Events
Press February 15, 2025
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
Sensory Play with Make Your Own Snow
Saturday, February 22 at 2:00—2:45 PM
Play in the snow without getting cold! Join us for a sensory playtime. We’ll make snow using two common household ingredients and then play! This program is intended for children ages 4 and up and their caregivers.
Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, February 26 at 4:00—4:45 PM
Join the Graphic Novel Club! Snacks and an activity will be provided. This month’s pick is “Pizza Face” by Rex Ogle. All books are chosen by club members. Copies can be picked up at the circulation desk. For grades 4-7.
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 Adults
Author Hour: Edward Ashton in conversation with David Yoon (Virtual)
Monday, February 24 at 7:00—8:00 PM
Author Edward Ashton will discuss his new sci-fi novel, “The Fourth Consort”, in conversation with bestselling author David Yoon.
Author Hour: Nancy Johnson in conversation with Julie Carrick Dalton (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00—8:00 PM
Bestselling author Nancy Johnson will discuss her new novel, “People of Means”, in conversation with author Julie Carrick Dalton.
Author Hour: Elinor Lipman (Virtual)
Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00—8:00 PM
Bestselling author Elinor Lipman will discuss her new romantic comedy, “Every Tom, Dick & Harry”.
Author Hour: Mark Greaney (Virtual)
Thursday, February 27 at 7:00—8:00 PM
Bestselling author Mark Greaney will discuss his new thriller, “Midnight Black: A Gray Man Novel”.
Author Hour: Karen Thompson Walker in conversation with Angie Kim (Virtual)
Monday, March 3 at 7:00—8:00 PM
Bestselling author Karen Thompson Walker will discuss her new novel, “The Strange Case of Jane O.”, in conversation with bestselling author Angie Kim.
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.
Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs (Virtual)
Thursday, February 20 at 7:30—8:00 PM
Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors but not sure what to read next? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations – any genre as well as YA and Middle Grade books, as long as they are by diverse authors or have inclusive storylines! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Leelynn’s many enthusiastic reviews.
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults (Virtual)
Monday, February 24 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. Register online or call 978-526-7711.
AI Unveiled: Exploring the Promise, Perils, and Potential of AI
Tuesday, February 25 at 6:00—7:00 PM
Imagine a world where computers can think, learn, and even create. Welcome to the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the technology that’s changing everything from how we shop to how we drive. In this in-person presentation, we’ll take a journey through the exciting world of AI, exploring its history, its amazing applications, and even the potential risks. We’ll see how AI is making our lives easier, smarter, and sometimes even a little bit scary. And we’ll peek into the future to see where AI might take us next.
Registration is encouraged online but not required.
Diversity Matters: “The Message”
Thursday, February 27 at 5:30—6:30 PM
February’s Diversity Matters book group’s pick is “The Message” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. 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 if you would like the Zoom link.
Physical book copies will be available at the circulation desk and as an eBook and digital audiobook on the Libby app. Sign up for Libby for free with your library card. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org for more info and to get connected to the group.
Mystery Book Group: “The Blood Promise”
Friday, February 28 at 10:30—11:30 AM
The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30AM. This February we are reading “The Blood Promise” by Mark Pryor. This meeting will occur in person at the library and over Zoom. Email mwillwerth@manchesterpl.org if you have any questions.
Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk and an ebooks and digital audiobooks are available for free through the Hoopla app. Sign up for free using your library card. New members are always welcome.
Hearthside Book Group: “Prides Crossing”
Tuesday, March 4 at 4:00—5:00 PM
Join us in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss “Prides Crossing: The Unbridled Life And Impatient Time Of Eleonora Sears” by Peggy Miller Franck.
“Born to a leading Boston family in 1881, Eleonora “Eleo” Randolph Sears cut a swath through society in the first half of the twentieth century, as arguably the greatest and most versatile female athlete of her generation. She faced off against the world like a gladiator, wielding her competitive skill, her wealth, and the force of her will. Author Peggy Franck, the daughter of Sears’s financial advisor paints a dramatic portrait of Boston Brahmin society and one woman who dared to be different.”
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, and by home delivery.
Crowell Concert Series Featuring: Wangari Fahari
Tuesday, March 4 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.
Wangari Fahari is a Kenyan born American artist and social justice leader in North America and in Africa for over 17 years. Today Wangari Fahari is one of North America’s and Africa’s fastest-growing independent global artists in the commonwealth crowned an Eastern, MA Rising Star after receiving the Andrea C. Silbert award, May of 2023 from the Center For Women Enterprise in Boston.
This program is made possible through a partnership with Manchester Parks and Recreation and funding from the Friends of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Library and a grant from the Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Registrations are encouraged online or call 978-526-7711. Due to the registration volume, we will be hosting this event at the Crowell Chapel.
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