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
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ONCE UPON A SUMMER READING BEGINS!
Thursday, June 1st - Thursday, July 27th Get ready for a magical, fantastical Summer! Our theme this year is Once Upon a Summer Reading and we're going to explore fairy tales and mythical creatures, tales of fantasy and magic with special events all summer long! 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! Children will also have the option to join the House competition and to earn points for their Houses by Attending (library programs), Borrowing (from special collections), Giving Back (helping out the library and their community), and Activity (daily math challenges, Firefly voting, crafting, etc.). For more information on our Summer Reading programs, click HERE. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration? Yes! Sign up in person or through our free Beanstack app. |
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MYTHICAL AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Every Monday @ 11am, beginning June 12th 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. At these sessions, we'll celebrate our Once Upon a Summer Reading theme by learning magical, fairy tale, and mythical themed signs. These signs will also be used in our ASL Storytime sessions! 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 four years at Goshen he has learned and taught ASL as well as taken a semester at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Elliot is excited to teach you all more about American Sign Language as much as you are excited to learn it! Program Cost: None Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE STORYTIME
Every Tuesday at 10am, beginning June 13th Storytime is one of our most beloved programs - and now we're making it even better (and more accessible) with American Sign Language! Join us for the songs and stories that you love, but for these three sessions, we'll have an ASL storyteller on hand to serve as an interpreter and teacher. This will be an outstanding chance for children to get introduced to the importance of American Sign Language! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 0-5. Registration? None Location: Children's Department |
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STORYTIME
Every Tuesday & Thursday at 10am Join us for this beloved program... from delightful stories, to silly songs, to cool crafts, Storytime has it all! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 0-5. Registration? None Location: Children's Department |
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TEEN MAKERS
Every Wednesday @ 3:45pm Teens are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 13-18 Registration? None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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BETWEEN
Every Thursday @ 3:30pm Tweens are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 9-12 Registration? None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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KNITTING & CROCHET GROUP
Every Friday @ 1:30pm 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
May 30th 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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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: BUTTON BIRDS
Tuesday, May 29th - Saturday, June 3rd 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 Location: Children's Department |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MINI GNOMES
Monday, June 5th - Saturday, June 10th 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 Location: Children's Department |
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CEREAL BOX ART FOR KIDS: MYTHICAL CREATURES
Monday, June 5th @ 11am-12pm Have you ever wanted to build your own unicorn or dragon out of a cereal box? Try out Joshua Steely’s “Mythical Creatures for Kids” workshop! Using simple shapes and household supplies, this is a craft you could repeat later on your own. Follow the instruction from a practiced creator to learn the simple methods need to create your own mythical pal! Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: 5+ Registration: None Location: BCR |
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LEGO CLUB: EARTHQUAKE CHALLENGE
Monday, June 5th @ 3pm Kids of all ages will have a blast building with the library’s collection of thousands of Lego bricks! This Week's Challenge: Earthquake! Can you build a Lego structure that will withstand the table-shake test? Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 4 and up Registration: No Location: Flat Playground (Blocher Room in case of rain) |
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SUMMER ART SERIES: SMALL ACCORDION BOOKS IN BOXES
Tuesday, June 6th from 3pm to 4:30pm Have you ever wanted to create your own book? Hannah Burnworth of Milk House Studio will lead participants through all the steps to create a one-of-a-kind miniature book! Come create your own covers, your own accordion book block, and put it all in a cute little box. You will learn basic bookbinding skills and you will have a fun item to take with you. We want to thank the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Inc. for sponsoring this Summer Art Series at no cost to our patrons! Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: All ages welcome, but kiddos under 8 should bring a helper. Registration: Required. Space is limited to 15 participants. Click to sign up - https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10c0944a9ab28a7f5cf8... Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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DIRTY DIGGERS: SOCK WALK & SEED BALL
Tuesday, June 6th @ 6pm The Dirty Diggers are back! Kids of all ages are invited to join us at the library this spring and summer as we learn about plants, pollinators, and gardening. In addition to weekly themed lessons, we’ll raise and harvest our own herbs, vegetables and flowers on library grounds and next door at the Thomas Marshall House. Happy growing! This week we’ll learn about seeds and see how many we can collect and sprout when we go on a sock walk! Then we’ll make our own seed balls so we can spread native plants and wildflowers around our community. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room, Library lawn |
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LAWN GAMES & PICNIC ON THE LIBRARY LAWN
Wednesday, June 7th @ 1pm Join us for a fun pre-show before the Magic Show at 2pm on the library lawn! The Eastern Star Order of the Ivy and the Masonic Lodge, Deming #88 have purchased a variety of fun yard games for everyone to enjoy. The Kiwanis will be serving up Philadelphia Water Ice from Summer Reading Sponsor Grand’s Ice Cream Shoppe - feel free to bring your lunch and picnic on the library lawn! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Library lawn |
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"WANDS AT THE READY" MAGIC SHOW WITH ILLUSIONIST RUSTY AMMERMAN
Wednesday, June 7th @ 2pm Join us for a magical performance in the Harry Potter universe! Illusionist Rusty Ammerman transforms into the character of a visiting professor from livermorny (the Hogwarts of America). As such, Professor Ammerman has been granted special permission from the Ministry of Magic to present a seminar for No-Majs (muggles) explaining and demonstrating the various wizard spells. The attendants will witness Transfiguration, Legilimency, Apparition, Disapparition, Teleportation and even Levitation, causing a volunteer to magically float before their very eyes! The audience participation, lighthearted humor, music and sound effects will make this an unforgettable experience for everyone! Bonus: Join us for a fun pre-show on the library lawn beginning at 1 pm! The Eastern Star Order of the Ivy and the Masonic Lodge, Deming #88 have purchased a variety of fun yard games for everyone to enjoy. The Kiwanis will be serving up treats - feel free to bring your lunch and picnic on the library lawn! (NMPL thanks the Kiwanis for sponsoring this program.) Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL lawn and Blocher Room |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MYTHICAL CLOTHESPIN PUPPETS
Monday, June 12th - Saturday, June 17th 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 Location: Children's Department |
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LEGO CLUB: TALLEST TOWER CHALLENGE
Monday, June 12th @ 3pm Kids of all ages will have a blast building with the library’s collection of thousands of Lego bricks! This Week's Challenge: Tallest Tower! Pair off or team up and then work together to build the tallest tower of them all! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 4 and up Registration: No Location: Flat Playground (Blocher Room in case of rain) |
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DIRTY DIGGERS: HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS & BUTTERFLY PUDDLES
Monday, June 13th @ 6pm The Dirty Diggers are back! Kids of all ages are invited to join us at the library this spring and summer as we learn about plants, pollinators, and gardening. In addition to weekly themed lessons, we'll raise and harvest our own herbs, vegetables and flowers on library grounds and next door at the Thomas Marshall House. Happy growing! Where would plants be without their pollinator pals? Let’s help out our local pollinators by putting together feeders for the hummingbirds and drinking puddles for the butterflies. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room, Library lawn |
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CEREAL BOX ART: PRISM POSSIBILITIES
Wednesday, June 14th @ 6pm Geometry is everywhere. You simply need to know where to look. Look no further than Joshua Steely’s “Prism Possibilities” workshop. There you will learn the geometrical concept of nets and how to utilize the knowledge in an artistic way. Josh uses these simple prisms in his art all the time, and would love to share his methods with you! Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: None Location: BCR |
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LITTLE BOOKSHOP ON MARKET STREET
Friday, June 16th and Saturday, June 17th from 10am to 3pm Block party meets booksale! One of our favorite events of the year, Little Bookshop is an amazing time with friends, food, fun, and books! Browse new and gently used books (all proceeds support Friends of the Library and library programming), play lawn games, and chat with friends. Tacos Los Gordos will be selling their delicious Mexican food and drinks both days and we have special events happening as well! On Friday, come and get your caricature drawn by artist Randy M between 12pm and 3pm! These fun sketches are a great way to remember your summer at the library. First come, first drawn, no cost! On Saturday, Juliette the Unicorn will be on the library lawn from 10am to 12pm greeting her fans and taking photos. We'll have our professional photographer on set as well, so you can get some truly magical photos to share with your friends and loved ones! Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn & Market Street entrance |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: FAIRY HOUSES
Monday, June 19th - Saturday, June 24th 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 Location: Children's Department |
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LEGO CLUB: FAIRY TALE SCENE CHALLENGE
Monday, June 19th @ 3pm Kids of all ages will have a blast building with the library’s collection of thousands of Lego bricks! This Week's Challenge: Fairytale Scene. Bring your favorite fairy tale to life - in Lego! What story will you choose? Hansel and Gretel? The Little Mermaid? Little Red Riding Hood? The choice is yours. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 4 and up Registration: No Location: Flat Playground (Blocher Room in case of rain) |
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DIRTY DIGGERS: MUD PIES & SOIL ANALYSIS
Tuesday, June 20th @ 6pm The Dirty Diggers are back! Kids of all ages are invited to join us at the library this spring and summer as we learn about plants, pollinators, and gardening. In addition to weekly themed lessons, we'll raise and harvest our own herbs, vegetables and flowers on library grounds and next door at the Thomas Marshall House. Happy growing! What kind of soil is in your yard? Bring a handful of dirt from your backyard and we’ll test it out by seeing what kind of a mud pie it makes! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Community Room, Library lawn |
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LEGENDARY BINGO
Wednesday, June 21st @ 2pm NMPL Bingo is always a blast! We’ll have fantastic prizes for all ages to win and enjoy special challenges like Postage Stamp and Four Corners. Attendees are invited to dress up as a character from their favorite fairy tale, myth or legend for extra fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Community Room |
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COOKIES & CANVAS: PATIO LIGHTS AT NIGHT
Wednesday, June 21st @ 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! Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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3D PRINTER CLUB
Friday, June 23rd @ 2:00pm NMPL's 3D printer has been a source of endless fascination for many patrons - and it's not hard to see why! Succulent planters, Baby Yoda figurines, hose adapters, credit card wallets, articulated chameleons - these are just a few of the thousands of items you can print on our MakerBot Replicator. Come learn how at our 3D Printer Club! Each participant will be shown how to work the printer, and will receive a coupon to print one small item for free - either during the club or any time after! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 6 and up Registration? None Location: 3D Printer Station near the Adult Department Computer Lab |
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SUMMER PICNIC WITH THE NORTH MANCHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY & ROTARY CLUB
Saturday, June 24th from 3pm-5pm Join us and our friends from the NMHS for a very special summer picnic for the entire community! Bring a blanket and a picnic and settle in on the Thomas Marshall or library lawns. Enjoy tours of the Thomas Marshall House and play yard and Flat Playground games at the library. Listen to a story while munching on hot dogs provided by the North Manchester Rotary Club. Do a fun craft in the shade. There’s plenty to do for the whole family! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Thomas Marshall house and Library Lawn |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Monday, June 26th - Saturday, July 1st 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 Location: Children's Department |
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LEGO CLUB: PARACHUTE CHALLENGE
Monday, June 26th @ 3pm Kids of all ages will have a blast building with the library’s collection of thousands of Lego bricks! This Week's Challenge: Parachute! Use coffee filters and Lego bricks to construct a successful parachute jump. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 4 and up Registration: No Location: Flat Playground (Blocher Room in case of rain) |
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SUMMER ART SERIES: RED WINGED BLACK BIRD COLLAGE
Tuesday, June 27th from 3:00pm-5:00pm Come make a mixed media collage with Milk House Studio artist Hannah Burnworth! Participants will learn about some basic cutting and adhesive methods for collage. Each attendee will create their own bird collage on wood using a variety of found and handmade papers. No collage experience needed. We want to thank the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Inc. for sponsoring this Summer Art Series at no cost to our patrons! Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: Ages 13 and up Registration: Required. Space is limited to 20 participants. Click to sign up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A9AB28A7F5CF8-8x8 Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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DIRTY DIGGERS: LOVE FOR THE BUGS
Tuesday, June 27th @ 6pm The Dirty Diggers are back! Kids of all ages are invited to join us at the library this spring and summer as we learn about plants, pollinators, and gardening. In addition to weekly themed lessons, we'll raise and harvest our own herbs, vegetables and flowers on library grounds and next door at the Thomas Marshall House. Happy growing! Some insects are great for our plants and others, well, not so much! Let’s learn about the different types and see how many we can find around our containers and raised beds. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room, Library lawn |
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NMPL AT THE NORTH MANCHESTER FARMER'S MARKET
Saturday, July 1st from 10am to 12pm Embark on an epic adventure around the North Manchester Farmer’s Market! Famous characters from folklore and fairy tales are hiding in the vendor booths - can you find them all? Complete your quest and win tokens to spend at the Farmer’s Market on their amazing selection of flowers, berries, vegetables, handicrafts, baked goods and more! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: North Manchester Farmer's Market (Ogan's Landing - South Mill St.) |
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SUMMER READING SPLASH PARTY
Saturday, August 19th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm for the first 100 children to complete Summer Reading We are hosting a Summer Reading Splash at the Strauss Peabody Aquatic Center for the first 100 kids who complete the NMPL Summer Reading program! The library has booked the therapy pool with slide, the lap pool and the outdoor splash pad for children to enjoy. All ages – even little ones – will be able to enjoy this event! Lifeguards will be on duty. All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The pools, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool will be available for adults to enjoy but they must be responsible for their children during that time. Capacity is limited so no more than one adult per child. Multiple children in the same family may be accompanied by only one parent but two parents are also allowed. Remember, only the first 100 children to complete Summer Reading will receive a pass for this event so once the program begins... START READING! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kids who have completed the NMPL Children's Summer Reading Program Registration: Yes. Attendees will be registered once they complete the Children's Summer Reading Program Location: Strauss-Peabody Aquatic and Fitness Facility |