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, April 16th @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 23rd @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 29th @ 6pm; Wednesday, May 7th @ 6pm; Wednesday, May 21st @ 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
Wednesday, April 30th from 10am to 4pm; Friday, April 9th from 10am to 4pm; Thursday, April 22nd 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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LIBRARY LOVE - BEANSTACK READING CHALLENGE
Tuesday, April 1st through Wednesday, April 30th From April 1st to April 30th, the North Manchester Public Library is participating in April Library Love, a Reading Challenge sponsored by Beanstack. Join us and Celebrate National Library Week (April 6-12) and spread the library love! We challenge our community to read at least 5 hours per person during the month and keep track of their reading on the Bingo Board on our Beanstack site at https://nman.beanstack.org/reader365 or on the Beanstack mobile app. Thousands of other libraries and schools across the nation are joining in too, for a chance at winning prizes for their community. Want to help us increase our chances of winning? Beanstack will award prizes to top-performing libraries and schools! Beanstack will determine winners based on many factors, including:
Pick up a new book, explore resources available at your library, and earn virtual badges along the way as you share in the April Library Love. Happy reading, North Manchester! |
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NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, April 12th from 11am to 1pm 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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ADULT CRAFT HOUR: PAINT BY NUMBER BOOKMARKS
Monday, April 14th @ 6pm Calling all craft lovers! The North Manchester Library is excited to launch Adult Craft Hour, a fun and relaxing opportunity for adults to get creative. Each session will feature a different themed craft, with all supplies provided by the library. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a beginner looking to learn, this hour is for you! How It Works:
This program is strictly for adults—a perfect way to unwind, express creativity, and connect with others. This Month: Paint by Number Bookmarks Paint by Number Bookmarks is a fun and creative craft that combines the relaxing activity of painting with the practicality of a bookmark! Participants will receive pre-designed bookmark templates featuring a paint-by-number guide. It's easy and fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 18 and older Registration: No Location: Blocher Room |
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WINGED AMBASSADORS: A SALAMONIE LAKE RAPTOR CENTER PRESENTATION
Wednesday, April 16th @ 4pm Meet live birds of prey from the Salamonie Raptor Center and find out how important these birds are for healthy habitats. Salamonie Lake’s Raptor Center is home to six permanently injured birds that serve as educational ambassadors for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources across the northern half of the state. This is your chance to meet and learn all about these amazing creatures! Program Cost: Free Program Age: All ages Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
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EARTH DAY TREE DISTRIBUTION
Tuesday, April 22nd from 1pm-7pm The North Manchester Public Library has partnered with Neighborhood Forest to provide free trees for kids to plant during Earth Week! This program introduces children to the delight of planting a tree and then watching it grow as they care for it! Neighborhood Forest gave away over 67,000 trees last year alone, beautifying many neighborhoods and giving children a personal stake in taking care of their environment. We're still waiting for the exact species to be announced, but we do know trees will be native, nut bearing or fruit bearing! Trees for those who have registered by the March 15 deadline will arrive in time for Earth Day. Register here!: https://shorturl.at/bwHHX Trees can then be picked up at the library between 1pm and 7pm on Tuesday, April 22nd. Tree planting guides will be provided to all participants. To learn more about the Neighborhood Forest project, visit: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/ |
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FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SPRING BOOKSALE
Thursday, April 24th from 9am to 7pm; Friday, April 25th from 9am to 5pm; Saturday, April 26th from 9am to 5pm Discover your next great read at the Friends of the Library Book Sale! This popular semi-annual event attracts both casual readers and book resellers, offering a wide selection of gently used books, DVDs, children’s materials, audiobooks, yearbooks, and more. Every purchase helps support the library, as the sale serves as a major fundraiser for the Friends of the Library and proceeds go toward funding library programs and updates each year. You never know what literary treasures you’ll find, so come explore the FOL Book Sale! |
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GAME NIGHT CHRONICLES: REALLY LOUD LIBRARIANS
Monday, April 28th @ 6pm You may be familiar with jigsaw puzzles, chess and Sorry, but what about all those new board games on store shelves? What are those about? If all you know of board games is Candy Land, Monopoly and Connect 4, come to Game Night Chronicles to discover more options! This adults-only program will teach participants how to play some of the new and exciting games from the library's collection. Attendees will get a chance to play the game with others, ask questions, and connect with others in a fun and welcoming environment. This month, we're playing Really Loud Librarians - and no, that’s not a description of the NMPL staff, it’s actually a really fun board game! Think fast, not hard in this merciless word-shouting board game. Start by drawing a category card. Your team will then shout words from that category that begin with the letter on the race track. Move along the track every time you get a word right and race against your opponents to win. This is a simple game for versatile occasions. We hope you'll join us! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 18 and older Registration: No Location: Blocher Room |
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LUNCHTIME MENTAL HEALTH SERIES: THE GLUCOSE GODDESS
Tuesday, May 6th @ 12pm Take a lunch break and stimulate your brain during our monthly Well-Being 101 sessions! Each month our director, Andrea Zwiebel, will share a well-being topic in a lunch and learn format. We’ll explore physical wellbeing including exercise and nutrition with a focus on a trending influencer, The Glucose Goddess. Pack a snack, enjoy social connection, and learn something new. It will be the best 30 minutes of your day! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 16+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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CRYSTAL SINGING SOUND BATH WITH NOMA YOGA STUDIO
Tuesday, May 6th @ 6pm Join us for a peaceful evening of relaxation as you're enveloped by the calming sounds and vibrations of crystal singing bowls. Let the soothing tones guide you into a deep state of relaxation, helping your body and mind restore balance. All you need to do is rest and enjoy - no movement required. Wear comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat if you have one. Participants are also welcome to bring blankets and pillows to get extra cozy. This session will be led by LeighAnne Fitzpatrick, an experienced certified yoga Instruction who has taught over 2000 hours of classes. She has run NoMa Yoga studios in North Manchester for 6 years. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Room |
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NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, May 10th from 11am to 1pm 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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GAME NIGHT CHRONICLES: HERD MENTALITY
Monday, May 12th @ 6pm You may be familiar with jigsaw puzzles, chess and Sorry, but what about all those new board games on store shelves? What are those about? If all you know of board games is Candy Land, Monopoly and Connect 4, come to Game Night Chronicles to discover more options! This adults-only program will teach participants how to play some of the new and exciting games from the library's collection. Attendees will get a chance to play the game with others, ask questions, and connect with others in a fun and welcoming environment. This month, we're playing Herd Mentality - an udderly hilarious party game! Flip over a question and guess what the other players are thinking - if your answer is in the majority, you win cows. If you’re the odd one out, you’re stuck with the pink cow of doom. We hope you'll join us! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 18 and older Registration: No Location: Blocher Room |
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PIPE CLEANER DANCERS FEATURING NMPL'S FUTURE LIBRARIANS
Wednesday, May 14th @ 6pm on Facebook Get ready for a fun, hands-on craft experience with our Future Librarians! Our librarian-in-training class will be hosting a virtual crafting session on our Facebook page. Grab a kit from our Makerspace-2-Go, then watch as our students guide you step-by-step through the process of making your very own pipe-cleaner dancers using just a few simple supplies! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
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LIGHT READS & LIGHT DESSERTS BOOK TASTING
Monday, May 19th @ 6pm Described as "literary speed dating", NMPL Book Tastings will help adult readers broaden their reading horizons and discover exciting new book adventures. Participants 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. Explore new authors, genres, and series that you might not have tried before. No more complaints of, "I don't have anything to read!" Plus we'll have hot tea and delicious homemade goodies to sample! Book Menu: It’s almost summer which means everyone is super busy with fun activities indoors and out. With that in mind, we’re going to explore “Light Readers” - aka Juvenile Chapter Books! You may be surprised with the hidden gems in the children’s collection that even adult readers will enjoy! Dessert Menu:
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 16+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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PLANT & SEED SWAP/GIVEAWAY
Wednesday, May 21st from 4pm-5:30pm It’s garden time and we couldn’t be more excited! The only problem? Most of us have too many of a certain type of plant or seed. Fortunately, our friends at Purdue Extension are here to help us out with our third annual Plant Swap. Bring your extra seeds and plants to the library, set them out for display on a library table, and start giving away or swapping with other nature lovers! Have questions about soil, pollinators, or plants? Purdue Extension staff will be happy to provide you with information. Don’t have anything to swap or giveaway? No problem! Come anyway - there’s always plenty to go around. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Library lawn (Blocher Community Room in case of rain) |
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PIPE CLEANER FLOWERS FEATURING NMPL'S FUTURE LIBRARIANS
Wednesday, May 28th @ 6pm on Facebook Get ready for a fun, hands-on craft experience with our Future Librarians! Our librarian-in-training class will be hosting a virtual crafting session on our Facebook page. Grab a kit from our Makerspace-2-Go, then watch as our students guide you step-by-step through the process of making your very own pipe-cleaner flowerss using just a few simple supplies! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
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NMPL'S COLOR OUR WORLD SUMMER READING PROGRAM BEGINS!
Thursday, May 29th @ 9am Dive into a world of creativity, imagination, and discovery with our Color Our World Summer Reading program! Earn prizes, explore new stories, and let your imagination run wild with art-themed activities and colorful book challenges. This summer is all about brightening your world - one page at a time. WHAT IT IS: Patrons of all ages will enjoy reading or listening to books (any kind you want!) all summer long through one of our three reading programs, all while winning some fabulous prizes! There's something for EVERYONE to enjoy at NMPL's Summer Reading Program! HOW TO SIGN UP: Once the reading program begins in the summer, participants can sign up via the FREE Beanstack app. Be sure you've got the Beanstack app downloaded on your phone beforehand, so you'll be ready to go!
HOW TO CELEBRATE ON SIGN UP DAY! Stop by the library for a variety of fun activities for the whole family - like The Little Bookshop on Market Street where you can shop a market of gently used books, audios, games, and more, all while enjoying fun family activities and delicious food from Tacos Los Gordos! |
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MIDDAY RESET WITH BREATH & MOVEMENT
Thursday, May 29th & Friday, May 30th @ 1:30pm Take a quick pause from your day to refresh and rejuvenate with this 15-minute movement and breath session. Designed to release tension, improve focus, and boost energy, this session combines gentle stretches, mindful movements, and deep breathing techniques. Whether you're looking to re-energize after hours of sitting or simply want to center your mind, this short practice will leave you feeling grounded, calm, and ready to take on the rest of your day. Perfect for any time of the afternoon, no special equipment needed - just yourself and a few minutes to reconnect. This session will be led by LeighAnne Fitzpatrick, an experienced certified yoga Instruction who has taught over 2000 hours of classes. She has run NoMa Yoga studios in North Manchester for 6 years. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 12+ Registration: None Location: NMPL side lawn |
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LITTLE BOOKSHOP ON MARKET STREET
Thursday, May 29th from 2pm to 7pm; Friday, May 30th from 10am to 3pm We love this time of year! The sun is warm, the kids are out of school and the days are lazy. What better way to spend your weekend than at our Little Bookshop event? Browse gently used and new books, movies, puzzles and games ($1 each, all proceeds go to support the library), play yard games with family and talk with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Over a thousand people have attended the last two years of Little Bookshop events and we're so excited to bring it back in 2025! It's also the first day of our Summer Reading Program... so what better way to celebrate than at the library shopping for books? ACTIVITIES:
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: ALL ages! Registration: None Location: NMPL, along the flat playground |