Events
Press, January 8, 2024
Looking to read more in the new year?
Join Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library as we complete the Massachusetts Center for the Book Adult Reading Challenge for 2024!
Find out more at massbook.org/readingchallenge, and visit us if you need book suggestions!
Select your book for January’s challenge: A book you read years ago that you may feel differently about now.
Help Us Plan the Library’s Next Chapter
The library’s community survey will close mid-January, so don’t wait to share your hopes, dreams and needs for your public library. Take the survey at surveymanchester.mvlc.org/survey
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. We want to hear from everyone, whether you are a library user or not. Physical copies are available in the library. Visit manchesterpl.org/future-plans-at-the-library/ to get updates on the process.
Check Out Snowshoes
Did you know the library has 3 sizes of snowshoes available for kids and adults? Checkout is for a week. Manchester residents can reserve a pair from our Library of Things at manchesterpl.org/borrow/library-of-things/ You can also checkout birdwatching kits, donated by Manchester By The Sea Friends of the Library or trekking poles.
MPL News & Events for Kids and Families:
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
*Storytime and Craft at the Manchester Museum
Friday, January 12 at 2:30—3:30PM
Join us for a Storytime and craft with Miss Audrey, hosted by the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum. This program is for ages 5-10. We hope to see you there on January 12th at 2:30 pm!
Winter and Spring Storytime
Wednesdays starting January 24 at 10:30—11:15AM
Join Miss Audrey for Storytime for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers! We’ll share books, songs, and games. Join us every Wednesday starting January 24th at 10:30 am. This program runs through to April 24th.
*Eyes on Owls
Saturday, January 27 at 2:00—3:00PM
Eyes on Owls is coming to Manchester! This live owl educational program gives participants an up-close look at these majestic creatures. Join us at the First Parish Church Hall on Saturday, January 27th at 2 pm. This program is for all ages. Registration is required.
MPL News & Events for Teens and Young Adults:
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
*Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, January 17 at 4:00—4:45PM
Do you love graphic novels? Want to read them with your friends? Do you like tasty snacks and fun activities? If you are in grades 4-7 and answered yes to any of these questions, join the library’s Graphic Novel Club today! We meet monthly from January to June. Our first book will be “Freestyle” by Gale Galligan. Pick up a copy today and read it for our first meeting on January 17th at 4 pm. Hope to see you there!
*Forensic Science Roadshow with Paul Zambella
Thursday, January 25 at 5:30—7:00PM
Venture into the world of CSI with this interactive program run by Paul Zambella, who spent 36 years with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory.
Subjects include:
Functions of a forensic scientist
Blood
DNA
Fingerprints
Gunshot residue
Footwear impressions
Crime light
To add mystery to the program, there is audience participation in order to identify a “suspect.”
Due to the nature of the subject matter, the program is recommended for people of high school age and older.
MPL News & Events for Adults:
*To register for the programs below and more: manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711
Mindfulness Meditation – Moving Back to the Library
Tuesdays in 2024 at 11:00 AM—12:00PM
Group will meet in the teen loft on Tuesday mornings. Alida Bryant is a Dharma Leader and meditation instructor under the guidance of Anam Thubten Rinpoche. She has been meditating for over 30 years (still very much a beginner!) and studying and practicing with lineage holders in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. There will be guided meditation, some silence, and discussion.
Please register if this is your first time coming to this mindfulness meditation program. We need either an email or a phone number in case we need to cancel or change venues last minute.
*Tai Chi: New Form – The Longevity Tree
Wednesdays at 9:45—10:45AM
Manchester local Susan Halpern will be teaching a new Tai Chi form from 9:45 -10:45 AM on Wednesdays.
Longevity Tree is part of the internal arts known in China as Qi gong. Qi gong means to cultivate energy with discipline.
The Longetivity Tree is a form that addresses the balance of mind, body and spirit by combining movement, deep breathing, and alertness. It was designed to move all of the body, both internally and externally. The form begins with the image of the tree – progressing to other visual images as we journey through a variety of movements.
This form will be offered for 12 weeks but registration is only available until 1/17/2024. If you are interested in the form but have missed the registration period, please contact Maddy Willwerth at mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org and we will reach out when a new session is available.
Please complete the Safety Release Registration Form before 1/17/2024 if you will be joining. Your information will be shared with the library and the Tai Chi instructor and will only be used for the purpose of coordinating the Tai Chi program.
For now, the class will be held at the Manchester Community Center at Harbor’s Point, 40 Beach Street in Manchester. Susan will update by email those who have completed the Safety Release Registration Form above if there is a venue change. Please email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org or call the library at 978-526-7711 if you have any questions.
*Art Across Asia: Timeless Traditions: Expressions of the Divine in India Art (Virtual)
Sunday, January 14 at 2:30—4:00PM
Join us on Zoom by registering below for Timeless Traditions: Expressions of the Divine in India Art with Mary Mead.
Explore the vast panoply of South Asian art through the prism of four belief systems founded there: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Discover how for thousands of years the artists of India and its neighbors have beautifully depicted their impressions of their deities and reflected their cultures. Visit the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco virtually.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Chelmsford Public Library and other MA libraries and registration is required.
*Cookbook Club: “More is More”
Tuesday, January 16 at 5:30—6:15PM
The Cookbook Club meets once a month to share recipes from a new cookbook off our library shelves. January’s pick is “More is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen” by Molly Baz.
A BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, Good Housekeeping, New York Post, Wired, Publishers Weekly
Register for any recipe from the cookbook. We will email you a recipe and/or put a cookbook on hold for you. Please register so we know how much cutlery to have on hand. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions.
- Register for a recipe below or call 978-526-7711.
- Make enough to share (for about 5-10 people) and bring your own serving utensils.
- Come to the library and be prepared to eat, share, chat, and connect over food. We’ll be talking about what you liked or didn’t like about the cookbook, how you picked your recipe, and if you modified it at all.
*Haunted Happenings with Jeff DePaoli: Founder of Alterian, Inc.(Virtual)
Thursday, January 18 at 6:30—7:30PM
Join us for Haunted Happenings with Jeff DePaoli as he interviews Alterian, Inc. founder, Tony Gardner.
Alterian Inc. is a Los Angeles based studio specializing in the design and creation of animatronic and prosthetic makeup effects. Their credits include both Hocus Pocus movies, “Zombieland” and “Zombieland 2” and all the Jackass films. Join Alterian Inc. Founder Tony Gardner, an American makeup designer, special effects designer and puppeteer, and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, as they talk all about the history, impact, and fun of this essential Hollywood Halloween staple.
This session will be recorded, and all registrants will receive the video link soon after the program.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library and made possible through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library and a multitude of MA libraries.
Beekeeping 101 with Local Beekeeper Mike Chapman
Saturday, January 20 at 1:00—2:15PM
Manchester residents Mike and Martha Chapman have been beekeepers for over 15 years. Mike is a graduate of Essex County Beekeepers “Bee School”. This is a great intro for beginners looking to get connected and learn the basics.