Events

Press February 4, 2025

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Library Closed Monday, February 17

The library will be closed Monday, 2/17 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. We will reopen at 10AM on Tuesday, February 18. Our virtual library is open 24/7 on our website at manchesterpl.org/resources

February is Love your Library month!

This year, you can help us let legislators know how much the library means to you by telling your library story. Go to lovemasslibraries.com to share how the library has helped you. When you let them know why you love the library, you will be letting us know as well. We will be collecting your stories, too to help us shape the library’s future in our next strategic plan. 

For Kids and Families

Pajama Storytime

Thursday, February 6 at 6:00—7:00 PM

Join Miss Audrey for a cozy pajama storytime and craft the first Thursday of every month from 6-7. This program is for kids ages 4 and up and their families. 

Read to Winston

Wednesday, February 12 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. 

This program is especially for those starting to read and that want to little extra practice with our special friend, Winston! 

Meet Nile, the Inflatable Humpback Whale!

Thursday, February 20 at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30AM and 12:00PM

Do you love marine life, but don’t have time to make it to the ocean this summer? Have no fear, Nile is here! This 43 foot life sized inflatable humpback whale is swimming to Manchester-by-the-Sea for a fun, educational experience during February break. Discover the remarkable similarities between whales and humans, and have the hands-on-experience of touching real whale artifacts! Coming February 20th, this program is for children ages 5-12 and will be held at Manchester Memorial Elementary School. Registration is required online or call 978-526-7711. 

Winter Storytimes

Wednesdays at 10:30—11:15 AM

Join Miss Audrey on Wednesdays at 10:30 am for stories, songs, and playtime. This program is for children ages 0-3 and their caregiver. 

For Teens and Tweens

TAB (Teen Advisory Board)

Tuesday, February 11 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! Email Tom Russo, Manchester’s Young Adult Librarian at  trusso@manchesterpl.org to get connected. 

Community Game Night

Tuesday, February 18 at 4:00—6:00 PM

During February break, come on by with your game face on! Drop In. All ages welcome! Snacks provided.

For Adults

Author Hour: Carter Wilson in conversation with Wendy Walker (Virtual)

Friday, February 7 at 7:00—8:00 PM

Bestselling author Carter Wilson will discuss his new thriller, “Tell Me What You Did”, in conversation with bestselling author Wendy Walker. 

Author Hour: Heather Fawcett (Virtual)

Monday, February 10 at 7:00—8:00 PM

Bestselling author Heather Fawcett will discuss her new fantasy novel, “Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales”. 

Author Hour: Steve Berry in conversation with his wife, Emily Berry (Virtual)

Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00—8:00 PM

Bestselling author Steve Berry will discuss his new thriller, “The Medici Return: A Cotton Malone Novel”, in conversation with his wife Emily Berry, an accomplished publisher. 

Author Hour: Christopher Farnsworth (Virtual)

Thursday, February 13 at 7:00—8:00 PM

Bestselling author Christopher Farnsworth will discuss his new thriller, “Robert B. Parker’s Buried Secrets: A Jesse Stone Novel”. 

Author Hour: Christina Clancy in conversation with Lynda Cohen Loigman (Virtual)

Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00—8:00 PM

Author Christina Clancy will discuss her new novel, “The Snowbirds”, in conversation with bestselling author Lynda Cohen Loigman. 

For more author talks and to register visit manchesterpl.org/events or call 978-526-7711. “Author Hour” 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. 

Create/Make for Adults: Book Art Hearts

Saturday, February 8 at 2:00—3:30 PM

With love in the air, we’ll make book art to match! February: Book Art Hearts 

Create/Make for Adults: We explore different mediums and projects each month. Please register so we can plan for adequate materials. This program is designed for adults, but no artistic experience is necessary. Come enjoy crafting and community! 

Dungeons and Dragons for Adults (Virtual)

Monday, February 10 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! Hamilton Wenham’s Reference and Technology Librarian – Lindley will be your Game Master for this two hour session. 

This event is made possible through a partnership with the Hamilton Wenham Public Library. 

Cookbook Club: “Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health”

Tuesday, February 11 at 6:00—7:00 PM

The Cookbook Club meets once a month to share recipes from a cookbook off our library shelves. February’s pick is “Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health” by Gregory Gourdet.  

Register for any recipe from the cookbook. Please register so we know how much cutlery to have on hand.  Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org with any questions. 

Historical Fic Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Jane Healey (Virtual)

Tuesday, February 11 at 6:30—7:00 PM

Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Jane Healey, monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations – the best of historical fiction out there! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Jane’s many enthusiastic reviews. 

A Collection of Collections: Navigating Design and Creative Expression at the PEM

Thursday, February 13 at 5:30—6:30 PM

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council in partnership with the MBTS Public Library are excited to host Petra Slinkard and Nancy B. Putnam from the Peabody Essex Museum. 

Some of the earlies works collected by the PEM are examples of personal adornment. Join Petra Slinkard, Curator of Fashion and Design and Nancy B. Putnam, Director of Curatorial Affairs in conversation on how PEM’s groundbreaking traditions harmonize into the creative, public-facing, community-focused institution it is today. 

Want to check out the PEM in person? Reserve a discount Museum Pass from the library. Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library museum passes are offered by the generosity of the Friends of the Library. Registrations are requested for this event as space is limited. Due to the registration volume, we will be hosting this event at the Crowell Chapel on Rosedale Ave. 

Knit Together 

Tuesdays at 2:00—3:00 PM 

Begin a new project or finish one you’ve already started. Enjoy tea, cookies and company.  

New to knitting? Start a simple project with needles and yarn provided by the library. Join us by the fireplace and let’s knit together! 

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