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
SILENT BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 1st @ 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 |
BABYTIME
Every Thursday at 10am Designed for children from birth to 3 years old and their caregivers, Babytime features books, rhymes, and simple sensory play just right for your little one. Build your baby's foundation for lifelong reading and learning with this engaging program! Families are invited to bring older kids, who can play in the Playroom, craft at the Passive Craft table, or enjoy our computer lab. Caregivers are welcome to stay with the babies, but if you need to choose some books for yourself, or keep an eye on the other kids, your babies will be looked after for you during Babytime! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 0-3 (and caregivers) Registration: No Location: Picture Book Room |
QUILTING & CRAFTING CLUB
Thursday, April 18th; Friday, May 3rd, Wednesday, May 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 |
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 |
SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: CHICKA CHICKA BOOM TREE
Monday, April 22nd - Saturday, April 27th 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 |
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SPRING BOOK SALE
Thursday, April 25th from 9am to 7pm; Friday & Saturday, April 26th & 27th from 9am to 5pm Love books? Don't miss out on the FOL Book Sale - your go-to spot for amazing deals on gently used books, DVDs, children's materials, audios, yearbooks and more! Purchasing books from the semi-annual book sale is an excellent way of supporting our library. The event is a significant fundraiser for FOL, and in turn, supports library programs and updates each year. You just never know what great book adventure awaits you at the FOL Book Sale! |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MOTHER'S DAY CARDS
Monday, April 29th - Saturday, May 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 Location: Children's Department |
LEGO LEAGUE
Wednesday, May 1st @ 3:30pm Lego builders unite! It’s time to bring out the thousands-strong collection of Lego bricks that the library has been accumulating. It’s time to let our imaginations run wild. It’s time to build, time to play, time to test our skills. It’s time for LEGO LEAGUE! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Flat Playground or Blocher Community Room |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MOTHER'S DAY FLOWERS
Monday, May 6th - Saturday, May 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 Location: Children's Department |
HOMESCHOOL ART: DR. ESTHER MAHLANGU
Friday, May 10th @ 2pm Drawing on traditional techniques passed down from her mother and grandmother, Dr. Esther Mahlangu paints bold murals that grab the attention of anyone passing by. Join us for the final Homeschool Art session of the school year as we learn about this amazing South African artist and learn to paint in her style! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - High School Registration: Yes. Please click here to register: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
LAB RATS: MAKEDO CARBOARD CREATIONS
Monday, May 6th @ 6pm It’s amazing what you can make with cardboard when you have the right tools! Our MakeDo kit has just what you need to turn the ideas in your head into sturdy reality. Work as a team or work on your own - there are so many options to get things done! This program was made possible with the support of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-Region 4’s Science Kits for Public Libraries grant. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 9 and up Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
FELTING CLASS WITH KRUGER CRAFTS: OWLS
Tuesday, May 7th @ 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 woodland cuties 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 owls by choosing their own yarn colors and accessories. Simply follow along and watch your owl come to life! Program Cost: $30 to make one owl (includes needle, wool roving, instruction, pads, and decorations). 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 |
SPANISH STORYTIME
Tuesday, May 7th @ 10am Introduce your little ones to the wonderful world of languages with Spanish Storytime! Enjoy songs, a craft, and a special story read in both Spanish and English by Mackenzie Coulter-Kern of the Wabash County Diversity Coalition. Start building a love for languages with your little ones at this Storyime event! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for ages 0-5. Registration? None Location: Children's Department ¡Presenta a tus pequeños el maravilloso mundo de los idiomas con Spanish Storytime! Disfrute de canciones, una manualidad y una historia especial leída en español e inglés por Mackenzie Coulter-Kern de la Coalición de Diversidad del Condado de Wabash. ¡Empieza a desarrollar el amor por los idiomas con tus pequeños en este evento Storyime! Costo del programa: Programa gratuito Requisitos de edad: Ninguno, pero recomendado para edades de 0 a 5 años. ¿Registro? Ninguno Ubicación: Departamento de Niños |
DIRTY DIGGERS: SEEDS
Tuesday, May 7th @ 6pm It’s back and we could NOT be more excited! Dirty Diggers is our annual program for kids who love to get dirty, have fun, grow things, and learn about nature. Our kick off session will feature an introduction to seeds as we plan and start our summer gardens. Come join the fun as we get ready for another season of planting, tending, and learning! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room/Library Lawn |
NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, May 11th from 11am-1pm Calling all writers! NMPL's Writer's 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 Writer's Retreat! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teens and adults Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: JELLYFISH
Monday, May 13th - Saturday, May 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 Location: Children's Department |
TEA & BISCUIT VINTAGE BOOK TASTING
Monday, May 13th @ 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 iced tea and goodies from The Brit-ish Baker! Book Menu: We’re celebrating our Summer Reading theme of “Life In the Past Lane” with vintage reads from the decades spanning the 20s through the 90s! Biscuit Menu: The Brit-ish Baker will be serving up some truly delicious bakes for our attendees!
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
PUZZLE SWAP
Tuesday, May 14th from 4pm to 6pm Rainy spring days are the perfect time to brew a cup of tea and pull out a puzzle! The library has a great selection of kids’ and adult puzzles available for checkout but maybe you’re looking for a little something more? Or perhaps your shelves are already overflowing with puzzles you’ve already put together? Never fear, the Puzzle Swap is here! Bring your puzzles to the Blocher Community Room and enjoy swapping old puzzles for “new” ones with other puzzling fans. What a great way to refresh your collection for free! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO? WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, May 14th @ 4pm Have you ever stopped to ponder where your hard-earned money goes each month? It's easy to lose track of our spending habits in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We swipe our cards or make online purchases without giving it much thought. But understanding where our money goes is crucial for making informed financial decisions. This program is designed to help you better understand how you spend your money so you can protect your financial well-being. With awareness comes the ability to budget effectively and plan for the future! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Adult but other ages are welcome to attend Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: CODING ROBOTS
Friday, May 17th @ 2pm It’s our final Homeschool Science of the school year. This month we will work with screen-free Coding Robots to go on a Treasure Hunt, take on an Obstacle Course and more! This is a fantastic way to learn the basics of the language of code. This program was made possible with the support of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-Region 4’s Science Kits for Public Libraries grant. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes, please click HERE. Location: Blocher Community Room |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PATRIOTIC WINDSOCK
Monday, May 20th - Saturday, May 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 Location: Children's Department |
LAB RATS JUNIOR: MAKEDO CARDBOARD CREATIONS
Monday, May 20th @ 6pm It’s amazing what you can make with cardboard when you have the right tools! Our MakeDo kit has just what you need to create something truly special - and it’s so much easier than you might think. Jr. Lab Rats are going to love this session! This program was made possible with the support of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-Region 4’s Science Kits for Public Libraries grant. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 5 - 8 Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
DIRTY DIGGERS: OUTDOOR PLANTING
Tuesday, May 21st @ 6pm Our seeds have sprouted, the danger of frost is past, and it’s time to get things in the ground! We’re looking forward to transplanting our seedlings to their summer homes in our raised beds and outdoor planters. And of course, we’ll have lots of fun with outdoor games as well! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room/Library Lawn |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
Tuesday, May 28th - Saturday, June 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 |
FORAGING FOR WILD TEAS: KIDS' EDITION
Tuesday, May 28th @ 3:30pm Did you know that tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, right behind water? Here in the United States, even though tea drops to the fourth spot behind water, coffee, and soda, it's still a pretty popular choice. Did you also know that you can make tea from many different things, maybe even ingredients growing in your own backyard? That's right! Unleash your inner tea explorer with Foraging for Wild Teas! From your backyard to your cup, discover the flavors of nature in every sip at this exciting program. Taught by Manchester University professor Tim Brauch, this program will teach attendees all about foraging tea ingredients right in North Manchester. Kids will also learn some different techniques for brewing tea, and will get to taste a variety of hot and cold teas made from things Tim has collected in his backyard. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - Higschool Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
FORAGING FOR WILD TEAS
Tuesday, May 28th @ 6pm Based on the number of gallons consumed, tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, only behind water, and far ahead of coffee. In the United States, tea drops to the fourth most popular beverage, behind water, coffee, and soda. Why is tea so popular in the world? Perhaps in part, due to its accessibility. You can make tea from so many different things, in fact, many ingredients for tasty teas are probably growing in your own backyard. Taught by Manchester University professor Tim Brauch, this program will teach attendees all about foraging tea ingredients right in North Manchester. Attendees will also learn some different techniques for brewing tea, and will get to taste a variety of hot and cold teas made from things Tim has collected in his backyard. Each participant will receive an information handout with ideas and recipes for making your own tea at home. About Tim: Tim Brauch has been hiking and camping his whole life. He's backpacked the Manistee River Trail and parts of the Appalachian Trail. Tim taught hiking at Manchester University for 7 years. For the last 4 years he has led hikes throughout northeast Indiana for private groups and friends. In 2019 he became an Indiana Master Naturalist and has recertified as an Advanced Master Naturalist every year since then. In 2021, he earned his National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide credentials. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
CHIT CHAT CLUB
Wednesday, May 29th @ 6pm Are you a social butterfly who thrives on meeting new people? If so, we have the perfect solution to brighten up your evenings. Join NMPL's Chit Chat Club, where you can indulge in engaging conversations and make lasting connections. Our club offers optional Conversation Cards, which are designed to ignite interesting topics and foster meaningful discussions. For those who prefer to keep busy, we also have puzzles available, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Expand your social circle and enjoy the warmth of companionship with others! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Board Game & Puzzle Area by the Adult Graphic Novel |