Events
Press October 2, 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.”
Friends of the Library Falling For Art Show and Sale
October 20, 21 and 22
News & Events for Kids
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
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
*Pumpkin StoryTime
Saturday, October 28 at 2:00-3:00PM
Join Miss Audrey for a pumpkin themed storytime and craft on October 28th at 2 pm. We will share fun stories and make a beaded pumpkin that can be displayed all fall long! This program is best for ages four and up and registration is required.
News & Events for Young Adults
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
*Teen Craft Night: Make a Scare-rium
Thursday, October 19 at 4:00-5:00PM
Create your own spooky terrarium with live plants and eerie figurines. For teens age 14-18. Snacks will be provided, and registration is required as supplies are limited.
*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
*Art Across Asia: Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art with Linda Lei (Virtual)
Sunday, October 8 at 2:30—4:00PM
Bats, gourds, peaches, ribbons, and monkeys on horses. These images, and many others, are frequently – and artistically – depicted in Chinese art, but what do they mean? Using selected objects from the fabulous collections at the Asian Art Museum discover some of the fascinating and fun meanings and messages hidden in Chinese art.
As the Chinese language is an exquisite conduit for rebuses (visual puns) and symbolism, motifs that appear in Chinese art often represent wishes for good fortune and auspicious messages. Join us as we decipher hidden meanings of prosperity, health, and happiness found in traditional Chinese art. Presented by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Community Speakers Program.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Chelmsford Public Library and other MA libraries.
*Author Chat with Historical Fiction Author Denny S. Bryce (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 10 at 7:00—8:00PM
We are celebrating a book birthday! Denny’s new book, “The Other Princess: A Novel of Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter” is coming out on October 3rd and we cannot wait to chat about it! Bring your own cake and ice cream (candles optional 🙂 for what is going to be a fascinating Q&A!
About the book: A stunning portrait of an African princess raised in Queen Victoria’s court and adapting to life in Victorian England—based on the real-life story of a recently rediscovered historical figure, Sarah Forbes Bonetta.
Based on the real life of Queen Victoria’s Black goddaughter, Sarah Forbes Bonetta’s story is a sweeping saga of an African princess in Victorian England and West Africa, as she searches for a home, family, love, and identity.
About Denny: I write historical fiction, and my third novel, “The Other Princess: a novel of Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter,” will release from William Morrow Books on October 3, 2023. My first two novels, Wild Women and the Blues and In the Face of the Sun, from Kensington Books, were dual-timeline novels that explored the 1920s in Chicago and Los Angeles, respectively, and the entertainment industry. Each novel featured a cast of courageous, flawed, adventurous, and sometimes dangerous female protagonists.
My novels explore the African American and/or Black experience in well-researched stories that I am proud to share as one of the Black authors worldwide telling these stories.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.
Diversity Matters Book Group: Notes of a Native Son
Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30—6:30PM
Diversity Matters will be meeting to discuss James Baldwin’s “Notes of a Native Son”.
The meeting will be held at the library and available on Zoom also. Contact Maddy Willwerth, Head of Adult Services, at mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions. All are welcome to join in for single or many meetings. Copies of Baldwin’s “Notes of a Native Son” are at the front desk. Please pick one up and join the group.
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