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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T120000
DTSTAMP:20260825T102527Z
CREATED:20260825T102527Z
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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 11 September  \nFriday 18 September  \nFriday 25 September 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-14
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T210000
DTSTAMP:20260914T110323Z
CREATED:20260812T080807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T110323Z
UID:22873-1789149600-1789160400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:SOLD OUT: 'The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI' by Cory Doctorow
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate the launch of Take Back Big Tech\, House of Books and Friend is excited to welcome science fiction author\, activist\, and journalist Cory Doctorow\, in conversation with Jovan Owusu-Nepaul\, to discuss his new book ‘The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI: How to Think About Artificial Intelligence Before It’s Too Late’.\n\n  \nThe event will take place on Friday 11th September\, and will involve a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance for you to get your book signed by Cory. Doors open at 6pm\, with the event starting at 6:45pm.\n\n\n  \nPLEASE NOTE: This event will be recorded live for the podcast What’s Left\, hosted by Jovan and will be found on their website after the event.\n\n\n\nTickets: \nBook and ticket – £16.99 \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.com or call 07597365380. \n\nAbout the book:\n\n\nIt’s not enough to ask what the technology does – we must understand who it’s doing it for and who it’s doing it to. \nAs we enter the age of AI\, we are in danger of being reduced to what Cory Doctorow dubs the ‘reverse centaur’. With that term he conjures a human being conscripted as the assistant to a dominant machine. It could be a driver made to deliver nonstop\, all day long; a warehouse worker packing shelves without bathroom or food breaks; or a programmer reviewing impossible amounts of AI-produced code. \nDon’t fall for the hype! The billionaires managing the rise of AI are putting on a command performance for the bosses and investors\, not for the ordinary people who might use the products. When this latest tech bubble bursts\, will there be something useful for us in the wreckage? \nIn The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI\, Doctorow examines why we find ourselves in this mess and how we can get out of it. Life after AI should mean the tools work for us\, not the other way around. \nAbout Jovan \nJovan Owusu-Nepaul is the co-host of the ‘what’s left?!’ Podcast\, a writer\, commentator\, consultant and former Labour parliamentary candidate in 2024. \nInterested in the big subjects of the day\, Jovan spends too much of his time trying to consider the practical solutions to our problems\, and since the general election has taken a keen interest in the rise of populism\, and where it stems from. \nMinded by issues of social justice\, fairness and access to opportunity\, this is what forms the thread of Jovan’s approach to the world! \nAbout Take Back Big Tech \nTake Back Big Tech is a pressure group and think tank. We exist to hold Big Tech accountable and fight for alternatives that actually work for the people who use them\, not just the companies that run them. \nSocial media promised to connect us. AI promised to help us. Instead\, our attention became the product\, and the platforms we rely on are now flooded with abuse\, fraud\, disinformation and AI-generated noise — while their profits keep climbing. We think that’s worth fighting. Learn more here.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/author-event-the-reverse-centaurs-guide-to-life-after-ai-by-cory-doctorow
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Reverse-Centaurs-Guide-to-Life-After-AI-2-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T190000
DTSTAMP:20260914T103655Z
CREATED:20260730T152244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T103655Z
UID:22556-1789495200-1789498800@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:SOLD OUT: William Ralston in conversation with Anthony Taylor 'The Impossible Job: The Truly Unbelievable World of Football Referees'
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is thrilled to welcome William Ralston\, author of The Impossible Job: The Truly Unbelievable World of Football Referees. William will be in conversation with Anthony Taylor\, a world-class retired referee. The event will take place on 15th September from 6pm – 7pm\, and will include a discussion between the two\, a Q&A\, and a chance to get your book signed by William. \nTickets \nWe are currently sold out for this event; if you would like to be placed on the waitlist please email bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com and we will add you to this list. \nAbout the book \nBooed by crowds. Sworn at by players. Spat on from the stands. Threatened\, accused\, hated. Welcome to the world of football refereeing. \nWe watch referees every week. But almost none of us understand what the job really demands. \nIn this meticulously reported book\, William Ralston goes deep inside football’s most exposed role\, speaking to officials from Sunday league pitches to World Cups to show what it takes to officiate at the highest level. \nWith rare access to UEFA\, FIFA\, and PGMO\, he embeds with referees across Europe’s five major leagues – Bundesliga\, Serie A\, La Liga\, Ligue 1\, and the Premier League – following them through training camps\, assessment rooms\, and matchdays\, where a single call can define a career. He also learns to referee himself\, experiencing first-hand the speed and scrutiny that come with every call. \nThrough defining matches and controversial decisions\, he examines the influence of VAR\, how referees judge fouls\, and the excruciatingly fine margins between control and chaos. \nAbout the author \nWilliam Ralston is a writer living in London. His work has appeared in the Financial Times\, GQ\, the Guardian\, Vanity Fair\, and Wired\, among other publications. He won the Best Sportswriting award at the 2023 British Journalism Awards. \nAbout Anthony Taylor \nAnthony Taylor is one of the most experienced referees in world football\, having officiated at two FIFA World Cups\, hundreds of Premier League matches\, and some of Europe’s biggest UEFA Champions League ties. He retired in 2026 after refereeing at the FIFA World Cup.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/author-event-william-raiston-in-conversation-with-anthony-taylor-the-impossible-game-the-truly-unbelievable-world-of-football-referees
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ANCIENT-WAYS-impossible-job-6.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260916T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260916T193000
DTSTAMP:20260913T142835Z
CREATED:20260808T093529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T142835Z
UID:22798-1789581600-1789587000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Feminist Book Club - September
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends are delighted to announce that we are hosting the Feminist Book Club\, with facilitator Kate Feld. Taking place monthly\, this will be a space for people of all genders to discuss feminist books. In September\, we will be discussing Helen of Nowhere by Makenna Goodman. It will take place September 16th at 6pm. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket \nClick here to buy a ticket only \nAbout the book \nIn the middle of the countryside\, a realtor is showing a disgraced professor around an idyllic house. She speaks not only about the home’s many wonderful qualities but about its previous owner\, the mystifying Helen\, whose presence still seems to suffuse every fixture. Through hearing stories of Helen’s chosen way of living\, the man begins to see that his story is not actually over – rather\, he is being offered a chance to buy his way into the simple life\, close to the land\, that’s always been out of reach to him. But as evening fades into black\, he will learn that the asking price may be much higher\, and stranger\, than anticipated. Philosophically and formally adventurous\, at once intimate and cosmic in scope\, Helen of Nowhere asks: What must we give up in exchange for true happiness? \nAboutKate \nKate Feld is a writer who grew up in in the U.S. state of Vermont and now lives outside Manchester\, UK. She writes poetry\, short fiction\, essays and prose that sits between forms. Her writing explores the natural world\, mythology and the unconscious\, often taking the form of lyric narratives that both interrogate and celebrate lived experience. Her work has been published widely in journals and anthologies including The Stinging Fly\, The Letters Page\, Hotel and Tolka. She is the founding editor of UK creative nonfiction journal and reading series The Real Story\, and lectures in Journalism at the University of Salford. Her chapbook of poetry and photography\, Deeryard\, is forthcoming from Death of Workers Whilst Building Skyscrapers.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-feminist-book-club-september
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FEMINIST26-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T120000
DTSTAMP:20260825T102640Z
CREATED:20260825T102640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T102640Z
UID:23327-1789729200-1789732800@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 18 September  \nFriday 25 September 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-15
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T200000
DTSTAMP:20260830T125109Z
CREATED:20260830T124229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T125109Z
UID:22831-1790017200-1790020800@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Online - September
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Monday 21st September from 7pm online. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Girls by John Bowen. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com 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:  \nIn summer\, and particularly when the wind blows south-west across the lawn\, the sceptic tank gives out a strong stench… ‘Oh\, it is a body\,’ the girls say. ‘We have a body in there. No one you know. It decomposes\, of course\, but so slowly one quite despairs.’ \nIn their lovely\, quiet Cotswolds village\, Janet and Susan are known to the villagers simply as ‘the girls’. Partners in love and work\, co-proprietors of a picturesque shop\, they lead an enviable\, enviably settled life. \nBut when a moment of small\, surprising passion intrudes into the equilibrium of their world\, the girls’ lives take a deeply unsettling turn. First comes motherhood. Then comes murder. \nPart-macabre comedy\, part-crime thriller\, part-cosy romance\, John Bowen’s The Girls is a novel like none other. Told with warmth\, affection and fun\, yet laced with darkness and unease\, ‘the girls’ will ensure you never look on Middle England quite so quaintly again.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-online-september
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Our-July-title-is.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260923T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260923T190000
DTSTAMP:20260830T124556Z
CREATED:20260830T124238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T124556Z
UID:22828-1790186400-1790190000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Evening - September
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Wednesday 23rd September from 6pm in person. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Girls by John Bowen. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com 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:  \nIn summer\, and particularly when the wind blows south-west across the lawn\, the sceptic tank gives out a strong stench… ‘Oh\, it is a body\,’ the girls say. ‘We have a body in there. No one you know. It decomposes\, of course\, but so slowly one quite despairs.’ \nIn their lovely\, quiet Cotswolds village\, Janet and Susan are known to the villagers simply as ‘the girls’. Partners in love and work\, co-proprietors of a picturesque shop\, they lead an enviable\, enviably settled life. \nBut when a moment of small\, surprising passion intrudes into the equilibrium of their world\, the girls’ lives take a deeply unsettling turn. First comes motherhood. Then comes murder. \nPart-macabre comedy\, part-crime thriller\, part-cosy romance\, John Bowen’s The Girls is a novel like none other. Told with warmth\, affection and fun\, yet laced with darkness and unease\, ‘the girls’ will ensure you never look on Middle England quite so quaintly again.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-evening-september
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Our-July-title-is.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T113000
DTSTAMP:20260830T124812Z
CREATED:20260830T124245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T124812Z
UID:22833-1790245800-1790249400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Baby Friendly - September
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 24th September from 10:30am in person. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Girls by John Bowen. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com 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:  \nIn summer\, and particularly when the wind blows south-west across the lawn\, the sceptic tank gives out a strong stench… ‘Oh\, it is a body\,’ the girls say. ‘We have a body in there. No one you know. It decomposes\, of course\, but so slowly one quite despairs.’ \nIn their lovely\, quiet Cotswolds village\, Janet and Susan are known to the villagers simply as ‘the girls’. Partners in love and work\, co-proprietors of a picturesque shop\, they lead an enviable\, enviably settled life. \nBut when a moment of small\, surprising passion intrudes into the equilibrium of their world\, the girls’ lives take a deeply unsettling turn. First comes motherhood. Then comes murder. \nPart-macabre comedy\, part-crime thriller\, part-cosy romance\, John Bowen’s The Girls is a novel like none other. Told with warmth\, affection and fun\, yet laced with darkness and unease\, ‘the girls’ will ensure you never look on Middle England quite so quaintly again.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-baby-friendly-september
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Our-July-title-is.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T150000
DTSTAMP:20260830T124828Z
CREATED:20260830T124252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T124828Z
UID:22826-1790258400-1790262000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club September - Afternoon
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 24th September from 2pm in person. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading The Girls by John Bowen. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com 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:  \nIn summer\, and particularly when the wind blows south-west across the lawn\, the sceptic tank gives out a strong stench… ‘Oh\, it is a body\,’ the girls say. ‘We have a body in there. No one you know. It decomposes\, of course\, but so slowly one quite despairs.’ \nIn their lovely\, quiet Cotswolds village\, Janet and Susan are known to the villagers simply as ‘the girls’. Partners in love and work\, co-proprietors of a picturesque shop\, they lead an enviable\, enviably settled life. \nBut when a moment of small\, surprising passion intrudes into the equilibrium of their world\, the girls’ lives take a deeply unsettling turn. First comes motherhood. Then comes murder. \nPart-macabre comedy\, part-crime thriller\, part-cosy romance\, John Bowen’s The Girls is a novel like none other. Told with warmth\, affection and fun\, yet laced with darkness and unease\, ‘the girls’ will ensure you never look on Middle England quite so quaintly again.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-september-afternoon
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Our-July-title-is.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T120000
DTSTAMP:20260825T102750Z
CREATED:20260825T102750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T102750Z
UID:23329-1790334000-1790337600@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 25 September 
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-16
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T190000
DTSTAMP:20260717T125848Z
CREATED:20260628T114550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T125848Z
UID:21903-1790704800-1790708400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'The Mare' Angharad Hampshire in conversation with Louise Savidge
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is excited to welcome Angharad Hampshire to the store on Tuesday 29th September at 6pm to discuss her book\, The Mare\, Winner of the Walter Scott Prize. As well as a discussion on her book\, there will also be a Q&A\, plus the chance to get your books signed by Angharad. Angharad will be in conversation with booktuber\, Louise Savidge. \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.com or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book  \nBased on a true story\, The Mare offers a gripping portrait of the descent of ordinary people into inhumanity.  \nBefore the Second World War broke out\, Hermine Braunsteiner was an ordinary young woman\, a teenage housemaid from Vienna. By the time the war ended\, she had transformed into one of the most notoriously cruel and violent guards in the Nazi concentration camps\, the ‘Stamping Mare’ known for kicking prisoners to death. \nIn the aftermath of WWII\, she disappeared back into civilian life\, her crimes largely unknown and unpunished. Then she met a US war veteran\, a bachelor holidaying alone in Austria. Ignorant of her past\, he fell in love with her\, married her and brought her back to America\, where she lived for years as a well-liked suburban housewife. Until one day a tip-off from a Holocaust survivor sent a New York Times journalist to the couple’s door…
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/author-event-the-mare-angharad-hampshire-in-conversation-with-louise-savidge
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/QUEER-BOOKSHELF-CARNAVAL-THE-MARE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T120000
DTSTAMP:20260914T115727Z
CREATED:20260914T115727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T115727Z
UID:24229-1790938800-1790942400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 2 October \nFriday 9 October \nFriday 16 October \nFriday 23 October \nFriday 30 October
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-21
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261004T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261004T120000
DTSTAMP:20260919T153731Z
CREATED:20260906T121640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T153731Z
UID:23988-1791111600-1791115200@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:Little Bookworms October 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 October\, we will be reading Shadow Thieves Island of Skulls By Peter Burns. 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 for all. \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: \nTom and his new friends from Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts are taken on a treasure-hunting trip to a private island in the Mediterranean once owned by the great villain himself\, the Duke of Nimes. The Duke is said to have hidden a spectacular treasure in the warrens\, tunnels and caves that pepper the island – as well as a terrifying weapon. \nWill Tom’s street-smarts keep him and his friends alive as they chase down the treasure? And who are the deadly double agents that are sabotaging everything?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/little-bookworms-october-2026
CATEGORIES:Children's Events,The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261005T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261005T180000
DTSTAMP:20260622T150340Z
CREATED:20260622T145321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T150340Z
UID:21649-1791219600-1791223200@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:HOBAF Craft Club - October
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 5th October ticket \nComplimentary tickets for this event for anyone who needs it. Please contact us directly at bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com or call 07597365380. \nWe can’t wait for you to join us!
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/hobaf-craft-club-6
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Craft Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Craft-CLUB.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T190000
DTSTAMP:20260919T153641Z
CREATED:20260903T124557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T153641Z
UID:23782-1791396000-1791399600@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Global Stories Book Club with Laviya Cooke – October
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends are delighted to announce that we are hosting The Global Stories Book Club\, facilitated by Laviya Cooke. Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month\, The Global Stories Book Club is a space where the voices of people of colour are explored and celebrated. People of colour are welcome\, as is anybody interested in stories from diverse perspectives. \nTaking place Wednesday 7th October at 6pm we will be discussing Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket \nClick here to buy a ticket only \nAbout the book \nNo man will call your house his home. And if they try\, they will not have peace… So goes the family curse\, handed down from generation to generation\, ruining families and breaking hearts as it goes. And now it’s calm\, rational Eniiyi’s turn – who\, due to her uncanny resemblance to her dead aunt\, Monife\, and her family’s insistence that she must be a reincarnation\, has long been used to some strange familial beliefs. \nStill\, when she falls in love with the handsome boy she saves from drowning\, she can no longer run from her family’s history. Is she destined to live out the habitual story of love and heartbreak\, or can she escape the family curse and the mysterious fate that befell her aunt?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-global-stories-book-club-with-laviya-cooke-october
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/5.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T120000
DTSTAMP:20260914T114620Z
CREATED:20260914T114620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T114620Z
UID:24217-1791543600-1791547200@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 9 October \nFriday 16 October \nFriday 23 October \nFriday 30 October
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-18
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T120000
DTSTAMP:20260921T154202Z
CREATED:20260910T153838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154202Z
UID:24135-1791630000-1791633600@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:Coffee & Connections - Take 10 to Read!
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. That’s why we’re celebrating the power of reading this World Mental Health Day. 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? \nWhen you arrive\, grab your free hot drink and join the us in the back room. You’re more than welcome to bring your own reading material (whether that is a book\, newspaper\, magazine or something else!) or feel free to read one of the books provided. We will then begin to read together for 10 minutes. After\, everybody is invited to write down their reflections on what they’ve just read and drop it in our Chatty Hat! Our team member will randomly pull them out for us to discuss as a group. 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! \nAbout Take 10 to Read \nReading can help you relax\, boost your mood and escape elsewhere – and it doesn’t have to be a book. It could be a football magazine\, a comic or even a recipe book. Reading something that interests you can transport you away from day-to-day life. \nThat’s why\, each year on 10 October the National Literacy Trust calls on the nation to #Take10ToRead in support of World Mental Health Day. Try it for 10 minutes and see where it takes you. \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. \nCoffee & Connections – Take 10 to Read Ticket (Saturday 10 October)
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-take-10-to-read
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Copy-of-Coffee-and-Connections-Flyer-Poster-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T180000
DTSTAMP:20260909T120326Z
CREATED:20260831T135545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T120326Z
UID:23565-1792000800-1792000800@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:AUTHOR EVENT: 'In Your Heart a Devil' Vanessa Santos in conversation with Jodie Matthews
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends is excited to welcome Vanessa Santos to discuss her book ‘In Your Heart a Devil. The event will take place on 14th October at 6pm\, and will last one hour\, and will include a discussion\, a Q&A\, and a chance to get your book signed by Vanessa. Vanessa will be in conversation with Jodie Matthews\, author of Meet Me at the Surface. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket. \nClick here to buy a ticket only. \nAbout the book \nInspired by local Scottish folklore\, In Your Heart a Devil is a gothic tale of love and alienation\, full of loneliness\, yearning\, and the unholiest of unions. \n For years bonfires have been lit by superstitious villagers in the town of S—\, intended to ward off the spirit of the man who was once their Laird. His widow still watches from the window of the big empty house on the hill. Isabel has heard the rumours about her husband\, but only she knows what went on behind closed doors. Because behind every enigmatic man there is a woman with a heart full of secrets. \nIt was decades ago that she left her grief-shadowed home in Portugal and began her search for her father. As her investigation led her to the rugged landscapes of Scotland\, she couldn’t have foreseen the dark heart that was to win over her own\, and how much she would come to understand the sharp pulse of longing and the deeper wound of rejection. \nA gothic tale of unrequited longing and unfathomable betrayal\, In Your Heart a Devil beckons readers through unforgiving halls where servants whisper and shadows stir\, into chambers where forbidden vows are bound in candlelight; and into the heart of a woman who is ready to emerge from her husband’s mythologised shadow to tell her own story. \nAbout the author \nVanessa Santos was born and raised on a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic. She now lives in Scotland (though still by the sea) and spends as much of her time as possible devouring stories\, writing stories\, and wandering the endless Scottish woods. Her short fiction has been published online at Samjoko Magazine and Idle Ink\, and in anthologies by Sliced Up Press\, Colp\, and Solar Press. Her debut short story collection\, Make a Home of Me\, was published by Dead Ink Books in 2025. It was longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize\, and one of the stories ‘Emily’ won the Shirley Jackson Award for best novelette. In Your Heart a Devil is her debut novel.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/author-event-in-your-heart-a-devil-vanessa-santos-in-conversation
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/vanessa-santos-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261016T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261016T120000
DTSTAMP:20260914T114852Z
CREATED:20260914T114852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T114852Z
UID:24219-1792148400-1792152000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 16 October \nFriday 23 October \nFriday 30 October
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-19
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261021T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261021T193000
DTSTAMP:20260913T143453Z
CREATED:20260917T090019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T143453Z
UID:24187-1792605600-1792611000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Feminist Book Club - October 2026
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends are delighted to announce that we are hosting the Feminist Book Club\, with facilitator Kate Feld. Taking place monthly\, this will be a space for people of all genders to discuss feminist books. In September\, we will be discussing Gaining Ground by Joan Barfoot. It will take place Wednesday 21st October at 6pm. \nTickets \nClick here to buy a book and ticket \nClick here to buy a ticket only \nAbout the book \nI swear I loved them all\, and I did the best I could. And then I left them\, left all of it. \nAbra has a perfect-seeming life as a wife and mother: until one day\, she walks away\, leaving only a note asking her family not to look for her.\nIn a woodland cabin\, her new life alone begins. There are no mirrors\, no clocks\, no memories: just the squirrels breathing in the forest\, and silence of vegetables growing.\nYears later\, a young woman arrives\, and the past-flashes begin. Daughter? A strange word. Is this her? And what will this mean? \nJoan Barfoot’s Gaining Ground is a both a provocative meditation on living on your own terms and an exquisite work of art. It calls to anybody who has ever wanted to escape – who has asked what it costs to be wild\, to be sane\, to be free. \nAbout Kate \nKate Feld is a writer who grew up in in the U.S. state of Vermont and now lives outside Manchester\, UK. She writes poetry\, short fiction\, essays and prose that sits between forms. Her writing explores the natural world\, mythology and the unconscious\, often taking the form of lyric narratives that both interrogate and celebrate lived experience. Her work has been published widely in journals and anthologies including The Stinging Fly\, The Letters Page\, Hotel and Tolka. She is the founding editor of UK creative nonfiction journal and reading series The Real Story\, and lectures in Journalism at the University of Salford. Her chapbook of poetry and photography\, Deeryard\, is forthcoming from Death of Workers Whilst Building Skyscrapers.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-feminist-book-club-october-2026
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FEMINIST26-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261023T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261023T120000
DTSTAMP:20260914T115054Z
CREATED:20260914T114414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T115054Z
UID:24210-1792753200-1792756800@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 23 October \nFriday 30 October
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/coffee-connections-weekly-community-meet-up-17
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T200000
DTSTAMP:20260919T154839Z
CREATED:20260919T115455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T154839Z
UID:24228-1793041200-1793044800@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Online - October
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Monday 26th October from 7pm online. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com 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 \n1915\, the Cabrach. In the fierce\, wild beauty of this remote corner of Scotland\, an isolated community makes a discovery: an ancient body in a peat bog\, perfectly preserved. \nTwo people haul the body from the ground: Lizzie\, the wife of a wealthy local landowner\, and Johnny\, a nomadic singer and farm hand. \nSoon afterwards\, strange events begin to occur. At hearthside and inn\, people whisper: what have we unearthed? \nAs tensions run high and men leave for war\, old fears and secrets emerge. But in a place where judgement is swift\, who is truly without sin?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-online-october
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Our-July-title-is.-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T213000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T213000
DTSTAMP:20260820T142844Z
CREATED:20260818T112940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T142844Z
UID:22867-1793050200-1793050200@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:MIDNIGHT LAUNCH: A Court of Splintered Harmony
DESCRIPTION:You are cordially summoned to the Night Court. \nLeave the mortal realm behind and step through the doors of the bookshop\, where the shelves become portals and the pages of A Court of Thorns and Roses come alive after dark. \nJoin the Inner Circle for an enchanting evening celebrating the Midnight Launch with music\, magic\, crafts\, quizzes\, and revelry beneath a sky of stars. Test your knowledge of the Courts\, unleash your creativity\, and come dressed to impress for our Best Dressed competition. \nAs the clock draws closer to midnight\, gather with fellow dreamers\, romantics\, and devotees of Prythian to welcome the next chapter together. \nThe Details \n\nWhen: The Night of Starfall | 26th October\, 9:30pm–12:00am\nWhere: The Night Court | House of Books and Friends\nAttire: Starlight gowns\, tailored suits\, masks\, wings\, and anything worthy of the Inner Circle encouraged\, but all will be granted entry to this House of Books and Friends.\n\nThe books are waiting. The Night Court is calling. Will you answer?\n \nBook your ticket here. \nDISCLAIMER: Alcohol may be for sale on the evening\, if you are fortunate enough to look under 25\, please bring a valid form of photo ID.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/acotar-midnight-launch
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MIDNIGHT-LAUNCH-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261027T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261027T123000
DTSTAMP:20260719T111745Z
CREATED:20260707T102523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260719T111745Z
UID:22075-1793098800-1793104200@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:BOOK SIGNING - The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour
DESCRIPTION:The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour – Public signing \nHouse of Books and Friends are thrilled to welcome childrens author Oliver Jeffers to the store on 27th October at 11am to sign copies of ‘A Day off School‘ and ‘There’s a Ghost in This House‘. \nTickets are included in the price of the books! \nGet your tickets here! \nA free art print will be gifted with either book bought. Additional publishing by Oliver will also be available to buy on the day. \n \nAbout the books \nA Day Off School tells the story of Herbie\, who stays home from school when he has the sniffles. At first\, Herbie is delighted to have a day all to himself. A day to play Space Blasters uninterrupted\, do some painting and to read his book in bed! But\, by lunchtime\, Herbie has done everything on his list and soon – despite his best efforts – his thoughts turn to school. What if something really fun is happening? Like an extra playtime or a dog loose in the corridors? What if Herbie is missing out? \nThere’s a Ghost in This House brings a unique and disarmingly witty take on the traditional ghost book that will go far beyond Halloween. Hello\, come in. \nMaybe you can help me? A young girl lives in a haunted house\, but has never seen a ghost. Are they white with holes for eyes? Are they hard to see? She’d love to know! Step inside and turn the pages to help her on an entertaining ghost hunt\, from behind the sofa\, right up to the attic. With lots of friendly ghost surprises and incredible mixed media illustrations\, this unique and funny book will entertain young readers over and over again! \nAbout the author \nHarperCollins Children’s Books has been Oliver’s publishing home since his highly acclaimed debut\, How to Catch a Star\, first published in 2004. Since then\, he has become a worldwide phenomenon and a genre-busting creative force in the world of children’s books with book translations in forty-nine languages. Oliver has exhibited in museums and galleries such as the Brooklyn Museum in New York\, the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. In 2022 Oliver received a Member of the Order of the British Empire Award (MBE) for his Services in Art and in 2026 Oliver joined Smartphone Free Childhood as their ambassador.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/book-signing-the-world-of-oliver-jeffers-tour
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Children's Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/QUEER-BOOKSHELF-CARNAVAL-THE-MAREoLIVER-jEFFERS.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T190000
DTSTAMP:20260919T154846Z
CREATED:20260919T120024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T154846Z
UID:24234-1793210400-1793214000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Evening - October
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Wednesday 28th October from 6pm in person. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com 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 \n1915\, the Cabrach. In the fierce\, wild beauty of this remote corner of Scotland\, an isolated community makes a discovery: an ancient body in a peat bog\, perfectly preserved. \nTwo people haul the body from the ground: Lizzie\, the wife of a wealthy local landowner\, and Johnny\, a nomadic singer and farm hand. \nSoon afterwards\, strange events begin to occur. At hearthside and inn\, people whisper: what have we unearthed? \nAs tensions run high and men leave for war\, old fears and secrets emerge. But in a place where judgement is swift\, who is truly without sin?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-evening-october
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Our-July-title-is.-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T113000
DTSTAMP:20260919T154853Z
CREATED:20260919T132837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T154853Z
UID:24239-1793269800-1793273400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Baby Friendly - October
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 29th October from 10:30am in person. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book:  \n1915\, the Cabrach. In the fierce\, wild beauty of this remote corner of Scotland\, an isolated community makes a discovery: an ancient body in a peat bog\, perfectly preserved. \nTwo people haul the body from the ground: Lizzie\, the wife of a wealthy local landowner\, and Johnny\, a nomadic singer and farm hand. \nSoon afterwards\, strange events begin to occur. At hearthside and inn\, people whisper: what have we unearthed? \nAs tensions run high and men leave for war\, old fears and secrets emerge. But in a place where judgement is swift\, who is truly without sin?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-baby-friendly-october
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Our-July-title-is.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T150000
DTSTAMP:20260919T154900Z
CREATED:20260919T134226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T154900Z
UID:24243-1793282400-1793286000@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:The Book Club Afternoon - October
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 29th October from 2pm in person. For this month’s Book Club\, we are reading Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths. \nPurchase the book and a ticket to the event for £9.99. 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. \nYou can buy a book and ticket here. \nIf you already own a copy of the book\, you can purchase a ticket alone for £3. \nYou 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.com or call 07597365380. \nAbout the book:  \n1915\, the Cabrach. In the fierce\, wild beauty of this remote corner of Scotland\, an isolated community makes a discovery: an ancient body in a peat bog\, perfectly preserved. \nTwo people haul the body from the ground: Lizzie\, the wife of a wealthy local landowner\, and Johnny\, a nomadic singer and farm hand. \nSoon afterwards\, strange events begin to occur. At hearthside and inn\, people whisper: what have we unearthed? \nAs tensions run high and men leave for war\, old fears and secrets emerge. But in a place where judgement is swift\, who is truly without sin?
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/the-book-club-afternoon-october
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:The Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Our-July-title-is.-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261030T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261030T120000
DTSTAMP:20260914T115354Z
CREATED:20260914T115321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T115354Z
UID:24224-1793358000-1793361600@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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 30 October
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/24224
LOCATION:House of Books & Friends\, 81 King Street\, Manchester\, M2 4AH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee & Connections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coffee-and-Connections.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261031T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261031T160000
DTSTAMP:20260817T100402Z
CREATED:20260817T100402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T100402Z
UID:23061-1793444400-1793462400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:HOBAF @ InkBlot Festival
DESCRIPTION:House of Books & Friends returns to selling at InkBlot Festival\, Manchester’s indie comic festival! Taking place on 31st October at the St Thomas Centre in Ardwick\, this is a celebration of independent comic creators\, as well as a chance to get your hands on some classic faves. \nMore info and tickets can be found here.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/hobaf-inkblot-festival
LOCATION:Private: St Thomas Centre\, Ardwick
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-9.png
ORGANIZER;CN="House of Books & Friends":MAILTO:bookworms@houseofbooksandfriends.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261101T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261101T120000
DTSTAMP:20260906T124746Z
CREATED:20260906T124746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260906T124746Z
UID:23996-1793530800-1793534400@houseofbooksandfriends.com
SUMMARY:Little Bookworms November 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 November\, we will be reading Skulkmoor by Hana Tooke. 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 for all. \nAll sessions will be ticketed: £8.99 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: \nOnce\, the great house of Skulkmoor stood proudly on its hillside\, commanding the attention of anyone who came by. Now\, it is a curious puzzle of a place – not least thanks to the giant wall which cuts it straight in half\, separating the two warring families that live inside it. \nFor you see\, many years ago\, the Fox family was torn apart by a question of murder – and of inheritance. With no clear heir\, the vast family fortune – and the house – has been literally divided in two. But now\, two young cousins\, one from rival sides of Skulkmoor\, must race to solve the crime – or face losing their home forever.
URL:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/event/little-bookworms-november-2026
CATEGORIES:Children's Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/3.png
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