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
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SILENT BOOK CLUB Wednesday, September 18th; Wednesday, October 2nd, Wednesday, October 16th @ 6pm 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 |
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KNITTING & CROCHET GROUP
Every Friday @ 3:00pm 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 Location: NMPL Conference Room |
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QUILTING & CRAFTING CLUB
Thursday, September 26th; Tuesday, October 8th; Thursday, October 31st 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
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NMPL'S WRITERS RETREAT
Saturday, September 14th @ 11am Calling all writers! NMPL's Writers Retreat is here to help you cultivate creativity and connect with fellow aspiring authors. Spend the first hour bouncing ideas off like-minded individuals, then dive into your writing project for the second hour. Take your writing to the next level with Writers Retreat! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teens and adults Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
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LIBRARY LEARNING: APOLLO CATALOG 101
Monday, September 16th @ 2pm Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the amazing services and technology the library has to offer? Don't worry, we've got you covered! These 30-minute Library Learning sessions are designed to help you navigate through the library tech with ease. Whether you're a beginner or just need some extra guidance, our experienced staff will walk you through using the technology and provide helpful tips and tricks. Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or laptop to follow along with the instructions in real-time and get the most out of the presentation. It’s time to unlock the full potential of your library experience! APOLLO CATALOG Did you know that you can subscribe to your favorite authors and be automatically placed on the holds list for their new releases at the library? Or that you can conveniently renew your books simply by sending a quick text message? And what about making book requests right from your smartphone? Our Apollo Cataloging system makes all of these features possible, giving you the power to keep up with the latest releases, explore our vast collection, and easily manage your check outs – all from the comfort of your own home! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to streamline your library experience. Join us for an informative presentation and discover how to take full advantage of all that our cataloging system has to offer. Note: To get the most out of the presentation, participants are encouraged to bring their library card and smartphones. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
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MINATURE MEMORIES WORKSHOP
Tuesday, September 17th @ 1pm NMPL has partnered with Lifelong Arts Indiana and their Creative Aging Program to provide creative experiences for older adults, and will host a "Miniature Memories" Workshop for adults ages 65 and older. This five week program will allow participants to unleash their creative potential as they craft their own miniature clay masterpiece while exploring the rich history and stories of their past. Each participant will craft a miniature scene from their life or a miniature fairy garden. The culmination of the program will be a public mini art show, where participants can showcase their creations and share the stories behind their miniature works of art. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Tammeron is the co-owner of a ceramic art studio, ClayWood LLC. Beginning in 2018, he has taught clay workshops oriented to all ages involving interpreting natural areas, creating community with ceramic-ware, food, and season ornament workshops. He also teaches en plein air sketching at wilderness areas. Tammeron lives in Muncie, Indiana with his wife and owns an arts and craft studio in a family property in a lake/forest area in northeast Indiana. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 65+ Registration: Yes https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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THE NIGHT MARKET
Friday, September 20th from 7pm to 9pm Glow in the dark volleyball. Warm drinks and yummy treats. DIY glow in the dark jewelry bar. One-of-a-kind handmade gifts. What do all these things have in common? NMPL’s third annual Night Market! Come to the library after hours to enjoy an evening like no other! Local small businesses and artisans will have a variety of wonderful items for sale - jewelry, donuts, home décor, fashion items and more. Vendors include Friends of the Library, The Beverage Buggy, Chillz, Beaded Beauty, Farm Girl with Curls, Nordmann’s Nook, The Baker’s Daughter, Designs by MJ, Soph Gets Crafty, Good News Candles, Shynie Bowtique, Backroad Charms, Jewelry by Christine, and our very first Kids Corner featuring 4 kid patrons selling their handmade items! Each business is supporting library programming, so come on out and support the people that make our activities possible and our community such a great place to live. You may just find an incredible new treasure while you’re at it! We’ll also have a bunch of free activities for everyone to enjoy - like LED yard games, bouncy houses, tattoo stations, and a scavenger hunt. Additionally, NMPL will have NEW Glow-In-The Dark Night Market sweatshirts for sale, or you can wear your design from last year! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to support the library and score some amazing finds! Program Cost: Free (but bring money to spend at our Vendor Booths!) Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn & Blocher Community Room |
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HERB YOUR ENTHUSIAM: COMPOUND BUTTERS
Monday, September 23rd @ 6pm Impress your family and friends with rich and flavorful herb compound butters that will elevate the taste of any dish you serve. Despite its fancy name, making compound butter is actually quite simple. By combining butter with your favorite herbs and seasonings, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Join us in the Blocher Community Room for a compound butter making demonstration, and see for yourself just how easy it is to make at home with simple kitchen equipment. Then enjoy tasting several different kinds of compound butters: Garlic Chive Dill, Lemon Thyme, Honey Rosemary Sage, and Sundried Tomato Basil with ingredients sourced from our Tower Garden and outdoor raised beds. You won't want to miss this flavorful and educational event Allergen Notice: Dairy Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: BCR |
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MINATURE MEMORIES WORKSHOP
Tuesday, September 24th @ 1pm NMPL has partnered with Lifelong Arts Indiana and their Creative Aging Program to provide creative experiences for older adults, and will host a "Miniature Memories" Workshop for adults ages 65 and older. This five week program will allow participants to unleash their creative potential as they craft their own miniature clay masterpiece while exploring the rich history and stories of their past. Each participant will craft a miniature scene from their life or a miniature fairy garden. The culmination of the program will be a public mini art show, where participants can showcase their creations and share the stories behind their miniature works of art. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Tammeron is the co-owner of a ceramic art studio, ClayWood LLC. Beginning in 2018, he has taught clay workshops oriented to all ages involving interpreting natural areas, creating community with ceramic-ware, food, and season ornament workshops. He also teaches en plein air sketching at wilderness areas. Tammeron lives in Muncie, Indiana with his wife and owns an arts and craft studio in a family property in a lake/forest area in northeast Indiana. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 65+ Registration: Yes https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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BOTTLE CAP SUNFLOWERS
Wednesday, September 25th @ 6pm on Facebook Forget painting the town red, let's paint it yellow with a bottle cap sunflowers! This craft is a fun and quirky way to add some sunshine to your space. Grab your kit from the Makerspace-2-Go shelf and tune into our Facebook page at the designated time (or any time after) for the step-by-step instructional video. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16+ Registration: No Location: NMPL Facebook Page |
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OPEN MAKERSPACE
Wednesday, September 25th from 5pm to 7pm During Open Makerspace hours, you are invited to unlock a world full of crafts, games, and creativity! Play games on the Wii or challenge someone to a game of air hockey. Get creative with Perler bead crafts, coloring, or even scrapbooking. Grab your friends, family, or come solo and join us - all ages are welcome! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None. Registration: No Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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LIBRARY LEARNING: MANGO LANGUAGES 101
Monday, September 30th @ 2pm Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the amazing services and technology the library has to offer? Don't worry, we've got you covered! These 30-minute Library Learning sessions are designed to help you navigate through the library tech with ease. Whether you're a beginner or just need some extra guidance, our experienced staff will walk you through using the technology and provide helpful tips and tricks. Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or laptop to follow along with the instructions in real-time and get the most out of the presentation. It’s time to unlock the full potential of your library experience! MANGO LANGUAGES NMPL offers Mango Languages for FREE to all our card holding patrons! Mango Languages is an American online language-learning website and mobile app with over 70 world languages and dialects (including ASL), English language learning, and assorted specialty courses to meet specific subject matter interests. Mango adapts to your unique learning style, so you pick up on new vocabulary, intuit unfamiliar grammatical structure, and train your pronunciation, all while boosting your cultural IQ. But how do you get started? Learn about the basics of setting up an account and starting your first session at this helpful program! Note: To get the most out of the presentation, participants are encouraged to bring their library card and smartphones. You MUST have a valid email address and library card to access Mango Languages. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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CRAFT SWAP
Monday, September 30th from 4pm to 6pm Calling all crafters! As the weather cools down, it's the perfect time to cozy up inside and get creative. But if you're feeling bogged down by all those extra supplies cluttering up your craft closet, fear not! NMPL is hosting our first ever Craft Supply Swap and it's going to be a craft lover's dream. Come on down to the Blocher Community Room and trade in those unwanted supplies for some fresh inspiration. With a room full of fellow crafters, you're sure to find something new and exciting to spark your creativity. Don't have anything to swap? No worries! Stop by anyway and snag some new supplies to take home. All supplies should be clean, free of strong odors, and should not have any broken parts. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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MINATURE MEMORIES WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 1st @ 1pm NMPL has partnered with Lifelong Arts Indiana and their Creative Aging Program to provide creative experiences for older adults, and will host a "Miniature Memories" Workshop for adults ages 65 and older. This five week program will allow participants to unleash their creative potential as they craft their own miniature clay masterpiece while exploring the rich history and stories of their past. Each participant will craft a miniature scene from their life or a miniature fairy garden. The culmination of the program will be a public mini art show, where participants can showcase their creations and share the stories behind their miniature works of art. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Tammeron is the co-owner of a ceramic art studio, ClayWood LLC. Beginning in 2018, he has taught clay workshops oriented to all ages involving interpreting natural areas, creating community with ceramic-ware, food, and season ornament workshops. He also teaches en plein air sketching at wilderness areas. Tammeron lives in Muncie, Indiana with his wife and owns an arts and craft studio in a family property in a lake/forest area in northeast Indiana. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 65+ Registration: Yes https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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FELTING CLASS: SCENTED PUMPKINS
Tuesday, October 2nd @ 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 perfect fall decorations require no sewing, knitting, or crocheting skills! Taught by experience crafter Rachel Kruger of Kruger Krafts, this class will provide expert step-by-step instruction and helpful hands-on guidance. Participants will be able to customize their pumpkin by choosing their own yarn colors, fragrances (like cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar cookies), and accessories. Simply follow along and watch your pumpkin come to life! Program Cost: $30 to make one pumpkin (includes needle, wool roving, instruction, and pads). Extra scented pumpkins will cost an additional $20. 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 |
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FOOD PRESERVATION: CHILES EN ESCABECHE
Monday, October 7th @ 6pm This workshop, taught by Hayley Nadine and Marta Rodriguez, focuses on preserving end of harvest season goods like hot peppers, carrots and onions. Chiles en escabeche is a Spanish term that can be traced back to Persian origins, though eventually the use of the phrase spread to Latin America. This take on chiles en escabeche involves lightly sautéing hot peppers alongside herbs, spices and veggies to bring out the flavors before submerging them in a home brewed vinegar. Enjoy this condiment on morning eggs, soups and sandwiches. Following the cooking demonstration, participants will join in a tasting featuring homemade bread and goat cheese! Everyone will go home with a 4oz jar of chiles en escabeche. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Room |
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NMPL'S RETRO HALLOWEEN PARTY
Thursday, October 10th from 5pm to 7pm NMPL's annual Halloween Party returns! This year's theme is a Retro Halloween Party, and attendees are invited to dress up accordingly - or go completely off script with their own special costumes! The Halloween Party is one of the most popular events on the NMPL calendar, and this year will feature returning favorites like ghostly games (like Tombstone Toss, Mummy Bowling, Pin the Hat on the Witch and more), creepy crafts (Mini Pinecone Spiders and Paper Pumpkins), and horse and pony rides! Other activities include face painting, bouncy houses, a scavenger hunt, and a photo station. The beloved spider-web obstacle course is also making a comeback in the children’s department, as is our spooky Wheel of Fate. New activities include a Candy Corn Count Contest, a Pumpkin Balance Race, and make/decorate your own treat bag station! We'll also hold our annual costume contest, and trophies will be awarded in the following categories:
Tacos Los Gordos will be on hand selling their amazing Mexican food, making it a great time to eat, play, laugh and have fun with family and friends. The Halloween Party is sponsored by Riverbridge Electric Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: No Registration: No Location: Library Lawn, Blocher Community Room, Playroom, Conference Room, Study Room |
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FREE PREVIEW SCREENING AT NMPL: THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB
Monday, October 14th @ 6pm Join us for a FREE Preview screening of the new miniseries from MASTERPIECE Mystery, The Marlow Murder Club, at the North Manchester Public Library! About The Marlow Murder Club: "Retired archaeologist Judith Potts’s peaceful evening in Marlow is shattered when she hears a gunshot coming from her neighbor’s garden and believes that a brutal murder has taken place. With the local police – led by newly promoted DS Tanika Malik – reluctant to believe her story, Judith starts her own investigation, enlisting the help of unfulfilled vicar’s wife Becks Starling. Judith digs into the alibi of the arrogant owner of the local auction house, but her suspicions ultimately hit a dead end. An ominous warning message leaves Judith even more determined to catch the killer, and local dog-walker and empty nester Suzie Harris makes a terrible discovery that personally involves her in the investigation. Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey, Home Fires) takes the lead as Judith Potts, alongside Jo Martin (Doctor Who, Back to Life) as Suzie Harris, Cara Horgan (The Sandman, Traitors) as Becks Starling and Natalie Dew (Sandylands, The Capture) as DS Tanika Malik. Steve Barron (The Durrells in Corfu, Mrs Sidhu Investigates) is the director." This show is based on the Marlow Murder Club book series by Robert Thorogood, also available for check out at the library. We are so excited to partner with PBS Fort Wayne for this special program and to give our patrons a chance to see the show before it premiers on TV at the end of October! This event is FREE, but space will be limited and RSVPs are required, so sign up ASAP. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Geared for adults and teens Registration: Yes. Register here: https://wfwa.secureallegiance.com/wfwa/WebModule/Survey.aspx?P=RSVPMMCNM&PAGETYPE=SUR&CHECK=agujFP2z88EIiS2eudcwE4phv9KzVnZJsXyuwr7dYn4%3d Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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MINATURE MEMORIES WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 15th @ 1pm NMPL has partnered with Lifelong Arts Indiana and their Creative Aging Program to provide creative experiences for older adults, and will host a "Miniature Memories" Workshop for adults ages 65 and older. This five week program will allow participants to unleash their creative potential as they craft their own miniature clay masterpiece while exploring the rich history and stories of their past. Each participant will craft a miniature scene from their life or a miniature fairy garden. The culmination of the program will be a public mini art show, where participants can showcase their creations and share the stories behind their miniature works of art. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Tammeron is the co-owner of a ceramic art studio, ClayWood LLC. Beginning in 2018, he has taught clay workshops oriented to all ages involving interpreting natural areas, creating community with ceramic-ware, food, and season ornament workshops. He also teaches en plein air sketching at wilderness areas. Tammeron lives in Muncie, Indiana with his wife and owns an arts and craft studio in a family property in a lake/forest area in northeast Indiana. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 65+ Registration: Yes https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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MAKE & TAKE POTION CLASS
Tuesday, October 15th @ 5pm Come and join us for a fun and creative Make & Take Potion class led by the talented Rachel Kruger of Kruger Krafts! Let your imagination run wild as you decorate your very own potion bottle with all the provided ingredients, decorations, and mystical mix-ins. All you need to bring is your own touch of magic! Reserve your spot for this enchanting experience today! Program Cost: $20 per bottle Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: Yes, sign up at the library front desk Location: Blocher Room |
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OPEN MAKERSPACE
Wednesday, October 16th from 1pm-3pm During Open Makerspace hours, you are invited to unlock a world full of crafts, games, and creativity! Play games on the Wii or challenge someone to a game of air hockey. Get creative with Perler bead crafts, coloring, or even scrapbooking. Grab your friends, family, or come solo and join us - all ages are welcome! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None. Registration: No Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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PUMPKINS AND FALL HARVEST WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, October 16th @ 4pm Join Geoff from Purdue Extension of Wabash County for a fun and informative look at the different crops grown in Indiana. We will have pumpkins to decorate, yummy snacks to try, and other produce that we can grow in Indiana - don’t miss it! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All Ages Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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SING ME HOME: JOE REILLY CONCERT
Saturday, October 19th @ 10:30am NMPL is thrilled to partner with Sing Me Home to welcome Michigan-based singer-songwriter, Joe Reilly for a special free concert event at the library! Joe Reilly is a singer, songwriter, social worker, and educator from Michigan who writes songs from his heart. Joe’s songs are playful, clever, engaging, joyful, and always have something meaningful to say. The core of his message is an invitation to heal our relationships with our selves, with each other, and with the earth. Joe uses his music to bring people together and build community across lines of race, class, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, and nationality. Joe is Italian, Irish, and Native American (Cherokee) and was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan in a creative household by musical parents who encouraged him to find his own voice. Joe loves to inspire others to do the same and to water seeds of compassion, joy, wisdom, and peace in our collective consciousness through the sharing of his music. We hope you'll join us for this wonderful music event! ABOUT SING ME HOME: www.singmehome.org An intergenerational cultural celebration emerging at the crossroads of music, social justice, and spirituality. Serving to restore and inspire the heart, mind, and soul. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Library Lawn (weather permitting) or Blocher Community Room |
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SPOOKY SILHOUETTES
Tuesday, October 22nd @ 6pm on Facebook Transform an old book into spooky silhouette art to add a touch of eerie elegance to your home décor! Grab a kit from the Makerspace-2-Go shelf (while supplies last) and tune into NMPL’s Facebook page on the designated date (or any time after) for the step-by-step instructional video. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Facebook |
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FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FALL BOOKSALE
Thursday, October 24th from 9am-7pm; Friday, October 25th from 9am-5pm; Saturday, October 26th from 9am-5pm Don't miss out on the opportunity to shop at the FOL book sale, where you can find a treasure trove of gently used books, DVDs, children's materials, audios, yearbooks, and more! This popular shopping spot attracts both recreational book buyers and book sellers, making it a must-visit destination for any book lover. Not only will you be able to score some fantastic reads, but you'll also be supporting our library in a meaningful way. The proceeds from the book sale go towards funding library programs and updates, ensuring that our community has access to top-notch resources. So, come on down to the FOL Booksale and embark on a book adventure like no other! |
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OPEN MAKERSPACE
Wednesday, October 28th from 2pm-4:30pm During Open Makerspace hours, you are invited to unlock a world full of crafts, games, and creativity! Play games on the Wii or challenge someone to a game of air hockey. Get creative with Perler bead crafts, coloring, or even scrapbooking. Grab your friends, family, or come solo and join us - all ages are welcome! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None. Registration: No Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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PUZZLING POE: AMERICA'S DARK GENIUS
Wednesday, October 30th @ 6pm He was the author of some of the world’s best-known poems and tales: “The Raven,” “Annabel Lee,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and others. He invented the detective story and was a pioneer of science fiction. He was one of the greatest literary critics of the nineteenth century. Meanwhile, his life was one of poverty, misery, neglect, and self-sabotage. In this lecture, IU Kokomo Chancellor Mark Canada, author of the Audible Original Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Horror, will discuss Poe’s literature, life, and legacy. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Geared towards ages 13+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Room |