Events
Press March 11, 2024
MBTS Library Renovation Grant Opportunity
Since its inception, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library has been a cherished part of the community, however, it faces many challenges due to its size, age and especially its many accessibility issues. The Library cannot truly fulfill its mission until it is ADA compliant and can provide welcoming and easy-to-navigate space for all. Libraries of today are not merely book repositories, but thriving community hubs providing access to information, resources, technology, programs, and lifelong learning opportunities with room to connect and grow. To do so, we need to renovate and expand.
The Library is currently in the process of applying for grant funding to support our renovation/expansion goals. Should we be awarded a grant, Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program grants provide up to 50% of the eligible costs. The application will be submitted in May 2024.
This application process requires an approved warrant article authorizing the Town to appropriate $150,000 for the planning and design phase of the project. Residents will vote on the warrant article at Town meeting on Wednesday, April 24. As we continue to work on the other pieces of the application, we are asking for your support. To stay up to date on this project, please visit manchesterpl.org/future-plans-at-the-library.
News & Events for Kids and Families
*Saturday Spring Craft
Saturday, March 16 at 2:00—3:00PM
Join Miss Audrey for a fun craft to get you in the mood for spring! We’ll be painting butterflies and turning them into magnets. This program is for ages 5-10. Registration is required.
Poetry Contest
Entries Due by Friday, March 22nd
Do you love poetry and writing? Enter the Manchester Public Library Poetry Contest! Selected poets will read their winning poems at a special poetry reading and reception on April 10th from 5:30-7 pm. Anyone ages 8 – 180 may submit their poetry. Entrance forms and contest rules can be found at the library or online at bit.ly/mbtspoetrycontest
Winter and Spring Storytime
Wednesdays 10:30—11:15AM
Join Miss Audrey for storytime for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers! We’ll share books, songs, and games. Join us every Wednesday starting January 24th at 10:30 am. This program runs through to April 24th.
News & Events for Teens and Young Adults
Make Way For Peeps!
Entry Forms and Dioramas Due by March 15
The Manchester Library invites you to create a diorama using Peeps as the main characters of your favorite book or movie. Dioramas and entry forms need to be submitted between March 8th and March 15th. The public is then invited to view the entries through March 22nd and cast their vote for the Peeple’s Choice Award. A panel of library volunteers will judge and award additional prizes. Join us on March 23rd at 11 a.m. for a Peeps Party where we will announce all winners. Although this event is geared towards kids, teens and families all ages are encouraged to submit!
Free Friday Movies at MBTS Public Library
Friday, March 22 at 6:00—8:00PM
We will be showing a movie in the Reference Room on the 4th Friday of every month at 6:00PM. We will supply the popcorn. Feel free to bring covered, non-alcoholic beverages. The movie this month has a MPAA Rating: PG-13; for strong violent content and disturbing material. Visit manchesterpl.org/events to see what is playing. Although this movie is rated PG-13, adults are invited to attend!
Peeps Party!
Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 AM—12:30PM
Stop by the library to check out all of our 2024 Peeps Show dioramas. Enjoy some bunny trail mix and find out the winner of the Peeple’s Choice Award and other prizes!
*Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, March 27 at 4:00—4:45PM
Join the graphic novel club! We meet once a month from January to June. Explore new and new-to-you graphic novels with friends, snacks and activities! Next meeting is March 27th at 4 pm. We will be discussing “Four Eyes” by Rex Ogle. Ask at the front desk for your copy now! This program is for grades 4-7, and registration is required.
News & Events for Adults
*Mindfulness Meditation Has Moved to the First Parish Church Meeting Room
Tuesday, March 12 at 11:00 AM—12:00PM
Meditation happens weekly at 11AM in the meeting room at the First Parish Church Meeting Room, behind Santander Bank through the FPC office door and take a left.
Alida Bryant is a Dharma Leader and meditation instructor under the guidance of Anam Thubten Rinpoche. She has been meditating for over 30 years (still very much a beginner!) and studying and practicing with lineage holders in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
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.
*Cookbook Club: “Brilliant Bites”
Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30—6:30PM
The Cookbook Club meets once a month to share recipes from a new cookbook off our library shelves. March’s pick is “Brilliant bites : 75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion” by Maegan Brown.
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.
*MBTS Cultural Council Presents: D McCullough III, CEO of American Exchange Project
Thursday, March 21 at 5:30—6:30PM
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council in partnership with the MBTS Public Library are excited to host a distinguished speakers lecture series this winter and spring. For our 3rd session we will be hosting David McCullough, CEO of the American Exchange Project.
About the American Exchange Program: Toxic polarization has moved into our daily lives, corroding our faith in one another and our democracy, shaping the choices we make, the people we associate with, and the places we call home. As a consequence, our kids are growing up isolated in bubbles that burden their mental health and limit their development as young adults and young citizens. Welcoming the stranger, hometown pride, a deep love of our children, and a reverence for the character-building journey—these are deeply American ideals. AEP harnesses them, along with the energy and curiosity of young people, to create a solution: a free domestic youth exchange program. Find out more at www.americanexchangeproject.org.
The Manchester Cultural Council is a community initiative in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council working to elevate our rich cultural life in Manchester-By-The-Sea. Connect with them on Facebook.
Registrations are required for this event as space is limited. We will move locations if registrations exceed capacity, and attendees will be notified via the email or phone number provided, so please register even if the event is full and please call us to cancel your registration if you are unable to attend.
*Haunted Happenings with DePaoli: The Dark Woods with Owner Zingales (Virtual)
Thursday, March 21 at 6:30—7:30PM
The Dark Woods is a haunted Halloween event located at Trombly Gardens in Milford, NH. Guests take a self-guided (walking) tour through a dimly-lit woodlands while being met by an unusual cast of creeps and misfits. The event celebrates the spirit of Halloween and is perfect for families, couples, and people of all ages. Join owner Chad Zingales and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, as they talk all about this fantastic haunted experience right in our backyard!
This session will be recorded. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library and made possible through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library and many MA libraries.
Craft Supplies Swap
Tuesday, March 26 at 5:00—7:00PM
Drop in at the library with some crafting supplies you no longer want and go home with some new to you items. Don’t have anything to exchange? Come anyway and take some supplies the library is cleaning out. We will also have some crafting resources you can use either at the library or take home and use, including a Cricut cutting machine, food dehydrator, a ring light, and Creativebug – a free online crafting and art demo tutorial tool for Manchester Library card holders.
Please only bring supplies that are clean.
Diversity Matters Book Group : “If Beale Street Could Talk”
Tuesday, March 26 at 5:30—6:30PM
March’s Diversity Matters book group will watch and then discuss, “If Beale Street Could Talk” a 2019 movie adaptation of James Balwin’s 2006 novel of the same name. Both book and movie are available. Feel free to watch, read or both!
“A timeless love story set in early 1970s Harlem involving newly engaged nineteen-year- old Tish and her fiancé Fonny who have a beautiful future ahead. But their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit. Now the pair and their families must fight for justice in the name of love and the promise of the American dream.” -Catalog
Physical DVDs and book copies are available at the circulation desk.
*A Formidable Woman: Stories from the life of MA Abolitionist Lucy Stone
Thursday, March 28 at 5:30—6:30PM
Lucy Stone devoted her life to (in her own words) “pleading the cause of the suffering and the outcast.” Where her world told women to be silent and obedient, she was an outspoken activist for freedom and equality for all. She also spoke in a voice that touched and changed even those who opposed her causes. Storyteller Merrill Kohlhofer brings this wonderful and formidable woman to life with these stories using her words and the words of those who loved and were touched by her.
This is a free, in-person program at the library and registration is requested as space is limited.
Hearthside Book Group
Tuesday, April 2 at 4:00—5:00PM
On Tuesday, April 2 join us at 4:00 PM in person at the library or on ZOOM to discuss “Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom” by Ilyon Woo which “relates the daring escape from bondage in Georgia to freedom in the North by an enslaved couple disguised as a wealthy planter and his property.”
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 on Libby.
Connect with the MBTS Public Library
www.manchesterpl.org
linktr.ee/manchesterpl
facebook.com/manchesterbytheseapl
Email: info@manchesterpl.org
Phone: 978-526-7711
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