Events

Press October 30, 2023

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Connect with the MBTS Public Library 

www.manchesterpl.org 
linktr.ee/manchesterpl 
facebook.com/manchesterbytheseapl 
Email: info@manchesterpl.org 
Phone: 978-526-7711 
Public Wifi: MBTSLibraryWifi / Password: library1887 

Future Plans at the Library 

Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library is preparing a grant application for the next round of construction grant funding from the state. To apply for the grant, which is due next Spring, we are preparing a Library Building Program, a planning document which identifies what the community wants and needs from their library in the next few decades. To begin that process, we need lots of community feedback. 

Please take our survey! manchesterpl.org/future-plans-at-the-library to take the survey online, to use your own phone or device, or pick up a paper copy at the library. 

There will be two public forums open to all: 

 November 15, 11am at Town Hall, room 5. 

 November 15, 6pm at Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library. 


Friends of the Library Present an Evening with Judy Rakowsky:  

A Book Reading, Q&A, Book Signing and Refreshments 

When: Thursday November 9, 2023 at 6:00-8:30PM 

Where: First Congregational Parish Hall 

Chapel Lane (behind Santander Bank) Manchester, MA 01944 

Come join us and enjoy a cheese and wine reception on Thursday November 9th for an evening with author Judy Rakowsky. Her recently published book, “Jews in the Garden – A Holocaust Survivor, the Fate of His Family, and the Secret History of Poland in WWII”, reads part memoir, part thriller. Come to hear her read and stay for a Q&A and get your signed copy. 

For more information email foml@manchesterpl.org  

“Jews in the Garden reads like the best of narrator-guided murder-mysteries. But in this case the who-done-it is real, chilling, and makes clear why today’s Polish government is so determined to keep its bloody Holocaust-era secrets.” -LARRY TYE, New York Times Bestselling Author 


News & Events for Kids

*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711 

*Lego Fun! 

Saturday, November 25 at 2:00—3:00PM 

Children ages 4-12 are invited to come to the library to build their own spectacular Lego creations. We’ve got tons of Legos for you to make the project of your dreams!  

*Fall and Winter Storytimes 

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 atmanchesterpl.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  

Hearthside Book Group: “Tapestry of Fortunes” 

Tuesday, November 7 at 4:00—5:00PM 

On Tuesday, November 7, join us in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss Tapestry of Fortunes one by Elizabeth Berg. “In this novel by the beloved New York Times bestselling author, four women venture into their pasts in order to shape their futures, fates and fortunes.” 

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. Ebooks and digital audiobooks are available for free from the Libby app. Sign up using your library card. 

*Q&A With Mystery Writer and TV Producer Lee Goldberg (Virtual) 

Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00—8:00PM 

It’s a book birthday for one of our very favorite mystery authors! Join us in conversation with Lee Goldberg and celebrate the release of “Calico” which comes out today! Lee not only writes wonderful mysteries, he’s been the writer and producer of one of our favorite TV shows, “Monk”, so you know that this will be a fascinating, quirky, and fun discussion. 

About Calico: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg, comes an explosive, page-turning investigative thriller – with a mind-blowing twist. There’s a saying in Barstow, California, a decaying city in the scorching Mojave desert . . . The Interstate here only goes in one direction: Away. But it’s the only place where ex-LAPD detective Beth McDade, after a staggering fall from grace, could get another badge . . . and a shot at redemption.  

This program is made possible through a partnership with Ashland Public Library. 

*From Darkness — Color Painting Class Series 

Wednesday, November 8 and November 29 at 11:00 AM—12:00PM 

Local artist, Allison Moir-Smith, whose work is on exhibit at the library this month will be offering two beginner, brain injury and arthritis friendly painting classes on November 8 and November 29. All adults of any skill level are welcome. Register for both below and see how your technique progresses. Artists will work on their skills by painting the same subject with acrylic in both sessions. This event is for adults.

Allison’s exhibit is called From Darkness — Color and will be on display from November 6 – December 4. 

Allison Moir-Smith is a concussion activist, public speaker, brain-injury art teacher, and facilitator of an online concussed moms support group, Allison lives in Manchester- by-the-Sea with her family. For more information, visit and @concussion_recovery_art on Instagram. 

*Art Across Asia: Japanese Aesthetics (Virtual) 

Sunday, November 12 at 2:30—4:00PM 

Japanese Aesthetics: Exploring Japan’s Artistic Sensibilities with Mary Mead 

Kimono, netsuke, swords, lacquerware, screens, and scrolls. Come explore the variety, complexity and beauty of Japanese art. For the Japanese the functionality of an object was not enough; it also had to be aesthetically pleasing and display the skill of the artisan, the taste of the patron, and the values of the culture. Luxuriate in this fascinating program highlighting some of the exquisite objects in the Japanese collection of the Asian Art Museum.  

This program is made possible through a partnership with the Chelmsford Public Library and other MA libraries.