Library offers “Winter Survival Series“ programs for all ages in February

submitted by Quintessa Gallinat, Manchester District Library

This month, Manchester District Library (MDL) will offer a Winter Survival Series of fun-filled activities for all ages. Stop by the library or visit the MDL event calendar for more information. For programs requesting advance registration, sign up at the circulation desk or by phone at (734) 428-8045; a link for online registration is also available through the calendar in the event description.

Story Time, held weekly on Tuesdays at 11am in the MDL Youth Area, continues through the winter with special guest readers and fun projects. Recommended for preschool age children with an adult.

Maker Nights
February 1 and February 15 (monthly on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) | 6:30pm | Village Room
Makers in all media are invited to bring their latest project and get inspiration from other participants. This is a great opportunity for beginners to get help from experienced practitioners or for small groups to work together on creative interests. Recommended for ages 13+.

Bingo!
February 2 (monthly on the 1st Thursday) | 6:30pm | MDL Teen Spot
Join Ms. Angela for a rousing round of bingo with snacks and prizes. All ages welcome.

Beginner Chess
February 3, 10, and 17; March 3, 10, and 17 | 3:45pm | MDL Teen Spot
This 6-part class is designed for the absolute beginner chess student. Learn how to set up the chess board; the names of the chess pieces; how to move them; rules of the game; and how to identify check, stalemate, and checkmate. Each class will consist of 2 parts: an instructional lesson in the first half, followed by live gameplay with supervision and coaching to practice in a game situation. BYO chess set; chess sets will also be available to purchase for $28. All ages welcome; advance registration requested.

Intermediate Chess
February 3, 10, and 17; March 3, 10, and 17 | 4:45pm | MDL Teen Spot
Over six classes, the Intermediate Chess student will learn the fundamentals of the game and work on improving concentration and strategic thinking. Learn fast decision-making skills, evaluating alternatives, castling, en passant, piece values, and beginner endgame strategy. Each class will consist of two parts: an instructional lesson in the first half, followed by live gameplay with supervision and coaching to practice in a game situation. BYO chess set; chess sets will also be available to purchase for $28. All ages welcome; advance registration requested.

Family Games & Pizza Night
February 4 | 12pm | MDL Teen Spot
The event title says it all! Games and pizza provided. All ages welcome.

Valentines for Seniors
February 7 | 3:30pm | MDL Youth Area
Make hand-crafted Valentine’s Day cards for local senior citizens. Let us know if you’re interested in visiting area nursing home facilities to help pass out Valentines and make someone’s day! Materials provided; all ages welcome.

SRSLY After School
February 8 and 22 | 3:30pm | MDL Teen Spot
Hang out at the library for after-school games and snacks hosted by SRSLY Manchester. All ages welcome.

Metal Jewelry Art with Hankrajewel
February 9 | 6pm | Village Room
Learn the art of copper-wire bending from Hankrajewel, a local one-of-a-kind metal sculpted-art line. Recommended for ages 13+; advance registration requested.

MDL Board of Trustees Meeting
February 9 | 7pm | Village Council Chambers
The MDL Board of Trustees is an all-volunteer governing body made up of two members from each of the library’s participating service areas: Manchester Village, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Trustees create and oversee library policies, administer the budget, and set the strategic plan. Members of the public are welcome to attend the monthly meetings.

GALentine’s Game Night Dessert Potluck
February 13 | 6:30pm | MDL Upstairs Lounge
Bring your favorite dessert to share and come have some fun in the new upstairs lounge space. Ladies of all ages welcome.

Adult Book Club
February 15 | 6pm | Village Room
Join other members in discussion of 84, CHARING CROSS ROAD by Helene Hanff. This is the book club’s nonfiction selection for the year. As a companion read in the theme of Banned Books, the group will also discuss THE 1619 PROJECT: BORN ON THE WATER, a picture book by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery Honor–winning author Renée Watson. Copies of the books are available for on-demand checkout from the library. Recommended for ages 16+.

Rooting for Your Health
February 16 and 23 | 6pm | MDL Upstairs Lounge
Join Dr. Nia Aguirre, Naturopathic Doctor and Medicinal Herbalist, for a two-part make-and-take clinic about the vast health benefits of roots, bulbs, and tubers. These earthy powerhouses are true wonders of the plant kingdom. All ages welcome; advance registration requested.

Stop Motion Video Club
February 21 and 28; March 7 and 14 | 4–5pm | MDL Teen Spot
Bring your favorite toy friend (figurine, action figure, statue, doll, or stuffie) to play the main character in your very own stop-motion video. During this four-week class, club members will shoot and edit a complete 1-minute film. All ages welcome.

SRSLY Teen Trivia Night & Pizza Party
February 27 | 6pm | MDL Teen Spot
Fuel your brain with pizza and test your knowledge with trivia hosted by SRSLY Manchester. Recommended for ages 13–18.

Manchester District Library (MDL) is proud to serve the Village of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township. Village of Clinton and Clinton Township residents are also eligible for MDL library cards and welcome to use all MDL resources. NEW Manchester District Library hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm; Friday, 10am–6pm; and Saturday, 10am–2pm. The most up-to-date hours and the latest news are always available on the MDL website.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.