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!
CALENDARS
REGULARLY SCHEDULED IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
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 |
COZY UP STORYTIME
Every Saturday at 9am on Facebook It’s that time to find all your stuffed animal pals and drag out those blankets for Season 2 of Cozy-Up Storytime on the NMPL Facebook page! Little ones will love tuning into Storytime from the comfort of home - and parents will love having a free moment to grab some coffee and get ready for the day! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, recommended for ages 0-7 Registration? None |
QUILTING & CRAFTING CLUB
Tuesday, January 17th from 9:30pm to 3:30pm; February 8th from 10am to 3:30pm; February 28th from 10am to 4pm in the Blocher Room 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 |
SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
HOOKED ON BOOKS - WINTER READING CHALLENGE!
December 14th through February 14th The North Manchester Public Library’s Winter Reading Program is back and it’s better than ever! We have double the reading and double the prizes with a fun pirate theme to get everyone excited about books, audiobooks, and ebooks. Hooked on Books 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 prizes donated by area businesses including free oil changes, haircuts, dining out, auto detailing, a 6 month gym membership, pool passes, photo shoots, groceries and fresh produce. Winter Readers can sign up for Hooked on Books anytime beginning Wednesday, December 14th and are encouraged to read their own interests in their preferred format at their own pace. For more information, or for instructions on how to sign up, visit our Winter Reading page! |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: COTTON BALL CUPCAKES
Monday, January 16th - Saturday, January 21st Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
HOMESCHOL ART CLASS: PASTELS
Friday, January 20th @ 2pm Kindergarten - high school will enjoy learning how to make art with pastels, an often overlooked medium in the art world. The oil pastel sticks may look simple, but they present some unique challenges to the artist as blending is done directly on the work surface. We’ll experiment with various techniques to create our own beautiful works of art. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - high school Registration? Registration is recommended. Sign up by the calling the front desk! |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER STRAW ROCKETS
Monday, January 23rd - Saturday, January 21st Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
CHEF UNIVERSITY WITH PURDUE EXTENSION: FRUIT SALSA & CINNAMON SUGAR CHIPS
Wednesday, January 25th @ 3:45pm Purdue Extension of Wabash County is partnering with the library to teach kids about healthy eating, science, and agriculture! Participants will learn how to safely prepare a variety of foods and are encouraged to try at least two bites of each dish made – even if it is unfamiliar to them. This hands on program will empower kids to take an active role in the kitchen. Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Sugar Chips: Have a sweet tooth? You won’t want to miss our final session with Purdue Extension of Wabash County! This fresh and fruity treat will satisfy every time. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 5 and up Registration? None |
SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: NUTTER BUTTER BALLS
Wednesday, January 25th @ 6pm Looking for a fun after school snack? Need something quick and easy to take to your next social gathering? This is the recipe for you! Learn how to make this sweet little treat with just 5 ingredients! You will need:
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
BLACK LIGHT BINGO
Friday, January 27th @ 6pm Bingo as you’ve never played it before! Wear white or neon shirts to the library and join us for a fabulous hour of Bingo under the blacklights. We’ll have fantastic prizes to give away for all ages. What a great way to brighten up your January! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE PIRATES
Monday, January 30th - Saturday, February 4th Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
EVENING TALES: SNOWMAN LAUNCHERS
Monday, January 30th @ 6pm Tonight we’re learning about fulcrums and levers and making these super simple launchers. Then we’ll have a contest to see who can launch their snowman the farthest! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for elementary ages Registration? None |
SNOWFLAKE LANTERN
Wednesday, February 1st @ 6pm on Facebook This DIY Snowflake Lantern is a great way to add some festive atmosphere to your home on those dark winter nights! Pick up a kit from the Makerspace-2-Go shelf and tune in on Facebook for the instructional video. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 8 and up Registration? None |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: VALENTINE'S CARDS
Monday, February 6th - Saturday, February 11th Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
EVENING TALES: TU B'SHEVAT (NEW YEAR OF THE FRUIT TREES)
Monday, February 6th @ 6pm Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Join us for another fun and educational Evening Tales! We’ll learn about the New Year of the Fruit Trees celebration and make our own fruit Shrinky Dink keychains & jewelry! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for elementary ages Registration? None |
DINNER & A SHOW: A CHARLIE BROWN VALENTINE
Tuesday, February 7th @ 3:45pm Our Dinner & A Show program is back for Valentine's Day! Join us for A Charlie Brown Valentine and sugar cookies! Each participant will receive their own cookies and decorating kit so they can create an edible work of art while watching the film - YUM. "Valentine's Day with the Peanuts gang: Charlie Brown tries to muster up the courage to ask the little red-haired girl to the school dance. Lucy demands kisses and chocolates from Schroeder. Snoppy writes bad poetry while Sally wants to make Linus her sweet baboo. Marcie grapples with her crush on Charlie Brown, and Peppermint Patty hopes Charlie Brown will take her as his date to the dance." Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
CRAZY 8s MATH: NEON GEOMETRY (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Wednesday, February 8th @ 3:45pm Have a struggling math student? Sign them up for Crazy 8s at the library. Have a math maniac who can’t get enough numbers? Sign them up, too! Each session is designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills and kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and their coaches. There is no cost for the club. All materials will be provided to the kids, who are committing to 8 weeks of club meetings for 1 hour a week. This week you'll build geometric shapes out of glow sticks. First, make all kinds of triangles and quadrilaterals. Then lay the sticks in mystical repeating patterns on the floor. Certain shapes work perfectly! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades 3rd-5th Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
SNOW IN LOVE MASON JARS
Wednesday, February 8th @ 6pm Make this beautiful Valentine’s Day inspired décor! With sparkling glitter and a beautiful blush pink silk flower tied on with some twine, you’ll be swooning over this gorgeous craft. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 8 and up Registration? Yes, please call the front desk to sign up |
CRAZY 8s MATH: NEON GEOMETRY (K-2ND GRADE)
Thursday, February 9th @ 3:45pm Have a struggling math student? Sign them up for Crazy 8s at the library. Have a math maniac who can’t get enough numbers? Sign them up, too! Each session is designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills and kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and their coaches. There is no cost for the club. All materials will be provided to the kids, who are committing to 8 weeks of club meetings for 1 hour a week. This week you'll build geometric shapes out of glow sticks. First, make all kinds of triangles and quadrilaterals. Then lay the sticks in mystical repeating patterns on the floor. Certain shapes work perfectly! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades K-2nd Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
HOMESCHOOL ART CLASS: HIMMELI SCULPTURES
Friday, February 10th @ 2pm Himmeli Sculptures have long been a staple of Nordic Christmas celebrations. Ranging from the simple to the complex, the geometric shapes are eye-catching and festive. Recently, their beauty has come to be appreciated at other times of year (they make great bases for air plants, for instance!). Kids will learn the history behind Himmeli and make their own sculptures to keep! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - high school Registration? Registration is recommended. Sign up by the calling the front desk! |
NOBLE FICTION WRITERS OF NMPL
Saturday, February 11th @ 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. Its a fun, creative, and safe place to write. So why wait? Mark you calendar today! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: GLITTER HEART GARLANDS
Monday, February 13th - Saturday, February 18th Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE FOR KIDS: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, PIRATES!
Monday, February 13th @ 3:45pm American Sign Language is a natural language that serves as the predominant language of deaf communities in the United States. ASL is a complete and organized visual language that is utilized through facial expression as well as movements and motions with the hands and body. In honor of our Winter Reading program and the Valentine holiday, this class will teach kids how to sign pirate and Valentine themed words! This class will be taught by Elliot Sklar. He is a recent graduate from Goshen College with a bachelors in American Sign Language and Secondary Education. Throughout his 4 years at Goshen he has learned and taught ASL as well as taken a semester at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. to better that education. Elliot is excited to teach you all more about American Sign Language as much as you are excited to learn it! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
EVENING TALES: ZIPPER VALENTINES
Monday, February 13th @ 6pm Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Let your family and friends know how much you love and appreciate them by crafting unique Zipper hearts to give to your Valentines! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for elementary ages Registration? None |
READING & CRAFTS WITH WALLY THE PENGUIN
Tuesday, February 14th @ 4pm It’s the last day of Winter Reading and Wally the Penguin will be here to help us celebrate! Come listen to Wally read some fun penguin stories (and get in some more reading for Beanstack!), get your picture with the famous penguin, and make some cute penguin crafts to take home. Wally comes from our Winter Reading sponsor Penguin Point and is excited to meet all the kids who’ve been reading up a storm these past 2 months! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
CRAZY 8s MATH: BOUNCY DICY EXPLOSION (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Wednesday, February 15th @ 3:45pm Have a struggling math student? Sign them up for Crazy 8s at the library. Have a math maniac who can’t get enough numbers? Sign them up, too! Each session is designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills and kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and their coaches. There is no cost for the club. All materials will be provided to the kids, who are committing to 8 weeks of club meetings for 1 hour a week. BOUNCY DICE EXPLOSION: This week you're going to toss bouncy rubber dice to see what numbers you roll. You'll also play War to see who's the high roller. Finally, you'll move onto a giant Bingo board, where you'll roll 3 dice and pick any number that could win! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades 3rd-5th Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
COOKIES & CANVAS: ONCE UPON A WISH
Wednesday, February 15th @ 6pm Hobby painters and beginners will love our Cookies and Canvas series! Step-by-step instructions take participants on a journey towards a beautiful masterpiece. The fun themes are perfect for porch hangings, mantel decorations, and special gifts for family and friends. Love painting but in a dry spell? Let us provide the inspiration for your next piece. Are you a watercolor fiend or an oil painting master? Why not give acrylics a whirl!? Not too confident in your art skills? Give C & C a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results (plus, there will be cookies!). Program Cost: Non-refundable $8 fee per person Program Age Requirements: 13 and up Registration? Yes, registration is required. Sign up at the front desk! |
CRAZY 8s MATH: BOUNCY DICE EXPLOSION (K-2ND GRADE)
Thursday, February 16th @ 3:45pm Have a struggling math student? Sign them up for Crazy 8s at the library. Have a math maniac who can’t get enough numbers? Sign them up, too! Each session is designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills and kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and their coaches. There is no cost for the club. All materials will be provided to the kids, who are committing to 8 weeks of club meetings for 1 hour a week. BOUNCY DICE EXPLOSION: This week you're going to toss bouncy rubber dice to see what numbers you roll. You'll also play War to see who's the high roller. Finally, you'll move onto a giant Bingo board, where you'll roll 3 dice and pick any number that could win! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades K-2nd Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: POM POM PINEAPPLES
Tuesday, February 21st - Saturday, February 25th Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
MINI-BOHEMIAN PAINTING
Tuesday, February 21st @ 3:45pm This simple, minimalist painting style is easy to learn and the results are stunning in the home! Come spend a chill winter afternoon with us as we paint pre-drawn bohemian pictures on wood canvases. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration? YES. Registration is required, please call the front desk to sign up! |
CRAZY 8s MATH: CRAZY 8s RACE (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Wednesday, February 22nd @ 3:45pm Have a struggling math student? Sign them up for Crazy 8s at the library. Have a math maniac who can’t get enough numbers? Sign them up, too! Each session is designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills and kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and their coaches. There is no cost for the club. All materials will be provided to the kids, who are committing to 8 weeks of club meetings for 1 hour a week. CRAZY 8'S MATH: We're racing to 64 in a new board game where 8s are lucky. Pull your team members onto the racetrack when you roll the right factors. Along the way, we'll also learn about prime numbers and multiples. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades 3rd-5th Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
DIY LIGHTBULB FLOWER VASE
Wednesday, February 22nd @ 6pm on Facebook Grab a kit from the Makerspace-2-Go shelf and tune in on Facebook to make this dainty, adorable craft using just a lightbulb, flowers and twine. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 8 and up Registration? None |
CRAZY 8s MATH: CRAZY 8s RACE (K-2ND GRADE)
Thursday, February 23rd @ 3:45pm Have a struggling math student? Sign them up for Crazy 8s at the library. Have a math maniac who can’t get enough numbers? Sign them up, too! Each session is designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and skills and kids have the opportunity to learn from each other and their coaches. There is no cost for the club. All materials will be provided to the kids, who are committing to 8 weeks of club meetings for 1 hour a week. Sign up by calling or visiting the library! CRAZY 8'S MATH: We're racing to 64 in a new board game where 8s are lucky. Pull your team members onto the racetrack when you roll the right factors. Along the way, we'll also learn about prime numbers and multiples. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades K-2nd Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: MUSCLE MACHINE
Friday, February 24th @ 2pm Ignite joy for science at our Homeschool Science program! Participants will learn about biceps and triceps and how they work together. Then we’ll build working models of our arms to see them in action! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 8 and up Registration? Registration is recommended. Sign up by the calling the front desk! |
MUSCLAR SYSTEM SCIENCE LAB WITH MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
Saturday, February 25th from 10am to 12pm Assistant Professor of Biology Cassandra Gohn and students from Manchester University will host a multi-station science lab for kids at the library (teens & adults are welcome, too)! This month’s lab will feature the muscular system and give participants the opportunity to learn more about their muscles. The science lab is an outreach of Manchester University and the Indiana Physiological Society. Participants are welcome to come and go anytime between 10 am and 12 pm. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE HOT AIR BALLOONS
Monday, February 27th - Saturday, March 4th Do you love the different NMPL crafts, but can't fit another thing into your schedule? Do you want to get creative with the kiddos, but don't want to deal with the mess afterwards? Passive Crafts are the solution for you! Each week, a new fun, simple and engaging craft will be set up at the Passive Craft Table in the Children's Department. Stop by ANY time the library is open and spend time crafting at your leisure! No specific times to memorize... no clean up after... just good creative fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None |
EVENING TALES: CRAYON GIFT JARS
Monday, February 27th @ 6pm Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Pick your favorite color combos and turn an empty jar into a colorful work of art with crayons! These special jars are a great way to give away small gifts and candy. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for elementary ages Registration? None |
MINI-BOHEMIAN PAINTING
Tuesday, February 28th @ 3:45pm This simple, minimalist painting style is easy to learn and the results are stunning in the home! Come spend a chill winter afternoon with us as we paint pre-drawn bohemian pictures on wood canvases. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration? YES. Registration is required, please call the front desk to sign up! |