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 PROGRAMING

​TEEN MAKERS
Every Wednesday @ 3:45pm in the Makerspace
​Teens ages 13-18 are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! 

BETWEEN
Every Thursday @ 3:30pm in the Makerspace
Tweens ages 9 to 12 are invited to meet in the NMPL Makerspace for snacks and activities! ​

QUILTING & CRAFTING CLUB
Tuesday, June 21st; Monday, July 11th; Friday, July 29th; from 10am to 4pm in the Blocher Room
If you love crafting, and enjoy gatherings of other creative minds to work on projects together, this club is for you! Gather your current projects, and head to the library to meet up, have a laugh, and share crafting tips and skills in a relaxing environment. All skill levels, mediums, and crafters are welcome!

SPECIAL IN PERSON & ONLINE PROGRAMS

DIRTY DIGGERS: FLYING FOX BAT & BAT HOUSE INSTALL
Tuesday, June 14th @ 6pm
If you love bats, you will love this session of Dirty Diggers! And if you don’t love bats, you will learn why so many people do. Whether they are eating tons of harmful insects or pollinating various plants, bats do a lot for our environment - and us! We’ll learn all about these flying friends and then choose the perfect spot to install our bat house on NMPL property.

MORNING AT THE MOVIES: SKY HIGH
Wednesday, June 15th @ 11am
A hot summer morning is the perfect time to gather a few friends and watch an exciting movie! Join us in the Blocher Room for hot popcorn and a showing of Sky High, a fun superhero film for the whole family!
"At a school in the sky where teens learn how to be superheroes, Will Stronghold lands in a class for students who show special promise. Classmate Gwen quickly cozies up to Will, but it's soon clear that she has other motives. When he learns that Gwen's mother is a villain who was defeated by his father, Steve Stronghold, Will realizes that Gwen is aiming for revenge, and he rushes to a school dance in the hope of stopping her."
Movie Rating: PG
Movie Length: 1 hour 40 minutes

COOKIES & CANVAS: STARRY SUMMER NIGHT
Wednesday, June 15th @ 6pm 
Hobby painters and beginners will love our Cookies and Canvas series! Step-by-step instructions take participants on a journey towards a beautiful masterpiece. The fun themes are perfect for porch hangings, mantel decorations, and special gifts for family and friends. Love painting but in a dry spell? Let us provide the inspiration for your next piece. Are you a watercolor fiend or an oil painting master? Why not give acrylics a whirl!? Not too confident in your art skills? Give C & C a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results (plus, there will be cookies!).
​
​This class is for teens and adults ages 13+ and requires registration. Class size is limited so painting reservations are first-come, first-serve. A materials fee of $8 per person will be due at registration. These fees are non-refundable. Register at the front desk or by the calling the library.

LITTLE BOOKSHOP ON MARKET STREET
Friday, June 17th - Saturday, June 18th from 10am to 3pm
It’s back! The Little Bookshop on Market Street returns for year two. Gently used books for all ages will be for sale for $1 (or 1 NMPL buck). Funds raised will support library programming.
Tacos Los Gordos will be selling their irresistible Mexican food both days. Kids will enjoy building at the Lego station, running around on the Flat Playground, and playing the new lawn games donated by Summer Reading sponsors Masonic Lodge, Deming 88 and The Order of the Eastern Star, Ivy Chapter.
Come between 12pm-3pm on Friday to enjoy a petting zoo with Animal Grams.
Come between 1pm-3pm on Saturday to enjoy horseback rides on Dusty! Batman will make an appearance from 11am-1pm on Saturday, reading stories and taking pictures with fans!

PETTING ZOO
Friday, June 17th from 12pm to 3pm
​Stop by the Little Bookshop on Market Street during the hours of 12pm through 3pm for a special petting zoom with our friends from Animal-Grams!

​HORSEBACK RIDES
Saturday, June 18th from 1pm to 3pm
Stop by the Little Bookshop on Market Street between the hours of 1pm and 3pm to go on a special horseback ride on Dusty!

DIRTY DIGGERS: YUCCA MOTHS & GARI DUMPLINGS
Tuesday, June 21st @ 6pm
This week’s pollinator pal is vitally important for the nutrition of people living all over the world. The Yucca/Cassava plant is unfamiliar to many of us living here in Indiana so this is a great opportunity to learn more about this staple and try out some yummy dumplings made of cassava! ​

FAMILY BINGO!
Wednesday, June 22nd @ 2pm
NMPL loves Bingo, and we’re so excited to bring it back to in-person programming. Grab the whole family and enjoy an hour of bingo-ing and winning prizes!

​CELESTIAL WALL DECOR
Wednesday, June 22nd @ 6pm on Facebook
Let’s make another DIY craft for your home! Out of just a few embroidery hoops and yarn, you can create a beautiful celestial wall decoration.

DIRTY DIGGERS: CHOCOLATE MIDGES & FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE
Tuesday, June 28th @ 6pm
Chocolate Midges may not look like much but without them, the world would not be as sweet. Learn all about these tiny but mighty flies while snacking on some delicious Fair Trade Chocolate!

MARVEL-OUS SLIME!
Wednesday, June 29th @ 2pm
Make your way through the slime bar with many kinds of cool mix-ins to create your own custom slime. Save time for Canvas Pump Painting. Don’t forget to play in the Orbeez filled pools. And did we mention the Shaving Cream Fingerpaint tables? There’s even a rumor that Mentos Geysers will be back...

GLOOP GROUP: CHIA SLIME & CLEAN MUD
Friday, July 1st @ 3pm
​Chia seeds are good for you AND great for making slime. When combined with water, the gelatinous mixture that results is taste safe and incredibly soothing to play with. We’ll also make up a batch of Clean Mud and play a water game - bring a towel!

​DIRTY DIGGERS: EARTHWORMS
Tuesday, July 5th @ 6pm
Where would we be without earthworms? They are vital for soil health and with 7000+ species worldwide, well worth learning about! Tonight we’ll get up close and personal with worms and get to observe their lives in an indoor composter!

MORNING AT THE MOVIES: TURNING RED
​Wednesday, July 6th @ 11am
A hot summer morning is the perfect time to gather a few friends and watch an exciting movie! Join us in the Blocher Room for hot popcorn and a showing of Turning Red, a fun film for the whole family!
"Turning Red is a coming-of-age family film focusing on having roots in two different cultures. Taking place in the early 2000s, Meilin Lee is a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl trying to find her place in the world. Like all teenagers, she struggles with wanting to please her mother, who lives by the traditional rules of their culture, and the desire to be her own person. However, what her peers don't realize is that she turns into a large red panda whenever she's overly excited or stressed. Can Meilin learn to balance her lineage while building her social life?"
Movie Rating: PG
Movie Length: 1 hour 40 minutes ​

AMERICAN FLAG BOOKMARK
Wednesday, July 6th @ 6pm on Facebook
Go to the Makerspace-2-Go shelf, pick up a kit, and tune into FB for this QUICK & SIMPLE tutorial video in making this patriotic bookmark. We know summer can get crazy so here is a craft you can make in no time!

GLOOP GROUP: MAGNETIC SLIME
Friday, July 8th @ 3pm
Get this black slime close to a magnet and watch out! Strange things will start to happen. Join us for another super session of Gloop Group (complete with water games outside!).

NMPL AT THE NORTH MANCHESTER FARMER'S MARKET
Saturday, July 9th from 9am to 12pm
Join the library at the local Farmer’s Market (located at Ogden’s Landing) for a fun morning of fresh produce, handicrafts and superhero scavenger hunts. Search throughout the market for the hidden superheroes. Find them all and earn tokens to trade in for goodies from the vendors! ​

​CREATIVE WRITING RETREAT
Saturday, July 9th from 11am to 1pm in the Blocher Room
CREATIVE WRITING IS THERAPY FOR YOUR SOUL
Your creative voice is beautiful and unique. It also usually shy and vulnerable. But, if you can be emotionally brave and express it in your own way, you can change the world around you. This is the perfect place for your sensitive soul to relax, express, and be touched by being among other kindred creative spirits.
ALL ARE WELCOME - CREATIVE EXPRESSION KNOWS NO AGE
Many who have attended in the past consider this group a "sacred space." Creative sees creative, and love and light sees love and light. This is a safe place for creative expression. You will be in a warm, encouraging and nurturing setting.
GOOD NEWS! - NO PRESSURE, BECAUSE YOU CAN'T DO IT WRONG.
Remember this: "There is No Right or Wrong Way to Write from Your Heart."
Bring something to write with and enjoy the experience of creative expression in action. This is not a class or course. There is no test. It's FUN!
Compelling writing prompts are used, and you will have a chance to share with the group. But you don't have to. If you hear the "creative call" and attend, you may be surprised at what you may discover within yourself.
Please attend and experience it for yourself.
​
These sessions will be taught by Randy Ragan. For additional information, call 260-306-1769.

COLLEEN COBLE BOOK SIGNING AND Q&A SESSION
Saturday, July 9th at 2:30pm
Best-selling author Colleen Coble is an American Christian author of romance, romantic suspense and historical fiction. Her thirty-five novels and novellas have sold a total of about 2 million copies, and have received numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award.
Meet the celebrated author in person at the North Manchester Public Library! Colleen Coble will be here for a special book signing and Q&A that you won't want to miss!

​DIRTY DIGGERS: BERRIES
Tuesday, July 12th @ 6pm 
Wild berries abound in our area. Let’s learn about wild and cultivated berries that are safe and delicious to eat!

TURN YOURSELF INTO A SUPERHERO DAY!
Wednesday, July 13th @ 2pm
You bring the ideas, we’ll bring the supplies! Become your favorite superhero by personalizing your own cape, mask, and cuffs. Enjoy yard games on the lawn and zooming around in all your superhero glory!

COOKIES & CANVAS: AMERICAN FLAG SKY
Wednesday, July 13th @ 6pm
​Hobby painters and beginners will love our Cookies and Canvas series! Step-by-step instructions take participants on a journey towards a beautiful masterpiece. The fun themes are perfect for porch hangings, mantel decorations, and special gifts for family and friends. Love painting but in a dry spell? Let us provide the inspiration for your next piece. Are you a watercolor fiend or an oil painting master? Why not give acrylics a whirl!? Not too confident in your art skills? Give C & C a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results (plus, there will be cookies!).
​
​This class is for teens and adults ages 13+ and requires registration. Class size is limited so painting reservations are first-come, first-serve. A materials fee of $8 per person will be due at registration. These fees are non-refundable. Register at the front desk or by the calling the library.

GLOOP GROUP: GLITTER GAK
Friday, July 15th @ 3:00pm
​It’s stretchy, glittery and gak-y! You’ll love this week’s recipe and the water games we’ll be playing, too.

DIRTY DIGGERS: DIY REFRIGERATOR PICKLES
Tuesday, July 19th @ 6pm
Our raised beds and container gardens are flourishing. What can we do with all the extras? Make pickles of course! Learn how tonight.

MEGAMIND - INTERACTIVE MOVIE
Wednesday, July 20th @ 6pm
Join us for a special interactive showing of Megamind... we promise, you've never watched this movie like THIS before!
Enjoy FREE Superman Water Ice, play with glow sticks, form your own superhero out of play-doh, help Megamind and Titan fight and MORE!
You just never know what fun surprises and activities await you at this Interactive Movie event!

​BOHO FLOWER RING
Wednesday, July 20th @ 6pm
Love dried florals, muted colors and romantic details? Then this trendy wreath is for you! Join us at the library to learn how to make a dried flower boho style hoop wreath that's just perfect for your home décor, wall décor, or even a DIY wedding decoration! 

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE FOR KIDS - PART 1
Thursday, July 21st @ 2:30pm
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.

This 2 part class covers the basics of American Sign Language which consists of the alphabet, common greetings, introductions, and a game!
​
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 4 years at Goshen he has learned and taught ASL as well as taken a semester at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. to better that education. Elliot is excited to teach you all more about American Sign Language as much as you are excited to learn it!

GLOOP GROUP: FLUFFY SLIME
Friday, July 22nd @ 3pm
A soft, airy slime that only needs 3 ingredients to make. Make sure you don’t miss the final week of making slime and playing water games!

DIRTY DIGGERS: FOOD FESTIVAL TRADITIONS
Tuesday, July 26th @ 6pm
From the Asogli Yam Festival in Ho to the Strawberry Festival in Kokomo, people all over the world have found amazing ways to celebrate the harvest. Learn about some awesome traditions are we celebrate our own successes in growing herbs, veggies, and flowers this summer

SUMMER READING PARTY!
Wednesday, July 27th from 1pm-3pm
Celebrate another incredible summer of reading with all kinds of outdoor fun. We’ll have a giant inflatable obstacle course, wading pools, a dunk tank and more. Don’t miss it!

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE FOR KIDS - PART 2
Thursday, July 28th @ 2:30pm
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.

This 2 part class covers the basics of American Sign Language which consists of the alphabet, common greetings, introductions, and a game!
​
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 4 years at Goshen he has learned and taught ASL as well as taken a semester at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. to better that education. Elliot is excited to teach you all more about American Sign Language as much as you are excited to learn it!

​LAST DAY OF SUMMER READING!
Saturday, July 30th - Ends at 5pm
Today is the LAST day of Summer Reading! It's the last day to input your tickets for Grand Prizes, the last day to pick up your section prizes, and the last day to spin the wheel!
Thanks to everyone for another incredible summer of reading.