Press December 12, 2022

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All Ages Celebration and Stories: Ron Borel & Cookie Jamboree 

Saturday December 17 at 2-3:30PM 

Ron Borel has given an amazing gift to our library to benefit the people of Manchester by-the-Sea and Cape Ann. Please save the date as we celebrate Ron’s generosity and remember fondly his life and gifts to the community. Stories will be shared, and stories read, as Ron sponsored many books in the Children’s Room. Refreshments will be served that honor Ron’s love of homemade cookies and capture the spirit of the season. Please join Ron’s family, friends, library staff and community leaders in honor and celebration of Ron Borel. All ages are invited to the festivities.  

For this month’s cookbook throwdown, we are tossing the cookbooks out the window and bringing in our favorite, shareable holiday treats in commemoration of former resident and patron Ron Borel. “Celebration and Stories: Ron Borel and the Manchester by the Sea Public Library” will take place at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 17th. 


Children’s News & Events 

Vacation Week Offerings 

Please register for ALL programs on our website: manchesterpl.org/events 

PJ Family Stories & Songs 

Tuesday, December 27 at 6PM 

Songs & Stories in the Children’s Room with Ms. Carol  

Wednesdays at 10:30AM 

Family Movie Afternoon  

Thursday, December 29 at 2PM 

We’ve got a fun family flick lined up for you!  Based on a classic children’s book, this movie boasts a singing reptile with impeccable taste.  For more information and to reserve your seat, please check out our website! 


Teen Loft Announcements & Events

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

Teen Health & Wellness Resources are a Click Away 

Feeling overwhelmed, or just need to take a break? The website/database Teen Health and Wellness, available on the library website, offers all kinds of content on bullying, suicide, vaping, opioid abuse, gender identity, school safety, sexual harassment, COVID-19, and more. Check out the Calm Room for a selection of tools and resources that can help you relax, de-stress, and refocus. Visit manchesterpl.org/teen-health-wellness/ for more info. 

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). 


News & Events for Adults

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. 

MBTS Literary Libations Writing Group is Moving to Thursdays at the Library 

Thursdays at 7—8PM 

Are you writing your next novel? Do you need inspiration to start your next project? Do you want some constructive criticism before you send your work to an editor or publisher? Meet with librarian Maddy Willwerth or poet Crystal Condakes at the library’s hearthside for writing prompts, critique and comradery. 

Our meetings will be at the library after hours, snacks and coffee will be provided. Please register at manchesterpl.org/events. 

Mystery Book Group 

Friday, December 30th at 10:30AM 

The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30 AM. December’s meeting will occur in the library’s reading room. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions or to get connected with the group. We will discuss “The Long Call” by Ann Cleeves. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in late November or you can check out a digital audiobook and ebook through the Libby app. Use your MBTS library card to sign up for Libby for free. New members are always welcome.