The following article was written by Kristin Keck.
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
— “Fire and Ice,” Robert Frost
every new beginning
comes from some other beginning’s end
— “Closing Time,” Semisonic
So, we’re coming down to the end of summer. I know I’m in the minority, but I like this time of year. I’ve never been a fan of hot weather and fall is my favorite season. There’s something very satisfying about coiling up the hose and putting the lawn chairs away, planting bulbs in anticipation of flowers in the spring, getting ready for the long winter’s nap. I didn’t like school that much, but I liked shopping for it—all those clean, blank notebooks and fresh, sharp pencils. Fall has a sense of closing down, but also of getting ready.
August does mean the end of the Summer Reading Program at Manitowoc Public Library, though. The last day to log reading will be Saturday, August 10, and the last day to collect prizes for said reading will be Saturday, August 17. Come in early for the best selection of books and other rewards—keep in mind that the prize boxes might be a tad empty by August 17.
This year, we are ending the Summer Reading Program with a blaze. On Friday, August 2, from 1-3 PM, Joshua Stuck, the Woodsy Dude, will be here at the Library to teach a course on making survival fires, with or without matches. If you have always wanted to try making sparks with a flint and steel, or using a bow drill to create a flame, this is your chance. It has a very Wild West cowboy vibe, though I can’t guarantee someone playing a harmonica or coyotes barking in the distance.
Registration for Let It Burn! Survival Fires with the Woodsy Dude opened at noon on Friday, July 19. Please not
e that participants under the age of 17 will need an adult with them. We’ll be outside on the Library Lawn by Quay Street, so dress accordingly. All the fire-making stuff will be provided, and there will be a hose nearby—just in case! I’ve always wanted to do a fire program and I’m so excited to finally have the chance. Who doesn’t love a good fire (in a completely safe, non-destructive sort of way)?
Our Teen Summer Reading Program will come to a close this year with a Sundae Funday Ice Cream Party from 1-2 PM on Friday, August 9. Celebrate how much you’ve read, how hot it’s been, or anything else you care to celebrate with a big bowl of ice cream and all the toppings you want to eat. Registration for this will open at noon on Friday, July 26. If you have suggestions for toppings, let me know (kkeck@manitowoc.org) and I’ll try to get them into the mix. Last year, someone had a bowl that consisted of marshmallows topped with caramel (That was me; I did that)!
Summer ends. Change is always slightly sad, even if it’s something as predictable and unstoppable as the seasons. The good news is there’s always something new, like a book group or an art class, to look forward to just around the next corner. Especially here at the Library.