From storytimes to special guests and everything in between, discover what’s happening across our library locations.
Closed New Year's Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Family & All Ages
Help us kick off our 2026 Winter Reading Challenge with games, crafts, snacks and more. Don’t forget to pick up your challenge card!
EVENT LINEUP
10 a.m.-Noon: Crafts
10 a.m.-Noon: Snacks
10 a.m.-Noon: Winter Games
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Winter Silly Bits presented by Roz Puppets
Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age.
No registration required
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Family & All Ages
Even if the weather outside is frightful, we have something delightful! Winter Silly Bits is where gingerbread men run, snowmen frolic, and snow is celebrated.
Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age.
No registration required
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Adults (18+)
Join us at our Mishawaka Library to discuss the month’s book selection. Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.
January 3: The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
Registration required.
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Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Teens (Grades 6-12)
Learn new kitchen skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations. Teens must have a signed permission slip on file (or an adult caregiver must sign one on-site).
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
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Adults (18+)
Try your hand at easy culinary creations as we experiment with different flavors and make irresistibly delicious goodies!
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for either the December or January session.
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Children (Grades K-2)
Learn basic painting skills while creating your own unique masterpiece using dots! Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required
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Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Children (Grades 3-5)
Learn basic painting skills while creating your own unique masterpiece using dots! Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required
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Adults (18+)
Experience cozy crafting utilizing the Cricut® machine! Choose a personalized project to beat the winter blues. Perfect for experienced or novice Cricut® users.
Cricut is a registered trademark of Cricut, Inc. Cricut, Inc. is not a sponsor of this free event.
Registration required
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Teens (Grades 6-12)
Create your own scratch art using crayons, paint and soap during a fun afternoon of painting, cupcakes and friends!
Registration required
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Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Children (Grades K-5)
Learn about new topics with hands-on activities. Supplies will be provided. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
January 21: Antarctica & the Arctic Circle
Registration required
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Teen (Grades 6-12)
Learn about new topics with hands-on activities. Supplies will be provided.
January 21: Antarctica & the Arctic Circle
Registration required
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Adults (18+)
Enjoy an evening of bingo and beverages! Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.
Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, this program will be moved to the Mishawaka Library.
Registration required for each session
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Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Children (Age 5 & under)
Celebrate everyone’s favorite silly old bear and his friends with stories, music, games and crafts! Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
Registration required
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Family & All Ages
Celebrate national puzzle month with snacks, puzzles and puzzle-themed crafts.
No registration required
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Adults (18+)
Warm up in the Makerspace as we spill the tea about different blends and yummy pairings.
Registration required
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Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Children (Age 11 & Under)
Celebrate everyone’s favorite weather-predicting rodent with a few fun rounds of picture bingo! A variety of prizes will be available. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
Registration required
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Children (Grades K-2)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for one session.
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All MPHPL locations will be closing at 12:30 p.m. for staff training.
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
time
Teens (Grades 6-12)
Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill in the kitchen? Now is your chance! Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations. The same recipe will be made at the February and March sessions. Teens must have a signed permission slip on file or an adult caregiver must sign a permission slip on-site.
Registration required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the February or March session.
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Adults (18+)
Join us at our Mishawaka Library to discuss the month’s book selection. Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.
February 7: Evening Class by Maeve Binchy
Registration required.
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Children (Grades K-2)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for one session.
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Children (Age 5 & Under)
Tinkering toddlers are welcome to play and explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through fun hands-on activities. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
No registration required
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Adults (18+)
February: Indiana, Michigan and the Line Between Them
Aaron Helman, author of The Turtle, The Mitten and An Epic History of Michigan, will share stories about Michigan’s disputed borders, including the Toledo War -- the deal that moved South Bend and Mishawaka into Indiana, a dispute that remains today.
No registration required.
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Children (Age 5 & under)
Tinkering toddlers are welcome to play and explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through fun hands-on activities. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
No registration required
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Children (Grades 3-5)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for one session.
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Children (Grades 3-5)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for one session.
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Ages 11 & Under
Drop in to make something special for your favorite Valentine! A variety of crafts will be available.
No registration required
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Ages 11 & Under
Drop in to make something special for your favorite Valentine! A variety of crafts will be available.
No registration required
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Ages 11 & Under
Drop in to make something special for your favorite Valentine! A variety of crafts will be available.
No registration required
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Closed President's Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Teens (Grades 6-12)
Do your taste buds have what it takes? Identify the most flavors and win a special reward!
Registration required
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Teen (Grades 6-12)
Learn about new topics with hands-on activities. Supplies will be provided.
February 18: STEAM
Registration required
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Children (Grades K-5)
Learn about new topics through hands-on activities. Supplies will be provided. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
February 18: Wintry STEAM
Registration required
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Children (Grades K-2)
Let your creativity fly while creating your own scribble art masterpiece! Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required
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Adults (18+)
Learn to make a cozy for your winter bowl of soup, perfect for microwaving something warm and nourishing. All materials will be provided. No experience necessary.
Registration required
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Family & All Ages
Cast members from South Bend Civic Theatre’s production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical will perform songs and choreographed numbers from the show, answer audience questions, lead a craft and be available for photos. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
No registration required
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Adults (18+)
Try your hand at easy culinary creations as we experiment with different flavors and make irresistibly delicious goodies!
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for either the February or March session.
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Children (Grades 3-5)
Let your creativity fly while creating your own scribble art masterpiece! Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required
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Family & All Ages
Once upon a time ... we had a wonderful Winter Reading Challenge! Don’t forget to turn in your reading challenge card and celebrate with crafts, games and special character visits. Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age.
No registration required
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Teen (Grades 6-12)
Breaking News: The library needs your help! Find the stolen goods, catch the burglar and do it all before the Director knows anything is missing. Pizza and drinks will be served. Teens must have a signed permission slip on file (or an adult caregiver must sign one on-site). No admittance after 5:45 p.m.
Registration required
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Grades K-5
Get ready this winter for an immersive experience into the world of Bluey! Using games from renowned episodes, this class centers on imaginative play, problem solving, creativity, and social-emotional intelligence. Participants will create magical scenes and games by using everyday items to make whole worlds and characters. Join us “for real life” fun and adventure! Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required
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Children (Grades K-2)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for one session.
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time
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Children (Grades 3-5)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for one session.
time
Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Teens (Grades 6-12)
Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill in the kitchen? Now is your chance! Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations. The same recipe will be made at the February and March sessions. Teens must have a signed permission slip on file or an adult caregiver must sign a permission slip on-site.
Registration required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the February or March session.
time
Adults (18+)
Test your knowledge on a variety of popular topics from every decade since the 1960s! We will also collect donations of non-perishable food items for the Mishawaka Food Pantry. Participants who donate will be entered for a chance to win a small prize. Teams must have 2-6 members.
Registration required and limited to 16 teams
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Adults (18+)
Join us at our Mishawaka Library to discuss the month’s book selection. Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.
March 7: Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall
Registration required.
time
Children (Grades K-2)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for one session.
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Family & All Ages
Enjoy activities, games and crafts while celebrating everyone’s favorite plumber! Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 9 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain on the premises for participants 10-11 years of age.
No registration required
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Adults (18+)
March: "Mad Anthony” Wayne and the Revolution
Matthew Baumgartner, local historian, will present on Anthony Wayne of Pennsylvania, one of the fiercest of Washington’s fighting generals and a key influence on the formation of an American way of war.
No registration required.
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Family & All Ages
Can you taste the difference between European and American chocolate candies? Put your taste buds to the test with this fun challenge.
Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants. Limit one kit per household.
Registration required Click here to register for this event.
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Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Children (Grades 3-5)
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes. The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! The same recipe will be repeated at the February and March sessions. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required for each session and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for one session.
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Adults (18+)
Don’t be irrational. Celebrate Pi Day by making your own personal pie.
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
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Teen (Grades 6-12)
Learn about new topics with hands-on activities. Supplies will be provided.
March 18: National Parks
Registration required
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Children (Grades K-5)
Learn about new topics through hands-on activities. Supplies will be provided. Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
March 18: National Parks
Registration required
time
Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
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Adults (18+)
Embrace your artistic side as we use paint and hot glue on glass to create a faux stained-glass creation. Use one of our templates or create your own design.
Registration required
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Family & All Ages
Join us for a sneak peek of Lion King JR. performed by the cast of The Main Stage, Inc. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
No registration required
time
Adults (18+)
Try your hand at easy culinary creations as we experiment with different flavors and make irresistibly delicious goodies!
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.
Please register for either the February or March session.
time
time
time
time
time
time
Adults (18+)
Enjoy an evening of bingo and beverages! Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.
Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, this program will be moved to the Mishawaka Library.
Registration required
time
Children (Birth-23 months)
A structured program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Children (Ages 2-5)
A structured program in which books, story-related activities and crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
time
Family & All Ages
Bring the whole family to design and decorate their own library bags! Supplies will be provided. Limit one bag per participant. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
Registration required
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Teens (Grades 6-12)
Create your own personalized keyhole design on canvas during a fun afternoon of art, popcorn and friends!
Registration required
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Children (Ages 11 & Under)
Enjoy a crayon-themed storytime and a colorful craft!
Registration required
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Children (Ages 11 & Under)
Enjoy a crayon-themed storytime and a colorful craft!
Registration required
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Closed Memorial Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closed Juneteenth
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closed Independence Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closed Labor Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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All MPHPL locations will be closing at 12:30 p.m. for staff training.
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closing Early on Thanksgiving Eve
MPHPL online resources and digital apps are always open 24/7 to explore free of charge.
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Closed Thanksgiving Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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All MPHPL locations will be closing at 12:30 p.m. for staff in-service.
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closed Christmas Eve
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closed Christmas Day
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Closed New Year's Eve
Our digital apps and online resources are open 24/7.
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Stay in the know with the latest updates, reading recommendations, and behind-the-scenes stories from your library.
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