The Library will close early at 1PM on Saturday Dec 24 and will remain closed until Tuesday December 27 at 10AM. As always our digital resources are available 24/7 at manchesterpl.org/resources/all-resources/

Upcoming Library Events

Celebration and Stories: Ron Borel & Cookie Jamboree
Saturday, December 17 At 2-3:30pm

Ron Borel has given an amazing gift to our library to benefit the people of Manchester by-the-Sea and Cape Ann. Please save the date as we celebrate Ron's generosity and remember fondly his life and gifts to the community. Stories will be shared, and stories read, as Ron sponsored many books in the Children's Room. Refreshments will be served that honor Ron's love of homemade cookies and capture the spirit of the season. Please join Ron's family, friends, library staff and community leaders in honor and celebration of Ron Borel. All ages are invited to the festivities.

For this month's cookbook throwdown we are tossing the cookbooks out the window and bringing in our favorite, shareable holiday treats in commemoration of former resident and patron Ron Borel. “Celebration and Stories: Ron Borel and the Manchester by the Sea Public Library” will take place at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 17th.

Virtual Events

Kids    Teens    Adults

All virtual events require registration. Click on the events to register.

Best Bike Rides in New England
Wednesday, December 14 At 7-8pm

Author David Sobel will give a presentation based on his new book, "Best Bike Rides in New England," in this Zoom webinar. Sobel will reveal some of his favorite rides, discuss the variables he uses when designing a ride, explain how to design rides using online tools like "Map My Ride" or "Strava," advocate for incorporating bike riding 3-5 times a week into your personal wellness goals, and suggest a great ride in or around your community.

This program is brought to you in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library and multiple New England public libraries. 

Author Conversations Featuring: Maureen Johnson (Nine Liars) & Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Final Gambit)
Wednesday, January 4 At 7-8pm

Enjoy a special evening with two of the country's top young adult authors, Maureen Johnson (Nine Liars) is interviewed by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Final Gambit), in this ZOOM webinar.

Maureen Johnson is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen young adult novels, including the Truly Devious series, the Shades of London series, Suite Scarlett, and 13 Little Blue Envelopes. Her collaborative books include Ghosts of the Shadow Market (with Cassandra Clare), as well as Let It Snow (with John Green and Lauren Myracle), which was also a hit feature film on Netflix. Maureen's books have sold more than three million copies worldwide and have been published in more than thirty countries. She grew up in Philadelphia, graduated from the University of Delaware and has an MFA in Writing from Columbia University. Maureen lives in New York City with her husband and dog.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty acclaimed young adult novels, including The Inheritance Games trilogy, Little White Lies, Deadly Little Scandals, The Lovely and the Lost, and The Naturals series. Jen is also a Fulbright Scholar with advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University in 2012 and was a professor of psychology and professional writing for many years.

Check out Nine Liars. Published soon on Dec 27, 2022. Check out The Final Gambit.

This program is offered in partnership with Tewksbury Public Library and other MA libraries. 

In-Person & Hybrid Events For All Ages

Kids    Teens    Adults

Diversity Book Group : "Invisible Child"
Tuesday, December 13 At 5:30-6:30pm

We will finish our discussion of "Invisible Child" by Andrea Elliott. "Invisible Child" was named a best book of the Year by the New York Times Book Review, Time, Atlantic and NPR. Both devastating and illuminating, it is a tale of poverty in an American family through the eyes of a precocious and amazing child. Physical book copies available to whomever picks up first at the circulation desk or put a copy on hold for pickup. Program for adults.

Made By Hand: Turkish Flat Weave Bracelet
Thursday, December 15 At 5:30—6:30 Pm

The best gifts are made by hand. Join crafters Penny Boling and Maddy Willwerth as we walk you through making your own Turkish flat weave bracelets. You can also follow along with Creative Bug, which you have free access to with your library card. We will have all the supplies including gift boxes and ribbon to wrap them up when you are done. 

Can't make it? Put a kit on hold to be picked up after the event. Only 16 spots available for the in person event and 10 kits available after the event so don't wait! This event is appropriate for Ages 8 - Adults.

PJ Family Story Time
Tuesday, December 27 At 6-6:45 Pm

Join Ms. Carol in the Children's Room for stories, songs and a bedtime snack. It's fun to wear PJs and bring your favorite stuffy friend. Registration required.

Family Afternoon Movie: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
Thursday, December 29 At 2-3:45pm

We've got a fun family flick lined up for you!  Based on the classic children's book, Lyle will charm and sing his way into your heart.  Bring a pillow, blanket, a closed drink container and a friend but don't forget to register because space is limited and this is going to be a sold-out show.  Rated PG for mild peril and thematic events.

Please note that children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.   

Mystery Book Group
Friday, December 30 At 10:30-11:30am

The Manchester Mystery Book Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30 AM. December's meeting will occur in the library's reading room & over Zoom. Click Here for the Zoom meeting link. (This link will not work until Dec. 30th, 10 min before 10:30 AM) Email [email protected] with any questions or to get connected with the group.

We will discuss "The Long Call" by Ann Cleeves. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in late November or you can check out a digital audiobook and ebook through the Libby app. Use your MBTS library card to sign up for Libby for free.

January's pick will be "21 Immortals: Inspector Mislan and the Yee Sang Murders" by Rozlan Mohd Noor. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in late December.

New members are always welcome. For the date, times, and more book club resources Click Here.

Weekly Events

Kids    Teens    Adults

Craft Circle by the Hearthside
Sundays At 2-3pm

Digital Advice
Mondays: Appointments At 11am And 11:30am & Drop-In From 12-1pm         

Registration is required for the 2 appointment. Click Here to register. 

Dungeons and Dragons
Tuesdays 3:30-5pm

For Ages 11-18. Most Tuesday and registration is required. Click Here for more details and to register. 

Tai Chi Class
Wednesdays At 9:45-10:45am

Safety Registration Form must be completed before 1st session. Fill out the form here. 

Shut Up and Write!
Wednesdays At 10:30 Am-12pm

Virtual over Zoom and registration is required. Email [email protected] for the zoom link.

Stories & Songs in the Children's Room
Wednesdays 10:30-11am

For our youngest patrons and thier caregivers, ages birth-6. Registration is required and space is limited. Click Here to register.

MBTS Literary Libations Writing Group
Thursdays At 7-8pm

Registration is encouraged but not required. Click Here to register or for more info. 

Free Digital Library Resources

We are always open online where you can check out our free to use digital collection! There you can find a great selection of eBooks, Audiobooks, and movies and TV shows to stream and enjoy along with many other digital resources by using your Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library card.

Check out some of the popular options below! To see more free resources visit our Virtual Library page.

Libby: Download eBooks, Audio Books, Streaming Video and Magazines. To sign in, choose your library system from the dropdown menu — Massachusetts-by-the-Sea library cardholders are considered Merrimack Valley Library patrons (MVLC); use your library card number to login. Download or stream across multiple devices using the Libby app. Begining next year you will need your pin to access this resources. Please call 978-526-7711 if you need to reset your pin.

Creativebug is a resource that offers over 1,000 high-quality online videos in arts and crafts instructional workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screenprint, make jewelry and more! No matter what level maker you are, you can find a crafting medium that fuels your creative side! When accessing Creativebug from home you will need your library card’s barcode numbers. If you do not have access to your library card, please see a librarian at the Manchester Library.

Everyone experiences stress, and learning how to manage it is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health. For guidance, help, and lots of great stories (not to mention the new *Calm Room*), visit Teen Health & Wellness.

Teen Health & Wellness is an award-winning resource that provides teens up to date, nonjudgmental, curricular, and self-help support. Visit the ***New Calm Room feature to find videos, sounds, resources to help you relax and refocus.