This week the Manchester Library celebrates Banned Books week, the story and history of Blues music, Dungeons & Dragons for Adults, Halloween New England, and much more.
Banned Books Week | Sept. 22-28. Banned Books Week is an important time for libraries. According to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, 1,247 demands to censor library books and materials were made in 2023, and those numbers are increasing rapidly. So, one week each year, libraries shine a light on this activity, and we encourage people to read challenged and banned books. The themed for Banned Books Week 2024 is “Freed Between the Lines.”
September is Library Card Sign-up Month | Manchester Public Library joins the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. From borrowing books, ebooks and audiobooks to getting tech help, learning new skills, or attending a book club or storytime, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy.
Blues Stories: Culture & History told through Song & Narrative | Tuesday, October 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Crowell Chapel. Join Boston-based Blues Singer/Guitarist Barrett Anderson for a vibrant evening of story and song, telling the story of early Blues music, a distinctly American form that has shaped all music and culture that followed. Registration is required.
Calling All Local Artists | 2nd Annual Falling for Art Exhibit and Sale, October 18-20, 2024. Artists are invited to submit 3-5 digital jpeg images by September 30, fallingforartmbts@gmail.com. Photos must be labeled: Last Name_First Name_Title of the Piece_Price. 50% of the proceeds benefit The Friends of the Manchester Library.
Crew Week: MBTS Zero Waste Challenge Kick Off | Saturday, September 21 from 1-3 p.m. You can register online anytime, but those who attend the kickoff event will get some free swag, and find out more information on how to divert their trash from the landfill, create an eco-friendly craft and share some mulled cider. Prizes for the smallest amount of trash collected between 9/21-9/27 are listed on the website.
Crew Week: “Find More Birds” How to Pick A Patch (Virtual) | Monday, September 23 from 7-8 p.m. Author Heather Wolf will be discussing how to find and identify more birds by picking a “patch,” in a place close to home where you can watch birds often. She’ll be giving tips on how to pick a patch and how to use it not only as a “classroom” to become a better birder, but also as a way to connect more deeply with the nature that surrounds you. Register online or call.
Dungeons and Dragons for Adults: Banned Books Themed Adventures (Virtual) | Monday, September 23 from 7-9 p.m. 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.
Diversity Matters Book Group | Tuesday, September 24 from 6-7 p.m. September’s pick is “Everyday Something Has Tried To Kill Me And Has Failed: Notes From Periracial America” by Kim McLarin, a Massachusetts Center for the Book 2024 Honors Winner. Please register online or call.
Mystery Book Group | Friday, September 27 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This September we are reading “The House at Sea’s End” by Elly Griffiths.
Intro to Saving Seeds | Thursday, September 26 from 6-7 p.m. Saving seeds from the plants around us connects us to our roots as ecosystem stewards and challenges us to plan for the next generation. We will discuss basic plant and seed physiology of several familiar garden plants, explore which plants might be the best to start with, best storage practices and germination testing. Please register.
Tai Chi: The Longevity Tree | Starting Wednesdays in June from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at Masconomo Park. Susan Halpern will be teaching Tai Chi in the park on Wednesdays, throughout the summer. Longevity Tree is part of the internal arts known in China as Qi gong. Qi gong means to cultivate energy with discipline. The Longevity Tree is a form that addresses the balance of mind, body and spirit, by combining movement, deep breathing, and alertness. Please complete the Safety Release Registration Form and familiarize yourself with the form if you will be joining.
Digital Advice Appointments on Monday and Drop In on Friday | Register for a dedicated session Mondays at 12 noon or 12:30 p.m. or drop in on most Fridays between 3-4 p.m. We have guidance for easy to moderate tech issues. Please bring your device, charger and any passwords associated with your device or project. This is a program to offer one on one instruction on how to better utilize your technology, we cannot do a tech project for you and certain issues will be outside of our digital expertise.
Mindfulness Meditation at the First Parish Church Meeting Room | Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 12 noon. 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 program. We need either an email or a phone number in case we need to cancel or change venues.
Shut Up and Write (Virtual) | Every Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Join a community of writers and artists on Zoom who just want to write. Come any time. No need to share, no need to critique or be critiqued.
For Teens:
Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | High school students who join the group will be involved in adding items to the library’s collection, promoting special events, planning the annual Haunted Library and more. You will get community service hours for school and pizza. Contact Tom Russo, the YA librarian.
Pop Up Art School | Tuesday, September 24 from 4-5:30 p.m. Pop Up Art leads a craft that transforms recycled materials into a vibrant coral reef. With splashes of colorful paint and crafty bits, kids will bring an underwater scene to life. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
MPL Children’s Events:
Lego Time | Every Monday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Drop-in, unstructured Lego building fun, for ages 6 and up.
Pajama Storytime | Thursday, October 3 from 6-7 p.m. Ages 4 and up. Join Miss Audrey for a cozy pajama storytime and craft the first Thursday of every month.
Little Learners Playgroup | Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. Join this weekly playgroup presented by Early Childhood Partners CFCE. Please register.
Touch-a-Truck | Saturday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Get up close and personal with trucks and other vehicles, thanks to our friends in public works and the fire and police departments.
Fall and Winter Storytime | Wednesday’s from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Ages 0-3, this program runs through September.
