Kirsten Smith
The following is an article written by the Manitowoc Public Library’s Youth Services Associate, Kirsten Smith
Kids bored? Money short? One year into the COVID crisis and we are all feeling the unyielding weight of the unknown. The “new normal” is anything but normal.
Here in the Youth Department of Manitowoc Public Library, we have been dutifully planning the 2021 Summer Reading Program, complete with all of the community’s favorite events. Look forward to programs from A to Z, such as Angklung, Zoozort, Touch the Trucks, and the Summer Reading Program’s big wrap-up event—the Carnival! But, uncertainty lingers. What if it’s not possible to host in-person programming? What could be a substitute?
Over the past year, we have learned important lessons on a very expeditious schedule. Screen burnout is real, especially when screen time is essential for work, school, and play. As we saw the interest in online experiences decline, we realized that we must—once again—adjust our programming to fit changing needs. We knew from our Tuesday Family Activity Nights that families value tangible activities they can do together. How could we apply that knowledge to a virtual program and offer something truly fabulous?
Enter FABs. Family Activity Bags & Books. Every week, we offer a new activity for families to explore together. Sometimes it’s a standalone project; other times there is an accompanying livestream tutorial. Some of our most popular activities include painting, sewing, sculpting, kitchen chemistry, and experiential learning. Additionally, each bag comes with a library book, hand-selected by your friendly neighborhood librarians! Check facebook.com/manitowoclibrary for the new lineup of FAB fun every month and also to watch our livestream tutorials. FABs are free-of-charge to library patrons and available on a first-come, first-served basis via registration on manitowoclibrary.org/fab. Quantities are limited; hence, a maximum of two FABs per family.
Teens, on the other hand, value independence and individualism, which led to the creation of Teen Activity Bags & Books. TABs are developed for a tween and teen audience. Youth between the ages of 11 and 18 years are encouraged to register at manitowoclibrary.org/fab for a Teen Activity Bag, which includes a surprise young adult library book. Books are hand-selected according to genre, based on that month’s themed activity. Every month has a new and exciting TAB! Previous TABs include henna design, paper beading, steampunk fidget cubes, origami, Among Us miniatures, needle felting, and stress balls. Like FABs, TABs are free to library patrons and registration is available at manitowoclibrary/fab. Again, quantities are limited, resulting in a maximum of two TABs per family. Livestream tutorials can be found at facebook.com/manitowoclibrary.
Experience your own Activity Bag! Registration for Family Activity Bags opens on Thursdays at 5 PM. Simply register at manitowoclibrary.org/fab or call 920-686-3030. If calling, you MUST speak to a live staff member to reserve your kit. Voicemails and emails will not be honored. Kits must be picked-up during the window of availability. Maximum of two kits per family. Library books are due back in 3 weeks. If you need to renew a particular title, you can do that online or via phone. The bag and activity are yours to keep. Visit manitowoclibrary.org/fab for the registration date of our next TAB and information on all upcoming Activity Bags. Curbside pick-up is also available if you aren’t quite ready yet to venture into the Library.
