The following article was written by Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services Manager Sharon Verbeten, Adult Services Librarian Tony Plekan, and Teen Services Associate Kristin Keck.
“We didn’t want to sneak around anymore . . . I mean, it’s not like we were doing anything wrong. We didn’t think we’d get addicted, but once we started, we wanted to do it all summer long!”
Don’t get worried, my dear friends, that surreptitious sneaking around involves nothing other than books and reading, thanks to the annual Summer Reading Program at Manitowoc Public Library! This year, the program runs June 10 through August 10.
In addition to having fun reading, listening to audiobooks or being read to, kids of all ages have plenty of free programs to enjoy at the Library this summer, including
- Touch the Trucks, our annual day of gawking at, climbing on, and photobombing with big rigs, tractors, ambos and more; Wednesday, July 10, 10 AM to noon.
- SSSSee the Snakes, come see, touch and even snuggle with our wiggly reptilian friends with the Traveling Snake Show, Wednesday, June 19, 2 PM
- Patchwork of Culture with Author, Baptiste Paul, this Wisconsin author and Caribbean native will present his newest picture book and talk about his writing career, Saturday, August 3, 10:30-11:30 AM
But, kids aren’t the only ones who get to have all the fun reading and winning prizes—many donated by local businesses. That’s right, teens and adults . . . you can do your own reading—out in the open, no hiding necessary!
Don’t Forget the Grown-Ups!
Even if you thought that summer reading was just kids’ stuff, the truth is that you never outgrow the benefits—or the enjoyment—of reading. That’s why there’s a Summer Reading Program just for readers 18 and older.
You can win up to six prizes this summer, including free books from MPL’s book sales or fun items from our prize wheel—items like local gift cards, MPL book bags, candles, games, and more!
Readers of all ages can also enjoy MPL’s FREE programs this summer, including
- “American Farmer: A Photo-Portrait Exhibition,” a touring exhibit on display from June 17 through October 20, a program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts.
- “An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin” on Friday, June 21.
- The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, June 27-29.
But, wait! Don’t forget about The Teens!
Hey, it’s Kristin—the Teen Service person—with a quick update about some of the Teen Programs taking place during SRP (open to ages 11 to 18). We’ve got a bunch of stuff going on, but my space here is limited.
I love getting creative with paint, and acrylic pours are one of my favorite no-stress painting techniques. All you need is a few favorite colors of paint and then—just go with the flow. There will be two sessions—both requiring registration—for the acrylic pour taking place at the Rahr-West Art Museum, one at 12:30 PM and one at 2 PM, on Friday, July 19. Find more information and register here.
If you’ve never tried Tai Chi before, now is the time! Acclaimed Tai Chi Instructor, Ray Gates, from the Wisconsin Tai Chi Academy will be at MPL to instruct us on Wednesday, July 24, at 1 PM. Registration will be required, so keep an eye on the website to get signed-up.
To round out the summer, let’s start some fires! Safe, controlled fires, of course. Woodsy Dude Joshua Stuck will teach a hands-on class on starting survival fires on Friday, August 2, at 1 PM. Watch this space for the necessary registration smoke signals.
In between, we’ll have everything from rockets to games to ice cream. Sparks will be flying at the Library this summer! Safe, controlled sparks. Of course.
For more information on all things summer 2024 at Manitowoc Public Library, check out our events calendar at https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month.
Pre-register on the Beanstack App starting May 20 or pick up a paper reading tracker at the launch of the Summer Reading Program, June 10! You can download Beanstack just by visiting https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/srp.
“Guess what? We don’t have to worry about summer ending . . . we can still feed our habit, for free, all year long!”