Events
Press September 5, 2023
Fall Hours Have Begun
The library is now open on Saturdays from 10AM-4PM.
Save the Date: Sara Collins’ Retirement Party
Friday, September 29 at 2:00—4:00PM
After 35 years of service to Manchester and the Massachusetts library community, Ms. Collins is retiring. Join us, rain or shine, on September 29, for food, sweet treats, non-alcoholic beverages, lawn activities for all ages, and a community photo via drone at 3:30PM to celebrate Sara and wish her joy and happiness in her next chapter. Please stop by or mail any messages, memories, songs, recipes and books that remind you of her to be added to a remembrance book being collected as a gift. If you want to give or share something with Sara publicly at the event, like make a short speech or sing a song please email Maddy Willwerth at mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org as there will be limited time.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month
Manchester Public Library joins the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. From borrowing books, ebooks and audiobooks to getting tech help, learning new skills, or attending a book club or storytime, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy.
To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please stop by the library or visit manchesterpl.org/services/get-a-library-card/ Replacement library cards are offered free of charge for the month of September.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
Calling All Local Artists
For the Friends of the Library’s 1st Falling For Art Exhibit and Sale, October 20-22, 2023
Artists and photographers are invited to submit up to 5 digital jpeg images by September 30 to
fallingforartmbts@gmail.com. Include your name, title of the piece and price. 50% of proceeds benefit
The Friends of the Manchester Library.
Children’s News & Events
*Please register for all programs on our website: https://www.manchesterpl.org/events/ or call 978-526-7711
*The Pineapple Project
Saturday, September 9 at 1:00-2:00PM
A theatrical performance celebrating each child’s freedom to be who they are. “Boys can’t be princesses!” The impetus for The Pineapple Project came out of this moment during play between Mal and Mal’s niece. As a nonbinary person and theater artist, Mal knew that this moment could not go by without recognizing how early in a child’s development, ideas and influences can form around gender. And with years of experience working with LGBTQ youth who struggle with their gender, Mal, Becca, and Renee, felt it was time to create a theater piece that could help broaden the conversation as well as advocate for and validate each child’s individual freedom to be who they are. Best suited for audience ages 3-8. Registration is required as space is limited. Visit manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711 to register.
News & Events for Teens
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
News & Events for Adults
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
Free Friday Movies at MBTS
Friday, September 8 at 5:30—7:30PM
We will be showing a movie in our newly renovated Reference Room every month on Friday at 5:30PM. We will supply the popcorn. Feel free to bring covered, non-alcoholic beverages. The movie this month has a MPAA rating: PG-13; for intense sequences of violence, action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements. Visit manchesterpl.org/events to see what is showing.
*Art Across Asia: Masterpieces from the Asian Art Museum with Steve Zilles (Virtual)
Sunday, September 10 at 2:30—4:00PM
What constitutes a “masterpiece?” Why are some objects considered masterworks while others are relegated to lesser positions? Explore some answers as illustrated by a few of the very best treasures of the Asian Art Museum. These are masterworks from the vast and varied regions we collectively call Asia, which stretches from the Mediterranean to the Pacific. Fabulous statues, ancient bronzes, mystic jade, delicate ceramics, and evocative paintings – let them engulf you in their amazing beauty and workmanship.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Chelmsford Public Library.
Diversity Matters Book Group : “Negroland”
Tuesday, September 12 at 5:30—6:30PM
September’s diversity matters book group will be reading “Negroland” by Margo Jefferson. Physical book copies are available at the circulation desk and free digital ebooks and digital audiobooks 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.
*Discussion with Author of “Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are” (Virtual)
Wednesday, September 13 at 7:00—8:00PM
This one is for our bird and nature lovers! Author Heather Wolf will be with us discussing her new book “Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are”. It will be a fascinating conversation about being in the moment and noticing the wonderful and varied birds around us. And, apparently, this is a high migration time, so perfect to see even more birds in your backyards!
About the Author: Heather Wolf is the author of Find More Birds and Birding at the Bridge. A Brooklyn-based birder, photographer, and educator, she works with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a web developer, teaches birding classes at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and gives walks and talks for various organizations in New York City and beyond.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.
*Local Author Chat with Veterinarian Karen Fine
Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 AM—12:00PM
Join us in person as we chat with local author and veterinarian Karen Fine. Karen always knew that she wanted to be a vet and wasn’t going to let anything stop her: not her allergy to cats, and not the fact that in the ’80s veterinary medicine was still a mostly male profession. Inspired by her grandfather, a compassionate doctor who paid house calls to all his (human) patients, Dr. Fine persevered, and brought her Oupa’s principles into her own practice, which emphasizes the need to understand her patients’ stories to provide the best possible care.
In “The Other Family Doctor,” Dr. Fine shares all these touching, joyful, heartbreaking, and life-affirming tales that make up her career as a vet. Woven into the book are stories of the birds, cats, and dogs who have taught her the most valuable lessons—how caring for the animals in our lives can teach us to better care for ourselves, especially when life seems precarious.
Registration is encouraged as space is limited.