Free things to do this week ft. Improv jazz, Blackwells Quiz + more

When Darkness Knocks at Chetham’s Library (pictured)
Being the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, North Manchester’s Chetham’s Library is the perfect setting for a spooky literature event this Halloween. When Darkness Knocks is an immersive performance from spoken word aficionado’s First Draft, where some of the city’s brightest writers and poets will take you around a building steeped in history and atmosphere, regaling you will tales of mystery as they go. The confirmed list of contributors includes Rosie Garland, Abi Hynes and Harry Jelley, and it’s all hosted by Andrew Williamson. It’s free to book, but they will be taking donations on the evening if you’re feeling generous
Mon 31 Oct, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB. 7.30pm – 10pm, www.eventbrite.com 

Improv Jazz at Texture
As featured in our round-up of Autumn events at the Northern Quarter’s best-kept secret, you can catch this gig at Texture on Tuesday. A  rotating group of live digital illustrators will accompany a freeform performance by loose experimental jazz collective Some Some Unicorn. Expect weird, improvised music accompanied by trippy, hi-tech visuals.
Tue 1 Nov, Texture Mcr, 67 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1FL. Tel: 0161 236 5144, 7pm – 10pm, www.eventbrite.com

Blackwell’s Book Quiz
University bookshop Blackwell’s is hosting another book-themed quiz, with all sorts of literary prizes on offer, from vouchers through to actual, honest-to-god books that you can touch with your hands. This is likely to be their last quiz in a while, as their regular quizmaster is moving on the pastures new, so so this might be your last chance to get in on a pretty unique quiz. It’s not technically free entry, but entry will only set you back a paltry £1 and it’s BYOB, which should save a few pennies.
Tue 1 Nov, Blackwells, The Precinct Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RN. Tel: 0161 274 3331, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, www.facebook.com

Black Screen Film Festival at University of Manchester
This two-day mini-festival takes place on Wednesday evening, with two free events at the University on Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s organised by ABE – short for All Black Everything – a meetup group based in Manchester who aim to boost work by Black and African artists. The first event on Tuesday is screening of Toyin Agbetu’s guerrilla documentary Beauty Is… A searing portrait of the beauty industry in the vain of Chris Rock’s Good Hair. The second event, in the University’s council chamber is a double-bill screening of two shorts: 1982’s Blood Ah Go Run and 1977’s Step Forward Youth, both linked by their explorations of racism and powerful portrayal of black British youth. Both screening sessions are accompanied by panel discussions.
Tue 1 Nov, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL. 5.30pm – 8pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk
Wed 2 Nov, Council Chamber Room 1, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR. 6pm – 8.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk