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!

COVID-19 UPDATE

As of January 13th, properly worn face masks are required inside the library. Due to the county Covid metrics moving to "red status", the North Manchester Public Library will resume requiring the use of properly worn face masks while in the library. Masks are also required for any in-person programming. For more information on NMPL service strategies during Covid, please click HERE. 
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The library staff will continue sanitation measures for materials and the facility. The use of hand sanitizers and social distancing practices are still recommended. If you do not have a mask, a free one one will be provided for you at the front desk.

If you are uncomfortable coming into the library for any reason, we encourage you to use our curbside service or Libby, our free e-library.

TEEN PROGRAMMING EVENTS

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! Masks are required at all inside library events​.

BETWEEN
Every Thursday @ 3:45pm in the Makerspace
Patrons ages 9-12 are invited to the NMPL Makerspace for activities and an after-school snack! Masks are required at all inside library events.

WINTER READING CHALLENGE
Monday, January 3rd through Monday, January 31st 
The snow may be piling up and the icy winds may be blowing, but we’ve got plenty to keep you occupied this month with a spectacular Winter Reading Challenge! Pick up a Bookopoly board from a circulation desk and read your way around the board to earn NMPL Bucks to spend at future events like Little Bookshop on Market Street and Santa’s Workshop! Visit our Winter Reading Program page for all the details!

​GOD'S EYE CRAFT
​Wednesday, January 12th @ 6pm on Facebook
Love yarn? Love creating your own patterns? Love unique home decorations? This kit is for you! Pick up your kit from the Makerspace-to-Go, then join as on Facebook. We will be learning how to weave these amazing wall hangings and a little bit of their history!

COOK A BOOK: CHOCOLATE CHIP MARSHMALLOWS
Friday, January 14th @ 11am on Facebook
Tune into Facebook Live and watch as we show you how to make marshmallows with a twist! Homemade marshmallows have a bouncy, satisfying texture - you may never want to go back. And the addition of crushed chocolate chips? Heavenly!

HOMESCHOOL ART CLASS: MARIA MARTINEZ & PUEBLO POTTERY
Monday, January 17th @ 2pm
In each session of Homeschool Art, children will learn about the artist and their use of everyday items to create art. Sessions will begin with a short presentation in the Blocher Community Room and will be followed by an activity inspired by the artist's work. Wearing clothes that can get messy is always a good idea! Registration is required for every child planning to attend. Space is limited. Participants are encouraged to bring a folder to keep any coloring pages or fact sheets they are given during the class.

MARIA MARTINEZ
She learned pottery by watching her aunt.
She preserved traditional pottery techniques.
Her work is internationally known.
Her name is Maria Martinez and for this session we’ll explore her ingenious techniques for black ware pottery (horse dung plays a role) and then try our hand at making our own pots from air dry clay.

​PAPER CAN DO WHAT NOW?! GLOW LAMPS
Tuesday, January 18th @ 3:45pm
Paper is more than just a thing to write down reminders on. In this 4 week class, we will creatively dive in and learn the durability of paper and how to glue, cut and weave it into beautiful things!

​COOKIES & CANVAS: NORTHERN LIGHTS
​Wednesday, January 19th @ 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!).
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​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.

​THE BASICS OF ART: POTTERY DESIGN
Monday, January 24th @ 3:45pm
Discover the basics of art, ranging from painting, to drawing, to pottery! In this first session, we will learn about pottery designs and textures.
Registration will be required to secure your place in the class and all participants must be above the age of 9.

​PAPER CAN DO WHAT NOW?! MOSAICS
Tuesday, January 25th @ 3:45pm
Paper is more than just a thing to write down reminders on. In this 4 week class, we will creatively dive in and learn the durability of paper and how to glue, cut and weave it into beautiful things!

PARACORD BRACELTS
Wednesday, January 26th @ 6pm on Facebook
​We have some good news for you: we've made this program virtual... with KITS! That's right! We know these bracelets can be a little tricky to make, so we wanted to give you ample time to settle in, and rewind and re-watch as many times as you need!

Stop by the library today and head to the Makerspace-2-Go section to pick up your kit, then plan to tune in to the NMPL Facebook page to learn how to make these survival bracelets with us! It’ll be a great skill set to learn especially if you like to camp, hike or enjoy being outside in general... not to mention, they just look cool!

BOOK FOLDING: UNDER THE BIG TOP
Friday, January 28th @ 4pm on Facebook
Turn a discarded book into a whimsical circus tent! Grab a kit from the kit shelf and join us on Facebook Live for another great book folding project.

GALENTINE'S EVENING WITH RHINESTONE & ROSES
Wednesday, February 2nd @ 6pm 
Join NMPL and Rhinestone & Roses for a wonderful evening with your friends! We'll be in creating your very own Valentine themed flower arrangements featuring an array of pink and red blooms in a keepsake container! All supplies are included. Registration is required as seats are limited. The cost is $30 per patron (cash, check, or credit), due at the time of registration. Sign up by calling the library or stopping by the front desk today!

THE BASICS OF ART: WATERCOLOR PAINTING
Monday, February 7th @ 3:45pm
​Watercolor is a very common form of painting. Come and chill for an hour painting while learning the basic techniques. There will be examples of pictures you can draw inspiration from or have the complete freedom to create your own!

ORIGAMI: BEADS
Tuesday, February 8th @ 3:45pm
​Origami, also called paper folding, is the art of folding objects out of paper to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional subjects. The word origami is from the Japanese oru [“to fold”] and kami [“paper”].
This art is beloved the world over and we're excited to explore it further in this exciting new program. Learn to make jumping frogs, beads, corner bookmarks and snapping mouths... all out of paper! ​

PAPER SNOWFLAKE GARLAND
Wednesday, February 9th @ 6pm on Facebook
Snowflakes come in all shapes and sizes! Hang out on Facebook and learn how to make these adorable 3D snowflake garlands! Each one unique and all equally beautiful. Grab a kit from our Makerspace-To-Go then tune into Facebook for this virtual event!

COOK A BOOK: LONGEVITY NOODLES
Friday, February 11th @ 11am on Facebook
Xi’an Famous Foods is so much more than a cookbook. It’s the story of Jason Wang and his journey from Western China to the Midwest to NYC. It’s a deep dive into the ingredients, techniques, and cuisine of Western China. It’s the tale of a sometimes contentious, sometimes productive, but always loving father-son relationship. It’s another chapter in the growth of a tiny kiosk to a restaurant with 14 locations. And it’s straight up delicious! There are many recipes worth trying from this cookbook. This month we’ll make Longevity Noodles so tune into FB live to learn to make these tasty noodles!

ORIGAMI: CORNER BOOKMARKS
Tuesday, February 15th @ 3:45pm
Origami, also called paper folding, is the art of folding objects out of paper to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional subjects. The word origami is from the Japanese oru [“to fold”] and kami [“paper”].

This art is beloved the world over and we're excited to explore it further in this exciting new program. Learn to make jumping frogs, beads, corner bookmarks and snapping mouths... all out of paper!

​COOKIES & CANVAS: ONCE UPON A WISH
Wednesday, February 16th @ 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.

ORIGAMI: SNAPPING MOUTHS
Tuesday, February 22nd @ 3:45pm
Origami, also called paper folding, is the art of folding objects out of paper to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional subjects. The word origami is from the Japanese oru [“to fold”] and kami [“paper”].
​
This art is beloved the world over and we're excited to explore it further in this exciting new program. Learn to make jumping frogs, beads, corner bookmarks and snapping mouths... all out of paper!

PAPER FLOWER WREATH
Wednesday, February 23rd @ 6pm on Facebook
It might not be the most glamorous craft supply, but it turns out the humble toilet paper tube can do quite a lot. Case in point this dainty and eye-pleasing floral wreath—made entirely from (you guessed it) the bones of the bathroom staple. Grab a kit from our Makerspace-2-Go and then tune into Facebook for this event!

​BOOK FOLDING: GOAT
Friday, February 25th @ 4pm on Facebook
Pick up a kit from the kit shelf and then tune in to learn how to turn a book into a spunky little pal - just perfect for keeping you company at your desk or for guarding your bookshelves. (The best part? This goat won’t eat your papers!)