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
SILENT BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 1st @ 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 |
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 |
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 |
NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, April 13th from 11am to 1pm in the Conference Room Calling all writers! NMPL's Writer's 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 Writer's Retreat! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teens and adults Registration: None Location: Conference 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 |
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! |
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 |
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 |
FELTING CLASS WITH KRUGER CRAFTS: OWLS
Tuesday, May 7th @ 5pm Come learn the art of needle felting at the library! "It's so EASY!" is the common refrain from those who try felting for the first time. It’s not hard to see why: These woodland cuties require no sewing, knitting, or crocheting skills! Taught by experience crafter Rachel Kruger of Kruger Krafts, this class will provide expert step-by-step instruction and helpful hands-on guidance. Participants will be able to customize their owls by choosing their own yarn colors and accessories. Simply follow along and watch your owl come to life! Program Cost: $30 to make one owl (includes needle, wool roving, instruction, pads, and decorations). Cash or checks (payable to Rachel Kruger) only. Program Age Requirements: 13+ (No children under the age of 13 due to the sharp/barbed needles used for this craft.) Registration: Yes, at the NMPL circulation desk. Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
NMPL'S WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, May 11th from 11am-1pm Calling all writers! NMPL's Writer's 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 Writer's Retreat! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teens and adults Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
TEA & BISCUIT VINTAGE BOOK TASTING
Monday, May 13th @ 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 iced tea and goodies from The Brit-ish Baker! Book Menu: We’re celebrating our Summer Reading theme of “Life In the Past Lane” with vintage reads from the decades spanning the 20s through the 90s! Biscuit Menu: The Brit-ish Baker will be serving up some truly delicious bakes for our attendees!
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
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 |
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 |