Manchester Library Friends’ Newsletter

Labor Day Issue
September 1, 2025

Editor: Ray Pardo


School Days . . . School Days

Labor Day – September 1, 2025
Library Closed


FOML Current Events Calendar

  • Labor Day (Library Closed)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 24, 7:00 pm – FOML Board Meeting
  • Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:00 am–3:00 pm – October Book Sale
  • Saturday, Oct. 4, 11:00 am–3:00 pm – Oktoberfest
  • Thursday, Oct. 9 – Staff Training (Library Closed)
  • Monday, Oct. 13 – Indigenous Peoples Day (Library Closed)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7:00 pm – FOML Board Meeting

Check manchesterwa.org for more fall events and calendar updates.


Youth & Teen Programs – Fall

Baby Band

Tuesdays, Sept. 9–30 & Oct. 10–28
9:30 am or 10:15 am

Babies and caregivers enjoy musical experiences that support pre-literacy skills along with physical, social, and emotional development. For babies up to age 2.
Note: Playtime follows the 10:15 am session.


Sock Owl Craft

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 4:00–5:00 pm

Create a stuffed sock owl to keep you company while reading or studying.
Note: Hot glue guns will be used.
Ages 6–12. Younger siblings welcome with an assisting adult.
Registration required.


Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, Sept. 11–25 & Oct. 2, 16–30, 10:15 am

Stories, rhymes, songs, and full-body movement designed to build early literacy skills and socio-emotional awareness.
Ages 3–5. Siblings welcome.


Toddler Tunes ’n Tales

Friday, Sept. 12, 10:15–10:45 am

Toddlers (ages 2–3) sing, dance, play music, and enjoy a story.
Siblings welcome. Playtime follows.


LEGO Landmarks

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 4:00–5:00 pm

Re-create iconic landmarks using LEGOs while learning fun facts and finding them on a map.
Ages 6–12. Younger siblings welcome with an assisting adult.


Youth & Teen Programs (Continued)

Playdough Playdates

Friday, Sept. 26, 10:15–11:00 am

Preschool-aged children practice early learning skills through structured playdough activities followed by free play.
Limited space and materials. First come, first served.


Haunted Halloween Birdhouses

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 4:00–5:00 pm

Create a haunted or friendly birdhouse. Assemble first, then paint and decorate.
Note: Acrylic paint will be used. Dress accordingly.
Ages 6–12. Younger siblings welcome with an assisting adult.
Registration required.


“Bone” Bridge Challenge

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 4:00–5:00 pm

Build a bridge using “bone” materials. Challenges include strength, length, height, and chill factor.
Ages 6–12. Individual or team participation.


Toddler Halloween Storytime & Parade

Friday, Oct. 31, 10:15–11:00 am

Gentle Halloween storytime followed by a short outdoor parade.
Ages 2–3. Costumes optional. No weapons, please.
Siblings welcome.


Teen Programs

Dungeons & Dragons

Monday, Oct. 20
1:00–3:00 pm and 3:30–5:30 pm

Monthly drop-in Dungeons & Dragons session for teens. One-shot adventures suitable for new and returning players.
Snacks provided. Bring a water bottle.
Ages 13–18.


Adult Programs

Just Sew: Manchester

Saturday, Sept. 20, 10:30 am–1:30 pm

Perfect for beginners or those returning to sewing. In partnership with Kitsap & Olympic Peninsula Clothing Textile Advisors.
Machines, fabric, and instruction provided.
Registration required. Ages 16+.


DIY Beaded Plants

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Create a small beaded plant. Supplies provided.
Feel free to bring your own beads.
Registration required.


Spooky Crafternoon for Adults

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2:00–4:00 pm

Make three Halloween-themed crafts in one afternoon.
All materials provided.
Registration required. Ages 18+.


DIY Drypoint Intaglio Printmaking

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Create a print using drypoint etching on plastic and a pasta machine press.
Supplies provided.
Registration required. Ages 18+.


Book Worms Book Club

Third Mondays, 6:00–7:00 pm

  • Sept. 15 – Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
  • Oct. 20 – West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Library 2025 Fall Plant Sale

A wide variety of plants including native trees, perennials, fig trees, shrubs, strawberries, ground covers, and grasses.

Fall is a great time to plant.

Sale Dates:
Saturday, Sept. 20 through Saturday, Oct. 4

Location:
Library parking lot, daylight hours

Self-service. Cash or checks accepted.