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
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 |
SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: SNAP CIRCUITS
Friday, April 5th @ 2pm Will you play tunes on a radio built from scratch or quiz a friend with a homemade lie detector? Maybe both!? With dozens of projects to choose from, this month’s Homeschool Science will be a snap - literally! The exploration of electronics will come alive with Snap Circuit elements like a sound activated switch, adjustable light controller, rechargeable battery and so much more! 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: 8 and up Registration: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2262&BranchID=1000003286&Branch=North%20Manchester&EventID=520274 Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: POM POM CHICK
Monday, April 8th - Saturday, April 13th 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 |
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING AND GLASSES DISTRIBUTION
Monday, April 8th @ 1pm Pick up your free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses (one per person, while supplies last) from the friendly staff of the North Manchester Public Library and then head outside to the library’s spacious lawn to watch the Total Solar Eclipse! Glasses distribution will not begin until 1pm and is funded by the generous support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and NASA @ My Library. During the eclipse the corona (the Sun’s outer atmosphere) will become visible as a faint glow around the dark disk of the Moon. The eclipse will become visible at approximately 1:53 pm in North Manchester, reaching maximum coverage for our area around 3:09 pm with 98%+ obscurity, and ending at 4:24 pm. Children will enjoy playing on the library’s five piece Flat Playground (Snakes & Ladders, Twister, Darts, Standing Long Jump, 4 Square and Activity Track) while they wait for the eclipse. Adults are welcome to bring lawn chairs, sit on a bench, or borrow a picnic blanket from the library for a comfortable viewing experience. A live stream of the eclipse will be shown on the big screen in the Library’s Blocher Community Room for those who prefer to be indoors and in case of inclement weather. Public restrooms and drinking fountains will be open to the public. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library lawn and Blocher Community Room |
EASTER EGG WREATHS (FEATURING NMPL'S FUTURE LIBRARIANS)
Tuesday, April 9th @ 6pm on Facebook Looking for a simple and creative DIY project to celebrate the Easter season? Our Easter Egg Wreath kits are the answer! Grab yours from the Makerspace-2-Go (while supplies last), then tune into Facebook, and enjoy a festive crafting experience with the whole family. 🐣🌼🌷 Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Facebook Page |
LEGO LEAGUE
Wednesday, April 10th @ 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 |
HOMESCHOOL BUSINESS: STICKER PROJECT
Friday, April 12th at 2pm Calling all young entrepreneurs! Join us for an exciting journey into the world of business with our Homeschool Business: Sticker Project program. Led by local high school students, this hands-on program will teach kids ages 8 and up valuable skills in budgeting, profits, marketing, and production. Get a head start in the business world with this fun and engaging program. Register today! This program is sponsored by Imagine 185. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 and up Registration: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2262&BranchID=1000003286&Branch=North%20Manchester&EventID=520275 Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: BUNNY MASK
Monday, April 15th - Saturday, April 20th 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 |
SPRING FLOWER WREATHS (FEATURING NMPL'S FUTURE LIBRARIANS)
Tuesday, April 16th @ 6pm on Facebook Get crafty and festive with our easy-to-make Spring Flower Wreath! Grab a kit from our Makerspace-2-Go (while supplies last), then tune into Facebook to learn how to bring some spring vibes to your doorstep with just a few simple steps. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Facebook Page |
EXPLORER'S OF THE DEEP: OCEAN COMMUNICATOR WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, April 17th @ 4pm Dive deep into the world of ocean exploration! Participants will put their STEM skills to the test with this amazing "underwater" session led by our friends from Purdue Extension. Join us as we uncover the innovative challenges that ocean scientists, engineers, and technologists are tackling to inspire public action. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
HOMESCHOOL ART: CEREAL BOX BUSTS
Friday, April 19th @ 2pm Get out the gray spray paint, because this month you’ll construct a cereal box sculpture of your face (be it picasso-ly abstract, or decently realistic)! Participants will coat their bust in a weathering gray and add texture with sponges and brushes to give a rustic look to the "ancient sculptures". Students can use extra details such as moss, vines, and flowers to help contextualize their portrait bust as a relic of the past. Practical application involves observational skills and translating them into a product resembling their unique features. Led by Joshua Steely, NMPL's very own Cereal Box artist, this session of Homeschool Art is not one you will want to miss! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 and up Registration: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2262&BranchID=1000003286&Branch=North%20Manchester&EventID=520277 Location: NMPL Blocher Room and Library Lawn |
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 |
KIDS COOKIE & BOOK TASTING
Monday, April 22nd @ 3:45pm Get ready for a book adventure of a lifetime! Join us at Kid's Cookie & Book Tasting, where kids will discover new authors, genres, and series. Participants will sample a variety of books in limited periods of time, and when the clock runs out, they can decide to bring the book home, try another title, or do both! Even reluctant reader's will enjoy this fun (and tasty) format. Book Menu: - Dive into the world of fun easy readers and fascinating juvenile chapter books. Cookie Menu: - Strawberry Crunch Cookies - Biscoff Cupcakes Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 6 to 16 Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
NO SEW SOCK BUNNIES (FEATURING NMPL'S FUTURE LIBRARIANS)
Tuesday, April 23rd @ 6pm on Facebook Tired of boring old Easter decorations? Say hello to the No Sew Sock Bunny - the cutest, easiest, and softest addition to your holiday décor! Grab a kit from the Makerspace-2-Go (while supplies last), and tune into Facebook for the instructional video. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Facebook Page |
LEGO LEAGUE
Wednesday, April 24th @ 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 |
CHIT CHAT CLUB
Wednesday, April 24th @ 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 during these colder months! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Board Game & Puzzle Area by the Adult Graphic Novels |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |