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
2024 SUMMER READING PROGRAM: LIFE IN THE PAST LANE
Monday, June 3rd - Saturday, July 27th Take a trip back in time with our Life in the Past Lane Summer Reading Program! Explore the decades with fun events that delve into the fads, fashion, and funky dance moves of eras gone by. With a library card in hand, join us as we step back in time and get lost in the pages of nostalgia. 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! There's something for EVERYONE to enjoy at NMPL's Summer Reading Program! |
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
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE HAMMERHEAD
Monday, July 8th - Saturday, July 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 |
60s TIE DYE SHIRTS
Rescheduled Date: Thursday, July 11th @ 2pm Throwback to the 60s with some groovy tie-dye fun! We'll have a limited number of shirts available (first come, first serve) but all attendees are welcome to bring their own tee, pillowcase, or socks to dye. Let's channel that retro energy and make some totally rad creations together! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn |
BOARD GAMERS
Friday, July 12th from 11am to 12pm Calling all board game enthusiasts! Are you looking for someone to play your favorite game with? Look no further than our Board Gamers program at the library! We have a wide range of board games available, from No-Stress Chess to Ticket to Ride to Apples to Apples. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, all ages are welcome to join us for some friendly competition, strategy, and most importantly, fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Board and Puzzle Game Section in the Adult Department |
LEGO LEAGUE: SPLASH! EDITION
Friday, July 12th @ 2pm The weather is warm and the Legos are back! Kiddie Pools? Sprinklers? Water blasters? You never know from week to week what you’ll find at Lego League: Splash Edition! So bring a towel, wear your swimsuit and come prepared to build and to make a splash. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn and the Blocher Community Room |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: TOILET PAPER ROLL SHARK
Monday, July 15th - Saturday, July 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 |
COLORING CAFE
Tuesday, July 16th @ 3:45pm Want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Coloring Café is just what you need! Enjoy some coffee or tea during the program and take a moment for yourself to unwind with some coloring therapy. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
DIRTY DIGGERS: POTS & DIY KNEELING PADS
Tuesday, July 16th @ 6pm Dirty Diggers is our annual gardening program for kids who love to get dirty, have fun, grow things, and learn about nature! This week: This garden craft is a little bit messy, quite a bit colorful and very practical! Transform plain terra cotta pots into works of art with the sweep of a paintbrush. Jazz up a carpet square for your own personalized kneeling pad for your personal gardening endeavors. Garden art - it’s the best! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn and the Blocher Community Room |
70s BELL BOTTOM BINGO
Wednesday, July 17th @ 2pm Time to dust off your bell bottoms and dig out that tie-dye shirt from 60s Week, because we're throwing a retro-themed Bingo event! The whole family is invited to come and enjoy an afternoon prizes and nostalgic fun at the library! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None, but space is limited! Get here early to secure your spot Location: Blocher Community Room |
BOARD GAMERS
Friday, July 19th from 11am to 12pm Calling all board game enthusiasts! Are you looking for someone to play your favorite game with? Look no further than our Board Gamers program at the library! We have a wide range of board games available, from No-Stress Chess to Ticket to Ride to Apples to Apples. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, all ages are welcome to join us for some friendly competition, strategy, and most importantly, fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Board and Puzzle Game Section in the Adult Department |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PINWHEEL MERMAID
Monday, July 22nd - Saturday, July 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' DONUT & BOOK TASTING
Monday, July 22nd @ 3pm Get ready for a book adventure of a lifetime! Join us at Kids' Donut & 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 readers will enjoy this fun (and tasty) format. Book Menu: Dive into the world of fun Easy Readers, cool graphic novels, and fascinating juvenile chapter books. Donut Menu: Glazed Donuts & Cinnamon Sugar Donuts from Chillz Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 6-16 Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room or the Library Lawn (weather dependent) |
DIRTY DIGGERS: BIRDS THAT POLLINATE
Tuesday, July 23rd @ 6pm Dirty Diggers is our annual gardening program for kids who love to get dirty, have fun, grow things, and learn about nature! This week: Often overlooked when we talk about pollinators, birds are nonetheless an important link in fertilization. We’ll learn about the US bird species that assist with pollination in their respective habitats and make a silly squawking bird craft to help us remember what we learned! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn and the Blocher Community Room |
80s ARCADE & PET ROCKS
RESCHEDULED DATE: Thursday, July 25th from 3pm to 7pm Get ready for an epic blast from the past, because The Party Trailer Mobile Arcade is rolling into the library and bringing with it a ton of awesome arcade games to play! Whether you consider yourself a gaming pro or just want to relive the glory days of your childhood, this is the perfect opportunity to have a blast with friends and family. All arcade games will be FREE to play and EVERYONE is welcome to attend - adults, kids, and teens, we want everyone to come, play games, and have a great time! Not much of a gamer? We’ll have yard games, Lego stations, and (in another nod to the 80s) a Pet Rock crafting station! Additionally, our friends at Tacos Los Gordos will be present selling their delicious Mexican Street Food. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the world of classic arcade games, amazing food, and all kinds of fun – it's bound to be a night to remember! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn |
LEGO LEAGUE: SPLASH! EDITION
Friday, July 26th @ 2pm The weather is warm and the Legos are back! Kiddie Pools? Sprinklers? Water blasters? You never know from week to week what you’ll find at Lego League: Splash Edition! So bring a towel, wear your swimsuit and come prepared to build and to make a splash. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn and the Blocher Community Roo |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: SUMMER GINGERBREAD MAN
Monday, July 29th through August 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 |
COLORING CAFE
Tuesday, July 30th @ 3:45pm Want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Coloring Café is just what you need! Enjoy some coffee or tea during the program and take a moment for yourself to unwind with some coloring therapy. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
DIRTY DIGGERS: CLEAN MUD
Tuesday, July 30th @ 6pm Dirty Diggers is our annual gardening program for kids who love to get dirty, have fun, grow things, and learn about nature! This week: Our last Dirty Diggers of the summer! Join us for a final round of water games, harvesting and tasting our produce and mixing up a batch of Clean Mud to take home for sensory fun. |
90s POOL PARTY
Wednesday, July 31st from 1pm to 3pm Get ready to make a splash at our totally rad 90s pool party! As we bid farewell to an amazing summer filled with books and friendship, we invite you to celebrate with us in style. Dive into the excitement with our giant inflatable obstacle course, splash around in the kiddie pools, challenge your friends to some yard games, and try your luck at the dunk tank. The Beverage Buggy will also be on hand selling some refreshing and delicious summer beverages to keep everyone cool! This is one of our biggest events of the summer and we want YOU to be a part of the fun, so grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and join us! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Library Lawn |
BOARD GAMERS
Friday, August 2nd from 11am to 12pm Calling all board game enthusiasts! Are you looking for someone to play your favorite game with? Look no further than our Board Gamers program at the library! We have a wide range of board games available, from No-Stress Chess to Ticket to Ride to Apples to Apples. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, all ages are welcome to join us for some friendly competition, strategy, and most importantly, fun! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Board and Puzzle Game Section in the Adult Department |
SLIME TIME
Friday, August 2nd @ 2pm As summer comes to a close and the school year approaches, let's squeeze in one final program to make the most of the last days of vacation! Join us on the library lawn for a fun afternoon of concocting and playing with slime. This activity is the ultimate sensory experience that kids of all ages will enjoy. We'll have plenty of ingredients for you to experiment with, so come and get creative with us! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Library Lawn (Makerspace in case of rain) |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: ROCKING SCHOOL SHOES
Monday, August 5th through Saturday, August10th 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 |
SPANISH STORYTIME
Tuesday, August 6th @ 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 |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE CAMPER
Monday, August 12th through Saturday, August 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 |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: ICE CREAM CONES
Monday, August 19th through Saturday, August 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 |
ROCK THE BIKE: GARDEN SALSA WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, August 21st @ 4pm From garden to table, let’s make some salsa from our community garden! We will put a spin on making salsa by using a pedal powered blender. Come exercise and enjoy a garden fresh snack! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: BCR |
PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: TOILET PAPER ROLL CACTUS
Monday, August 26th through Saturday, August 31st 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 |