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!​

CALENDARS

REGULARLY SCHEDULED IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS

STORYTIME
Every Tuesday & Thursday at 10am (NEW TIME!)
Join us for this beloved program... from delightful stories, to silly songs, to cool crafts, Storytime has it all! 

TEEN MAKERS
Every Wednesday @ 3:45pm in the Makerspace
​Teens ages 13-18 are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! 

BETWEEN
Every Thursday @ 3:30pm in the Makerspace
Tweens ages 9 to 12 are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! 

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.
All are welcome!

QUILTING & CRAFTING CLUB
Monday, October 10th, Monday, October 24th - 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!

SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS

NASA'S ARTEMIS PROJECT READING CHALLENGE
September 1st through September 30
The North Manchester Public Library will participate in the “NASA’s Artemis Project: To the Moon, Mars, and Beyond!” reading challenge sponsored by the Space Science Institute. We challenge our patrons to read 300 minutes each (10 minutes a day) and to keep track of their reading during the challenge on the Beanstack phone app or on our Beanstack site at https://nman.beanstack.org/reader365.
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Hundreds of libraries across the nation will be reading and learning alongside us for a chance to win circulation backpacks of STEM-related resources from the Space Science institute.

NASA is readying the first mission of the Artemis spaceflight program! In ancient Greek mythology, Artemis was the goddess of the Moon and twin sister to the sun god Apollo. Much like NASA’s Apollo program, which took humans to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, the Artemis program will take humans back to the Moon and prepare us for traveling to Mars and beyond for the first time.

Participants will discover more about the Artemis program and NASA’s plans for a new generation of crewed spaceflight by completing the activity badges in the Beanstack reading and activity challenge.

All public libraries in the U.S. are eligible to join and participate for a chance to win backpacks filled with STEM-related materials and a telescope!
The Space Science Institute will award the circulation backpacks with STEM-related resources to top performing libraries. Winning libraries will be determined by outreach (number of registrants in relation to population size), active participation, total minutes read, community sharing (Posting about #STEAMinLIB and #BeanBlast on social media will give you a boost!)
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We invite each of our patrons to pre-register at any time and to begin reading up a storm on September 1! Together, we can link up and read for a chance to win STEM backpacks that will benefit the entire community. Happy reading, North Manchester! 

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: LEAF FOXES
Monday, September 26th - Saturday, October 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!
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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!

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FALL BOOKSALE
Thursday, September 29th through Saturday, October 1st @ 9am to 5pm
The Friends of the Library book sale is held in the spring and in the fall each year. The FOL book sale has become a popular shopping spot for both recreational book buyers and book sellers in the area! Purchasing books from the semi-annual book sale is an excellent way of supporting our library. The book sale is a significant fundraiser for FOL, and in turn, supports library programs and updates each year. Find gently used books, DVDs, children's materials, audios, yearbooks and more! You just never know what great book adventure awaits you at the FOL Booksale!

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: FROSTED DONUTS
Monday, September October 3rd - Saturday, October 8th
​​​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!
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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!

EVENING TALES: DIY PAPER CLIMBERS
Monday, October 3rd @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks.
Fun to make but even more fun to race! These paper climbers are quick and easy and can be taken anywhere for a fun, on-the-go activity!

ADULTING 101: GIFTS ON A BUDGET
Tuesday, October 4th @ 3:45pm
Adulting 101 is back with new lessons! NMPL has partnered with Purdue Extension Educator, Mindy Mayes, bringing in new materials like how to prepare healthy frozen meals, how to better relationships, and even how to keep a budget during the holidays!
This week we'll learn about Gifts on a Budget: Learn 15 ways to enjoy this holiday while keeping spending in check.​

LEGO CLUB: GAME TIME!
Wednesday, October 5th @ 3:45pm
Transform a base plate into a tic tac toe board or a marble run and challenge a friend to a friendly game!

NMPL'S ELECTRIC HALLOWEEN PARTY!
Thursday, October 6th @ 5pm-7pm
Get ready for an electric time at our annual Halloween party!
There will be hay rides, spooky egg and scavenger hunts, a costume contest, blacklight games, and electric science labs. In addition to all the traditional Halloween fun, attendees will enjoy experimenting with static electricity. It’s going to be a hair-raising good time (literally, we’ve got a Van de Graaf Generator you have to try out!).
Tacos Los Gordos will also be present, selling some absolutely DELICIOUS Mexican street food, so plan to bring the family for dinner!
Come in costume, come in regular clothes - just come!
This event is sponsored by Riverbridge Electric.

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MAKE YOUR OWN HAUNTED HOUSE
Monday, October 10th - Saturday, October 15th
​​​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!

ADULTING 101: FRAUD BINGO
Tuesday, October 11th @ 3:45pm
Adulting 101 is back with new lessons! NMPL has partnered with Purdue Extension Educator, Mindy Mayes, bringing in new materials like how to prepare healthy frozen meals, how to better relationships, and even how to keep a budget during the holidays!
Fraud Bingo: A fun and interactive presentation that teaches consumers how to protect themselves from financial fraud by playing a familiar game: Bingo!​

LEGO CLUB: FREE BUILD
Wednesday, October 12th @ 3:45pm
Let your imagination soar and create anything you like out of our thousands of Lego bricks!

MEDICARE 101 & YOU
Wednesday, October 12th @ 6pm
The annual Enrollment Period for Medicare is Oct 15th through December 7th, but before you get signed up, join Medicare representative Benjamin Snyder at NMPL for a special informative presentation. This helpful session will cover the basics of Medicare, and will give seniors the tools they need to educate and protect themselves.

GOOGLE SEARCH SECRETS
Thursday, October 13th @ 6pm
Learn helpful tips and tricks to master your google searches and get the results that you're ACTUALLY looking for!
More info coming soon.

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: SPOOKY SKELETONS
Monday, October 17th - Saturday, October 22nd
​​​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!

MINI-PUMPKIN CANVAS PAINTING
Monday, October 17th @ 11am
It's pumpkin season! We're celebrating with a special painting session, and all ages are invited to come and paint their own pre-drawn canvas.
Space is limited and registration is required.

EVENING TALES: MONSTER WREATHS
Monday, October 17th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks.
"I always feel like somebody's watching me!" These silly wreaths are just perfect for Halloween decorations - especially when you use glow in the dark googly eyes. Stick them up in unexpected corners around the house and watch your friends and family jump!​

INTERACTIVE MOVIE EXTRAVAGANZA!: IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN CHARLIE BROWN
Tuesday, October 18th @ 11am
We're taking our popular Interactive Movies to a WHOLE new level this month!
First up, join us in the warm autumnal sunlight as we paint miniature pumpkins to take home. Then we'll head to the Blocher Room for a special interactive showing of "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", featuring ghost masks, candy, games, paper airplane throwing, coloring, and more! But the fun doesn't stop there... after the movie, participants will get to trick-o-treat around the whole library and collect candy at various stations. YUM! 
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume for this special event. We promise, you've never watched the movie like THIS before!

ADULTING 101: FREEZER PLEASERS
Tuesday, October 18th @ 3:45pm
Adulting 101 is back with new lessons! NMPL has partnered with Purdue Extension Educator, Mindy Mayes, bringing in new materials like how to prepare healthy frozen meals, how to better relationships, and even how to keep a budget during the holidays!
October 18th: Freezer Pleasers: Homemade freezer meals can be just as convenient as pre-packed ones – plus healthier, tastier and cheaper. Preparing your own freezer pleasers means you can control sugar, salt, sodium intake and watch calories. You will receive tips and recipe ideas to try out at home!

LEGO CLUB: 20 BRICK CHALLENGE
Wednesday, October 19th @ 3:45pm
Grab 20 bricks of your choice and see what you can make using 20 Legos or less!

SPOOKY STORYTIME
Wednesday, October 19th @ 6pm
Get into your costumes and come to NMPL for a special Storytime! We will be reading a spooky story, making a wicked craft and singing some silly songs.

STORYTIME & COSTUME PARADE
Thursday, October 20th @ 10:00am
Join us at 10:00am for our traditional Storytime, followed by a costume parade around the ENTIRE library! Come in your costume and show it off to everyone. You may even get a couple pieces of candy to take home!

HOMESCHOOL ART: ABSTRACT ART
Friday, October 21st @ 2pm
Splatters, dots, geometric shapes, scribbles, stripes, and lines. There are so many different ways to create beautiful works of abstract art. At this session we’ll learn about several important artists in the abstract movement and then create our own works of art using geometric wood panels instead of canvas!
Elementary - high school can register by calling the library. 

CREATIVE WRITER'S RETREAT 
Saturday, October 22nd @ 11am in the Blocher Room
CREATIVE WRITING IS THERAPY FOR YOUR SOUL
Your creative voice is beautiful and unique. It also usually shy and vulnerable. But, if you can be emotionally brave and express it in your own way, you can change the world around you. This is the perfect place for your sensitive soul to relax, express, and be touched by being among other kindred creative spirits.
ALL ARE WELCOME - CREATIVE EXPRESSION KNOWS NO AGE
Many who have attended in the past consider this group a "sacred space." Creative sees creative, and love and light sees love and light. This is a safe place for creative expression. You will be in a warm, encouraging and nurturing setting.
GOOD NEWS! - NO PRESSURE, BECAUSE YOU CAN'T DO IT WRONG.
Remember this: "There is No Right or Wrong Way to Write from Your Heart."
Bring something to write with and enjoy the experience of creative expression in action. This is not a class or course. There is no test. It's FUN!
Compelling writing prompts are used, and you will have a chance to share with the group. But you don't have to. If you hear the "creative call" and attend, you may be surprised at what you may discover within yourself. Please attend and experience it for yourself.
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These sessions will be taught by Randy Ragan. For additional information, call 260-306-1769.

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: HALLOWEEN POPSICLE STICK PUPPETS
Monday, October 17th - Saturday, October 22nd
​​​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!

EVENING TALES: TASSEL GHOSTS
Monday, October 24th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks.
​Make a cute little yarn ghost to attach to your keychain, backpack or to hang up outside!

ADULTING 101: GETTING OUR HEART RIGHT
Tuesday, October 25th @ 3:45pm
Adulting 101 is back with new lessons! NMPL has partnered with Purdue Extension Educator, Mindy Mayes, bringing in new materials like how to prepare healthy frozen meals, how to better relationships, and even how to keep a budget during the holidays!
October 25th: Getting your Heart Right
Conflict is a universal human problem. Learn three keys to better relationships in this lesson. ​

LEGO CLUB: HAUNTED FORESTS
Wednesday, October 26th @ 3:45pm
Build a haunted forest to help us decorate the Children’s Department for Halloween!

COOKIES & CANVAS: ONCE UPON A HALLOWEEN NIGHT
Wednesday, October 26th @ 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!).
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​This class is for teens and adults ages 13+ and requires registration. Class size is limited so painting reservations are first-come, first-serve. A materials fee of $8 per person will be due at registration. These fees are non-refundable. Register at the front desk or by the calling the library.

HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: GUMDROP WAVE MACHINE
Friday, October 28th @ 2pm
Waves are all around us - sound and light travel as waves, wind stirs up waves in bodies of water, and (micro)waves can even cook our food! In this experiment we will construct a wave machine using everyday materials (like gumdrops!). We’ll observe how the wave reacts to disturbances and obstacles and pay attention to patterns that form as we operate the machine. (Snacking will be allowed).
Ages 8 - high school can register by calling the library. 

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE JACK O LANTERNS
Monday, October 31st - Saturday, November 5th
​​​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!

EVENING TALES: OCTOPUS HOT DOGS
Monday, October 31st @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks.
Octopus Hot Dogs: These cute little guys love to go swimming in ketchup and mustard before dunking into your mouth!