Library Programs
December 2022
All events are free and open to the public.
Registration is required for some events.
Learn more at https://manhattanks.librarycalendar.com/.
 
KIDS: Birth-Grade 5 & Family Events
 
Snow Much Fun Storytime
Pre-K with an adult caregiver
Dec. 1 | 10:00-10:30 AM
Librarians will present a winter themed storytime for families to attend together with books on the big screen, music, snowy activities and a craft. No registration.
*Families are invited to bring mittens, gloves or hats to donate to the library’s Mitten Tree.
 
Author Talk with H.C. Friesen
K-8th grade and all ages welcome
Dec. 1 | 4:30-5:00 PM
Local author H.C. Friesen will talk about her inspiration for the characters in her new book, Janey Olsen, Famous Artist of the Beach. The story is written from the viewpoint of 10-year-old Janey vacation with her family on the Outer Banks of North Carolina at Kitty Hawk. The book is a recent winnter of the Kansas Author's Club 2022 Children's Book Award and the "It Looks Like a Million" Award for illustration and design. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, and Friesen will sign books for anyone interested. No registration.
 
Yoga Storytime
Pre-K with an adult caregiver
Dec. 7 | 10:00 OR 11:00 AM
Dec. 14 | 10:00 OR 11:00 AM
Children's librarian and yoga instructor Hannah will present yoga picture books, activities and music incorporating simple yoga poses. Participants may bring yoga mats or use one supplied by the library. The target age for this storytime is ages 3-5. Please register to save your spot.
Kids DIY: Penguins & Polar Bears
K-5th Graders
Dec. 8 | 4:30-5:30 PM
We will read a story together about a polar bear and a penguin who live on opposite poles. Then create your own polar scene with miniature polar bears and/or penguins. Learn how to make an aurora borealis backdrop with colored chalk. The library provides supplies. Please register your child in advance to save a spot.
 
Zoofari Tails Storytime: Anteaters
Pre-K with an adult caregiver
Dec. 9 | 10:00 OR 11:00 AM
The zoo and the library team up to present a fun animal-themed storytime for ages 3 and up with books on the big screen, active songs, and lots of animal sounds and poses. Learn about anteaters this month. No registration.
 
StoryWalk® Indoors: The Mitten
Dec. 12-23 | All library hours
Try our StoryWalk® Indoors featuring The Mitten by Jan Brett. Start at the Children's desk and look for the numbered signs around the Children's Room. Read pages as you walk around, and visit the desk when you are done for a small prize. Available during open library hours, Dec. 12-23. 
*Families are also encouraged to bring mittens, gloves, hats or scarves to donate to the library’s Mitten Tree. 
Musical Babies
0-18 months, with an adult caregiver
Dec. 13 | 11:00 AM
Babies love music and playing with their caregivers. A variety of music will be shared along with activities such as shaking small instruments, playing with scarves, and fun interactions like rocking, hugging and tickling. This program is for babies and toddlers 0-18 months old, but siblings are also welcome to attend.
 
Yoga For Kids
K-5th Graders
Dec. 20 & 21 | 2-3 PM
Attend a library yoga class with yoga poses and mindfulness techniques. We will discuss some of the library’s yoga and mindfulness books and have fun doing yoga together. New to yoga? No problem. This class is for you. Register in advance to save your spot.
 
 
TEENS: Grade 6-12
Teen D&D Night 
9th -12th Graders
Dec. 2 | 4:30-7:00 PM 
This is the final session of the year. Players must be in 9th-12th grade. Registration is required & space is limited. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
 
Teen Anime Club: Book Giveaway
6th -12th Graders
Dec. 13 | 6:00-7:00 PM 
Let’s talk about manga and anime! Join us every 2nd Tuesday for a fun, relaxed time to watch Anime and participate in an activity. The December club will include a manga book giveaway!
Teen Zone
6th -12th Graders
Teens are invited to hang out in the Teen Zone on 2nd floor, next to the Young Adult book collection. They can use computers, read, study, craft, play video games, play on an Oculus VR system, or just relax and chat with friends. Teens must be enrolled in 6th grade - 12th grade to enter.
Hours: Mon. - Fri. | 3 - 6 PM & Sat. - Sun. | 1 - 6 PM
 
ADULTS & TEENS
DIY Night: Party Mocktails
Ages 12+ years
Dec. 1 | 7-8 PM
Join us on December 1st to learn how to make two delicious mocktails with Caleb from 324 Speakeasy!
Drink 1: Star Berry Fizz
Drink 2: Hot Salted Chocolate
Registration is required to receive a take home kit of mocktail ingredients.
Yak and Yarn
Ages 12+ years
Every Monday | 1-3:30 PM
Knitters and crocheters meet on a weekly basis to socialize and get help with their craft projects. Meet in the Groesbeck Room. No registration needed.
 
Senior Tech Drop-In Sessions
Are you new to technology? Come and get help with your tablets, laptops, and phones. Call Wandean Rivers with any questions at 785-776-4741 ext 302. 
 
Riley County Seniors' Services Center
Dec. 5 | 9:30-11:30 AM | Located at 301 N. 4th St. 
 
Douglass Activity Center
Dec. 12 | 9:30-11:30 AM | Located at 925 Yuma Street.
 
Meadowlark Hills: Flint Hills Room
Dec. 15 | 9-11 AM | Located at 2121 Meadowlark Circle.
 
Manhattan Public Library
629 Poyntz Ave
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
785-776-4741
www.MHKLibrary.org