MBTS PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS

Library Closing Early Friday August 4 at 1:00PM

The Manchester Library will close early at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 4th to prepare for the Manchester Friends of the Library's Annual Summer Book Sale being held this year on the front lawn.

It's back! The ever-popular Manchester Friends of the Library Book Sale returns this August 5th during Festival by the Sea. Come to the Manchester Library between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m and take advantage of deals and steals in hardcover fiction, nonfiction, children's books, DVDs, puzzles and more! Both cash and checks are accepted. All proceeds benefit the Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library. Come and bring a friend!

Don't miss this chance to get amazing books and more while supporting the Friends of the Library who have sponsored the permanent StoryWalk, beautiful landscaping, library lawn furniture, new Reference Room furniture, museum passes and countless library programs through decades of support. Our Library could not do any of these amazing things without them!

Virtual Events

Author Chat with Gail Sahar, "Blame and Political Attitudes..." (Virtual)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 AT 7:00—8:00PM

Have you been asking yourself "what does culture war even mean" and "what does it mean to be 'woke'" and how do these questions contribute to the current divide in America? If you have been, please join us for this conversation with Professor Gail Sahar, author of "Blame and Political Attitudes: The Psychology of America’s Culture War".

You can buy signed books (by bookplate) by Gail from Aesop's Fable. Just write that you would like the book signed in the notes section at checkout.

About the book: Questions about the causes of events, from terrorist attacks to mass shootings to economic and public health crises dominate conversations across the US. Recent research in social psychology outlines the process we use to identify the causes of such events, reveals how we determine who is responsible or to blame, and documents the far-reaching consequences of these determinations for our emotions, our actions, and our attitudes. Current approaches to political opinions posit a direct path from a person’s worldview (liberal or conservative) to their attitudes toward specific political issues like abortion and welfare. This book argues that blame is the missing link between the two.

About the Author: Gail Sahar is the Jane Oxford Keiter Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. She earned her Ph.D. at UCLA and has been teaching social and political psychology while researching attitudes toward controversial social issues for over 25 years. She has won awards for her teaching and was recently honored with an endowed chair for teaching and research. Her research focuses on how a person’s worldview or political ideology is linked to their perceptions of the causes of social problems and how those perceptions influence blame, emotions, and opinions. She has investigated public attitudes toward numerous issues, such as poverty, abortion, and terrorism. Her work offers hope to those working for political change as it suggests ways to influence the attitudes of others by focusing less on political ideology and more on perceptions of the causes of social problems. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, music, movies, cooking and tasting good wine. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and beloved mutt.

This program is made available through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. Register Here or call 978-526-7711.

Zero Waste for Parents & Kids (Virtual)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 AT 7:00—8:00PM

We learned so much from Sarah last time she was with us, we just had to have her back! This time, we'll dig into practical tips to make your children's birthday parties and school lunches eco-friendly and low waste. We'll also be discussing how kids, families, and communities can be more sustainable as some towns/cities/states move towards free lunches for all. All ages are welcome!

Sarah Robertson-Barnes, founder of the Sustainable in the Suburbs blog, is a freelance writer, educator, and consultant. She lives with her husband, two kids, and rescue dog outside of Toronto, Ontario. Sustainable in the Suburbs is a resource for living low waste with kids in a culture of convenience.

Please register for this event, you'll receive the zoom link in the confirmation and reminder emails.

This program is made available by the Ashland Public Library sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. We are pleased to be partnering with the Ashland Sustainability Committee, GreenUp Ashland, and a multitude of MA Libraries for this event.

Weekly Events 

Summer Storytime with Miss Audrey
MONDAYS AT 10:30AM

This summer join Youth Librarian, Audrey Carman every Monday for stories, songs, and games for ages 0-5. 

Digital Advice with Expanded Hours
MONDAYS: APPOINTMENTS AT 11, 11:30AM, 12PM & 12:30PM & DROP-IN FROM 1-2PM

SELECT FRIDAY DROP IN AT 3-4PM      

Registration is required for the 4 appointments on Monday. Click Here to register. 

Mindfulness Meditation
TUESDAYS AT THE MBTS COMMUNITY CENTER, 11AM-12PM

No program on July 18. Registration is required if you haven't attended the program before. Click Here to register or for more info. 

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.

Summer Art and Sensory
WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING July 5 - AUGUST 23 FROM 3:00-4:00PM

Art and Sensory encourages students to explore their creativity through the fun of using many different art materials. The project is always step by step, hands on and guided to help create individual masterpieces! This program starts 6/28 and runs every Wednesday in the summer. Kids entering pre-k - leaving 2nd grade can register at manchesterpl.org/events. Space is limited and you must register for every week you would like to attend.

IN-PERSON & HYBRID EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

Diversity Matters Book Group : “His Name Is George Floyd ..."
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2 AT 4:00—5:00PM

Please note the date and time of this program has changed from July 25 to August 2 at 4:00PM.

July's diversity matters book group will be reading Pulitzer prize winning "His Name Is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice" by Robert Samuels. Physical book copies available at the circulation desk and free digital audiobooks and ebooks are available through the libby app, register with your Manchester library card. Email [email protected] for more info and to get connected to the book group.

Next month's book pick is "Constructing a Nervous System" by Margo Jefferson.

Cold Brew / Hot Books on the Lawn
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 11:00—11:30AM

Summer is hot and good books are even hotter! We’ll provide the cold brew coffee for you and we can all chat about the books we have been reading or hearing about. Thursday, August 10, 11 AM on the lawn with Lori, Sara and Maddy as we dish and ditch the good, bad, and ugly books that caught our attention in July. 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 and a free cold brew coffee, relax and chat about books, what could be better? See you here and bring a friend!

The Didgeridoo Down Under Show
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 AT 2:30—3:30PM

The Didgeridoo Down Under Show is sponsored by the Ron Borel Bequest to honor his birthday, love of children's books, generosity and unending support of the MBTS Public Library. Ron Borel's life and his many generous gifts will be celebrated with a sweet treat for all attendees.

The Didgeridoo Show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience participation. The didgeridoo has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1500 years, and it's known for its otherworldly sound. You'll learn about Aussie animals, culture, unity and more ... all while moving and grooving to the pulsing rhythms of the didge. The Didgeridoo Show is interactive, educational, motivational and super fun for all ages!

In the event of rain, we will be at the Manchester Community Center so please register (just in case).

This event is a celebration of the end of youth summer reading, so make sure to bring in your reading tally's on or before August 11 to be entered to win the Topsfield Fair prize package.

Massage and Energy Work Demo and Q&A
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 AT 6:00—7:00PM

Massage Therapist, Matt Kurdt, of Holistic Energy Works will be leading a workshop to help spread the word about the positive benefits of Massage Therapy and Energy Work. He will be available to provide hands-on demonstrations of some simple yet incredibly effective techniques as well as to answer any questions you may have about massage in general.

Attendees can opt in to receiving a short massage demonstration but will need to sign a waiver. The massage demos are not private as this program will take place in the Reference Room of the library.

Registration is required and space is limited.

Check Out Free Virtual 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, movies and TV shows to stream and enjoy along with many other databases and digital resources by using your Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library card.