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!​

REGULARLY SCHEDULED IN PERSON 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! ​

COZY UP STORYTIME
Every Saturday (beginning December 10th) 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!

SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: CUPCAKE WRAPPER ACORNS
Monday, November 14th - Saturday, November 19th
​​​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: DRY ERASE CD CASE COLORING BOOK
Monday, November 14th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Upcycle an old CD case into a travel ready coloring book that will be perfect for your holiday travels! Each participant will receive dry erase markers to continue the coloring fun at home and on the road. ​

HOT PLATE CLUB: GRILLED CHEESE AND GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER
Tuesday, November 15th @ 6pm
​Ages 6 and up will learn about the cost of food, using the same ingredient for multiple meals, kitchen safety, and how to prepare delicious dishes with a limited kitchen. Space is limited - call the library today to register!
Grilled Cheese and Grilled Peanut Butter: Satisfying, filling, and easy; these toasty sandwiches are a fantastic way to fill your stomach on the run.

SANTA'S WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 19th from 1pm to 4pm
It’s the season of gifts and we can hardly wait for this year’s Santa’s Workshop!

Santa's Workshop is the ultimate, kid-friendly shopping experience! There will be all kinds of items available, from beautiful ornaments, to home décor! We don’t want anyone to be left out of the gift giving fun, so each child who comes will receive 10 NMPL bucks to spend on gifts for family and friends (NMPL bucks earned in the past can also be redeemed). Kids at heart can shop too, with NMPL bucks available for purchase at the door, and all funds raised going towards future library programming.
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In addition to a festive shopping experience, we'll also have Christmas Crafts, a Scavenger Hunt, a Design Your Own Wrapping Paper Station and more. And of course, Santa will be stopping by the library to visit and chat with all the kiddos!
Mark your calendars - you aren't going to want to miss a moment of Santa's Workshop!

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER PLATE PIE
Monday, November 21st - Saturday, November 26th
​​​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: GOBBLING TURKEY
Monday, November 21st @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Gobbling Turkey: These friendly little guys make a lot of noise - and are a lot of fun. You won’t want to miss this craft!

DINNER & A SHOW: A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING
Tuesday, November 22nd @ 6pm
It’s a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving! Join us for a NEW way to watch a beloved classic with our new Dinner & A Show program! Enjoy watching the movie all while eating the meal shared by the Peanuts characters: buttered toast, popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans!

HOT PLATE CLUB: FRENCH TOAST
Tuesday, November 22nd @ 6pm
​Ages 6 and up will learn about the cost of food, using the same ingredient for multiple meals, kitchen safety, and how to prepare delicious dishes with a limited kitchen. Space is limited - call the library today to register!
French Toast: Pain Perdu. “Lost bread” is lost no more with this recipe - dry slices are the perfect vehicle for soaking up sweet, eggy goodness. As a bonus, we’ll also learn how to make the Hong Kong teahouse variation of this recipe.

​PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: WINTER HATS
Monday, November 28th - Saturday, December 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!

EVENING TALES: BIRD COLLAGE
Monday, November 28th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks.
Bird Collages - The Wood Shed of Wabash has donated beautiful wood squares. With gorgeous papers donated by Heckman Bindery, we’ll create unique collages to take home!

CHEF UNIVERSITY WITH PURDUE EXTENSION - HUMMUS & CORNY FIESTA DIP
Wednesday, November 30th @ 3:45pm
Attendees ages kindergarten and up are invited to join us to learn new cooking skills or improve existing ones! Learn about science, health, and agriculture as we cook our way through some delicious dishes.
Call the library to register

CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCE LAB
Saturday, December 3rd @ 10am
Assistant Professor of Biology Cassandra Gohn and students from Manchester University will host a multi-station science lab for kids at the library! Participants will navigate a cardiovascular maze, learn about human hearts by studying preserved sheep hearts, explore the heart and blood vessels with 3D software, and more. This is an incredible opportunity for elementary age students to get hands-on with their hearts.
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This program is an outreach of Manchester University and the Indiana Physiological Society. This program is free and geared towards Kindergarten – 5th grade.

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PAPER BAG REINDEER
Monday, December 5th - Saturday, December 10th
​​​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: HANUKKAH SYMBOLS
Monday, December 5th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Tonight we'll explore the history behind several Hanukkah symbols, play games, and make a beautiful Hanukkah ornament!

PAINT BY NUMBERS: RETRO
Tuesday, December 6th @ 3:45pm
Join us at NMPL for a relaxing time of painting handmade paint by numbers pictures - from retro images to animals to nature! ​

CHEF UNIVERSITY WITH PURDUE EXTENSION: OATMEAL PANCAKES & PRETZEL BITES
Wednesday, December 7th @ 3:45pm
Purdue Extension of Wabash County is partnering with the library to teach kids about healthy eating, science, and agriculture! Participants will learn how to safely prepare a variety of foods and are encouraged to try at least two bites of each dish made – even if it is unfamiliar to them. This hands on program will empower kids to take an active role in the kitchen.
Whole Grain Oatmeal Pancakes and Pretzel Bites: Whole wheat flour is more nutritious and MORE delicious. Join us as we make two healthy recipes using whole wheat flour.

GNOME ORNAMENT
Wednesday, December 7th @ 6pm on Facebook
​Grab a kit from our Makerspace-2-Go then tune into Facebook to learn how to make an adorable, festive gnome ornament for your tree!

HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE WITH PURDUE EXTENSION: CIRCUIT KITS
Friday, December 9th @ 2pm
The world of electricity is fascinating and has many important applications for everyday life. Purdue Extension will bring several Circuit Kits to this session, allowing participants to safely explore the science behind electricity as they work together to successfully assemble a working circuit. Register by calling or signing up at the front desk. ​

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: GLITTER CHRISTMAS TREES
Monday, December 12th - Saturday, December 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!

EVENING TALES: CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
Monday, December 12th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Tonight we’ll learn about the history behind well-known Christmas images, play games, and make our own Christmas Symbol Tic-Tac-Toe boards!

​PAINT BY NUMBERS: NATURE
Tuesday, December 13th @ 3:45pm
Join us at NMPL for a relaxing time of painting handmade paint by numbers pictures - from retro images to animals to nature! ​

UGLY SWEATER BINGO
Tuesday, December 13th @ 6pm 
It's that time of year again... Ugly Sweater Bingo time! Dig out your wackiest knitted item and come to the library for a fun evening! We'll have some fantastic prizes to give away and a special award for the ugliest Christmas sweater, in addition to all the Bingo fun you know and love!

HOOKED ON BOOKS - WINTER READING BEGINS!
Wednesday, December 14th @ 9am
It's time to hoist the anchor and set sail on another spectacular Winter Reading Challenge!

THE PROGRAM
​The third annual NMPL Winter Reading program is here, and we could not be more excited about all the great stuff we have planned for you. We're extending the program this year, so you'll have two months to read and track your minutes and earn prize tickets!

THE PRIZES
We're back with more incredible community prizes. Kids, teens, and adults can win all kinds of amazing swag, gift cards, and goodies from some of the amazing businesses around town!

THE GAME
More info coming soon!
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HOW TO SIGN UP:
Beginning December 14th, you can sign up online through our FREE Beanstack app or at any of the circulation desks.

CHEF UNIVERSITY WITH PURDUE EXTENSION: FRITTATA AND ELOTE CAULIFLOWER
Wednesday, December 14th @ 3:45pm
Purdue Extension of Wabash County is partnering with the library to teach kids about healthy eating, science, and agriculture! Participants will learn how to safely prepare a variety of foods and are encouraged to try at least two bites of each dish made – even if it is unfamiliar to them. This hands on program will empower kids to take an active role in the kitchen.
​
Frittata and Elote Cauliflower: Vegetables are packed with nutrients to help our bodies grow and there are many incredible ways to prepare them. Today we’ll learn two extra flavorful ways to eat our veggies! ​

HOMESCHOOL ART CLASS: DOODLE MANSION
Friday, December 16th @ 2pm
Sam Cox‘s mansion has been in the news lately – and for good reason! It is entirely covered in doodles – inside and out. We’ll learn some amazing facts about this one-of-a-kind home, touch on the history of some notable doodlers, and update some of the Makerspace furniture with our own doodle art!

​PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: PASTA CHRISTMAS TREE
Monday, December 19th - Saturday, December 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!

​EVENING TALES: KWANZAA SYMBOLS
Monday, December 19th @ 6pm
Elementary aged kids enjoy an hour of stories, games, crafts and snacks. Tonight we’ll learn about the history behind amazing Kwanzaa symbols, play games, and make a Kwanzaa mixed media collage.

​PAINT BY NUMBERS: ANIMALS
Tuesday, December 20th @ 3:45pm
Join us at NMPL for a relaxing time of painting handmade paint by numbers pictures - from retro images to animals to nature! ​

​INTERACTIVE MOVIE & PJ PARTY: THE POLAR EXPRESS
Thursday, December 22nd @ 11am
Join us for a special interactive showing of The Polar Express... we promise, you've never watched the beloved holiday movie like THIS before.

Make it snow indoors, ring a silver bell, get your ticket stamped, enjoy candy "coal", help us create the Northern Lights with glowsticks and MORE! Even more exciting? This event will be a pajama party and everyone is encouraged to come in their favorite comfy pair of pjs. You just never know what fun surprises and activities await you at an Interactive Movie event!

PASSIVE CRAFT OF THE WEEK: BUILD A SNOWMAN
Tuesday, December 27th - Saturday, December 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!

​PAINT BY NUMBERS: PAINTER'S CHOICE
Tuesday, December 27th @ 3:45pm
Join us at NMPL for a relaxing time of painting handmade paint by numbers pictures - from retro images to animals to nature! ​

NEON NOON YEAR'S EVE PARTY!
Saturday, December 31st @ 11:30am
Everyone is invited to our Neon Noon Year's Eve Celebration! Bring the kids and help us count down to the "Noon" Year - we'll have all kinds of neon fun for the whole family. Activities include a freeze dance party, balloon games, coloring, a photo booth with props, prizes, and confetti shooters to help us count down to the big moment! ​