NMPL's Night Market Hits Record Number of Attendees!

The North Manchester Public Library’s 3rd Annual Night Market was its most successful market yet, with 613 people attending the event!

“We love the Night Market because it’s such a great kick off to the fall season,” said Sarah Morbitzer, NMPL Children’s Department Manager. “It has the vibes of a block party, but then we mix in glow-in-the-dark activities and some AMAZING shopping at our vendor stands, and you have the makings of a truly awesome autumn night!”

Attendees enjoyed shopping local businesses like Nordmann's Nook, The Beverage Buggy, Farm Girl with Curlz, and Chillz, as well as some local artisans and kid entrepreneurs. Activities included a scavenger hunt (the big hit of the night!), a DIY glow-in-the-dark jewelry bar, bouncy houses, and LED yard games like volleyball, corn hole, and badminton. Participants also got to add their own touches to a community canvas and add a glow-in-the-dark flair to their appearance at face painting stations. Additionally, the NMPL Friends of the Library group held a raffle and sold Night Market merch. The North Manchester Fire Department also donated their time and a fire truck for the event, to allow for a special Touch-A-Truck feature.

“Part of our mission statement as a library is to meet the recreational and educational needs of the community,” said Molly Magnus, Programming Coordinator. “The Night Market allows us to do that while supporting our local businesses at the same time. We couldn’t run our Summer Reading program without our business sponsors, and we love to encourage everyone to shop local.”

The event also serves as a partial fundraiser for the Friends of the Library group.  This money helps fund library programming and events all year long.

“We’d like to thank all the vendors for participating and all the volunteers who helped us make this possible,” said Andrea Zwiebel, Library Director. “This town always shows up for its library, and we’re so grateful.”

“I think the comment I heard the most from attendees during the Night Market was ‘When is this event coming back!?’” said Jeanna Hann, Adult Department Manager and Marketing Coordinator. “We weren’t even halfway through the night and already people were excited for next year! We love that the North Manchester community has so much enthusiasm for these programs - and we’re going to make next year even better!”

Photos by Jeanna Hann & Emily Dotson