNESCO City of Literature Map\, our relaxed tours will start at House of Books & Friends and feature a snapshot of the city’s literary highlights\, what community activities they offer and how to get involved – perfect for all you bookworms out there! We will end the tour back at the bookshop where you’ll get the chance to know your group better over a free hot drink. \nTour Route (please note we will not enter any of the buildings other than House of Books & Friends on this tour) \nStart: House of Books & Friends \nStop 2: Royal Exchange Theatre \nStop 3: The John Rylands Research Institute and Library \nStop 4: Waterstones Deansgate \nStop 5: The Portico Library \nStop 6: Central Library \nEnd: House of Books & Friends \nYou can find a digital version of the City of Literature Map here. \nTour Timings: \nTour 1: 10:30 – 11:30 \nTour 2: 13:00 – 14:00 \nTickets \nOur Connection Tours are free\, but we kindly ask you to book a ticket so we know how many people to expect. You can book your ticket online below or in person at the shop. \nTickets for Tour 1 (Saturday 20 June\, 10:30 – 11:30) \nTickets for Tour 2 (Saturday 20 June\, 13:00 – 14:00) \nAccess \nPlease see our access page for information about accessing the bookshop. \nPlease contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live or call 07597365380 if you have any questions regarding accessibility.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/books-friends-connection-tours
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/2026/04/Event-Image-2-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260622T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260622T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T102321Z
CREATED:20260510T112037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T102321Z
UID:20442-1782154800-1782158400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Online
DESCRIPTION:This session of The Book Club will take place on Monday 22nd June 7-8 pm via Zoom. This month\, we are reading The Director by Daniel Kehlmann. £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: \nAn artist’s life\, a pact with the devil\, a novel about the dangerous illusions of the silver screen. \nG.W. Pabst\, one of cinema’s greatest\, perhaps the greatest director of his era: when the Nazis seized power he was filming in France\, to escape the horrors of the new Germany he flees to Hollywood. But under the blinding California sun\, the world-famous director suddenly looks like a nobody. Not even Greta Garbo\, who he made famous\, can help him. And thus\, almost through no fault of his own\, he finds himself back in his homeland of Austria\, which is now called Ostmark. The returning family is confronted with the barbaric nature of the regime. But Goebbels\, the minister of propaganda in Berlin\, wants the film genius\, he won’t take no for an answer and makes big promises. While Pabst still believes that he will be able to resist these advances\, that he will not submit to any dictatorship other than art\, he has already taken the first steps into a hopeless entanglement.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-online-8
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260624T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260624T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T103334Z
CREATED:20260510T123106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T103334Z
UID:20450-1782324000-1782327600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Evening Book Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Wednesday 24th June 6pm-7pm in person. In this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Director by Daniel Kehlmann. \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 \nAn artist’s life\, a pact with the devil\, a novel about the dangerous illusions of the silver screen. \nG.W. Pabst\, one of cinema’s greatest\, perhaps the greatest director of his era: when the Nazis seized power he was filming in France\, to escape the horrors of the new Germany he flees to Hollywood. But under the blinding California sun\, the world-famous director suddenly looks like a nobody. Not even Greta Garbo\, who he made famous\, can help him. And thus\, almost through no fault of his own\, he finds himself back in his homeland of Austria\, which is now called Ostmark. The returning family is confronted with the barbaric nature of the regime. But Goebbels\, the minister of propaganda in Berlin\, wants the film genius\, he won’t take no for an answer and makes big promises. While Pabst still believes that he will be able to resist these advances\, that he will not submit to any dictatorship other than art\, he has already taken the first steps into a hopeless entanglement.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-evening-book-club
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/2026/05/1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260625T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260625T113000
DTSTAMP:20260614T142710Z
CREATED:20260517T100103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260614T142710Z
UID:20628-1782383400-1782387000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club – Baby Friendly
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 25th June 10.30am-11.30am in person. In this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Director by Daniel Kehlmann. \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. \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 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 \nAn artist’s life\, a pact with the devil\, a novel about the dangerous illusions of the silver screen. \nG.W. Pabst\, one of cinema’s greatest\, perhaps the greatest director of his era: when the Nazis seized power he was filming in France\, to escape the horrors of the new Germany he flees to Hollywood. But under the blinding California sun\, the world-famous director suddenly looks like a nobody. Not even Greta Garbo\, who he made famous\, can help him. And thus\, almost through no fault of his own\, he finds himself back in his homeland of Austria\, which is now called Ostmark. The returning family is confronted with the barbaric nature of the regime. But Goebbels\, the minister of propaganda in Berlin\, wants the film genius\, he won’t take no for an answer and makes big promises. While Pabst still believes that he will be able to resist these advances\, that he will not submit to any dictatorship other than art\, he has already taken the first steps into a hopeless entanglement.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-baby-friendly-3
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/2026/05/Copy-of-June-book-club.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260625T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260625T150000
DTSTAMP:20260529T102946Z
CREATED:20260512T114655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T102946Z
UID:20492-1782396000-1782399600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Book Club - Afternoon
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 25th June 2pm-3pm in person. In this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Director by Daniel Kehlmann. \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 \nAn artist’s life\, a pact with the devil\, a novel about the dangerous illusions of the silver screen. \nG.W. Pabst\, one of cinema’s greatest\, perhaps the greatest director of his era: when the Nazis seized power he was filming in France\, to escape the horrors of the new Germany he flees to Hollywood. But under the blinding California sun\, the world-famous director suddenly looks like a nobody. Not even Greta Garbo\, who he made famous\, can help him. And thus\, almost through no fault of his own\, he finds himself back in his homeland of Austria\, which is now called Ostmark. The returning family is confronted with the barbaric nature of the regime. But Goebbels\, the minister of propaganda in Berlin\, wants the film genius\, he won’t take no for an answer and makes big promises. While Pabst still believes that he will be able to resist these advances\, that he will not submit to any dictatorship other than art\, he has already taken the first steps into a hopeless entanglement.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-book-club-afternoon-6
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/2026/05/1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260626T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260626T120000
DTSTAMP:20260622T151201Z
CREATED:20260518T131556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T151201Z
UID:20651-1782471600-1782475200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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? \n**Please note\, for this Coffee & Connections there will be no designated host. This is an opportunity for you to drop in\, grab a free drink and have a conversation with a stranger! We’ll provide prompts to keep the conversation flowing or go freestyle yourself. Coffee & Connections will return to it’s usual format next week.** \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 26 June 2026
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-4
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:20260702T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T190000
DTSTAMP:20260505T122903Z
CREATED:20260503T104446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T122903Z
UID:19615-1783015200-1783018800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'Who’s the Real Dad?' with Doug Sharples\, Sanjay Sood-Smith\, and Amber Stein
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is excited to welcome Doug Sharples\, Sanjay Sood-Smith\, and Amber Stein to the store on 2nd July at 6pm to discuss their book\, Who’s the Real Dad? Two Dads\, One Surrogate: Our Journey to Become LGBTQ+ Parents. As well as a discussion on their book\, there will also be a Q&A\, plus the chance to get your books signed. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket – £20\nClick here to buy a ticket 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 \nA candid\, humorous and moving account of how two men and their surrogate came together to make a family. \nLike countless other couples\, Sanjay and Doug (AKA The Travelling Gays) met\, fell in love – and were soon married. But when they decided they wanted a family of their own\, it was the beginning of an incredible journey that would see them become proud parents to three children – and have a new friend for life in their surrogate\, Amber. \nPart practical guide to the international surrogacy process with a first-hand account of what it’s really like to be a surrogate\, part memoir and social commentary about same-sex parenting\, Who’s the Real Dad? follows their experience step by step – from choosing between adoption and surrogacy to the legal and financial complexities along the way\, and from fertility treatment and embryo transfers to pregnancy\, birth\, and life with three children under two. \nExploring the long-term impact of growing up under Section 28\, changing social attitudes\, and the expanding possibilities for LGBTQ+ parents\, Who’s the Real Dad? demystifies the surrogacy process and offers a fresh perspective on what family really means in the twenty-first century.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/author-event-whos-the-real-dad-with-doug-sharples-sanjay-sood-smith-and-amber-stein
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/2026/05/WHOS-THE-REAL-DAD-new-fatherhood.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T084704Z
CREATED:20260623T084704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T084704Z
UID:21670-1783076400-1783080000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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 3rd July  \nFriday 10th July  \nFriday 17th July  \nFriday 24 July \nFriday 31 July 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-3
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:20260705T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260705T120000
DTSTAMP:20260605T105714Z
CREATED:20260605T104639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T105714Z
UID:21255-1783249200-1783252800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Little Bookworms July 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 July\, we will be reading Alex Abbott is UNdead by Louise Austin. 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: \nCome on a fang-tastic adventure! I’m Alex Abbott. I was a completely ordinary kid until I accidentally got turned into a vampire. I have cool powers\, but they’re seriously not worth it\, because I have to: \n1. Keep the powers secret\, even from my best friends (nightmare)\n2. Still go to school every day (thanks\, Mum and Dad)\n3. Never eat chips or ice-cream ever again (the WORST) \nActually\, that’s not the worst. Trying to find a cure\, I blundered into the supernatural world\, broke an ancient pact and extinguished 32 tiny fire sprites (my bad). Now I’m on an epic quest to right those wrongs and make a deal with an ancient Sicilian fire demon to get my life back. What could possibly go wrong . . .?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/little-bookworms-july-2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Copy-of-LIL-BW-May-26.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260706T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260706T180000
DTSTAMP:20260622T150934Z
CREATED:20260622T143308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T150934Z
UID:21632-1783357200-1783360800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:HOBAF Craft Club - July
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 6th July ticket \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-3
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:20260710T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260710T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T085057Z
CREATED:20260623T085057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T085057Z
UID:21678-1783681200-1783684800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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 10th July  \nFriday 17th July  \nFriday 24 July \nFriday 31 July 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-5
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:20260714T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260714T120000
DTSTAMP:20260617T082755Z
CREATED:20260521T092348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T082755Z
UID:20789-1784026800-1784030400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Beyond Words Book Club Pop-Up
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate Disability Pride Month\, 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 book club 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? \nTuesday 14 July 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-2
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Beyond-Words-Book-Club-for-adults-with-learning-needs-7.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260715T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260715T193000
DTSTAMP:20260526T142719Z
CREATED:20260610T141334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T142719Z
UID:20859-1784138400-1784143800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:The Feminist Book Club with Kate Feld - July
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 July\, we will be reading ‘Goodlord: An Email’ by Ella Frears. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket combo for £10.99 \nClick here to buy a ticket only for £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 \nI had to wait\, input a five-digit code sent to me via text.\nWhen it came through it was: \n00000 which seems insane. \nI stared at it for more than my allotted minutes.\nHow is it that I found myself with all those holes? \nA row of ohs. Disgusting.\nNo\, I can’t go on. \nI won’t\, Ava. Do you watch porn? \nAsked by letting agent\, Ava\, to make an account with the ominous sounding property technology ‘Goodlord’\, our narrator launches into a breathless and rage fuelled reply that swings wildly between anecdotes of chaotic house-shares\, grubby university halls\, the claustrophobic school days that haunt her still\, her various underpaid exploitative jobs at pubs and restaurants\, relationships and sexual encounters both troubling and ecstatic\, and an artists’ residency that offers her the space she craves but demands a complicated transaction in return. \nWritten in sharp\, unflinching prose\, Goodlord exposes the grinding inequalities of modern life. It is a blistering exploration of what it means to live in a world where everything\, including your dignity\, comes with a price tag.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/the-feminist-book-club-with-kate-feld-july
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/2026/05/FEMINIST26.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260716T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260716T140000
DTSTAMP:20260704T093253Z
CREATED:20260702T172703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260704T093253Z
UID:22024-1784203200-1784210400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:FREE - Signing and Live Portrait with Navya Raju
DESCRIPTION:Join illustrator Navya Raju on 16th July for a free live portrait and book signing event! Navya will be with us from 12pm – 2pm\, offering live illustrations of you and your little bookworms\, as well as signing copies of her books ‘The Twirly Wiggly Dance’ and ‘Not Now\, Goldilocks!’. Books will be available to purchase on the day. \nAttendance is free; we recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment as each portrait takes time and there may be a queue. \nWe look forward to seeing you there!
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/free-signing-and-live-portrait-with-navya-raju
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/2026/07/nAVYA-RAJU-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260717T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260717T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T085228Z
CREATED:20260623T085228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T085228Z
UID:21680-1784286000-1784289600@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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 17th July  \nFriday 24 July \nFriday 31 July 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-6
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:20260722T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260722T190000
DTSTAMP:20260622T081050Z
CREATED:20260603T141900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T081050Z
UID:21211-1784743200-1784746800@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:50 Years of Punk: John Robb and Russ Bestley in conversation
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is excited to celebrate 50 Years of Punk with John Robb and Russ Bestley on 22nd July at 6pm. John will be discussing his memoir\, Punk Rock Ruined my Life: and other stories\, while Russ discusses his new title\, Turning Revolt into Style: The process and practice of punk graphic design. The talk will take place for one hour\, and will involve a Q&A and a chance to get your books signed by John and Russ. The event will be chaired by Kevin Quinn. \nTickets \nClick here to buy your ticket for £5. You can add on John Robb’s title for an additional £15 (£20 total)\, Russ Bestley £20 (£25 in total)\, or we are offering a bundle for both books and a ticket at £40. These will be available for collection on the night. \nAbout the books \nPunk Rock Ruined my Life: and other stories \nThe irresistible story of a one-man cultural phenomenon. \nMinister for the Counterculture\, Mancunian mainstay and alternative national treasure John Robb has lived a life in music. In this book he charts his adventures on the cultural frontline\, chronicling the making of a DIY icon. \nRobb’s quest began in his hometown of Blackpool – where punk was a battle against the odds – and went international when he toured the world with his band. The first person to interview Nirvana\, he also discovered The Stone Roses for weekly newspaper Sounds and did early interviews with The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Manics\, before moving on to legends such as Mark E. Smith\, Nick Cave and Patti Smith. Along the way\, he became an on-screen commentator and author of bestselling books. \nRobb’s memoir tells of deep friendships with figures from Poly Styrene to Chris Packham. Packed with riotous stories\, it provides an alternative account of British musical and cultural history and a triumphant blueprint for a punk rock life. \nTurning Revolt into Style: The process and practice of punk graphic design \nDrawing on interviews with leading punk and post punk designers including Malcolm Garrett\, Bill Smith\, Chris Morton\, Steve Averill\, Mike Coles\, Bob Last\, Rob O’Connor\, Jill Mumford and Neville Bordy along with detailed archival and historical research\, this book reveals the implicit tensions between a new creative vanguard and the design establishment\, together with the opportunities offered by new technologies and dramatic parallel changes in labour relations and working practices. \nAlong with a close analysis of punk and post punk record covers\, fanzines and other artefacts\, Turning revolt into style charts the story of a seismic cultural shift thar was to have a lasting impact for decades to come. The text centres on two key questions: how did a new generation of young\, punk inspired graphic designers navigates the music graphics profession the lates 1970s and early 1980s? And how did significant changes in printing technology\, labour relations and working practices in the design profession impact their work during that period? \nAbout the chair \nKevin Quinn is completing a PhD as a researcher at Central Saint Martins\, University of the Arts London. His thesis title is The NME: Counterculture and change\, 1980 – 1985 which maps a new history of the influential magazine the NME. Kevin is also a member of the UAL Subcultures Interest Group\, who have been extant since 2019 and in that time has produced five newspapers consisting of a broad range of topics\, hosted film screenings with Doc’n’Roll and other independent filmmakers\, and in July 2026 will be launching the new newspaper in conjunction with the newly opened Museum of Youth Culture in Camden\, London.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/50-years-of-punk-john-robb-and-russ-bestley-in-conversation
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/2026/06/50-years-punk-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260723T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260723T113000
DTSTAMP:20260715T113522Z
CREATED:20260702T092742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T113522Z
UID:22003-1784802600-1784806200@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Family Edition
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\, especially for families. We want to create opportunities for parents and carers to meet over coffee and good conversation\, providing the chance for people to forge community\, and share the joys\, trials and tribulations of family life. \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 some topics\, which we will discuss throughout the session. 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\, including a craft table to keep the little ones entertained. You just show up\, be yourself & make new connections! \nMeet 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 take place during school holidays from 10:30am – 11:30am \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\, and juice for the young ones. \nYou can book your free ticket on our website by following the links below or in store at the bookshop. \nThursday 23rd July ticket \nWednesday 5th August ticket \nWednesday 12th August ticket \nWednesday 19th August ticket \nWednesday 26th August ticket
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-family-edition
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Family-Friendly-Coffee-and-Connections-Infographic-Instagram-Post-45-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260724T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260724T120000
DTSTAMP:20260623T085403Z
CREATED:20260623T085403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T085403Z
UID:21682-1784890800-1784894400@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Weekly Community Meet Up
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 24 July \nFriday 31 July 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.live/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-7
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:20260725T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260725T113000
DTSTAMP:20260519T100924Z
CREATED:20260518T123602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T100924Z
UID:20640-1784975400-1784979000@houseofbooksandfriends.live
SUMMARY:Books & 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 25 July 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-beats
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/2026/05/Books-Beats-July-Poster.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.live
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR