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

Diversity Book Group : “How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 5:30-6:30PM

We will discuss “How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith. Physical book copies available to whomever picks up first at the circulation desk or put a copy on hold for pickup. Febuary's read will be “I am Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown

TAB (Teen Advisory Board)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 5:30-6:30PM

Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30-6:30 Earn community service hours while having fun planning events for your friends and the community! Please register by clicking on the title above so we know how many snacks to bring!

Comics-Making Workshop
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 at 4-5:30PM
Four Friday Series: January 13th-February 3rd

Only 5 spots left! Be the star of your own comic! Join Boston-based author/illustrator Jonathan Todd (the upcoming Scholastic graphic novel “Timid,” the online YA graphic memoir “Cecil Hall”) for a four-week workshop covering all the fundamentals of creating autobiographical comics, from writing to drawing to editing. Registration is limited to 20 participants, and art supplies are included. Please register on the Library Events Calendar on January 13 for all 4 weeks as the session build upon each other.

CFCE Early Childhood Partners Presents: Seaside Saturday with Julie Arthur
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 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. Registration required 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. Funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care awarded to Hamilton-Wenham RSD.

Cookbook Throwdown
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 AT 11:30 AM-12:30PM

On the 2nd Saturday of every month we will share recipes from a cookbook from off our library shelves. January's pick is "East : 120 vegan and vegetarian recipes from Bangalore to Beijing" by Meera Sodha. When I am hosting friends and family I always feel uneasy cooking vegetarian and vegan dishes, so whether you are trying out a new diet or trying to expand your weekly rotation lets all try out some new recipes together!

Sign up for a recipe in the library or online and bring your dish to be sampled on Saturday, January 14th along with any utensils needed. The library will provide small plates, napkins, and the standard cutlery but if you are bringing a soup or other recipe that needs specialized cutlery please bring bowls or cups for everyone to use.  Please call Maddy Willwerth at 978-526-7711 if you have any questions.

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.

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.

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.

There is an App for That!

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library has a mobile app available for all patrons. MVLC Mobile makes it easy for you to use the Library’s resources, even if you aren’t physically in the Library.

With this app, you can access your account no matter where you are. MVLC Mobile makes it easy to digitally browse the Library’s collections, check out or place a hold on items, and even renew items previously checked out. If many people in your house use the Library, you can even link their accounts together to easily view multiple accounts all from the same device.

If you are interested in downloading this app, search for MVLC Mobile in your app store today. The app is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded to multiple devices. If you need assistance downloading the app, please contact the Library and a staff member will be able to help you!

GreenFILE is a bibliographic database of information about environmental concerns, Global warming, energy conservation, natural resources, and pollution. GreenFILE covers content going back more than 35 years and contains bibliographic backfiles to volume one, issue one for Bioscience, Journal of Environmental Planning & Management, Journal of Ecology, and Conservation Biology, and these backfiles are unique to GreenFILE. The database also contains bibliographic information for key non-scholarly titles such as E -The Environmental Magazine, Natural Life, and Mother Earth News. The database contains nearly 300,000 records, full text for certain titles, and searchable cited references for more than 200 titles as well. GreenFILE is a database that includes information for individuals, such as installing solar panels and recycling; for corporations needing information on green agriculture, hybrid cars, or waste management; as well as, environmental laws, regulations, and studies. The goal is for GreenFILE to be a practical tool for everyday information and a resource for academic study and classroom activities. A Manchester Library card is needed to access this resource.

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.