The following article was written by Bette Schewde, a Youth Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Where can you go for free family fun that builds community, enhances downtown, and is just plain fun? Manitowoc Public Library, of course! The Library has been providing free, fun programs for all ages for years, and this year is no exception.
Back again this year is Paint the Library Red, White, and Blue on Wednesday, June 26, at 2 PM. We’ve been doing this for a couple decades and it is always creative fun. However, this year, there will be one significant change—we will not be requiring registration. We’re hoping that families will not be deterred by registration and will drop by if they are able that day. We want as many folks as possible to participate in this super fantastic event. Painters can line-up by MPL’s garage doors on Franklin Street. At 2 PM, kids and teens can get red, white and blue paint, and sponge brushes. They will then be directed to a window to decorate for the Fourth of July. First come, first served. There will be chalk to decorate the sidewalks, as well. Unfortunately, in the event of rain, painting will be canceled.
If you know you can’t make it that day or if it rains, we still want you to be able to participate. We have poster boards available at the Children’s Desk in Youth Services on the Second Floor. Pick up a piece and decorate it red, white and blue at home. Posters returned by Thursday, June 27, will be displayed on the inside of the Library’s windows on the Main Floor. If you would like your poster back, make sure your name is on the back of it and that you come back to MPL to pick it up by Friday, July 12.
Additionally, there is a line-up of activities for all ages all summer long. For kids there will be animals, art, beads, crafts, carrots, games, gardening, painting, parties, stories, tie dye, trucks, worms and yoga. Check out the line-up for kids and families on the library event calendar at www.manitowoclibrary.org/events.
Teens are invited to paint the library windows, but there are a number of other programs in July just for Teens. Test your taste buds at “Face the Flavor.” Race your way through “Minute to Win It” games. Get artistic at the Rahr-West with a “Paint Pour” and Learn beginner Tai Chi. Some teen programs require registration to ensure enough supplies, so it isn’t the worst idea to be aware of when registration opens. Check all teen programs on the library event calendar (www.manitowoclibrary.org/events), as well.
And those are just the Kids and Teen programs! There are programs for everyone! Just like the Summer Reading Program itself! Everyone can earn prizes for just reading a little bit each day. Sign up for Summer Reading before it’s too late. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by! And check out the Calendar of Events—www.manitowoclibrary.org/events. Summer is too short to miss out on all the extra fun at Manitowoc Public Library!