MBTS PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS
Virtual Events

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

Remnants of old structures.

Chaco & Aztec: The Center of the World
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 AT 7-8PM

Chaco Cultural National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument are preserves and a major centers of Ancestral Pueblo culture, dating between 850 and 1250CE. Today Chaco Canyon seems to be in the middle of nowhere; however, 1,000 years ago, this was the Center Place for the American Pueblo people, the middle of everything!

Buried for hundreds of years under wind-blown sands, the monumental complexes they constructed were occupied for several centuries and ultimately left behind whisper echoes from the past of a complex and sophisticated society continued by their descendants today. This presentation takes us into the lives of the Ancestral pueblo people of Northwest New Mexico. We’ll look at the largest man-made structures in North America (up until the mid-1800s), examine the mysteries of the Chaco roads and explore the solar and lunar alignments built into these monumental structures.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dave Meyers at NPS is a Park Guide at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Dave has a Master’s in Museum Studies, and a BS in History, and has been living in the Four Corners area of the country since 1997.

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

The Challenges of Being a Debut Author featuring Chelsea Banning
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 AT 7-8PM

Debut author (and librarian) Chelsea Banning was very excited to publish her first book, "Of Crown and Legends". And then came the book signing where only 2 people showed up and the Twitter storm of support when Chelsea posted about the experience. Now, we speak with Chelsea in conversation with debut authors Laura Gao, Brian D. Kennedy, Jean Louise, and XiXi Tian to chat about the challenges and joys of getting your first book out in the world. This event will interest Teens and Adults.

If you have not seen Chelsea's Tweet storm, you should check it out! Responses from some of the biggest names in publishing, sharing their stories of book signings gone awry. It's must read!

IN-PERSON & HYBRID EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

Background of colorful paint with a graphic blank canvas and large paint brush.

MAKE ART THIS JANUARY

Submit your art as long as it is 3in X 3in in size. Only one work per artist but multiple people can submit one work as a group. Any artwork submitted by January 20th will be entered into a raffle for an art kit. All artwork must include the name of the artist, the title of the artwork, a contact email or phone number and the age of the artist. Email [email protected] if you have any questions. This is an all ages event. Art is for everyone, birth-300!

MBTS Made By Hand Event: Paint Pouring
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 4-5PM

Want to make art for the Tiny Art Show but not sure where to begin? Why not try paint pouring, the viral Tik Tok trend. Bring a t-shirt you don't mind getting messy, we will supply the rest. You can take your art with you or enter it into the Tiny Art Show on Saturday, January 21.

This event is appropriate for all ages but kids younger than 8 will need the help of an adult.

MBTS Tiny Art Show
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20-27 with Reception on SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 AT 1:30-3PM

All 40 kits have been claimed. You can use any mediums and supplies so long as they fit on the canvas or are the same size, 3in X 3in. Return your artwork by Friday, January 20th for a chance to win an art kit and to be included in the art show. MBTS Tiny Art Show Reception is Saturday, January 21 from 1:30-3PM. All ages and abilities welcome.

Books and Bingo for children ages 3+
MONDAY, JANUARY 23 AT 3:30—4:15PM

Join Ms. Carol for winter stories and picture bingo. For children ages 3-6 and their caregivers.  Registration is required, with a minimum of 3 children needed to play.

Dog bones and hearts surround a father and 3 children reading to a black lab.

Read to Gus, a certified reading and therapy dog
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 and 4:15PM

Deb Kaneb and Gus, a Certified Reading Partner and Therapy Dog, are back and looking forward to hearing stories read by YOU!  Reading with a certified reading dog helps to build confidence with a safe, nonjudgmental partner.  Sign up for a 15-minute appointment and make sure to bring a favorite book or allow time to pick out your just right book at the Library. This program is especially for those starting to read and that want to little extra practice with our special friend, Gus!

Red, Asian style lanterns hang along a dark city street.

Mystery Book Group
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 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 Jan. 27th, 10 min before 10:30 AM) Email [email protected] with any questions or to get connected with the group. We will discuss "21 Immortals: Inspector Mislan and the Yee Sang Murders" by Mohd Noor, Rozlan. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk but we have very limited copies. You can also check out a free digital ebook through the Hoopla app. Use your MBTS library card to sign up for Hoopla for free. February's pick will be "Mission Hill" by Wechsler, Pamela. Physical copies will be available at the circulation desk in late January. New members are always welcome. For the date, times, and book of the month during 2023 please Click Here.

Closeup of small felt and wooden puppets.

The Snow Maiden A Waldorf Puppet Story Time
MONDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 3:30—4:00PM

Join the Snow Maiden and her friends for a special adventure in this special puppet story time presented by our friends from The Waldorf School at Moraine Farm. This program is especially suited to preschool aged children and their families.

Afternoon Kids Movie: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 AT 1:00—3:00PM

Join us in the Children's Room for an action-packed afternoon with this 2018 animated, super-hero story featuring Miles Morales. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action.  AND you'll be in the know for when the much anticipated sequel is released in June 2023.  Rated PG for mild language, frenetic action violence, and thematic elements. Snacks provided, but please bring a closed drink. Recommended for ages 8+.  All kids under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Weekly Events

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 appointments at 11 and 11:30AM. Click Here to register.

Dungeons and Dragons
ALTERNATING 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.

Stone statue of Buddha sits surrounded by snow.

Mindfulness Meditation
EVERY OTHER THURSDAY BEGINNING FEBRUARY 2 AT 11AM-12PM

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.

Hoopla will offer you music, movies, books, and more to enjoy! Using a web browser, smartphone or tablet, hoopla is an online streaming service that offers a great selection of feature films, television shows, documentaries, music albums and audiobooks you can enjoy at home or on the go. The content is always available so you don’t have to worry about ending up on any wait-lists and you get up to 10 checkouts per month!

Mass Moments is a daily Almanac of Massachusetts history. No library card needed. Access from anywhere you have internet access.

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.