Press December 23, 2024

Make Tiny Art Events in the New Year

January 2025

• All Ages Can Pick Up Tink Art Kits 12/26-1/10 or until supplies last 
• Drop Off your tiny creations from 1/6-1/10 
• 2025 MBTS Tiny Art Show Reception Saturday, January 25 at 1:30—3:00 PM 

Want to try a new creative endeavor in January? Tiny art kits are available until supplies last. Each kit includes a tiny canvas, acrylic paint, paint brushes and a label. You can use any mediums and supplies so long as they fit on the canvas. 1 kit per person. Return the 3X3 inch canvas by Friday, January 10th for a chance to win a prize. There will be drawings for kids ages 0-5, 6-12, 12-18, 18-65 and 65 – 165, at the MBTS Tiny Art Show Reception and Celebration on Saturday, January 25 from 1:30-3PM.   

Holiday Hours 

The library will close at 1:00PM on Tuesday, December 31 and will be closed Wednesday, January 1. The library will reopen January 2, 2025. Many of the library’s virtual resources are available 24/7 from our website, manchesterpl.org/resources, but may require a library card. 

For Kids and Families

Winter Bingo for ages 5-8

Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 AM—12:00 PM

Winter Bingo for ages 9-13

Saturday, January 4 at 1:00—2:00 PM

Join us for a fun winter bingo! Our bingo will have two sessions: one for ages 5-8 from 11 am-12 pm, and one for ages 9-13 from 1-2 pm. Small prizes will be given to the winners. Please register online or call 978-526-7711 to join in the fun. 

Read to Winston

Wednesday, January 8 at 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 and 4:15 PM

Susan Durkin and Winston, a Certified Therapy Dog, are looking forward to hearing stories read by YOU!  Reading with a certified reading dog helps to build confidence with a safe, nonjudgmental partner.  Sign up for a 15-minute appointment and make sure to bring a favorite book or allow time to pick out your just right book at the Library. Perfect for kids in grades K-5. 

Graphic Novel Club

Wednesday, January 22 at 4:00—4:45 PM

Join the Graphic Novel Club! Our next meeting is on January 22nd from 4-4:45. Snack and activity will be provided. This month’s pick is “Summer Vamp” by Violet Chan Karim. Copies can be picked up at the circulation desk. For grades 4-7. 

For Teens

TAB (Teen Advisory Board)

Tuesday, January 14 at 5:30—6:30 PM

Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30-6:30 Earn community service hours while having fun planning events for your friends and the community! 

Library Spa Day!

Wednesday, January 15 at 12:00—1:30 PM

It’s early release day, kids — and your big opportunity to head over to the Manchester Library for some self-care!  The library’s Teen Advisory Board hosts this 90-minute session of fun and fabulosity geared toward grade schoolers and tweens. And pull up a beanbag chair and join us for a special movie screening immediately afterward! 

For Adults

AUTHOR HOUR: (Virtual)

Monday, January 6—Friday, January 10 at 7:00—8:00 PM

About Author Hour: “Author Hour in Massachusetts” is a series of virtual author talks this winter featuring some of the publishing industry’s top trending writers. These webinars — held from 7pm (ET) to 8pm (ET), Monday through Friday — are free and open to all. This series, which runs through March 20, 2025, is being promoted by more than 50 public libraries in Massachusetts. 

Brian Freeman – Thrillers on 1/6

2024 Mass Book Award Finalist for Non-Fiction Larry Rohter (Virtual) on 1/7

Bestselling Author Allison Brennan – Thrillers on 1/8

David Ellis – Mystery on 1/9

Victoria Gilbert – Cozy Mystery on 1/10

Visit manchesterpl.org/events for more info on the 19 other author events scheduled virtually this January. 

Hearthside Book Group: “The House on Fire”

Tuesday, January 7 at 4:00—5:00 PM

Join us in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss The House on Fire by Rachel Beanland. 

About the Book: “The author of Florence Adler Swims Forever returns with a masterful work of historical fiction about an incendiary tragedy that shocked a young nation and tore apart a community in a single night—told from the perspectives of four people whose actions during the inferno changed the course of history. Based on the true story of Richmond’s theater fire, “The House on Fire” offers proof that sometimes, in the midst of great tragedy, we are offered our most precious—and fleeting—chances at redemption.” 

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, by home delivery and as an e-book and digital audiobook on Libby. Sign up for Libby for free using your library card. 

Crowell Concert Series Featuring: Brian Alex

Tuesday, January 7 at 6:00—7:00 PM

The Library and Parks and Recreation are excited to offer a free, monthly concert series at the Crowell Chapel. On the 1st Tuesday of every month, join us at 6:00PM for music by the sea. 

Singer/songwriter Brian Alex’s quirky personality and unique pop-savvy style have been a significant and colorful piece of the World-Pop act Entrain since 1995 and won a Boston Music Award for “Best Live Show”. 

He has recorded and/or shared the stage with Entrain, The Missing Persons, Donna Summer, Bo Diddley, Bob Weir, and Edwin McCain. Been the opening act for Sheryl Crow, Matchbox 20, Huey Lewis, Dispatch, David Crosby, etc…  

This program is made possible through funding from the Friends of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Library. Registrations are encouraged online or by calling the library at 978-526-7711. 

Keep This, Toss That for a Clutter-Free New Year (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00—8:00 PM

If you can’t open your drawers, if clutter topples out of closets and paperwork covers your tabletops, then log on for this de-cluttering comedy show! New year, fresh start: join Organizing Humorist and bestselling author Jamie Novak as she shares her laugh-out-loud funny approach for what to do with all the stuff – without getting overwhelmed. Wondering what to keep? What to toss? What to share or sell? And how to let it all go? Then join us for this interactive virtual workshop, where Jamie guides you through a tiny tidy-up live to jump-start your “get organized” New Year’s resolution! 

Please note that this program is only taking place live and will not be recorded. This program is made possible through a partnership with Newton Free Library. 

NEW IN JANUARY

Mindfulness Meditation Evening Sessions

Tuesdays at 5:00—6:00 PM

Evening meditation happens weekly at 5PM, except for the 3rd Tuesday of the month. This event takes place in the meeting room at the First Parish Church Meeting Room, behind Santander Bank through the FPC office door and take a left. There is also a session at 11AM, every Tuesday as well. You are welcome to attend both or one or the other. 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. Please email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org if you have any questions. 

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