Events
Press September 25, 2023
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October 1-7 is Banned Books Week
Head to the library for Let Freedom Read, a statewide read-in to celebrate the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, October 1 -7, which draws national attention to the harms of censorship. According to the American Library Association, libraries across the nation and here in Massachusetts have experienced a surge in the number of book challenges and attempts to restrict access. Titles challenged have increased by 20% in 2023 from the same reporting period in 2022, which had the highest reported censorship attempts ever recorded by the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. Everyone is welcome to find a good read from their library and join the celebration. Check https://libraries.state.ma.us/pages/let_freedom_read- if you want to join a formal read-in event.
Digital participation is also welcome! Download an eBook or audiobook through LEA (Library eBooks and Audiobooks powered by Libby/Overdrive) and use #LetFreedomRead to post pictures to social media. You can also sign on to the statement in support of intellectual freedom.
September is Hunger Action Month
Help spread awareness by wearing orange! Orange is the color used to raise hunger awareness. Stop by the library to make a non-perishable food donation. Check out an orange cookbook. Read a book on food insecurity. Save your harvest by checking out a food dehydrator and canning kit from the library of things. Find out more things you can do at foodpantry.org/hunger-action-month/
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.
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.
News & Events for Kids
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
Touch-a-Truck
Saturday, September 30 at 10:30 AM—12:00PM
Come and explore the real vehicles used by our town’s fire, police, and DPW and meet the people that help keep our town safe! This fun event is for kids of all ages. Hope to see you there on Saturday, September 30th from 10:30-12 at the Town Hall Parking Lot.
Fall and Winter Storytimes Begin October 11
Wednesdays at 10:30AM
Join Miss Audrey for Storytime for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers! We’ll share books, songs, and games. Registration is required each week as space is limited at manchesterpl.org/events
News & Events for Young Adults
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
Pop Up Art School: Insect Shadow Boxes
Wednesday, November 8 at 1:00—2:30PM
Using images of butterflies, moths and beetles as reference, draw and paint your own realistic or imaginative insects and mount it in a paper shadow box. Happy early release day, tweens and middle schoolers!
News & Events for Adults
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
Communities Responding to Extreme Weather or CREW’s Climate Prep Week is from September 24-30th
This year’s theme is “the intersection of climate change and the broader social justice movement” To see more info and events occurring across the country for Climate Prep Week visit: climatecrew.org/2023_climate_prep_week but for local events register at manchesterpl.org/events
-Community Movie Screening of “The Clean Bin Project”
Thursday, September 28 at 6:00—8:00PM
This event is made possible through a partnership with The Manchester-by-the-Sea’s Sustainability Committee.
-*How NASA Is Combating Climate Change (Virtual)
Friday, September 29 at 2:00—3:00 PM
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library.
Mystery Book Group: “Thirteen”
Friday, September 29 at 10:30—11:30AM
The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30AM. September’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. New members are always welcome.
We will discuss “Thirteen” by Steve Cavanagh. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in late August / early September and an ebook and digital audiobook is available through the Libby app.
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.
Hearthside Book Group: “The Postcard”
Tuesday, October 3 at 4:00—5:00PM
Join us in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss “The Postcard” by Anne Berest. Winner of the Choix Goncourt Prize, Anne Berest’s The Postcard is a vivid portrait of twentieth-century Parisian intellectual and artistic life, an enthralling investigation into family secrets, and poignant tale of a Jewish family devastated by the Holocaust and partly restored through the power of storytelling.
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.
*Author Chat with Marie Benedict (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 4 at 7:00—8:00PM
Don’t miss this very special opportunity to join us in conversation on Zoom with NY Times bestselling author Marie Benedict as she shares a presentation on her work, specifically “The Mitford Affair”, a work of historical fiction.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Burlington Public Library.
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