Press June 18, 2024

MBTS Library Summer Reading

It’s summer reading time at the library, so game on with our Bookopoly activity boards. All ages can stop in to pick up a Bookopoly board and complete activities for a chance to win amazing prizes. All kids, age 0-12 who return a completed board will win a Topsfield Fair prize pack. Teens will be entered into a raffle to win Canobie Lake Park passes and adults have a chance to win The Castle: Gaming Café and Restaurant gift certificates. Come and enjoy a community game night, escape room and events for all ages. Check out manchesterpl.org/kids-teens-adults/summer-reading for more info and get in the game! 

News & Events for Kids and Families

Summer Storytimes Are Back

Wednesdays at 10:30—11:15 AM

Join Miss Audrey for Summer Storytime every Wednesday at 10:30! This program is for ages 0-3 and runs until September. 

BenAnna Band Summer Reading Kickoff Concert!

Thursday, June 27 at 2:00—3:00 PM

Join us as we kickoff summer the right way: with a super fun concert! Come and rock out to the BenAnna Band at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 26th. This concert is appropriate for children of all ages and their families. 

News & Events for Teens and Young Adults

Graphic Novel Book Club

Wednesday, June 26 at 4:00—4:45 PM

Join us as we talk about this month’s graphic novel pick, “The First Cat Ate Pizza in Space” by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris! This book club is geared towards grades 4-7. 

News & Events for Adults

Cookbook Club: “In Cod We Trust”

Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30—6:30 PM

The Cookbook Club meets once a month to share recipes from a new cookbook off our library shelves. June’s pick is “In Cod We Trust: From Sea to Shore, the Celebrated Cuisine of Coastal Massachusetts” by Heather Atwood.  

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. 

Diversity Matters Book Group : “My Government Means To Kill Me”

Wednesday, June 26 at 6:00—7:00 PM

June’s Diversity Matters book group’s pick is “My Government Means To Kill Me” by Rasheed Newson. 

Physical book copies are available at the circulation desk and as an eBook and digital audiobook on the Libby app. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org for more info and to get connected to the group. 

Q&A with author Lucy Gilmore: “The Library of Borrowed Hearts” (Virtual)

Wednesday, June 26 at 7:00—8:00 PM

We all know the transformative power of books and how they can help us connect with those around us. We are so excited to welcome author Lucy Gilmore as she discusses her book The Library of Borrowed Hearts the follow-up to her wonderful The Lonely Hearts Book Club. We’ll be chatting about these uplifting, heartwarming novels which are about some of our favorite things – friendship, books, and how important it is to find the family you were always meant to have. We hope you can join us! 

Travelogue: South Africa and Botswana

Thursday, June 27 at 7:00—8:00 PM

Essex locals, Mike and Sarah Dyer will be presenting their April 2023 trip to Africa, through gorgeous photography including Capetown, South Africa and safaris in Kwa Zulu Natal and some national parks of Botswana. 

Registration is required as space is limited. 

Mystery Book Group: “All the Sinners Bleed”

Friday, June 28 at 10:30—11:30 AM

The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30AM. This June we are reading “All the Sinners Bleed” by S.A. Cosby. June’s meeting will occur in the library’s reading room and over Zoom. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org if you would like to attend via Zoom or if you have any questions.  

Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in June.  Digital audiobook and ebook are available through the Libby App. Don’t have a card yet? Sign up online. 

New members are always welcome. For the dates, times, and book of the month during 2024 please click here.   

Hearthside Book Group: “Small Mercies”

Tuesday, July 2 at 4:00—5:00 PM

On Tuesday, July 2nd join us at 4:00 PM in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss “Small Mercies A Novel” by Dennis Lehane. 

Copies are available at the circulation desk, by home delivery, and curbside pick. They are also available on Libby and Hoopla. Contact Lori Dumont at ldumont@manchesterpl.org or at 978-526-7711 for further information.