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, November 20th @ 6pm; Wednesday, December 4th @ 6pm; Wednesday, December 18th @ 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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READING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND: WINTER READING
Saturday, December 14th through Friday, February 14th "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight, Reading in a winter wonderland." The North Manchester Public Library’s Winter Reading Program is back! We're snuggling up with a warm drink and an good book and letting the magic of winter reading bring joy and excitement to our days! Winter Reading: Reading in a Winter Wonderland is open to children, teens, and adults. The Winter Reading Program begins December 14th and ends February 14th. Participants can register and track reading on the free Beanstack app (found in the app store on any smart device) or by using the Beanstack laptops at the library’s circulation desks. Each hour of reading logged earns 2 tickets. Tickets are entered in drawings for a wide variety of fabulous prizes donated by local businesses. NMPL is also excited to announce the return of the collaborative Paint by Sticker poster at the library! As readers log hours, they’ll earn stickers to add to the poster. The image starts as a mystery and it builds as everyone adds stickers to create a surprising masterpiece. Winter Readers are encouraged to read titles of their own interests in their preferred format at their own pace. Readers can even count books they read to others! HOW TO SIGN UP: Once the reading program begins, participants can sign up via the FREE Beanstack app. Be sure you've got the Beanstack app downloaded on your phone beforehand, so you'll be ready to go! If You Are Signing Up On Your Smart Device: Download the Beanstack Tracker app from your app store. Simply search for North Manchester Public Library then follow the sign in steps to begin! You can sign up yourself or your family members. Once Winter Reading starts, the Reading in a Winter Wonderland program will appear on your app home page. If You Are Signing Up On Your Desktop: On December 14th, visit the NMPL Beanstack Website (https://nman.beanstack.org/reader365) and simply follow the sign in steps to begin! You can sign up yourself or your family members. Once Winter Reading starts, the Reading in a Winter Wonderland program will appear on your app home page. We can't wait to spend the winter reading with you! |
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LEGO LEAGUE: THANKSGIVING BUILDS
Wednesday, November 13th @ 4pm What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Food, Family, or Football? (Or something that doesn’t even start with an F!?) There are so many things about this holiday to make our hearts warm and we invite you to immortalize it in Lego form. Let's get building! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: No Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: PUMPKIN PIE TWISTS
Wednesday, November 13th @ 6pm Wondering what to bring to your Thanksgiving gathering? Take a classic, like pumpkin pie and put a spin on it! These pumpkin pie twists are SO easy and fast to make. Plus it’s cheap - wins all around! Tune into NMPL’s Facebook page at the designated date (or any time after) to learn how to make this sweet treat. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None! Registration: No Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
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BLACK QUILTERS: HARD TOPICS, SOFT BLOWS
Monday, November 18th @ 6pm The North Manchester Public Library is honored to host Dr. Tony Jean Dickerson for a presentation of Black Quilters: Hard Topics, Soft Blows. Arts hold a vital place of importance in our society. Quilts, often seen as "women's work" and "sheer arts and crafts" by some, actually have a prominent place in telling the struggles and triumphs of many cultures. Moreover, the African American community has fought to tell its stories and quilts have been used as an important vehicle for these efforts. From individuals and guilds alike, the artistry of African American quilters can no longer be denied as frontrunners of the quilting scene. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A and attendees will enjoy viewing quilts on display. Dr. Dickerson is a member of the Advancing Racial Equity Speakers Bureau and founding president of the Akoma Ntoso Modern Quilt Guild of Central Indiana. The North Manchester Public Library would like to thank the Indiana Humanities Foundation for sponsoring this event as part of 2024's One State/One Story Community Read! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Teen - Adult Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS 2.0: THE CARD CATALOG
Tuesday, November 19th @ 4pm Did you graduate from our Future Librarian class but feel like you want to learn more? Are you eager to go to the next level in learning about being a librarian? Then we’d love for you to participate in Future Librarians 2.0*! (*Please note: As we will be building on previous knowledge learned in Future Librarians 1.0, only existing graduates can attend these classes. But don’t worry! Future Librarians 1.0 will be coming back in Spring of 2025!) This week: The Card Catalog - Our students will uncover the secrets to Apollo, learn helpful tips and tricks to navigating the system, and play Card Catalog Bingo! Students are encouraged to Dress Like A Librarian for this first session as we’ll be taking our new "staff" photos! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 to 16 Registration: Yes. This class is only open for students who have graduated from Future Librarians. Call the library to register! Location: Blocher Community Room |
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THE GREAT COOKIE SWAP WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, November 20th @ 4pm It’s time for another wonderful program with our friends from Purdue Extension of Wabash County! Mindy and Jessi will bring their favorite holiday cookie recipes (Maple Brown Sugar Cookies and Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies) to share so we can bake up some delicious treats. Participants, you are invited to bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share along with copies of your recipe card for others to use! (Not required in order to attend this program.) Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE LAB WITH MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
Friday, November 22nd @ 2:30pm Ready to learn even more about DNA? Join us for part 2 of the Manchester University Science Labs! DNA is the genetic information of the body's cells. It gives instructions for all of the body's processes and helps make you, you. Come explore the world of DNA with Manchester University students through a multi-station, hands-on science lab. Didn’t make it to Part 1? No problem! You can still register to participate! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - High School Registration: Yes. Click HERE to register. Location: Blocher Community Room |
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TEA & BISCUIT BOOK TASTING: JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER
Monday, November 25th @ 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 treats from The Brit-ish Baker! Book Menu:
Biscuit Menu:
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 16+ Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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OPEN MAKERSPACE
Monday, November 25th from 6pm-7pm During Open Makerspace hours, you are invited to unlock a world full of crafts, games, and creativity! Play games on the Wii or challenge someone to a game of air hockey. Get creative with Perler bead crafts, coloring, or even scrapbooking. Grab your friends, family, or come solo and join us - all ages are welcome! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None. Registration: No Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS 2.0: MARKETING DAY
Tuesday, November 26th @ 4pm Did you graduate from our Future Librarian class but feel like you want to learn more? Are you eager to go to the next level in learning about being a librarian? Then we’d love for you to participate in Future Librarians 2.0*! (*Please note: As we will be building on previous knowledge learned in Future Librarians 1.0, only existing graduates can attend these classes. But don’t worry! Future Librarians 1.0 will be coming back in Spring of 2025!) This week: Our students are going to learn all about marketing! What does it take to successfully promote an event? What are some mistakes that are made? What information is important to include? Using the skills they learn from the lesson, each Future Librarian will design an official flier for an actual NMPL program! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 to 16 Registration: Yes. This class is only open for students who have graduated from Future Librarians. Call the library to register! Location: Blocher Community Room |
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MOVIE MATINEE: FREE BIRDS
Wednesday, November 27th @ 11am Need to get the kids out of the house while you’re prepping for Thanksgiving Dinner or cleaning for visiting relatives? Bring them to our movie matinee and enjoy hot buttered popcorn while we watch this Thanksgiving classic! “Pardoned by the president, a lucky turkey (Owen Wilson) named Reggie gets to live a carefree lifestyle, until fellow fowl Jake (Woody Harrelson) recruits him for a history-changing mission. Jake and Reggie travel back in time to the year 1621, just before the first Thanksgiving. The plan: Prevent all turkeys from ever becoming holiday dinners. Unfortunately, the two birds encounter colonist Myles Standish (Colm Meaney), out to capture feathered friends for all the hungry Pilgrims.” Rating: PG Length: 1 hour and 31 minutes Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: No Location: Blocher Community Room |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS 2.0: READER'S ADVISORY & HOME BASED SERVICES
Tuesday, December 3rd @ 4pm Did you graduate from our Future Librarian class but feel like you want to learn more? Are you eager to go to the next level in learning about being a librarian? Then we’d love for you to participate in Future Librarians 2.0*! (*Please note: As we will be building on previous knowledge learned in Future Librarians 1.0, only existing graduates can attend these classes. But don’t worry! Future Librarians 1.0 will be coming back in Spring of 2025!) This week: NMPL's Home Based services delivers books to patrons who are unable to leave their homes and come into the library. But just how do you find the right book for the right patron? Our Future Librarians will learn the basics of Reader's Advisory and put these skills to the test by choosing books for home based patrons based on their unique preferences, tastes, and requests! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 to 16 Registration: Yes. This class is only open for students who have graduated from Future Librarians. Call the library to register! Location: Blocher Community Room |
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SANTA'S WORKSHOP
Saturday, December 7th from 2pm to 4pm It’s one of our favorite events of the year! The Blocher Room is filled with an eclectic mix of handmade decor, toys, ornaments, and gifts. NMPL Bucks are passed out to each child who walks through the doors. The gift wrapping station is in full swing. Game and craft islands are scattered throughout the building. And did we mention there’s a scavenger hunt? We love giving kids in our community the opportunity to shop for presents for friends and family! Using NMPL Bucks received at the door (and earned throughout the year), children have the opportunity to buy gifts irrespective of finances. It’s a fantastic way for all our young patrons to participate in family gift giving traditions. Many adults love shopping for unique items at this event, too, and all the money raised will go to our Friends of the Library group, as they continue to sponsor hundreds of library programs each year. Additionally, anyone who makes a purchase will be entered in a drawing to win an adorable book nook! Items for purchase include handmade ornaments, hair accessories, knitted hats, handmade dishcloths and hot pads, toys, home décor items, handmade embroidery pieces, knick-knacks, seasonal decorations, NMPL merch, and fun stocking stuffers. The library will also provide free gift wrapping, with volunteers who will make sure all the gifts are looking beautiful. This event is free to attend (but adults may want to bring some extra cash for shopping!) and no library card is required. This year Santa’s Workshop will be held the same day as the community parade, tree lighting ceremony, and Santa Claus coming to town. There will be activities going on all day long so plan to spend your Saturday in North Manchester soaking up all the festive vibes! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Library building |
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LEGO LEAGUE: CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Monday, December 9th @ 6pm Help us decorate the Children’s Department Christmas tree with ornaments that YOU design from Legos! This is a great way to put your engineering and design skills to the test. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Storytime Room |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS: PROCESSING & MENDING
Tuesday, December 10th @ 4pm Did you graduate from our Future Librarian class but feel like you want to learn more? Are you eager to go to the next level in learning about being a librarian? Then we’d love for you to participate in Future Librarians 2.0*! (*Please note: As we will be building on previous knowledge learned in Future Librarians 1.0, only existing graduates can attend these classes. But don’t worry! Future Librarians 1.0 will be coming back in Spring of 2025!) This week: Maintaining the collection is one of the most important parts of working in a public library. Our students will get hands on experience learning how to get new books ready to go on the shelves (processing) and how to repair old books (mending) that have become damaged. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 to 16 Registration: Yes. This class is only open for students who have graduated from Future Librarians. Call the library to register! Location: Blocher Community Room |
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YOU CAN PAINT WITH HEIDI LOVETT
Wednesday, December 11th @ 5:30pm 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: 16+ Registration: Yes Location: Blocher Room |
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FELTING CLASS WITH KRUGER KRAFTS: CHRISTMAS GNOMES
Thursday, December 12th @ 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 adorable festive pals 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 gnome by choosing their own yarn colors and accessories. Simply follow along and watch your Christmas gnome come to life! Program Cost: $30 (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 |
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HOMESCHOOL ART: ALBERTO GIACOMETTI
Friday, December 13th @ 2pm Join us for another exciting edition of Homeschool Art! We’ll learn about the life and times of Alberto Giacometti and the insecurities and self criticism that motivated his art. The Swiss sculptor is perhaps best known for his elongated figures and we’ll create our own versions of these celebrated works out of air dry clay. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Kindergarten - High School Registration: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262&EventID=542485 Location: Makerspace (take the stairs or the elevator to the basement) |
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NMPL WRITER'S RETREAT
Saturday, December 14th from 11am-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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LEGO LEAGUE: MENORAHS & KINARAS
Monday, December 16th @ 6pm It’s the season of lights! Hannukah and Kwanzaa are two holidays that have very special candleholders at the centerpiece of celebration. Join us to learn about these beautiful traditions and to build your own candelabra from Legos. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Storytime Room |
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FUTURE LIBRARIANS 2.0: GOING TO LIBRARY SCHOOL & GRADUATION
Tuesday, December 17th @ 4pm Did you graduate from our Future Librarian class but feel like you want to learn more? Are you eager to go to the next level in learning about being a librarian? Then we’d love for you to participate in Future Librarians 2.0*! (*Please note: As we will be building on previous knowledge learned in Future Librarians 1.0, only existing graduates can attend these classes. But don’t worry! Future Librarians 1.0 will be coming back in Spring of 2025!) This week: Certain positions working at Indiana public libraries must be certified by the Indiana State Library. Our director, Andrea Zwiebel, will explain the process of certification including library district size, continuing education, and years of service. She will also give a look inside her college level Library Science courses. Following the lesson, our students will graduate from Future Librarians 2.0 in a special ceremony. Friends and family are invited to attend! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 to 16 Registration: Yes. This class is only open for students who have graduated from Future Librarians. Call the library to register! Location: Blocher Community Room |
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SPIN ART ORNAMENTS WITH PURDUE EXTENSION
Wednesday, December 18th @ 4pm We will put a spin on making ornaments for your tree by using a pedal powered blender. Come exercise and make a holiday craft with our friends from Purdue Extension! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Blocher Room |
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LEGO LEAGUE PARTY
Thursday, December 26th @ 11am Join us for a very special Lego League session! We’ll play games, win candy and, of course, build with Legos! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Blocher Room |
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OPEN MAKERSPACE
Thursday, December 26th from 2pm to 4pm During Open Makerspace hours, you are invited to unlock a world full of crafts, games, and creativity! Play games on the Wii or challenge someone to a game of air hockey. Get creative with Perler bead crafts, coloring, or even scrapbooking. Grab your friends, family, or come solo and join us - all ages are welcome! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None. Registration: No Location: NMPL Makerspace |
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HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: DISSECTION
Friday, December 27th @ 2pm Dissection for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of anatomy has a fascinating history. In this session of Homeschool Science, we’ll discover how this learning method has been alternately embraced and rejected by many cultures. We’ll also dissect synthetic models to get a better understanding of the inner workings of rattlesnakes, bats, piranhas and more. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 8 and up Registration: engagedpatrons.org/admin/RegistrationList.cfm?EventID=542483&RegisLimit=15 Location: Blocher Room |