Note From the Director

Hello February! It’s Love your Library month!

I hope everyone has had a chance to cuddle up with a good book during the snow we had last month. This month why not check out a pair of snowshoes from our Library of Things and get outside? Nature breaks are a great way to get moving and to take time to notice the beauty around us.

This snowy season is also legislative season for libraries as the statewide budgeting process is in full swing. Massachusetts is fortunate to have a strong network of libraries headed up by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC helps libraries at the local level in several ways. State Aid provides funding directly to certified libraries each year. Additional funding is provided to library networks which helps provide technology and resource-sharing services. Without that help, our library would not be able to afford membership in our library network, MVLC, nor would it be a part of the statewide delivery system that allows patrons to borrow books and materials that our library doesn’t have. These are just a few of the ways our state organization assists all of us in Manchester, so at this time of year, we work to make sure that assistance doesn’t disappear.

This year, you can help us let legislators know how much the library means to you by telling your library story. Go to lovemasslibraries.com to share how the library has helped you. ... Read more.

February Events

Crowell Concert Series Featuring: Ize Trio

Tue | Feb 4| 6:00PM

@ Crowell Chapel

The Library and Parks and Recreation are excited to offer a free, monthly concert series at the Crowell Chapel. On the 1st Tuesday of every month, join us at 6:00PM for music by the sea.

Critically acclaimed Ize Trio is known for their seamless blend of Jazz and Global influences. Their performances, are riveting, virtuosic and exciting. Arts Fuse writes: “ this is music that fascinates, that helps break boundaries and that forges bonds between people and cultures.” This special concert will feature music from their new album “The Global Suites.” Chase Morrin (Piano), George Lernis (Percussion), Ian Ashy (Bass).

This program is made possible through a partnership with Manchester Parks and Recreation and funding from the Friends of the Manchester-by-the-Sea Library and a grant from the Manchester-by-the-Sea CManchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

A Collection of Collections: Navigating Design and Creative Expression at the PEM

Thu | Feb 13| 5:30PM

@ Crowell Chapel

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Cultural Council in partnership with the MBTS Public Library are excited to host Petra Slinkard and Nancy B. Putnam from the Peabody Essex Museum.

Some of the earlies works collected by the PEM are examples of personal adornment. Join Petra Slinkard, Curator of Fashion and Design and Nancy B. Putnam, Director of Curatorial Affairs in conversation on how PEM's groundbreaking traditions harmonize into the creative, public-facing, community-focused institution it is today.

Want to check out the PEM in person? Reserve a discount Museum Pass from the library. Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library museum passes are offered by the generosity of the Friends of the Library.

Registrations are required for this event as space is limited.

Meet Nile, the Inflatable Humpback Whale!

Thu | Feb 20 | 10:30AM

@ Manchester Memorial School

The Whalemobile is coming to Manchester during February break! Come and meet Nile, a life-sized inflatable humpback whale. Learn more about whales and their habitats, and how we can keep the ocean clean for all marine animals. Plus, take a walk through a life-sized inflatable whale! This program will be held at the Manchester Memorial School gym. This program is intended for ages five and older. Please register for one half hour time slot below.

Create/Make: Book Art Hearts

Saturday | February 8 | 2:00-3:30PM

With love in the air, we'll make book art to match!

Create/Make for Adults: We explore different mediums and projects each month. Please register so we can plan for adequate materials. This program is designed for adults, but no artistic experience is necessary. Come enjoy crafting and community!

TAB (Teen Advisory Board)

Tuesday | February 11 | 5:30—6:30 PM

Meeting 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!

blank computer screen surrounded by hundreds of images

AI Unveiled: Exploring the Promise, Perils, and Potential of AI

Tuesday | February 25 | 6:00-7:00PM

This event was rescheduled from 1/28/25.

Imagine a world where computers can think, learn, and even create. Welcome to the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the technology that's changing everything from how we shop to how we drive. In this presentation, we'll take a journey through the exciting world of AI, exploring its history, its amazing applications, and even the potential risks. We'll see how AI is making our lives easier, smarter, and sometimes even a little bit scary. And we'll peek into the future to see where AI might take us next.