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 PROGRAMING
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TEEN MAKERS
Every Wednesday @ 3:30pm Teens are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 13-18 Registration? None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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SILENT BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, March 5th @ 6pm; Wednesday, March 19th @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 2nd @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 9th @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 16th @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 23rd @ 6pm; Wednesday, April 29th @ 6pm Looking to find a community of fellow readers, but intimidated by traditional book clubs? Put down your phone, pick up a book, and spend quality time with fellow book lovers – no homework or chit chat required! Bring the book (and hot beverage) of your choice to the library for a quiet hour of reading in peace. (You can also choose a book from the library shelves!) We’ll have cozy blankets and comfortable seating for all attendees. Colored lanyards will be available for participants to wear, to help indicate who is down for some book chit chat and who is not. (Red lanyards = Please let me read in silence; Green lanyards = Let’s talk a little bit.) Known as the introvert’s happy hour, NMPL’s Silent Book Club is the perfect place to retreat with your book for a designated hour of reading. This is the perfect activity for those whose social battery is low, but who still want company. Readers and introverts unite! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Adult Department, by the computer area |
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BETWEEN
Every Thursday @ 3:30pm Tweens are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 9-12 Registration? None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS
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WATERCOLOR PAINTING: AVOCADO
Friday, March 7th @ 11am Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this relaxed, step-by-step class led by Mackenzie Coulter-Kern. Watercolor is a versatile and expressive medium, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. In this session, you’ll learn basic techniques while creating an adorable (and very simple) avocado. No prior experience is needed - just bring your enthusiasm, and we'll provide the rest! Program Cost: $10 Program Age Requirements: 12+ Registration: Yes, register at the front circulation desk. Location: Blocher Community Room |
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HOMESCHOOL ART: LOGOS & MASCOTS
Friday, March 7th @ 2pm The Sun-Maid Girl. The Nike swoosh. Ronald McDonald. The Pillsbury Dough Boy. The Energizer Bunny. The Gerber Baby. These and many more advertising campaigns have impacted our culture - to say nothing of our buying habits - with their art, memorable characters, catchphrases and music. Join us for a survey of some of the most famous logos and mascots of all time. We’ll discuss their similarities and differences and see if we can determine the winning ingredients for a marketing strategy. While far outside the realms of fine art, these advertisements nonetheless represent the artistic talents and abilities of decades of creators. We’ll put our imaginations to work and create our own unique logos or mascots to represent favorite products and imaginary companies! Who knows? You could create your generation’s icon! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - High School Registration: Yes. Sign up HERE. Location: Blocher Community Room |
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NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, March 8th from 11am to 1pm Calling all writers! NMPL's Writers Retreat is here to help you cultivate creativity and connect with fellow aspiring authors. Spend the first hour bouncing ideas off like-minded individuals, then dive into your writing project for the second hour. Take your writing to the next level with Writers Retreat! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teens and adults Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
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HOW TO HUMAN: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR ALL AGES AND STAGES
Tuesday, March 11th @ 3:45pm Join us for How To Human, a practical and engaging life skills series led by Purdue Extension of Wabash County. Whether you're navigating adulthood for the first time or just looking to fill in some gaps, this program is designed to teach essential skills that make everyday life a little easier. Each session covers a different topic and will give you the tools and confidence to tackle real-world challenges. No judgment, just practical knowledge in a supportive environment! Join us and gain the confidence to “human” a little better! THIS WEEK: Physical Activity for All Ages and Stages No matter your age or fitness level, movement plays a vital role in overall well-being. Come learn about the importance of physical activity and how to make it accessible, enjoyable, and beneficial at every stage of life! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16 and up Registration: No Location: Conference Room |
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BOOK PAGE FLOWERS
Wednesday, March 12th @ 6pm on Facebook If you're looking for a creative and eco-friendly craft project, making flowers out of old book pages is a great idea! Not only does it give new life to old books, but also creates stunning and unique décor for your space. Grab a kit from the Makerspace 2-Go Shelf, tune into NMPL's Facebook page for the step-by-step process of creating these simple roses! Program Cost: Free Program Age: All ages! Registration: No Location: NMPL’s Facebook |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE LAB WITH MANCHESTER UNIVESITY: BONES
Friday, March 14th @ 10am Bones - the framework of the body. Without them we'd be a mess! Students of Manchester University's Biology Department have put together a multi-station science lab for you to explore. Learn more about the form and function of bones with hands-on activities. You'll be able to go through the stations at your own pace, and MU students and their professor will be on hand to guide the fun, share their knowledge, and answer questions! Program Cost: Free Program Age: Kindergarten - High School Registration: Yes - register HERE. Location: Blocher Community Room |
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TEA & COOKIE BAR BOOK TASTING: FIRST BOOK IN A SERIES
Monday, March 17th @ 6pm Described as "literary speed dating", NMPL Book Tastings will help adult readers broaden their reading horizons and discover exciting new book adventures. Participants will have the chance to sample a variety of books in 5 minute time increments, and when the bell sounds, they can decide to bring the book home, try another title, or do both. Explore new authors, genres, and series that you might not have tried before. No more complaints of, "I don't have anything to read!" Plus we'll have hot tea and delicious homemade goodies to sample! Book Menu: Embark on a brand new reading journey by exploring First Books In A Series! Cookie Bar Menu:
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 16+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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FAFSA & ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS PRESENTATION WITH MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
Tuesday, March 18th @ 3:45pm Maybe you have a high school senior who is preparing for college, maybe you're an adult who is thinking about going to college (or even going back), perhaps you’re a freshman in high school and you just want to know all the things- one most important thing to do for college prep is filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Manchester University’s Senior Admission Counselor, Emily Pack will be presenting on the ins and outs of what FAFSA is and how to file. Program Cost: Free Program Age: No age limit, but geared towards high school students! Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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BLENDER BIKE HUMMUS WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, March 19th @ 4pm Let’s take a new SPIN on a beloved Purdue Extension program: Chef University! This time we will make a healthy snack while exercising on the blender bike. Hummus is a delicious spread or dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic... and here's the best part: it's super easy to make! Fun. Food. Physical Activity. This program has it all! Program Cost: Free Program Age: 5 and up Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
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HOW TO HUMAN: EATING MIDWEST FISH
Tuesday, March 25th @ 3:45pm Join us for How To Human, a practical and engaging life skills series led by Purdue Extension of Wabash County. Whether you're navigating adulthood for the first time or just looking to fill in some gaps, this program is designed to teach essential skills that make everyday life a little easier. Each session covers a different topic and will give you the tools and confidence to tackle real-world challenges. No judgment, just practical knowledge in a supportive environment! Join us and gain the confidence to “human” a little better! This Week: Eating Midwest Fish Did you know the Midwest has some of the lowest seafood consumption rates in the country? Many people overlook fish as a regular part of their diet, but incorporating more seafood can provide a powerhouse of health benefits. In this session, we’ll dive into the essentials of selecting, preparing, and enjoying fish - especially options sourced right here in the Midwest! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16 and up Registration: No Location: Conference Room |
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SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: BLACK SESAME SHORTBREAD
Wednesday, March 26th @ 6pm on Facebook Sweet Treat Wednesday is getting a refresh for 2025! All recipes featured each month will highlight a cookbook that we have right in our collection! Some recipes will be geared towards kids (healthy snacks), whereas other recipes will be more for adults. The ultimate goal for Sweet Treat Wednesday is to draw more attention to our cookbook section, and to provide a healthier alternative for some foods (and help save some money in the process). Bonus? What gets baked will be shared during different programs! So tune into Facebook at the designated time (or any time after) to get step by step instructions on how to make these delicious foods. 👩🍳 The Recipe: Black Sesame Shortbread - Looking for an easy shortbread recipe? Molly Baz's black sesame shortbread cookie recipe creates delicate flavor & melt-in-your-mouth texture, hassle-free. 📖 The Book: Cook This Book, Molly Baz (641.5 BAZ), page 261 Program Cost: Free Program Age: All ages, but geared towards adults Registration: No Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
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FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT: DISNEY EDITION
Monday, March 31st @ 6pm Think you know Disney movies inside and out? Put your knowledge to the test at our Family Trivia Night: Disney Edition! Gather your team, relive your favorite Disney moments, and compete for a chance to win a $50 gift card to El Mezquite! How It Works:
How to Register: Spots are limited, so sign up your team today! Click the link below or stop by the library to secure your place in the competition. Get ready for a fun-filled evening of Disney magic, friendly competition, and family fun. Will your team be crowned the ultimate Disney champions? Program Cost: Free Program Age: Ages 6 and up Registration: Yes - register HERE Location: Blocher Room |
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LIBRARY LOVE - BEANSTACK READING CHALLENGE
Tuesday, April 1st through Wednesday, April 30th From April 1st to April 30th, the North Manchester Public Library is participating in April Library Love, a Reading Challenge sponsored by Beanstack. Join us and Celebrate National Library Week (April 6-12) and spread the library love! We challenge our community to read at least 5 hours per person during the month and keep track of their reading on the Bingo Board on our Beanstack site at https://nman.beanstack.org/reader365 or on the Beanstack mobile app. Thousands of other libraries and schools across the nation are joining in too, for a chance at winning prizes for their community. Want to help us increase our chances of winning? Beanstack will award prizes to top-performing libraries and schools! Beanstack will determine winners based on many factors, including:
Pick up a new book, explore resources available at your library, and earn virtual badges along the way as you share in the April Library Love. Happy reading, North Manchester! |
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WELL-BEING 101: PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
Tuesday, April 1st @ 12pm Take a lunch break and stimulate your brain during our monthly Well-Being 101 sessions! Each month our director, Andrea Zwiebel, will share a well-being topic in a lunch and learn format. For the third session, we'll explore deeper into the major categories of well-being, starting with physical well-being. Pack a snack, enjoy social connection, and learn something new. It will be the best 30 minutes of your day! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 16+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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ESCAPE ROOM: CRISPUS ATTUCKS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - SPRING BREAK EDITION
Tuesday, April 1st @ 3:30pm, 5:00pm, and 6:30pm Unlock the mystery of a legendary shoe in this thrilling escape experience centered around Indiana’s basketball heritage. Crispus Attucks High School, located in Indianapolis, won back-to-back state basketball championships in 1955 and 1956. As the first all-Black school to EVER win a statewide championship anywhere in America, this was incredibly historic. So historic that the Converse company created a commemorative athletic shoe to honor CAHS. In this experience, Sammy, the Interviewing Toucan, has cleverly hidden the shoe, eager to steal the show. Your challenge is to outsmart Sammy and recover the shoe, revealing the secrets behind these historic triumphs. Engage with a captivating slice of Indiana’s past, making history come alive in an unforgettable adventure. Gather your team, spark your curiosity, and dive into an immersive experience filled with excitement, challenges, and a newfound appreciation for Crispus Attucks High School’s legacy. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity! SPRING BREAK EDITION DATES & REGISTRATION:
Program Age: Grades 6 - Adult Registration: Required Location: Blocher Community Room |
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OPEN MAKERSPACE
Wednesday, April 2nd from 1pm-3pm Take the elevator or the stairs to the lower level and enter a world full of crafts, games, and creativity. All ages are invited to come and enjoy 2 hours of Perler Beading, Scrapbooking, Painting, Foosball, Air Hockey, board games, card games, and more! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: No Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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INTERACTIVE MOVIE: SHREK
Thursday, April 3rd @ 11am Experience the film Shrek like never before as we bring the beloved classic to life in an exciting interactive movie experience! This isn’t just any screening—this is a fully immersive event where YOU become part of the story. At our Interactive Movie events, viewers don’t just watch the film—they participate! With hands-on crafts, delicious themed snacks, and engaging activities, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Blocher Room |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE LAB WITH MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY: SENSORY, NERVES, BRAIN
Friday, April 4th @ 12:30pm Why are fidgets so much fun to play with? How does touching something tell you if it's hot or cold? Every day we're receiving thousands of messages from our environment. Our sensory system, nerves and brain work together to help us make sense of everything happening around us. Want to learn more? Join us for an outstanding science lab with our friends from Manchester University. As you make your way through a series of mini-labs, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of how you experience your world! Program Cost: Free Program Age: Kindergarten - High School Registration: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262&EventID=550220&PK= Location: Blocher Community Room |
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ESCAPE ROOM: CRISPUS ATTUCKS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - EVENING EDITIONS
Monday, April 7th @ 5:00pm, 6:30pm; Monday, April 21stth @ 5:00pm, 6:30pm Unlock the mystery of a legendary shoe in this thrilling escape experience centered around Indiana’s basketball heritage. Crispus Attucks High School, located in Indianapolis, won back-to-back state basketball championships in 1955 and 1956. As the first all-Black school to EVER win a statewide championship anywhere in America, this was incredibly historic. So historic that the Converse company created a commemorative athletic shoe to honor CAHS. In this experience, Sammy, the Interviewing Toucan, has cleverly hidden the shoe, eager to steal the show. Your challenge is to outsmart Sammy and recover the shoe, revealing the secrets behind these historic triumphs. Engage with a captivating slice of Indiana’s past, making history come alive in an unforgettable adventure. Gather your team, spark your curiosity, and dive into an immersive experience filled with excitement, challenges, and a newfound appreciation for Crispus Attucks High School’s legacy. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity! EVENING EDITION DATES & REGISTRATION:
Program Cost: Free Program Age: Grades 6 - Adult Registration: Required Location: Blocher Community Room |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS: FIRST DAY ON THE JOB & MOCK INTERVIEWS
Tuesday, April 8th @ 4pm If you like...
We are so excited to once again offer our beloved librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to carrying for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: First Day on the Job & Mock Interviews Attendees will get a chance to learn helpful interview skills and will participate in mock interviews in order to get that coveted clerk position. Participants are encouraged to dress like a librarian, as we'll be taking "staff photos" of the new Junior Librarians! We'll also embark on a guided tour of the library to get a sneak peek behind-the-scenes of NMPL. Program Cost: Free Program Age: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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ESCAPE ROOM: CRISPUS ATTUCKS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP - HOMESCHOOL HISTORY
Friday, April 11th @ 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm; Friday, April 18th @ 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm Unlock the mystery of a legendary shoe in this thrilling escape experience centered around Indiana’s basketball heritage. Crispus Attucks High School, located in Indianapolis, won back-to-back state basketball championships in 1955 and 1956. As the first all-Black school to EVER win a statewide championship anywhere in America, this was incredibly historic. So historic that the Converse company created a commemorative athletic shoe to honor CAHS. In this experience, Sammy, the Interviewing Toucan, has cleverly hidden the shoe, eager to steal the show. Your challenge is to outsmart Sammy and recover the shoe, revealing the secrets behind these historic triumphs. Engage with a captivating slice of Indiana’s past, making history come alive in an unforgettable adventure. Gather your team, spark your curiosity, and dive into an immersive experience filled with excitement, challenges, and a newfound appreciation for Crispus Attucks High School’s legacy. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity! HOMESCHOOL HISTORY DATES & REGISTRATION:
Program Age: Grades 6 - Adult Registration: Required Location: Blocher Community Room |
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NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, April 12th from 11am to 1pm Calling all writers! NMPL's Writers Retreat is here to help you cultivate creativity and connect with fellow aspiring authors. Spend the first hour bouncing ideas off like-minded individuals, then dive into your writing project for the second hour. Take your writing to the next level with Writers Retreat! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teens and adults Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS: SHELVING & THE DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM
Tuesday, April 15th @ 4pm If you like...
We are so excited to once again offer our beloved librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to carrying for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: Shelving & The Dewey Decimal System It's shelving week! We'll tackle the Dewey Decimal System, go on a scavenger hunt, and participate in a fun shelving challenge! Program Cost: Free Program Age: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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WINGED AMBASSADORS: A SALAMONIE LAKE RAPTOR CENTER PRESENTATION
Wednesday, April 16th @ 4pm Meet live birds of prey from the Salamonie Raptor Center and find out how important these birds are for healthy habitats. Salamonie Lake’s Raptor Center is home to six permanently injured birds that serve as educational ambassadors for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources across the northern half of the state. This is your chance to meet and learn all about these amazing creatures! Program Cost: Free Program Age: All ages Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
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EARTH DAY TREE DISTRIBUTION
Tuesday, April 22nd from 1pm-7pm The North Manchester Public Library has partnered with Neighborhood Forest to provide free trees for kids to plant during Earth Week! This program introduces children to the delight of planting a tree and then watching it grow as they care for it! Neighborhood Forest gave away over 67,000 trees last year alone, beautifying many neighborhoods and giving children a personal stake in taking care of their environment. We're still waiting for the exact species to be announced, but we do know trees will be native, nut bearing or fruit bearing! Trees for those who have registered by the March 15 deadline will arrive in time for Earth Day. Register here!: https://shorturl.at/bwHHX Trees can then be picked up at the library between 1pm and 7pm on Tuesday, April 22nd. Tree planting guides will be provided to all participants. To learn more about the Neighborhood Forest project, visit: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/ |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS: VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
Tuesday, April 22nd @ 4pm If you like...
We are so excited to once again offer our beloved librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to carrying for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: Virtual Programming Kids take the lead in this special introduction to virtual programming! They’ll choose crafts, assemble Makerspace-2-Go kits, and showcase their creations in a virtual presentation for at-home crafters. Program Cost: Free Program Age: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SPRING BOOKSALE
Thursday, April 24th from 9am to 7pm; Friday, April 25th from 9am to 5pm; Saturday, April 26th from 9am to 5pm Discover your next great read at the Friends of the Library Book Sale! This popular semi-annual event attracts both casual readers and book resellers, offering a wide selection of gently used books, DVDs, children’s materials, audiobooks, yearbooks, and more. Every purchase helps support the library, as the sale serves as a major fundraiser for the Friends of the Library and proceeds go toward funding library programs and updates each year. You never know what literary treasures you’ll find, so come explore the FOL Book Sale! |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS: BOOK DISPLAYS & BOOK TASTING
Tuesday, April 22nd @ 4pm If you like...
We are so excited to once again offer our beloved librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to carrying for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: Book Displays & Book Tasting Setting up enticing book displays isn't just about judging a book by its cover... you also need to have a theme, choose books that will capture the interest of your readers, and be able to promote these titles to patrons. This week, the Future Librarians will participate in a Book Tasting to help them design and set up a front desk display! Program Cost: Free Program Age: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262... Location: Blocher Community Room |