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!
REGULARLY SCHEDULED IN PERSON PROGRAMS
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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 |
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COZY UP STORYTIME
Every Saturday through March 18th 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 |
SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: POM POM LEPRECHAUNS
Monday, March 13th - Saturday, March 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 |
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"STICKING" TOGETHER: BOHEMIAN POPSICLE STICK WALL HANGING
Tuesday, March 14th @ 3:45pm Versatile and fun, popsicle sticks make crafting a breeze. Need some motivation to get started? Come to our NEW “Sticking” Together program and learn to use this handy supply to make beautiful and unique crafts! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 7+ Registration: None |
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CRAZY 8s MATH: DARING DARTS (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Wednesday, March 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. Learn how to play and score a game of darts. Then play with hacky sacks on a giant floor-sized dartboard and see if you can aim to get the highest score! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades 3rd-5th Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
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CRAZY 8s MATH: CRAZY CARD CLUB (K-2ND GRADE)
Thursday, March 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. Sign up by calling or visiting the library! Today we're going to play different card games - Crazy 8s, 13 Pyramid, and, if we have time, Solitaire - and learn the math woven into them. When we're done, everyone will take home a deck of cards to teach the games to your friends and family! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades K-2nd Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE LION
Monday, March 20th - Saturday, March 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 |
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EVENING TALES: BUTTERFLY KEYS
Monday, March 20th @ 6pm Old keys and paper remnants from Heckman Bindery are upcycled into beautiful butterflies. Turn into a necklace, a backpack charm or a gift to remind a friend of new beginnings! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for elementary ages Registration? None |
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"STICKING" TOGETHER: POPSICLE STICK RUSTIC ARROWS
Tuesday, March 21st @ 3:45pm Versatile and fun, popsicle sticks make crafting a breeze. Need some motivation to get started? Come to our NEW “Sticking” Together program and learn to use this handy supply to make beautiful and unique crafts! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 7+ Registration: None |
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CRAZY 8s MATH: FUNNY MONEY (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Wednesday, March 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. Learn how to play and score a game of darts. Then play with hacky sacks on a giant floor-sized dartboard and see if you can aim to get the highest score! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades 3rd-5th Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
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PIPE CLEANER & YARN COASTERS
Wednesday, March 22nd @ 6pm on Facebook Make these beautiful no-sew coasters using only pipe cleaners, yarn, and hot glue. Grab a kit and tune in to Facebook to watch the tutorial video to learn how! Program Cost: FREE Program Age Requirements: None, but parental supervision is necessary to due working with a hot glue gun Registration: No Registration Required |
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CRAZY 8s MATH: CRAZY CARD CLUB (K-2ND GRADE)
Thursday, March 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! Today we're going to play different card games - Crazy 8s, 13 Pyramid, and, if we have time, Solitaire - and learn the math woven into them. When we're done, everyone will take home a deck of cards to teach the games to your friends and family! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades K-2nd Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SCIENCE LAB WITH MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
Saturday, March 25th @ 10am Assistant Professor of Biology Cassandra Gohn and students from Manchester University will host a multi-station science lab for kids at the North Manchester Public Library (teens & adults are welcome, too)! This month’s lab will feature the digestive system! Participants will peek inside their insides and learn how food and water travel through the body and what happens along the way. The science lab is an outreach of Manchester University and the Indiana Physiological Society. There is no cost or registration required – participants are welcome to come and go anytime between 10 am and 12 pm. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages but geared towards elementary ages Registration? None |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MAKE YOUR OWN VEGETABLE GARDEN
Monday, March 27th - Saturday, April 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 |
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3D PRINTER CLUB FOR KIDS
Monday, March 27th @ 3:45pm NMPL's 3D printer has been a source of endless fascination for many young students - 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 first ever 3D Printer Club for Kids! 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 8-13 Registration? None |
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EVENING TALES: DIY PARTY BLOWERS
Monday, March 27th @ 6pm Party blowers are so much fun to celebrate with. And did you know you can make your own? It’s true! Join us as we learn how to customize our own DIY Party Blowers! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None, but recommended for elementary ages Registration? None |
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"STICKING" TOGETHER: NEWTON'S CRADLE
Tuesday, March 28th @ 3:45pm Versatile and fun, popsicle sticks make crafting a breeze. Need some motivation to get started? Come to our NEW “Sticking” Together program and learn to use this handy supply to make beautiful and unique crafts! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 7+ Registration: None |
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CRAZY 8s MATH: TOILET PAPER OLYMPICS (3RD-5TH GRADE)
Wednesday, March 29th @ 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're going to host your own Olympics, measuring your feats using toilet paper. Then youʼll mummify the winner and count up the squares! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades 3rd-5th Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
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CRAZY 8s MATH: TOILET PAPER OLYMPICS (K-2ND GRADE)
Thursday, March 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! This week your going to host your own Olympics, measuring your feats using toilet paper. Then you'll mummify the winner and count up the squares! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Grades K-2nd Registration? Yes, sign up by calling or visiting the library! |
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HOMESCHOOL ART CLASS: MATISSE CUT-OUT
Friday, March 31st @ 2pm French artist Henri Matisse’s career in art began and ended with illness. He started painting as a 20-year-old recovering from appendicitis. Decades later, Matisse faced the end of his career when ill health compelled him to quit painting. He could have given up - instead he created a gorgeous new array of artwork. Come learn the inspiring story of learning to overcome challenges and try your hand at your own cut-outs! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - High School Registration? Call or visit the Children’s Department |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: MOSAIC STICKER RAINBOWS
Monday, April 3rd - Saturday, April 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! 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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AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE FOR KIDS: SEASONS
Monday, April 3rd @ 3pm 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 this session, we’ll learn the signs for the different seasons and weather! 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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EVENING TALES: POM POM CHICKS
Monday, April 3rd @ 6pm Join us for fun games and fun crafting! We’ll be making a bevy of adorable Pom Pom Chicks - soft, squishy, and oh-so-cute! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Preschool-Elementary Registration: None Location: Children's Department |
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INTERACTIVE MOVIE: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
Tuesday, April 4th @ 11am Join us for a special interactive showing of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs... we promise, you've never watched this movie like THIS before! Squawk like a chicken, eat yummy treats, make “food” rain from the sky, watch out for the tipped fishbowl (everyone’s going to get a little wet!), and MORE! You just never know what fun surprises and activities await you at an Interactive Movie event! Program Cost: None Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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THE GREAT TOY SWAP
Thursday, April 6th @ 2pm Spring cleaning is here and it’s a great time to get organized! Have some toys or games you’ve outgrown or no longer play with? Bring them to the Blocher Community Room for our back-by-popular-demand Toy Swap! How will it work? Kids will be able to arrange their own swaps - trading a toy they no longer want for a toy another child no longer wants. And just like that, old toys become new! All swaps must be mutually agreed on, and participants have the right to decline a proposed swap - or suggest a counter bargain! Extra toys can be donated to a “Community Property” table and kids will be able to take a toy from the table even if they don’t have anything to swap. All toys should be clean, free of strong odors, and should not have any broken parts. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: CREPE PAPER OCTOPUS
Monday, April 10th - Saturday, April 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! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None Location: Children's Department |
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EVENING TALES: PEEPS PLAYDOUGH
Monday, April 10th @ 6pm This yummy, edible playdough is made from Peeps! Learn how to make it yourself and then have fun modeling your own creations. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Preschool-Elementary Registration: None Location: Children's Department |
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READ WITH A COLLEGE STUDENT
Tuesday, April 11th @ 6pm Practice your literacy skills by reading to or with a college student! Honors students from Manchester University will be visiting the library as part of their April service project. Kids of all ages are invited to bring favorite books (or select several here at the library) and enjoy time reading to a college student or being read to by a college student. Beginning and advanced readers will get to practice their reading skills, pre-readers will enjoy a personalized storytime! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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MONEY MONSTERS: LEARN TO SAVE
Wednesday, April 12th @ 4pm Money Monsters is a resource created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help children develop financial literacy skills. The library will offer a 7 week course for elementary aged kids. Each week will focus on a different theme and children will receive a new Money Monsters storybook each time they attend! This week, the Money Monsters practice saving to buy something special with a short story and fun games like Puzzling Out Your Savings. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten and up Registration: None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE WITH PURDUE EXTENSTION: ELEPHANT TOOTHPASTE
Friday, April 14th @ 2pm Come explore catalytic decomposition with this super fun and super foamy experiment! There’s nothing quite like Elephant Toothpaste and we’re going to have some great hands on learning with this STEM activity. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 and up Registration: Yes, please call the library to sign up |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: SUMMER SAILBOATS
Monday, April 17th - Saturday, April 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! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration? None Location: Children's Department |
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EVENING TALES: PIPE CLEANER FLOWERS
Monday, April 17th @ 6pm April showers bring May flowers but if you’re tired of waiting for blossoms, this is the perfect craft for you. Brighten up your surroundings with colorful blooms made from pipe cleaners with the help of several easy techniques. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Preschool-Elementary Registration: None Location: Children's Department |
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PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: FRILLED NECK LIZARDS
Monday, April 24th - Saturday, April 29th 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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EVENING TALES: KITES
Monday, April 24th @ 6pm Kites! It’s time to get outside and enjoy the spring breezes. Crack open a kit and follow along as we make and test our very own kites. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Preschool-Elementary Registration: None Location: The NMPL lawn |
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MONEY MONSTERS: LEARN TO PROTECT THEIR THINGS
Wednesday, April 6th @ 4pm Money Monsters is a resource created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help children develop financial literacy skills. The library will offer a 7 week course for elementary aged kids. Each week will focus on a different theme and children will receive a new Money Monsters storybook each time they attend! This week, the Money Monsters find out why it’s important to keep their money and valuables safe as they listen to a story, play the bouncing ball game, and learn about insurance! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten and up Registration: None Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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DIY BOUNCY BALLS
Wednesday, April 26th @ 6pm on Facebook Making your own bouncy balls is super simple and FUN! Grab your DIY kit from the Makerspace-2-Go shelf and tune in for the tutorial video on Facebook. This program will be a little messy so be sure to do this program on a hard surface that’s easy to clean up! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Virtual - visit the video section of the NMPL Facebook page |
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FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SPRING BOOKSALE
Thursday, April 27th - Saturday, April 29th from 9am to 5pm in the Blocher room 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! |