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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PAINT BY STICKER
Every Tuesday in September at 3:45pm An uplifting and mindful activity for crafters, art lovers, and puzzle fans alike, Paint by Sticker will appeal to anyone looking for a chill afternoon program. Simply peel the sticker, place the sticker, and watch your painting come to life. All supplies will be provided by the library, so plan to come and relax with us! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: No Location: Conference Room |
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TEEN MAKERS
Every Wednesday in August @ 3:45pm; Every Wednesday @ 3:30pm (NEW TIME) in September 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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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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THE NIGHT MARKET
Friday, September 22nd from 7pm-9pm Glow in the dark tic-tac-toe. Warm drinks and yummy treats. Paint the World community canvas - night edition. One-of-a-kind handmade gifts. What do all these things have in common? NMPL’s second annual Night Market! Come to the library after hours to enjoy an evening like no other! Local small businesses and artisans will have a variety of wonderful items for sale - jewelry, donuts, home décor, fashion items and more. Vendors include Friends of the Library, The Beverage Buggy, Chillz, Rhinestone & Roses, Beaded Beauty, Farm Girl with Curls, Nordmann's Nook, The Baker’s Daughter, and Macra-made by Kait. Each business is supporting library programming, so come on out and support the people that make our activities possible and our community such a great place to live. You may just find an incredible new treasure while you’re at it! We’ll also have a bunch of free activities for everyone to enjoy! Paint the World is back with a glow in the dark paint version of the community canvas collaboration. We’ll have a glowing slime table for the kids, LED yard games, and more! Additionally, NMPL will have NEW Glow-In-The-Dark Night Market t-shirts for sale, or you can wear your design from last year! It’s going to be a wonderful evening of food, fun, friends and supporting the library. We hope you'll join us! Program Cost: Free to attend, but bring money to shop! Program Age Requirements: NONE! All ages Registration: No Location: Library lawn and NMPL Blocher Community Room |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: OPTICAL ILLUSION
Friday, September 29th @ 2pm Our first Homeschool Science of the school year will explore the physics of light, optics, and perception. Today, your body will be part of the experiment! Find your blind spot and watch things disappear. View stunning optical illusions involving shapes, color, depth, and scale. Make a curved line look straight. Turn cardboard transparent. See the world shrink. Make white by mixing red, green, and blue, and see colors in black and white. See firsthand how your eye and brain work together to perceive color, light, depth, perspective, size, shape, and motion. 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 - High School Registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0944A9AB28A7F5CF8... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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3D PRINTER CLUB
Tuesday, October 3rd @ 3:30pm NMPL's 3D printer has been a source of endless fascination for many patrons - and it's not hard to see why! Succulent planters, Baby Yoda figurines, hose adapters, credit card wallets, articulated chameleons - these are just a few of the thousands of items you can print on our MakerBot Replicator. Come learn how at our 3D Printer Club! Each participant will be shown how to work the printer, and will receive a coupon to print one small item for free - either during the club or any time after! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 6 and up Registration? None Location: 3D Printer Station near the Adult Department Computer Lab |
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NMPL'S HALLOWEEN PARTY! HEROES VS. VILLAINS
Thursday, October 5th from 5pm-7pm NMPL's annual Halloween Party returns! This year's theme is Superheroes vs. Villains and attendees are invited to dress up accordingly - or go completely off script with their own special costumes! The Halloween Party is one of the most popular events on the calendar, and this year will feature returning favorites like a haunted egg hunt, ghostly games, creepy crafts, and fun face painting. New activities will include horse and pony rides, a spooky sensory zone, a Wheel of Fate, and a Superhero Costume decoration station! All activities are free for all ages to enjoy. We'll also hold our annual costume contest, and trophies will be awarded in the following categories:
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: No Registration: No Location: Library Lawn, Blocher Community Room, Makerspace |
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FALL PUMPKIN FELTING CLASS
Wednesday, October 11th @ 5pm Come learn the art of needle felting at the library! A fun addition to your seasonal fall décor or nature table, these festive little cuties require no sewing, knitting, or crocheting skills. Participants will be able to customize their pumpkins by choosing their own scented yarn (fragranced with autumn scents like pumpkin, honey, and cinnamon), and yarn colors. Taught by experienced crafter Rachel Kruger, this class will provide expert step-by-step instruction and helpful hands-on guidance. Simply follow along and watch your pumpkin come to life! Program Cost: $30 to make one pumpkin (includes needle, wool roving, instruction, and pads). Extra scented pumpkins will cost an additional $20. 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 |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: ECLIPSES
Friday, October 13th @ 2pm With the Annular Solar Eclipse happening this month, it’s the perfect time to explore eclipses! Come learn about the superstitions and the science behind the different types of eclipses, get a crash course in the right way to use eclipse glasses, and make a UV Kid to test out the effectiveness of various methods of protection from the sun. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 8 - high school Registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0944A9AB28A7F5CF8... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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NOBLE FICTION WRITERS OF NMPL
Saturday, October 14th @ 11am in the Conference Room Are you looking for a way to improve your writing skills? The "Noble Fiction Writers of NMPL" group can help you write better fiction using time-tested techniques. You will enjoy writing prompts to help you learn how to use your craftsmanship, daring, and insight into human nature to create stories that feel real. You’ll be able to apply what you learn in this group to any genre of fiction – from mystery novels to science fiction. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your work with other writers and get feedback. It's a fun, creative, and safe place to write. So why wait? Mark your calendar today! Program Cost: None Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: None Location: Conference Room |
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ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY
Saturday, October 14th @ 12:30pm A partial eclipse of the Sun will be visible in all parts of North America today. The Moon will pass in front of the Sun, producing a "ring of fire" effect. Thanks to the generosity of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the North Manchester Public Library has obtained solar eclipse viewing glasses and will be distributing them for free at our viewing event on the library lawn while supplies last. Northeastern Indiana will experience a partial eclipse with 40% coverage of the sun for a duration of 2 hours and 44 minutes. The partial eclipse will begin at 11:41am, reach its peak at 1:02pm, and end at 2:26pm. NMPL staff recommend arriving at the library no later than 12:30pm to be ready for the best view but will be on hand beginning at 11:30pm for those who want to watch the entirety of the event. A live stream from other parts of the country will be set up in the Blocher Community Room in case of cloudy weather and/or for those who prefer to watch on the big screen. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: No Registration: No Location: Library Lawn |
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THERAPY DOG CUDDLE SESSION
Tuesday, October 17th @ 3:30pm Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the social interaction between people and dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin... which is just a fancy way to say, Ace and a few of his buddies will be returning to NMPL for another cuddle session! Ace: a 5 year old Newfoundland who loves nothing more than a good belly rub and bringing a smile to someone’s face. He’s been a certified therapy dog for over a year now and loves his visits to places like nursing homes, schools, libraries and ARC of Wabash County. Bryn: a 2 year old English Shepherd rescue. She lives on a farm where she interacts with cattle, horses, chickens, and cats. She goes to ‘work’ everyday with her dad at the bair ship on the farm. She greets everyone with a tail wag and loves to get all the pets. She enjoys going for rides, playing tag with her brother, Mickey, and chewing on bones. Finn: He is a 4 year old rottweiler who loves everyone he meets. He would rather have pets and hugs than treats and he thinks he is a tiny lap dog. He loves to sit on your lap when you sit on the floor and will give you tons of kisses. He has been a therapy dog for 15 months. These furry friends LOVE a good cuddle, belly rub, and lots of attention, so plan to enjoy us for this fun, stress-decreasing event! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Room |
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YOU CAN PAINT WITH HEIDI LOVETT: GHOSTLY BONFIRE
Wednesday, October 18th @ 6pm Have you ever looked at a gorgeous painting and thought 'I could never do that'? Now... you can! Certified painting instructor Heidi Lovett will provide step-by-step instructions to guide you towards creating your own beautiful masterpiece in a fun and helpful environment. 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 $10 per person will be due at registration. These fees are non-refundable. Register at the front desk. Program Cost: $10 Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration? Yes. Register at the front desk. Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
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HOMESCHOOL ART CLASS: MINIATURES
Friday, October 20th @ 2pm Miniatures have been delighting people for centuries. In this month’s homeschool art we’ll delve into some of the history behind these tiny reproductions from the “baby houses” of 16th century Europe to the set of the Star Trek TV series. Then we’ll spend time making and decorating our own miniature furniture pieces! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Elementary - High School Registration: Required. Click to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0944A9AB28A7F5CF8... Location: Blocher Community Room |
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THE MAGIC OF AI: PROMPT CRAFTING
Saturday, October 21st from 11am-1pm Join the AI Revolution, One PROMPT at a Time... Don't let the future pass you by. Join us at the Magic of AI Workshop and take the first step into a world where anything is possible. Whether you're curious about AI and the future, a business owner, a student, an artist, or just want to use AI for your personal growth and to save tons of time, this workshop is for you. Let's unlock the magic of AI together, and unleash a world of creativity and opportunity. Unlock The Hidden Secrets of How to Create AI PROMPTS that Work with: ChatGPT, Google BARD, Claude 2, Bing, and more...the SECRET to making AI work for you, no matter which AI platform or tool you use, is knowing how to create effect prompts! Unlock Creativity: Whether you're an artist looking to enhance your work or a business owner wanting to streamline operations, AI can be your secret weapon. We'll show you how to harness AI to spark creativity and innovation. Save Time and Effort: Learn how AI can take over mundane tasks, freeing you up to focus on what you love. From learning to generating creative content, the possibilities are endless. Program Cost: None Program Age Requirements: 13+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Room |
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ADULTING 101: LIVING CLUTTER FREE (3 PART SERIES)
Tuesday, October 24th, Tuesday, October 31st, Tuesday, November 7th @ 3:30pm Constantly being in a cluttered room, office, or car can be stressful. But where to you begin to start getting organized? What do you get rid of? What do you keep? Learning how to organize and care for your personal possessions is a skill that you'll use your entire life, and Mindy Mayes of Purdue Extension is here to teach us how to live a clutter-free life! At this 3 part session of our popular Adulting 101 series, teens and pre-teens will learn valuable life skills to help them successfully navigate some of the adulting struggles they'll face later on in life. Classes are helpful, interactive, and open for anyone who wants to come and learn improve their adulting prowess! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None (but geared for pre-teen and up) Registration: No Location: Conference Room |
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THRIFT STORE GHOST PAINTING
Wednesday, October 25th @ 6pm Thrifted ghost Halloween paintings are a new DIY trend that is taking TikTok by storm. This trend involves thrifting an inexpensive, old painting and painting little ghosts, bats, and pumpkins over top of it to create a new cute-but-spooky piece of Halloween art. Get into the Halloween spirit with us by haunting up your own thrift store painting (we recommend checking out the Manchester Fellowship of Churches Thrift Store and The Whatnot Thrift Shoppe!) and bringing it with you to this program! We’ll provide you with paints and brushes to add all the spooky touches your heart desires. Can’t find a painting? Print one out on the library computers before the program begins. The possibilities are endless and we can’t wait to see what you create! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: Yes. To sign up, please click this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0944A9AB28A7F5CF8... Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FALL BOOKSALE
Thursday, October 26th from 9am-7pm; Friday, October 27th-Saturday, October 28th from 9am-5pm The Friends of the Library book sale is held the last Thursday-Saturday of October each year. The FOL book sale has become a popular shopping spot for both recreational book buyers and book sellers in the area! Purchasing books from the semi-annual book sale is an excellent way of supporting our library. The book sale is a significant fundraiser for FOL, and in turn, supports library programs and updates each year. Find gently used books, DVDs, children's materials, audios, yearbooks and more! You just never know what great book adventure awaits you at the FOL Booksale! |