Press December 5, 2022

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MPL Children’s News & Events

A NEW StoryWalk® is HERE:  “The Tree in Dock Square” by Jean Woodbury 

You won’t want to miss this delightful, award-winning picture book, that tells the true-story of one family’s special gift to their town’s holiday event.  The author will also be joining us on Sunday, Dec 11 at 2PM to share her book. 

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!!  Author Visit with Jean Woodbury on Sunday, Dec 11 at 2PM 

We are delighted to invite you to join Jean Woodbury, author of “The Tree in Dock Square”, the award-winning picture book in the first Cape Ann Reads Contest.  Jean will share her book and signed copies will be available for purchase.  All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Manchester Library.  “The Tree in Dock Square” can be pre-ordered on the library website through the day of the event: manchesterpl.org/events

Read to Gus  

Thursday, December 8 at 3:30PM, 3:45PM, 4PM and 4:15PM,  

please register on our website: https://www.manchesterpl.org/events/ 

Deb Kaneb and Gus, a Certified Reading Partner and Therapy Dog, are back and looking forward to hearing stories read by YOU!  Space is limited. 

Seaside Saturday  

December 10th at 10AM 

Join our friends from Early Childhood Partners for themed stories, crafts and activities.  Please register on their website or call: www.EarlyChildhoodPartners.com / 978-468-5489. 

MPL Teen Loft Announcements & Events

To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events 

Learn to Crochet Take Home Kit 

Pick it up at the library this week. First come first serve! Learn crochet basics using the magic online instruction of creativebug.com (available with your library card). Come to the library to pick up supplies and instruction, then, if you like, join our fireside craft crew on Sunday afternoons to needle more nifty stuff with likeminded makers.  

Teen Writers Workshop  

Friday, December 9 at 5:30-7PM   

 All teens (and nearly-teens) welcome! Join Gwendolyn and a crew of young writers for this monthly Friday night writing party. Sign up today if you are in Grades 7-12 and want to have fun with amusing prompts and writing games, hear what other people are coming up with, and share some of your own stuff (always optional!). Space is limited, so please register on the Library Events Calendar (December 9). 

Made By Hand: Turkish Flat Weave Bracelet  

Thursday, December 15 at 5:30—6:30 PM  

This event is appropriate for Ages 8 – Adults. 

The best gifts are made by hand. Join crafters Penny Boling and Maddy Willwerth as we walk you through making your own Turkish flat weave bracelets. You can also follow along with Creative Bug, which you have free access to with your library card. We will have all the supplies including gift boxes and ribbon to wrap them up when you are done.   

Can’t make it? Put a kit on hold to be picked up after the event. Only 16 spots available for the in-person event and 10 kits available after the event so don’t wait! Space is limited, so please register on the Library Events Calendar (December 15 for event or 16 for take home kits). 

MPL News & Events for Adults

An Evening with Mystery Writers Gentill, Ryan, and Jurczyk (Virtual)  

Thursday, December 8 at 7—8:30 PM 

“She’s on the Case” Join us on Zoom for an evening with authors Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk moderated by Rachel Raczka of the Boston Globe. 

Everything was fine until it wasn’t—a scream in the library, books gone missing the first day on the job, a secret threatening to tear apart a perfect life. We’ll discuss intriguing mysteries with critically acclaimed authors Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk. Register is required at manchesterpl.org/events 

Diversity Book Group meets to discuss “Invisible Child” 

Tuesday, December 13th at 5:30PM 

We will finish our discussion of “Invisible Child” by Andrea Elliott. Invisible Child was named a best book of the Year by the New York Times Book Review, Time, Atlantic and NPR. Both devastating and illuminating, it is a tale of poverty in an American family through the eyes of a precocious and amazing child. There is still time to read this title.  

“How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith will be discussed in January and will be available to pick up at the front desk soon.  

Craft Circle by the Hearthside 

Sundays at 2—3PM 

Bring your craft project and covered beverage and enjoy comradery and conversation by the fireside. Sometimes a change of location can spark inspiration and sometimes it is impossible to get craft projects done at home when the pile of dishes is always there waiting. So bring your felt, knitting, weaving, crocheting or anything that is portable to the library to enjoy the cozy ambiance and share stories and skills with other crafters. All ages are welcome. 

Best Bike Rides in New England (Virtual)  

Wednesday, December 14 at 7—8PM 

Author David Sobel will give a presentation based on his new book, “Best Bike Rides in New England”, in this Zoom webinar. Sobel will reveal some of his favorite rides, discuss the variables he uses when designing a ride, explain how to design rides using online tools like “Map My Ride” or “Strava,” advocate for incorporating bike riding 3-5 times a week into your personal wellness goals, and suggest a great ride in or around your community. This program is brought to you in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library and multiple New England public libraries. Registration is required at manchesterpl.org/events.