Press March 25, 2024

Library Hours Changing In April 

Spring is here and the Library is closed on Sundays until the Fall.

News & Events for Kids and Families

Community Poetry Reading and Reception 

Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30—6:30PM 

Join us as we celebrate the winners of Manchester Public Library’s poetry contest. On Wednesday, April 10th from 5:30-6:30. Come and hear our local poets of all ages read their winning poems. Light refreshments will be served at this special after hours event. All are welcome. 

NEW STEM Club 

Friday, April 12 at 3:45—4:45PM 

This club is for grades 3-6 and meets every second Friday of the month from 3:45-4:45. Join Miss Audrey for some hands on science fun! Registration is required either online or over the phone at 978-526-7711. 

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 Adults

Library Renovation/Expansion Plans: Ask the Director 

Weekly on Tuesdays Beginning March 26 at 11:00AM—12:00PM 

The MBTS Library is in the process of applying for grant funding to renovate and expand the library. The Library Director will hold open table hours each Tuesday at 11am in the library. Drop in to ask questions and learn more about this project! 

Mindfulness Meditation 

Weekly at the First Parish Conference Room 

Tuesdays, 11:00AM-12:00PM 

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. We need either an email or a phone number in case we need to cancel or change venues at the last minute. Your contact info will be shared with the program facilitator who will only contact you about info pertaining to this library program. 

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. Register online or over the phone at 978-526-7711. 

Author Chat with Megumi Inouye About “The Soul of Gift Wrapping” (Virtual) 

Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00—8:00PM 

We are celebrating the release of Megumi’s’s book, “The Soul of Gift Wrapping Creative Techniques for Expressing Gratitude, Inspired by the Japanese Art of Giving.” As we approach holidays such as Mother’s and Father’s Day, learn how to both wrap beautifully and show gratitude for those you are gifting to – who knew that the act of giving a thoughtfully wrapped gift can be a creative, caring act for both the giver and the receiver? Registration is required either online or over the phone at 978-526-7711. 

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. 

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party 

Monday, April 8 at 3:00—4:30PM 

Join us on the front lawn of the library for the cosmic event of the year! We will have a good view of an almost complete eclipse so long as the weather cooperates. We have a limited number of eclipse glasses that will be handed out during the event, 1 per person on a 1st come 1st served bases starting at 3PM. We will stream the full totality eclipse inside on the big screen. Come enjoy a celestial themed snack.  

We will also be announcing our keynote books and events for Manchester Reads 2024 – the theme this year is space! 

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