Press February 21, 2023

Children’s News & Events

*Please register for all programs on our website:  https://www.manchesterpl.org/events/ 

*Friendship Bracelet Making with June 

Thursday Feb 23, Mar 2 and 9 at 3:30—4:30 PM

For Ages 8-14 

Create friendship bracelets with youth expert June B.! June has been making bracelets for years, and sharing the craft with family and friends is one of her favorite activities! After teaching her 8-year-old brother how to make bracelets last summer, then attending a fall craft night at the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, she thought it would be fun to offer this class to the youth community. The library will supply the materials and snacks so bring yourself and some friends. Registration is required. Sessions build upon each other but you can register for whatever technique(s) interests you.

Visit manchesterpl.org/events to see what design is being taught each week. Only 10 spots available each session so don’t wait to register. 

*Family Movie Afternoon 

Friday, February 24 @ 1 PM 

Join us in the Children’s Room for an action-packed afternoon with this 2018 animated, super-hero story, that has much-anticipated sequel coming in June 2023.  For more information and to save your seat, please visit our website events page. Recommended for ages 8+. 

*F.E.E.D. Families Exploring Equity & Diversity Stories and Activities 

Mondays, February 27-April 10 @ 3:30 PM (7-week series) 

Families and children ages 3.5 – 5 are invited to share stories and activities with educator and diversity trainer, Lindsay Banks and Manchester Public Library Children’s Librarian, Carol Bender. 

Teen Loft Announcements & Events

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

*The College Application & Selection Process – A Parent’s Perspective (Virtual) 

Wednesday, March 1 at 7—8 PM 

If you have children in high school who will eventually be applying to college, this webinar is for you. There is much to consider, both from the parent’s and student’s perspective. Hear some useful tips from Frank Marino, a Tewksbury parent who has sent four students to college. Learn how to narrow your search of schools, important items to consider, athletics in college, time management for the student, and more. The goal of the presentation is to help make the college application and selection process more enjoyable. When handled properly, the experience can be an exciting adventure for you and your children. Come prepared to share your stories too! 

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program, so sign up even if you can’t make it. This program is made possible by a partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library. 

*Discover Tarot 

Saturday, March 4 at 2—3:30 PM 

How can a deck of cards tell you the story of your life? Tarot began as a game but has evolved into so much more. It illuminates our life path through pictures and helps us navigate how to move forward towards our true destiny. Join tarot teacher, Laura Campagna, for a fun workshop to learn how to read tarot. No experience necessary. Participants will connect with their intuition and gain confidence in reading for themselves or friends.  You can bring your own Tarot deck, if you have one or the library will supply you with a deck. Please also bring a journal and pen or pencil. This program is for ages 12 – Adult and registration is required. 

News & Events for Adults

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

Online Safety Presentation (Virtual) 

Tuesday, February 28 at 2—3 PM 

Robin Putnam, Events & Outreach Manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, will present on online safety. The presentation will include information about the Office and what we do. It will also cover how to be safe online whether it be on your smart device, social media or online banking, phishing emails, and general protection from scams and identity theft. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. If you need help attending via zoom, please come to the library, 15 min early with your headphones and we will set you up to attend the meeting. Please email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org if you have any questions. 

Mindfulness Meditation 

Every other Thursday, March 2, 16 and 30 at 11 AM—12 PM 

Alida Bryant is a Dharma Leader and meditation instructor under the guidance of Anam Thubten Rinpoche. She has been meditating for over 30 years (still very much a beginner!) and studying and practicing with lineage holders in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Meditation, fundamentally, is about getting to know ourselves better. The mind is a powerful thing, and often leads us on a merry chase that does not always serve us. So, we practice becoming familiar with it, coaxing it into the present moment, where it finds rest and ease… and then we do, too. We will learn that thoughts are not a problem in meditation – they are very much a part of our experience, but usually we don’t notice them. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. There will be guided meditation, some silence, and discussion. Registration is requested but not required. 

Movie Screenings Are Back at the MBTS Public Library 

Friday, March 3 at 5:30—7:30 PM 

Movies at the library have returned! We will be showing a movie in our newly renovated reference room on the first Friday of every month at 5:30 PM. We will supply the popcorn. Feel free to bring non-alcoholic beverages.

The movie this month, The Fabelmans has a MPAA rating: PG-13; for some strong language, thematic elements, brief violence, and drug use. “Young Sammy Fabelman falls in love with movies after his parents take him to see The Greatest Show on Earth. Armed with a camera, Sammy starts to make his films at home, much to the delight of his supportive mother.” A feel good movie directed by Steven Spielberg and nominated for an Academy Award. 

Check manchesterpl.org/events to see what movie is being shown each month! 

Digital Advice has Expanded Hours in March 

Mondays at 11:30—2:00 PM and Thursday March 9 and 23 at 6 PM 

Increase your comfort level with technology or try out a digital service you have always wanted to try. Register for a dedicated session at 11:30 AM, 12 PM or 12:30 PM or drop in between 1–2 PM on Monday or register for a session on alternating Thursday nights at 6 PM.    

Need someone to walk you through setting up the Libby app to use our ebooks and digital audiobooks? Want to back up the photos on your phone? Want to try out some of the technology we have to loan here at the library? Like a wifi hotspot, laptop, or ipad? We have guidance for easy to moderate tech issues.   

Please bring your device, a charger and any passwords associated with your device or project.   

This is a program to offer one on one instruction on how to better utilize your technology, we cannot do a tech project for you and some issues will be outside of our digital expertise.  

*Author Chat with Chuck Wisner (“The Art of Conscious Conversations”) 

Monday, March 6 at 6—7 PM 

In “The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact” long-time leadership coach and consultant, Chuck Wisner, provides sage insight regarding how to let go of deeply held beliefs and conversational patterns, become more conscious of internal dialogues, word choice, interactions, and intended or unintended consequences in order to have better, effective, successful conversations for better, happier, more successful relationships at home, out on the town, or in the office. Librarian, Maddy Willwerth will converse with Chuck about his book and expertise in our newly renovated space. Registration is required and coffee and tea will be provided. 

About the Author: Chuck Wisner is a highly sought-after thinker, coach, and teacher in the areas of organizational strategy, human dynamics, and leadership communication excellence. Chuck is currently working as an advisor with leaders and their teams at Google, Ford, DTE Energy, and Tesla (all Fortune 200 companies). His client list has included PSEG, Harvard Business School, Toyota, the Detroit Mayor’s Office, General Motors, Shell, and Chrysler Motor Company. 

Hearthside Book Group 

Tuesday, March 7 at 4—5 PM 

Join us in person at the library or on Zoom to discuss the novel “The Sweetness of Water” by Nathan Harris. Contact Lori Dumont at ldumont@manchesterpl.org or at 978-526-7711 for further information. Copies of this book are available at the circulation desk, curbside pickup or by home delivery. 

“Dirtbag, Massachusetts”: An Evening with Isaac Fitzgerald (Virtual) 

Tuesday, March 7 at 7—8 PM 

Join us for a very special author event! Isaac Fitzgerald has lived many lives. He’s been an altar boy, a bartender, a fat kid, a smuggler, a biker, a prince of New England. But before all that, he was a bomb that exploded his parents’ lives-or so he was told. In his memoir “Dirtbag, Massachusetts”, Fitzgerald, with warmth and humor, recounts his ongoing search for forgiveness, a more far-reaching vision of masculinity, and a more expansive definition of family and self. The discussion will be moderated by Daniel Ford, host of The Writer’s Bone Podcast. 

Fitzgerald appears frequently on The Today Show and his writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Esquire, The Guardian, The Best American Nonrequired Reading, and numerous other publications. He is Boston born, raised in Athol, and currently lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.