Events
Press September 16, 2024
Banned Books Week
September 22 – 28
Banned Books Week is an important time for libraries in September. According to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, 1,247 demands to censor library books and materials were made in 2023, and those numbers are increasing rapidly. So, one week each year, libraries shine a light on this activity, and we encourage people to read challenged and banned books. The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28) is “Freed Between the Lines.” We encourage you to visit the library this week to check out our display, and to celebrate your own freedom to read!
Fall Hours Begin Saturday, September 14
The library is now open on Saturdays from 10AM-4PM until July.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month
Manchester Public Library joins the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. From borrowing books, ebooks and audiobooks to getting tech help, learning new skills, or attending a book club or storytime, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy.
To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please stop by the library or visit manchesterpl.org/services/get-a-library-card/ Replacement library cards are offered free of charge for the month of September and your 1st card is always free. Those who sign up in person at the library for a new card will receive a free book bag and lanyard – so this month is the perfect time to explore what the library has to offer.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
Calling All Local Artists
For the Friends of the Library’s 2nd Annual Falling For Art Exhibit and Sale, October 18-20, 2024
Artists are invited to submit 3-5 digital jpeg images by September 30 to fallingforartmbts@gmail.com. Photos must be labeled: Last Name_First Name_Title of the Piece_Price. 50% of the proceeds benefit The Friends of the Manchester Library.
For Kids and Families
Touch-a-Truck
Saturday, September 28 at 11:00 AM—12:30 PM
Get up close and personal with trucks and other vehicles, thanks to our friends in public works and fire and police departments.
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, October 3 at 6:00—7:00 PM
Join Miss Audrey for a cozy pajama storytime and craft the first Thursday of every month from 6-7PM. This program is for kids ages 4 and up and their families.
Little Learners Playgroup
Thursdays at 10:00—11:00 AM
Join this weekly playgroup presented by Early Childhood Partners CFCE! This program runs every Thursday from 10-11. Please register at www.earlychildhoodpartners.com.
Lego Time
Mondays at 3:30—4:30 PM
Drop-in, unstructured Lego building fun! Come with friends or come to make new ones, this program is for kids ages six and up.
For Teens
Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
High school students who join the group will be involved in adding items to the library’s collection, promoting special events, planning the annual Haunted Library, and more. (Plus you’ll get community service hours for school and pizza!) For more info contact Tom Russo, the YA librarian at trusso@manchesterpl.org.
Pop Up Art School: Cardboard Coral Reef
Tuesday, September 24 at 4:00—5:30 PM
Dive into creativity! As part of the library’s Climate Week activities, Pop Up Art leads a craft that transforms recycled materials into a vibrant coral reef. With splashes of colorful paint and crafty bits, kids will bring an underwater scene to life. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Please register online or call 978-526-7711.
For Adults
CREW WEEK: MBTS Zero Waste Challenge Kick Off
Saturday, September 21 at 1:00—3:00 PM
You can register online at anytime for the Zero Waste Challenge but those who attend the kickoff event from 1-3PM will get some free swag, can find more info on how to divert their trash from the landfill, can create an eco-friendly craft and share some apple cider. Stop by with your bag of trash on Friday 9/27 between 3-5PM to have it weighed.
Thanks to our event and prize sponsors: Essex River Cruises and Charters, 7 Seas Whale Watch, Unpacked Living, Black Earth Compost, Cider Hill Farm, Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream and Bravo by the Sea
Register at bit.ly/mbts_zerowaste_2024 or in person at the library and begin trying to recycle and reuse as much as possible whenever you register. You don’t have to be perfect to be better about recycling!
This event is made possible through a partnership with the MBTS Sustainability Commitee and is a part of Communities Responding to Extreme Weather or CREW’s Climate Prep Week. The week is from September 24-30th. This year’s theme is “Reimagining our relationship with the land.” To see more info and events occurring all across the country for Climate Prep Week visit: climatecrew.org/climate_prep_week.
CREW WEEK: “Find More Birds” Author Discusses How to Pick A Patch (Virtual)
Monday, September 23 at 7:00—8:00 PM
Author Heather Wolf will be discussing how to find and identify more birds by picking a “patch,” a place close to home where you can watch birds often. She’ll be giving tips on how to pick a patch and how to use it not only as a “classroom” to become a better birder, but also as a way to connect more deeply with the nature that surrounds you.
This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Register online or call 978-526-7711.
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults: Banned Books Themed Adventure (Virtual)
Monday, September 23 at 7:00—9:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to try playing Dungeons and Dragons and don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve played before but don’t have a regular group? Whatever your level of experience come join us for a one-shot adventure! MBTS’s Head of Adult and Reference Services – Maddy will be your Game Master for this two hour session.
You will receive an email when you register with the Zoom link. This event is made possible through a partnership with the Hamilton Wenham Public Library. Register online or call 978-526-7711.
Diversity Matters Book Group: “Everyday Something Has Tried To Kill Me And Has Failed”
Tuesday, September 24 at 6:00—7:00 PM
September’s Diversity Matters book group’s pick is “Everyday Something Has Tried To Kill Me And Has Failed : Notes From Periracial America” by Kim McLarin, a Massachusetts Center for the Book 2024 Honors Winner. Please join wherever you are in your reading. This event is a hybrid event and you can attend via Zoom or in-person. Please register online or call 978-526-7711 if you would like the Zoom link.
Physical book copies are available at the circulation desk and as an eBook on the Hoopla app. Manchester Residents can sign up for Hoopla for free with their library card.
CREW WEEK: Intro to Saving Seeds
Thursday, September 26 at 6:00—7:00 PM
Saving seeds from the plants around us connects us to our roots as ecosystem stewards and challenges us to plan for the next generation. Being a seed steward can be both simple and immensely complex so let’s start digging into the details. We will discuss basic plant and seed physiology of several familiar garden plants, explore which plants might be the best to start with, best storage practices and germination testing. We will have some hands-on demonstration of winnowing techniques and seeds to share. Please register online or call 978-526-7711.
Mystery Book Group: “The House at Sea’s End”
Friday, September 27 at 10:30—11:30 AM
The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30AM. This September we are reading “The House at Sea’s End” by Elly Griffiths. This meeting will occur in-person and over Zoom. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org if you have any questions.
Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in September. Ebooks are available through the Libby App. Use your library card to sign up and read and listen for free. New members are always welcome.
Blues Stories: Culture & History told through Song & Narrative
Tuesday, October 1 at 6:00—7:30 PM
Location: Crowell Chapel
Join Boston-based Blues Singer/Guitarist Barrett Anderson for a vibrant evening of story and song, telling the story of early Blues music, a distinctly American form that has shaped all music and culture that followed.
Told through narrative, live performance on guitar and vocals, and an accompanying digital slideshow, Barrett focuses on the story of early blues heroes Charlie Patton, Son House, Skip James, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters, and crafts a narrative that celebrates the lives and art of these music pioneers, while telling a story of freedom and empowerment through artistic expression that rocked the world.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Manchester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. You can connect with the Manchester Cultural Council on Facebook.
Registrations are required for this event as space is limited.
This program is made possible through a partnership with the Manchester Parks and Recreation.
Connect with the MBTS Public Library
www.manchesterpl.org
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Email: info@manchesterpl.org
Phone: 978-526-7711
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