Families at a library program compete for space with bookshelves, public computers, staff workstations and walkways.

Note From the Director

October is upon us; can you believe it? This month marks my first year as Director here at Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library. It has been a whirlwind of the best kind getting to know the community and learning about the library.

When I arrived last fall, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners had announced a new round of grant funding available to public libraries as part of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. Manchester Library had submitted a letter of intent to apply for the grant. As I jumped into public forums and focus groups to learn what the community wanted and needed in a newly renovated library space, I learned a lot about the history of this beautiful, historic building and its import to the people of Manchester. I also quickly experienced some of its limits while trying to provide first-rate, inclusive library services in the building, mainly due to lack of space and limited accessibility... Read more

October Events

Read to Winston

Thursday | Oct 10

We had a very good boy visit the children's room last month. Reading with a certified reading dog helps to build confidence with a safe, nonjudgmental partner. Our dog friend Winston visits every second Thursday of the month. Reserve your spot today!

Pop Up Art School: Felted Ghost

Tuesday | Oct 15 | 4:00PM

Get in the Halloween spirit with the library and Pop Up Art! Using just wool and a needle, you'll craft a decoration that'll put the "ooooo" in booooo! Registration required. Recommended for ages 11 and up.

Blues Stories: Culture & History told through Song & Narrative

@ Crowell Chapel

Tuesday | Oct 1 | 6:00PM

Join Boston-based Blues Singer/Guitarist Barrett Anderson for a vibrant evening of story and song, telling the story of early Blues music, a distinctly American form that has shaped all music and culture that followed.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Manchester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

Tuesday | Oct 8 | 5:30-6:30PM

High school students who join the group will be involved in adding items to the library's collection, promoting special events, planning the annual Haunted Library, and more. (Plus you'll get community service hours and pizza!) For more info contact Tom Russo, the YA librarian.

Email Teen Librarian

Evening with Author Katherine Howe

@ Crowell Chapel

Thursday | Oct 10 | 5:30-6:30PM

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council in partnership with the MBTS Public Library are excited to host local author, Katherine Howe.

Come hear Katherine, #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning writer of historical fiction and nonfiction, speak about her writing career.

Registrations are required for this event as space is limited. Due to the registration volume, we will be hosting this event at the Crowell Chapel.

Haunted Library Tours

Wednesday | Oct 23 | 5:30, 5:50, 6:10 and 6:30PM

The annual haunted library is excited to welcome you back for a ghoulishly good time! Take a tour of the library in it's Halloween regalia, enjoy some treats and very few tricks and join us for a scary tale by the fireside. This is a family event appropriate for ages 4 and above. Registration is required. Please only register for 1 session.

Planning for Medicare 101

Tuesday | Oct 22 | 5:30-6:30PM

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15- December 7.

Planning for Medicare-Countdown to 65 is a no-cost seminar that helps you understand your Medicare health insurance options outside of your employer-sponsored coverage, whether or not you’re planning to retire. This is a presentation and discussion led by a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts representative, but you do not need to have BCBS to attend.

Registration is encouraged but not required on our website or call the library at 978-526-7711.

Graphic Novel Club

Wednesday | Oct 30 | 4:00-4:45PM

We'd like to invite all students in grades 4-7 to join our graphic novel club! We'll talk about books, eat a snack, and do an activity based on the month's selection. This month's pick is Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi. Copies can be picked up at the circulation desk.