Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER – The North Manchester Public Library’s fifth annual Night Market returns Sept. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing an evening filled with handcrafted goods, delicious flavors, glowing activities and the creativity of the community.
This year, the library is staying open late to make room for an even bigger celebration - including a brand‑new arcade experience, according to a news release from the North Manchester Public Library.
At the Night Market, people can shop local artisans offering home décor, fall‑inspired crafts, baked delights, fashion pieces and more. This year’s vendor lineup features both new faces and returning favorites, each bringing something special to the Market, including The 3D Professor, Accessories for Hope, Addair Family Creations, Amor Columbia Food, Annie’s Bakes, The Beverage Buggy, Bookworms & Blossoms, Chelsie’s Country Pickins, Joyful Princess, Miller Made, Norma’s Nick Nacks, Nourish Indiana, Resin Relics, Treaty Creek Creations and Vintage Cravings.
Every vendor helps support library programming, so each purchase directly benefits the events, services and activities the community enjoys all year long, the release states.
Alongside the shopping, families can enjoy free glow‑in‑the‑dark activities, such as glowing yard games, a glow‑in‑the‑dark scavenger hunt, DIY crafts and more. The library will also be bringing back Night Market bingo. Attendees can pick up a bingo board when they arrive, explore the Market, and check off squares as they go. Kids who complete their boards will win a prize, while adults can turn theirs in for a chance to win special prizes as well.
But the biggest addition this year? A special arcade feature. For the first time ever, the Blocher room will be transformed into a retro‑style arcade featuring 12 games that people of all ages can play for free throughout the night.
“The Night Market has grown into one of our most anticipated traditions,” said Molly Magnus, programming coordinator. “There’s something magical about seeing the library come alive after dark. This year, we’re keeping the building and the front desk open so patrons can not only enjoy the Market, but also check out materials while they’re here!”
“This event is special because it brings people together in such a great way,” said Sarah Morbitzer, children’s department manager. “Not only are you supporting the library, but you’re also supporting our amazing local businesses and artisans. We love the opportunity to give back!”
The Friends of the Library will also be selling special limited edition glow‑in‑the‑dark sweatshirts for the event, available for purchase at the front desk. All proceeds from the sweatshirts will support library programming.
“The Night Market celebrates connection, creativity, and community - all the things we value most at NMPL,” said Andrea Zwiebel, library director. “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for year five.”
The event is free to attend, but NMPL encourages everyone to bring money to shop. No library card is needed, and all activities are free to participate in.
For more information, visit the library website at www.northmanchesterpubliclibrary.org.
