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
Friday, March 15th @ 11am; Wednesday, April 3rd @ 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
FUTURE LIBRARIANS: VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
Tuesday, March 12th @ 4pm Our extremely popular librarian-in-training program is back, and we're excited to teach a new batch of Future Librarians! If you like... - helping other people, tall or short or young or old - searching for hard-to-find answers - collecting and organizing things - getting new books or DVDs - reading to your brother, sister, dog or cat - working with computers - creating cool crafts - respecting people's different points of view …then you might make a great librarian some day! We are so excited to offer this new librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to caring for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: The kids are in charge in this special introduction of virtual program! Kids will choose crafts, prep kits for the Makerspace-2-Go, and present their craft virtually for at-home crafters! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Sign up for the 5 week class by CLICKING HERE. Location: Blocher Community Room |
FORAGING FOR WILD TEAS
Tuesday, March 12th @ 6pm Based on the number of gallons consumed, tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, only behind water, and far ahead of coffee. In the United States, tea drops to the fourth most popular beverage, behind water, coffee, and soda. Why is tea so popular in the world? Perhaps, in part, due to its accessibility. You can make tea from so many different things - in fact, many ingredients for tasty teas are probably growing in your own backyard. Taught by Manchester University professor Tim Brauch, this program will teach attendees all about foraging tea ingredients right here in North Manchester. Attendees 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 yard. Each participant will receive an information handout with ideas and recipes for making their own tea at home. About Tim Brauch: Tim has been hiking and camping his whole life. He's backpacked the Manistee River Trail and parts of the Appalachian Trail. Tim taught hiking at Manchester University for 7 years. For the last 4 years he has led hikes throughout northeast Indiana for private groups and friends. In 2019 he became an Indiana Master Naturalist and has recertified as an Advanced Master Naturalist every year since then. In 2021, he earned his National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide credentials. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: No Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: TURMERIC TAHINI FREEZER FUDGE
Wednesday, March 13th @ 6pm on Facebook Love sweets, but want to keep things healthy? We are right there with you! Kelly Wenner, founder of SoulStrength Fit, has written healthy dessert recipes that not only are good for your body, but for your mind as well. Join us to learn how to make Turmeric Tahini Freezer Fudge, a gluten-free, dairy-free, and deliciously vegan dessert that sweetened with dates and maple syrup, and is ready in 30 minutes or less. Kayla Frank, a SoulStrength Fit ambassador, will be joining us also to give a brief overview of what SoulStrength is all about. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
ST. PADDY'S GOLDEN EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 16th @ 10am NMPL’s Annual Egg Hunt is back! Kids of all ages will have a blast searching the nooks and crannies of the library building for hundreds of eggs stuffed with candy, small toys, and stickers. Special golden eggs are hidden in extra challenging spots and the finders will receive additional prizes. Designated-by-age areas make this egg hunt one that can be enjoyed by all. Ages 0 - 3 will search the Blocher Community Room; ages 4 - 8 will hunt in the Children’s Department; and ages 9 and up will scout out the Adult Department. Baskets will be provided while supplies last. Bring the whole family on Saturday morning and make sure you are here by 10am sharp - these hunts always go quickly! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: No Location: All over the library |
NOBLE FICTION WRITERS OF NMPL
Saturday, March 16th @ 11am 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 |
FUTURE LIBRARIANS: BOOK DISPLAYS & BOOK TASTING
Tuesday, March 19th @ 4pm Our extremely popular librarian-in-training program is back, and we're excited to teach a new batch of Future Librarians! If you like... - helping other people, tall or short or young or old - searching for hard-to-find answers - collecting and organizing things - getting new books or DVDs - reading to your brother, sister, dog or cat - working with computers - creating cool crafts - respecting people's different points of view …then you might make a great librarian some day! We are so excited to offer this new librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to caring for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: Setting up enticing book displays isn't just about judging a book by it's cover... you also need to have a theme, choose books that will capture the interest of your readers, and be able to promote these titles to patrons. This week, the Future Librarians will participate in a Book Tasting to help them design and set up a front desk display! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Sign up for the 5 week class by CLICKING HERE. Location: Blocher Community Room |
OPEN MAKERSPACE
Tuesday, March 19th from 5:30pm-7pm Take the elevator or the stairs to the lower level and enter a world full of crafts, games and creativity. All ages are invited to come and enjoy Perler Beading, Scrapbooking, Foosball, Air Hockey, board games, card games and more! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL Makerspace |
WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY
Wednesday, March 20th - All Day Join NMPL as we celebrate the beauty of our neighborhoods this spring with Won't You Be My Neighbor Day. This day honors Fred Rogers, who taught us all that every day is a beautiful day in the neighborhood. We'll have coloring pages, an interactive sudoku puzzle, and activity packs to take home. We also invite our patrons to join us for a special sidewalk chalk community project. Help us decorate the NMPL sidewalks with messages of love, kindness, beauty, and fun. Take a photo and tag the library and use the hashtag #wontyoubemyneighborday so we'll be sure to see your work! "As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." - Fred Rogers |
SWEET TREAT WEDNESDAY: NO FLOUR BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Wednesday, March 20th @ 6pm Love sweets, but want to keep things healthy? We are right there with you! Kelly Wenner, founder of SoulStrength Fit, has written HEALTHY dessert recipes that not only are good for your body, but for your mind as well. Join us to learn how to make No Flour Blueberry Muffins, wholesome treat to enjoy for breakfast or a snack. Kayla Frank, a SoulStrength Fit ambassador, will be joining us also to give a brief overview of what SoulStrength is all about. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: NMPL’s Facebook Page |
TEA & BISCUIT BOOK TASTING: HISTORICAL FICTION
Monday, March 25th @ 6pm Described as "literary speed dating", NMPL Book Tastings will help adult readers broaden their reading horizons and discover exciting new book adventures. Readers 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! Attendees will explore new authors, genres, and series that they might not have tried before. No more complaints of "I don't have anything to read!" Plus we'll have hot tea and goodies from The Brit-ish Baker! Book Menu: This month, travel through time with outstanding Historical Fiction titles. Biscuit Menu: The Brit-ish Baker will be serving up delicious historical bakes for our attendees!
Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: 16+ Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
FUTURE LIBRARIANS: WHEN A BOOK COMES BACK & GRADUATION
Tuesday, March 12th @ 4pm Our extremely popular librarian-in-training program is back, and we're excited to teach a new batch of Future Librarians! If you like... - helping other people, tall or short or young or old - searching for hard-to-find answers - collecting and organizing things - getting new books or DVDs - reading to your brother, sister, dog or cat - working with computers - creating cool crafts - respecting people's different points of view …then you might make a great librarian some day! We are so excited to offer this new librarian-in-training program to the kids in our community who may someday want to work at NMPL! From "getting the job", to learning the Dewey Decimal system, to caring for the collection, attendees will learn all sorts of useful skills and get hands-on experience being a librarian. Register today for our 5 week session - spots are limited so don't delay! This Week: What happens to a book when a patron returns it to the library? The Future Librarians will get hands-on experiences with emptying the book bins, checking in and cleaning the returns, and getting the books ready to go back on the shelves! After the lesson, the students will get to participate in a special graduation ceremony where they will receive diplomas to mark their achievements. Friends and family are invited to attend to cheer on the graduating class! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Ages 8 and up Registration: Yes. Sign up for the 5 week class by CLICKING HERE. Location: Blocher Community Room |
CHIT CHAT CLUB
Wednesday, March 27th @ 6pm Are you a social butterfly who thrives on meeting new people? If so, we have the perfect solution to brighten up your winter 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 the cold winter months! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: All ages Registration: None Location: Board Game & Puzzle Area by the Adult Graphic Novels |
HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Friday, March 29th @ 2pm Humans have developed many innovative sources of energy over the years. In this month’s Homeschool Science, we’re going to explore some of the ways we are using nature to fuel machines! Then students will divide into groups to assemble and test a solar powered water pump, a salt water powered robot and a hydro powered water mill. 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: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2262&EventID=517853&PK= Location: NMPL Blocher Room |
INTERACTIVE MOVIE: THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE
Monday, April 1st @ 11am Join us for a special interactive showing of The Emperor's New Groove... we promise, you've never watched this movie like THIS before! Pretend you're on a rollercoaster, make tons of noise, eat gummy bugs, sample edible grass, show off your dance moves, and MORE! You just never know what fun surprises and activities await you at an Interactive Movie event. Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: None Registration: None Location: Blocher Community Room |
SPRING BREAK OPEN MAKERSPACE HOURS
Tuesday, April 2nd from 4pm to 6pm Join us in the Library Makerspace for a fun time of games, crafts, play and exploration! If you’re into gaming, we have everything from the Wii to Uno! Prefer something a little more active? How about Foosball or Air Hockey? Just want to chill? Check out the Perler Bead station. There’s a little something for everyone and we can’t think of a better way to spend Spring Break than at the library! Program Cost: Free Program Age Requirements: Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration: None Location: Library Makerspace |
LEGO LEAGUE
Wednesday, April 3rd @ 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 Roo |
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 |