News and Events

MBTS PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS

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We Want To Hear From You! 

Click here to take the survey online, on your own phone or device, or pick up a paper copy at the library.

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Library closing early at 1PM on Wednesday, 11/22 and closed 11/23 and 11/24

The library will reopen on Saturday 11/25 for its normal hours. Many of the library’s free digital resources are available from anywhere 24/7. Visit manchesterpl.org/resources and use your library card to access. 

Painting of lemons and garlic. Acrylic on canvas.

From Darkness -- Color

Paintings by Allison Moir-Smith

Concussion Recovery Art

On Display From November 6 - December 4 during normal library hours.

“From Darkness -- Color" is a collection of acrylic paintings celebrating a return to life and learning after a prolonged concussion recovery.

In 2017, Allison fell and sustained a severe concussion. She struggled for years to find treatment for debilitating physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms. In 2020, a cognitive rehabilitation specialist suggested spending time with adult coloring books to calm her nervous system. This hastened her healing, and as she healed, she moved on to watercolors then acrylics.

What began as brain-injury recovery has grown into a robust daily painting practice and a full creative life of art classes and participation in the local art community -- a far cry from her painful homebound years.

The subjects in “From Darkness -- Color” are full of life — vibrant florals, fruits and vegetables, beloved landscapes, and loved ones doing what they love -- and reflect Allison's joy of living more fully again.

A concussion activist, public speaker, brain-injury art teacher, and facilitator of an online concussed moms support group, Allison lives in Manchester- by-the-Sea with her family. For more information, visit www.concussionrecoveryart.com and @concussion_recovery_art on Instagram.

Meet Allison Moir-Smith, the artist whose work is on display on Saturday, November 18 at 2:00-4:00PM. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. 

Weekly Events