Abenaki Culture and History 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT 7-8PM

The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. The US, with Author Eric Cervini 
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 7-8:30P

Join us for a Zoom discussion with award-winning author and historian Eric Cervini on his painstakingly researched and engagingly written book, The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America. A New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, The Deviant's War uncovers the secret history of the fight for gay rights that began a generation before Stonewall, told through the life and unprecedented legal efforts of astronomer Franklin Edward Kameny. This discussion will be moderated by Jasmine Allen of PBS NH.

An Evening With Mystery Writers Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 7-8:30 PM

Best Bike Rides in New England
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 7-8PM

IN-PERSON & HYBRID EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

Hot Books & Hot Drinks
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT 11-11:30AM

We are "falling" for some great books this Winter! We’ll provide the hot chocolate, tea and coffee for you and we can all chat about the books we have been reading or hearing about. Thursday, December 1st, 11 AM at the hearthside reading room with Lori and Sara as we dish and ditch the good, bad, and ugly books that caught our attention in November. Whether you love gripping thrillers, historical fiction, laugh out loud comedies or romances that never go the way you want, we'll have something to share. It's 30 minutes a nice fire and a free comforting drink, relax and chat about books and watch the snow fall, what could be better? See you here and bring a friend! Program for adults.

Hearthside Stories for the Young & Young-at-Heart with Diane Edgecomb
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 AT10:30-11:30AM

Join professional storyteller and Manchester favorite, Diane Edgecomb, by the hearth for some festive seasonal stories. Treats will be provided by the Friends of the Library.

Thank you to the Friends of the Manchester Library and Manchester Cultural Council for sponsoring this program. The Manchester Cultural Council is a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Registration is required and space is limited. Click Here to register. All ages program geared towards kids.

Hearthside Book Group
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 at 4-5PM

Join us in person at the library or on Zoom to discuss "Caleb's Crossing" by Geraldine Brooks. Contact Lori Dumont at [email protected] or at 978-526-7711 for further information. Copies of this book are available at the circulation desk or as an ebook or digital audiobook from the Libby app. Program for adults.

Read to Gus, a Certified Reading and Therapy Dog
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 APPOINTMENTS 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 OR 4:15PM

Registration is required. Please only register for 1 session per reader. Program for kids.

Teen Writers Workshop
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 5:30-7PM

Come write! Anyone in grades 7-12 is welcome to join the Teen Writers Workshop. Play games, write to prompts, share your stuff, and become a part of the local writing community. Snacks provided! Registration is required. Click Here to register.

Early Childhood Partners presents: Seaside Saturday with Julie Arthur 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 10-11AM

Join Ms. Julie for Seaside Saturday at the Library every 2nd Saturday, where participants will enjoy themed stories, activities and crafts! This program will be outside or in the Children's Room depending on the weather. Please register on our partner's website or call: www.EarlyChildhoodPartners.com / 978-468-5489.

This program is sponsored by our friends at Early Childhood Partners CFCE, who offer FREE playgroups, workshops, community events, advocacy, and support for families and children age 0-8.

A Tree In Dock Square: An Author Vist With Jean Woodbury + Info on Pre-Orders
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 2-3PM

We are delighted to invite you to join Jean Woodbury author of The Tree in Dock Square, the award-winning picture book in the first Cape Ann Reads Contest.  Jean will share her book with her granddaughters and signed copies will be available for purchase.  She has gifted all proceeds  to the Friends of the Manchester Library.   If you are unable to attend the event you can pre-order your copy through December 8. Click Here to Pre-Order. Program for kids and thier caregivers.

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.

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 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 incouraged 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.

Creativebug is a go-to digital resource that offers over a 1,000 high-quality online videos in arts and crafts instructional workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, 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 contact a librarian at the Manchester Library at 978-526-7711.

Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides instant access to thousands of critically acclaimed movies, documentaries and Kids favorites. We partner with studios like A24, The Criterion Collection, PBS and more to bring your library access to thoughtful entertainment. How can I watch Kanopy? You can stream Kanopy on any of your favorite devices! Kanopy is accessible via mobile and tablet apps for iPhone and Android. You can also access Kanopy on your Desktop, and SmartTV apps like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire Stick.

LinkedinLearning can help you develop business and creative skills that will increase your ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Courses are available from beginner tech users to advanced programmers. 

You can watch all the same content, bookmark courses, and obtain certificates of completion.