Events
Press June 26, 2023
July Library Hours and Holidays
The library will be open for limited hours on July 3rd from 10:00AM –1:00PM.
The library will be closed all day on Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
On July 1 the MBTS Public Library will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays until September.
School Supplies and Backpacks Donation Drive
Have a new sharpie, file folder or box of crayons to share? School supplies and backpacks needed by kids on the Northshore. The library is a collection site for Beverly Bootstraps’ Backpack and School Supply Drive. Visit https://www.roonga.com/beverlybootstrapsbackpacks2023 to see what is needed and drop off before July. The items will be picked up mid-July, but we aren’t sure exactly when so don’t wait!
Children’s News & Events
*Please register for all programs on our website: https://www.manchesterpl.org/events/
Summer Reading June 22 – August 11
Kids going into grade 6 and under are invited to sign up for summer reading, starting on 6/22 and ending on 8/11. Register in the library for a chance to win raffle prizes and get free admission to the Topsfield Fair!
Summer Art and Sensory
Wednesdays beginning July 5 at 3:00—4:00PM
Art and Sensory encourages students to explore their creativity through the fun of using many different art materials. The project is always step by step, hands on and guided to help create individual masterpieces! This program is for kids in pre-k –2nd grade and starts 6/28 and runs every Wednesday this summer. Space is limited and registration is required for each week’s session.
News & Events for Teens
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events
Summer Reading for Teens (11-18)
Teens can stop in the library at any time to pick up bingo sheets and instructions so you can win cool prizes all summer long.
*Creating Comic Strips and Gag Cartoons
Friday, July 14 at 1:00—3:00PM
For ages 11-16: Boston-based author/illustrator Jonathan Todd (the upcoming Scholastic graphic novel “Timid”) is back, this time for a two-hour workshop on writing and drawing cartoons geared for laughs. Registration is limited to 20 participants, and art supplies are included. Please register on the Library Events Calendar — and we’ll see you in the funny pages!
News & Events for Adults
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events
Mystery Book Group: Featuring a Visit with Author Bruce Robert Coffin
Friday, June 30 at 10:30—11:30 AM
Special Meeting Notice! This month’s author, Bruce Robert Coffin will be at our meeting, in person! We will meet at Masonic Lodge Hall, behind the Library: “10 Church Street” — access from parking lot behind the Town Hall.
Bruce Robert Coffin is the award-winning author of the bestselling Detective Byron mystery series. A former detective sergeant with more than twenty-seven years in law enforcement, he supervised all homicide and violent crime investigations for Maine’s largest city. Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, Bruce spent four years investigating counter-terrorism cases for the FBI, earning the Director’s Award, the highest award a non-agent can receive.
The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30 AM. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions or to get connected with the group.
First Friday Movies
Friday, July 7 at 5:30—7:30PM
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 5:30PM. We will supply the popcorn. Feel free to bring covered, non-alcoholic beverages. This month’s screening a family friendly movie rated PG. Check manchesterpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/2023-july/ for the title and more info.
Hearthside Book Group
Tuesday, July 11th at 4:00-5:00PM
On Tuesday, July 11th join us in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss the biography The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore. “From the New York Times bestselling author of The Radium Girls comes another dark, dramatic, but ultimately uplifting tale of a forgotten woman whose harrowing story changed the world.”
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.
Mindfulness Meditation
Weekly beginning July 11 and excluding July 18
Tuesdays, 11:00AM-12:00PM
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.
Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. There will be guided meditation, some silence, and discussion.
Please register at manchesterpl.org if this is your first time coming to this mindfulness meditation program. We need either an email or a phone number in case we need to cancel or change venues last minute.
Diversity Matters Book Group: “His Name Is George Floyd …”
Tuesday, July 25 at 5:30—6:30PM
July’s diversity matters book group will be reading Pulitzer prize winning “His Name Is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice” by Robert Samuels. Physical book copies available at the circulation desk and free digital audiobooks and ebooks are available through the libby app, register with your Manchester library card. Email scollins@manchesterpl.org for more info and to get connected to the book group.