The North Manchester Public Library offers a great mix of in-person and online programming! We provide a range of programming for small children to senior citizens (and everyone in between). Take a look at our calendar to see the literary, culinary, artistic, cultural, and educational activities we have going on each month!
Virtual programs can be accessed live on Facebook or Zoom. Recordings are permanently available on the Library's Facebook page.
Take home kits for many programs are available for free at the front desk and enrich the virtual experience. Attending in person? Supplies for the various activities are made available at each of our in-house programs.
We look forward to getting to know you as we explore the world around us!
Virtual programs can be accessed live on Facebook or Zoom. Recordings are permanently available on the Library's Facebook page.
Take home kits for many programs are available for free at the front desk and enrich the virtual experience. Attending in person? Supplies for the various activities are made available at each of our in-house programs.
We look forward to getting to know you as we explore the world around us!
REGULARLY SCHEDULED IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
SILENT BOOK CLUB
Friday, February 16th @ 11am; Wednesday, March 6th @ 6pm; Friday, March 15th @ 11am Looking to find a community of fellow readers, but intimidated by traditional book clubs? Put down your phone, pick up a book, and spend quality time with fellow book lovers – no homework or chit chat required! Bring the book (and hot beverage) of your choice to the library for a quiet hour of reading in peace. (You can also choose a book from the library shelves!) We’ll have cozy blankets and comfortable seating for all attendees. Colored lanyards will be available for participants to wear, to help indicate who is down for some book chit chat and who is not. (Red lanyards = Please let me read in silence; Green lanyards = Let’s talk a little bit.) Known as the introvert’s happy hour, NMPL’s Silent Book Club is the perfect place to retreat with your book for a designated hour of reading. This is the perfect activity for those whose social battery is low, but who still want company. Readers and introverts unite! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Adult Department, by the computer area |
MOVE YOUR BODY
Every Thursday in March at 5:45pm NMPL will host a series of Move Your Body classes for all ages in March and April! Classes will be led by Heather Winger, a certified Revelation Wellness Fitness Teacher (https://www.revelationwellness.org/ ) accredited through the American Council on Exercise. The sessions will be held in the Blocher Community Room for 30 minutes on Thursday evenings, are free of charge, and open to the public. Move Your Body are positive, family friendly low-impact workout sessions where everyone will feel welcome and encouraged on their fitness journey! Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a more relaxed way to stay fit, our sessions provide a friendly and supportive environment to move your body. No commitments necessary, so you can join us whenever it suits you. These classes will show you how to move YOUR body and as long as you are doing that, you are doing it right. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
KNITTING & CROCHET GROUP
Every Friday @ 1:30pm in the Conference Room Whether you are new to knitting and crochet, or have been enjoying this relaxing craft for years, you'll love our weekly Knitting & Crochet Group here at the library! Come join others in the NMPL Conference Room on Friday afternoons for a relaxing time to work on your current craft projects and to meet new friends! Beginner and eager to learn? You'll find a helpful teacher here! Beginners should bring a pair of needles (size 6 to 9), and a skein of light colored, worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight yarn is also labeled 4. Light colors are recommended as it is easier to see individual stitches with the light color. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
QUILTING & CRAFTING CLUB
Friday, February 16th; Tuesday, February 27th; Thursday, March 7th; Wednesday, March 27th from 10am to 4pm If you love crafting, and enjoy gatherings of other creative minds to work on projects together, this club is for you! Gather your current projects, and head to the library to meet up, have a laugh, and share crafting tips and skills in a relaxing environment. All skill levels, mediums, and crafters are welcome! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
WINTER READING: POLAR EXPRESS
Thursday, December 14th through Wednesday, February 14th ALL ABOARD! The North Manchester Public Library’s Winter Reading Program is back and it’s better than ever! This year, we’re visiting the North Pole with a magical Polar Express theme to get everyone excited about books, audiobooks, and eBooks. Winter Reading: Polar Express is open to children, teens, and adults. The Winter Reading Program begins December 14th and ends February 14th. Participants can register and track reading on the free Beanstack app (found in the app store on any smart device) or by using the Beanstack laptops at the library’s circulation desks. Each hour of reading logged earns 2 tickets. Tickets are entered in drawings for a wide variety of fabulous prizes donated by local businesses. NMPL is also excited to announce the return of the collaborative Paint by Sticker poster at the library! As readers log hours, they’ll earn stickers to add to the poster. The image starts as a mystery and it builds as everyone adds stickers to create a surprising masterpiece. Winter Readers can sign up for Winter Reading: Polar Express anytime beginning Thursday, December 14th and are encouraged to read titles of their own interests in their preferred format at their own pace. Readers can even count books they read to others! |
DIAMOND PAINTING: COASTERS
Tuesday, February 13th @ 3:45pm Looking for a new hobby to hone? Try your hand at diamond painting! This unique art form has picked up steam among crafters looking for a creative outlet - and anyone can do it! Diamond painting is the process of applying tiny resin rhinestones (known as "diamonds") to a pre-printed design, usually an adhesive board to create sparkling pieces of mosaic-style art. It's easy, relaxing, and addictive, so come give it a try! Supplies are on a first-come, first-served basis. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
OPEN MAKERSPACE
Saturday, February 17th from 2pm to 4pm in the Makerspace Take the elevator or the stairs to the lower level and enter a world full of crafts, games and creativity. All ages are invited to come and enjoy 2 hours of Perler Beading, Scrapbooking, Painting, Foosball, Air Hockey, board games, card games and more! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
DIAMOND PAINTING: COASTERS
Tuesday, February 20th @ 3:45pm Looking for a new hobby to hone? Try your hand at diamond painting! This unique art form has picked up steam among crafters looking for a creative outlet - and anyone can do it! Diamond painting is the process of applying tiny resin rhinestones (known as "diamonds") to a pre-printed design, usually an adhesive board to create sparkling pieces of mosaic-style art. It's easy, relaxing, and addictive, so come give it a try! Supplies are on a first-come, first-served basis. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
HEART HEALTHY COOKING WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, February 21st @ 4pm Mindy Mayes of Purdue Extension will lead a discussion on techniques for heart-healthy cooking including reducing fat and sodium, while increasing fiber and potassium. Attendees will also enjoy sampling a Rainbow Fruit Salad! This program is geared towards adults though teens and older children are also welcome. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Geared for teens and adults Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
GLITTERED BOOK PAGE HEART GARLAND
Wednesday, February 21st @ 6pm on Facebook Have books that can’t seem to part with, but the pages themselves are falling apart? Then this craft is for you. Learn to upcycle and turn those splitting pages into a beautiful heart garland decor for your home! Grab a kit from the Makerspace-2-Go, then tune into Facebook on the designated date for the instructional video. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: NMPL Facebook Page |
NOBLE FICTION WRITERS OF NMPL
Saturday, February 24th @ 11am Are you looking for a way to improve your writing skills? The "Noble Fiction Writers of NMPL" group can help you write better fiction using time-tested techniques. You will enjoy writing prompts to help you learn how to use your craftsmanship, daring, and insight into human nature to create stories that feel real. You'll be able to apply what you learn in this group to any genre of fiction – from mystery novels to science fiction. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your work with other writers and get feedback. It's a fun, creative, and safe place to write. So why wait? Mark your calendar today! Program Cost: None Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Room |
CHIT CHAT CLUB
Wednesday, February 28th @ 6pm Are you a social butterfly who thrives on meeting new people? If so, we have the perfect solution to brighten up your winter evenings. Join NMPL's Chit Chat Club, where you can indulge in engaging conversations and make lasting connections. Our club offers optional Conversation Cards, which are designed to ignite interesting topics and foster meaningful discussions. For those who prefer to keep busy, we also have puzzles available, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Expand your social circle and enjoy the warmth of companionship during the cold winter months! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Board Game & Puzzle Area by the Adult Graphic Novels |
FELTING CLASS: SUCCULENTS
Wednesday, March 6th @ 5pm Come learn the art of needle felting at the library! "It's so EASY!" is the common refrain from those who try felting for the first time. It’s not hard to see why: these adorable succulents require no sewing, knitting, or crocheting skills! The succulents are smaller in size, so if you’re new to the felting world, or have always wanted to try your hand at it, this is the class for you. Taught by experienced crafter Rachel Kruger, this class will provide expert step-by-step instruction and helpful hands-on guidance. Participants will be able to customize their succulents by choosing their own yarn colors and accessories. Simply follow along and watch your succulent come to life! Program Cost: $15 to make one succulent (includes needle, wool roving, instruction, pads, and decorations). Cash or checks (payable to Rachel Kruger) only. Program Age Requirements: 13+ (No children under the age of 13 due to the sharp/barbed needles used for this craft.) Registration: Yes, at the NMPL circulation desk. Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
FORAGING FOR WILD TEAS
Tuesday, March 12th @ 6pm Based on the number of gallons consumed, tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, only behind water, and far ahead of coffee. In the United States, tea drops to the fourth most popular beverage, behind water, coffee, and soda. Why is tea so popular in the world? Perhaps, in part, due to its accessibility. You can make tea from so many different things - in fact, many ingredients for tasty teas are probably growing in your own backyard. Taught by Manchester University professor Tim Brauch, this program will teach attendees all about foraging tea ingredients right here in North Manchester. Attendees will also learn some different techniques for brewing tea, and will get to taste a variety of hot and cold teas made from things Tim has collected in his yard. Each participant will receive an information handout with ideas and recipes for making their own tea at home. About Tim Brauch: Tim has been hiking and camping his whole life. He's backpacked the Manistee River Trail and parts of the Appalachian Trail. Tim taught hiking at Manchester University for 7 years. For the last 4 years he has led hikes throughout northeast Indiana for private groups and friends. In 2019 he became an Indiana Master Naturalist and has recertified as an Advanced Master Naturalist every year since then. In 2021, he earned his National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide credentials. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: TURMERIC TAHINI FREEZER FUDGE
Wednesday, March 13th @ 6pm on Facebook Love sweets, but want to keep things healthy? We are right there with you! Kelly Wenner, founder of SoulStrength Fit, has written healthy dessert recipes that not only are good for your body, but for your mind as well. Join us to learn how to make Turmeric Tahini Freezer Fudge, a gluten-free, dairy-free, and deliciously vegan dessert that sweetened with dates and maple syrup, and is ready in 30 minutes or less. Kayla Frank, a SoulStrength Fit ambassador, will be joining us also to give a brief overview of what SoulStrength is all about. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
NOBLE FICTION WRITERS OF NMPL
Saturday, March 16th @ 11am Are you looking for a way to improve your writing skills? The "Noble Fiction Writers of NMPL" group can help you write better fiction using time-tested techniques. You will enjoy writing prompts to help you learn how to use your craftsmanship, daring, and insight into human nature to create stories that feel real. You'll be able to apply what you learn in this group to any genre of fiction – from mystery novels to science fiction. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your work with other writers and get feedback. It's a fun, creative, and safe place to write. So why wait? Mark your calendar today! Program Cost: None Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
OPEN MAKERSPACE
Tuesday, March 19th from 5:30pm-7pm Take the elevator or the stairs to the lower level and enter a world full of crafts, games and creativity. All ages are invited to come and enjoy Perler Beading, Scrapbooking, Foosball, Air Hockey, board games, card games and more! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY
Wednesday, March 20th - All Day Join NMPL as we celebrate the beauty of our neighborhoods this spring with Won't You Be My Neighbor Day. This day honors Fred Rogers, who taught us all that every day is a beautiful day in the neighborhood. We'll have coloring pages, an interactive sudoku puzzle, and activity packs to take home. We also invite our patrons to join us for a special sidewalk chalk community project. Help us decorate the NMPL sidewalks with messages of love, kindness, beauty, and fun. Take a photo and tag the library and use the hashtag #wontyoubemyneighborday so we'll be sure to see your work! "As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." - Fred Rogers |
SOIL & SEEDS WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, March 20th @ 4pm Geoff Schortgen, Purdue Extension of Wabash County Director, will lead a session on the basics of soil science and how it can help or hinder plant growth. This is the perfect time to get the knowledge you need to ensure your spring plantings can flourish. Geoff will also devote a portion of the presentation to the different types of seeds you can plant in Indiana. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: NO FLOUR BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Wednesday, March 20th @ 6pm Love sweets, but want to keep things healthy? We are right there with you! Kelly Wenner, founder of SoulStrength Fit, has written HEALTHY dessert recipes that not only are good for your body, but for your mind as well. Join us to learn how to make No Flour Blueberry Muffins, wholesome treat to enjoy for breakfast or a snack. Kayla Frank, a SoulStrength Fit ambassador, will be joining us also to give a brief overview of what SoulStrength is all about. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
TEA & BISCUIT BOOK TASTING: HISTORICAL FICTION
Monday, March 25th @ 6pm Described as "literary speed dating", NMPL Book Tastings will help adult readers broaden their reading horizons and discover exciting new book adventures. Readers will have the chance to sample a variety of books in 5 minute time increments and when the bell sounds, they can decide to bring the book home, try another title, or do both! Attendees will explore new authors, genres, and series that they might not have tried before. No more complaints of "I don't have anything to read!" Plus we'll have hot tea and goodies from The Brit-ish Baker! Book Menu: This month, travel through time with outstanding Historical Fiction titles. Biscuit Menu: The Brit-ish Baker will be serving up delicious historical bakes for our attendees!
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
CHIT CHAT CLUB
Wednesday, March 27th @ 6pm Are you a social butterfly who thrives on meeting new people? If so, we have the perfect solution to brighten up your winter evenings. Join NMPL's Chit Chat Club, where you can indulge in engaging conversations and make lasting connections. Our club offers optional Conversation Cards, which are designed to ignite interesting topics and foster meaningful discussions. For those who prefer to keep busy, we also have puzzles available, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Expand your social circle and enjoy the warmth of companionship during the cold winter months! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Board Game & Puzzle Area by the Adult Graphic Novels |