Events

Press July 24, 2023

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Friends of the Library Book Sale 

Saturday, August 5 from 9:00AM–4:00PM 

It’s back! The ever-popular Manchester Friends of the Library Book Sale returns this August 5th during Festival by the Sea. Come to the Manchester Library and take advantage of deals and steals in hardcover fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, DVDs, puzzles and more! Both cash and checks are accepted. All proceeds benefit the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library. Come and bring a friend! 

Don’t miss this chance to get amazing books and more while supporting the Friends of the Library who have sponsored the permanent StoryWalk, beautiful landscaping, library lawn furniture, New Reference Room furniture, museum passes and countless library programs through decades of support. Our Library could not do any of these amazing things without them! 

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 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.  

Storytime with Miss Audrey 

Mondays at 10:30AM 

Join Miss Audrey for stories, songs, and games for ages 0-5. 

*The Didgeridoo Down Under Show 

Friday, August 11 at 2:30—3:30 PM 

The Didgeridoo Show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience participation. The didgeridoo has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1500 years, and it’s known for its otherworldly sound. You’ll learn about Aussie animals, culture, unity and more … all while moving and grooving to the pulsing rhythms of the didge. The Didgeridoo Show is interactive, educational, motivational and super fun for all ages! 

In the event of rain, we will be at the Manchester Community Center so please register (just in case). 

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.  

News & Events for Adults

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

Mystery Book Group: “The Dime” 

Friday, July 28 at 10:30—11:30AM 

The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30AM. July’s meeting will occur in the library’s reading room or outside on the library’s front lawn. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions or to get connected with the group. 

We will discuss “The Dime” by Kathleen Kent. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in late June. New members are always welcome.   

*Hula Hooping Extravaganza: Two Sessions 

Friday, July 28 at 10:30—11:30AM and 1:00-2:00PM 

You are invited to the most awesome all ages hula hoop event of the year! It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and grab those dazzling hoops for an unforgettable workshop of hula hoop magic! Hooping induces joy through movement explorations designed to promote healthy bodies and minds. We will learn basic hooping moves while increasing hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, and agility. We’ll focus on empowering uniqueness through self-esteem building activities. Hooping promotes exercise, exploration, expression, movement, and dance while having fun! Get your heart rate up while working on stability and flexibility in a class packed with silly fun. We also focus on learning alignment with our bodies and exploring the hoop through laughter and joy! 

Hula hoops provided – bring a friend or two! Registration is required in case we need to move inside due to the weather. 

*Advice From Literary Agent Doug Grad (Virtual) 

Monday, July 31 at 7:00—8:00PM 

Are you a writer — or an aspiring writer — looking for some support? Grad, a 37-year veteran of the publishing industry, is the President of Doug Grad Literary Agency. Prior to starting his own agency in 2008, Grad spent the previous 22 years as a Senior Editor at four major New York publishing houses, including Simon & Schuster (1987-1995), Random House (1995-1998), Penguin (1998-2004), and Harper Collins (2005-2008). Grad promises to give aspiring and new authors the cold, hard reality of the business of publishing—from landing a deal with a major publisher to self-publishing your manuscript. He’ll give you a general overview of publishing; how the publishing industry has changed in recent years; and the various steps to getting a book published, from the writer’s ideas to the bookstore (or library) shelves. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library and made available through a partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program. 

Hearthside Book Group  

Tuesday, August 1 at 4:00-5:00PM 

On Tuesday, August 1st join us in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss the biography “Solito: A Memoir” by Javier Zamora. “Javier Zamora’s adventure is a three-thousand-mile journey from his small town in El Salvador through Guatemala and Mexico and across the U.S. border. A memoir as gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments.” 

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. 

Diversity Matters Book Group: “His Name Is George Floyd …” 

DATE & TIME CHANGE – Wednesday, August 2 at 4:00—5:00PM  

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. 

Next month’s book pick is “Constructing a Nervous System” by Margo Jefferson.