To continue providing programs you’d like to see, we’d like to invite you to take part in our very short survey. Your much-needed feedback will be used to continue programs you’ve enjoyed in the past and will help us to bring you the adult programming you want to see at your library in the future.   The surveys are currently available online and will be physically available starting National Library Week, April 8th.  

You can fill out the survey one of two ways:

1) Online: You can fill out the survey online by going here.

2) Paper Copy: Grab a copy of the survey when you visit the library!  Copies will be located at  Adult programs here at the library and in the library Rotunda.  Completed paper versions of the survey should be returned to the Information Services Desk, located in the Manchester City Library Reading Room.

Answer a few questions and make your library work for you by telling us the kinds of programming you want.  Remember, this survey pertains to adult programming only.

Thanks for taking time to fill out our survey and thank you your continued support of Manchester City Library!

Amy H.

Did you know that laughter has been proven to boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, strengthen you abdominal muscles, and relieve stress? Who wouldn’t want to accomplish all that? Studies have shown that, on average, children laugh 117 times a day. Adults, only 5 times. One suggestion: hang out with kids. They are so busy having fun that it never crosses their minds to wonder what people think of them. And their laughter can be contagious.

There are even clubs forming, where the members get together and do nothing but laugh. Haven’t heard of them? Check out the video with British actor John Cleese on YouTube to learn more.

Prefer to do your laughing in a more private setting? Check out Completely Mad : a history of the comic book and magazine or The indispensable Calvin and Hobbes in the comic book section of the Art room. Want to get others laughing too? How about The laugh’s on me or 5600 jokes for all occasions to improve your joke-telling skills. Or take a look at Unshelved for a comic strip actually written about libraries – it might surprise you.

No matter what tools you use, try to add laughter to your daily routine….it may help more than you can possibly imagine.

The Urban Dictionary defines mirthquake as “an episode of laughter that entails shaking or violent motion.” At the library you can come and experience the phenomenon first hand. We have partnered with the Hippo Express to co-sponsor this year’s Mirthquake. Two of this year’s Mirthquake showings will take place in the Manchester City Library’s auditorium: Thursday and Friday August 19th and 20th from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. So come on in and savor some really funny vintage movies accompanied by live music. Mirthquake in New Hampshire also includes shows at UNH in Manchester, the Wilton Town Hall Theatre and the Red River Theatre in Concord.
See you at Mirthquake!

The book sale is coming! It is just two days away. It was announced in the Express (pdf) yesterday on page 10 and I visited several grocery stores on Saturday. We’ll be open from 2:30p to 6:30p, hoping for some good foot traffic by piggy backing on the Thursday afternoon Farmer’s Market.

For $5.00 people will receive a paper grocery bag at the entrance of the Winchell Room. Each additional bag can be bought for $5.00 per. If there are any questions about the sale or donations, please page or forward them to me. My voicemail is 624-6550 x610 and my e-mail address which is ereddy@manchesternh.gov.

• July 9th is Take a Pirate Journey from Wildlife Encounters – snakes and creepy things.
• July 16th is Sing songs with Marcus Gale – you know Big Dog Little Dog.
• July 23th is Dan Grady and his Marvelous Marionettes – Conway Kitty and the Edarg Brothers.
• July 30th is Mr. Phil – magic act pulls bunny out of hat.
• August 6th is Outback Adventure with Wildlife Encounters – kangaroo and koalas oh my.
• And things wind down on August 13th with The Norman Magic Experience – fun with magic.

Programs start at 6pm in the park. If it’s rainy (*sad*) things move to the Library Auditorium. Hope to see you there.

Here’s what we will be doing.

- Wed. 3/25, 1 p.m. Auditorium. Film: 1974 adaptation of the novel The Great Gatsby.

- Thu. 4/2, 7 p.m. Auditorium. A Soundtrack for The Great Gatsby: Music of the Jazz Age with Paul Combs. NH Humanities Council lecture.

- Mon. 4/6, 10 a.m. Winchell Room. Let’s Dance! Get ready to boogie. Make your own instruments. Refreshments. Ages 2-5. Pre-Registration required.

- Thu. 4/9, 7 p.m. Library Auditorium. Concert: West High School Jazz Combo will perform music from the 1920s and beyond.

- Thu. 4/9, 7 p.m. NH Room. Book Discussion: The Great Gatsby. Part of our regular Thursday book discussion program.

You can also find these events listed, along with more information, in MCL Notes, the library’s quarterly newsletter.