Press January 16, 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. 

News & Events for Kids and Families 

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

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.  

News & Events for Teens and Young Adults  

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

*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. 

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.  

*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. 

Diversity Matters Book Group : “Another Country” 

Tuesday, January 23 at 5:30—6:30PM 

January’s Diversity Matters book group will be continuing to read “Another Country” by James Baldwin. “Another Country” is split into three books. We will be reading book one in December and books two and three in January. 

Physical book copies available at the circulation desk and as an ebook and digital audiobook through the Libby app. You can use your library card to signup for Libby for free. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org for more info and to get connected to the group. 

Mystery Book Group: “Skinny Dip” 

Friday, January 26 at 10:30—11:30AM 

The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30AM. January’s meeting will occur in the library’s reading room. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions or to get connected with the group. 

We will discuss “Skinny Dip” by Carl Hiasson. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk and an ebook and digital audiobook is available through the Libby app. Sign up using your library card. New members are always welcome.     

Free Friday Movies at MBTS Public Library 

Friday, January 26 at 6:00—8:00PM 

We will be showing a movie in the Reference Room on the 4th Friday of every month at 6:00PM. We will supply the popcorn. Feel free to bring covered, non-alcoholic beverages.  

The movie this month has a MPAA Rating: R; for drug use, sexual material and pervasive language. Check out the movie showings on our website at manchesterpl.org/events. 

Made by Hand at the Library: Book Flowers 

Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30—6:30PM 

Join us in the Reference Room every month for a new adult craft activity. No registration or experience needed. Come enjoy some tea and crafting with your community. 

Q&A with Author of “Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Globalization of Food Banks” (Virtual) 

Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00—8:00PM 

Join us for a virtual Q&A with author Daniel N. Warshawsky about his book “Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Globalization of Food Banks” 

So many of us are passionate about finding ways to reduce food waste so we’re thrilled to be hosting author and professor Daniel N. Warshawsky for a virtual discussion of his new book. 

About the book: Food banks—warehouses that collect and systematize surplus food—have expanded into one of the largest mechanisms to redistribute food waste. From their origins in North America in the 1960s, food banks provide food to communities in approximately one hundred countries on six continents. This book analyzes the development of food banks across the world and the limits of food charity as a means to reduce food insecurity and food waste.  

Based on fifteen years of in-depth fieldwork on four continents, Daniel Warshawsky illustrates how and why food banks proliferate across the globe even though their impacts may be limited. He suggests that we need to reformulate the role of food banks. The mission of food banks needs to be more realistic, as food surpluses cannot reduce food insecurity on a significant scale. Food banks need to regain their institutional independence from the state and corporations, and incorporate the knowledge and experiences of the food insecure in the daily operations of the food system. These collective changes can contribute to a future where food banks play a smaller but more targeted role in food systems. 

About the Author: Daniel N. Warshawsky is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences and International Studies at Wright State University where he teaches courses in geography and public administration. He is also the Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Daniel is currently the Frederick A. White Distinguished Professor of Professional Service for his service to Wright State University and the broader Dayton community. He was also recently named a Provost’s Faculty Fellow for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and is made available through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library. 

Manchester-by-the-Sea Distinguished Speakers Series: Brigadier General (Ret.) Jack Hammond, Chief Executive Home Base Non-profit. 

Thursday, February 1 at 5:30—6:30PM 

Jack Hammond, a retired and decorated U.S. Army Brigadier General, is a private sector innovator who has served on advisory groups for presidents, governors, and businesses. 

Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Mass General Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class clinical care, wellness, education, and research.  

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council, in partnership with the MBTS Public Library, is excited to announce the new distinguished speakers lecture series. The first of five events is scheduled for February 1, 2024. The inspiration for the series is to broaden education, awareness, and empathy via the fine tradition of learning from knowledgeable people. The inaugural season of the series will feature an outstanding lineup of individuals, sharing their expertise on five distinct and compelling topics. 

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