The following article was submitted by Karen Hansen, the Public Services Manager at the Manitowoc Public Library, and Tim Gadzinski, the Marketing Associate for the Library.
2021 has revealed an undeniable fact about Manitowoc Public Library: its staff is a resilient, flexible, innovative, and motivated bunch. Regardless of what gauntlet these Pandemic Times threw down, our staff responded with imagination, drive, and vigor. From Curbside Pickup becoming a permanent part of our services to the creation of Hybrid Programming that could be attended either in-person or virtually, MPL rose to every challenge that came our way.
However, not every Library event could be adjusted to suit these tempestuous times. One such case is the beloved Friends of Manitowoc Public Library Used Book Sales. All told, four of these sales needed to be cancelled as a direct result of the pandemic. While this is a tremendous loss on many levels, the primary reason that this fact needs to be emphasized is that the funds brought in during these book sales are used by the Friends to fiscally support MPL’s Summer Reading Program. Without those revenues, it’s more difficult for the Friends to support a cornerstone program that brings families together to celebrate literacy and prevent the Summer Slide. Because all told, the Summer Reading Program typically costs approximately $7,000 per year to operate.
One year ago, in order to help to alleviate this fiscal shortfall, MPL participated in the Giving Tuesday fundraising initiative. Giving Tuesday came into being in 2012 based on a simple notion—there should be a day singled-out when people are encouraged to do good. The mission of the initiative is to build a more just and generous world.
Which brings us back to the cancelled Used Book Sales. As the cancellation of the sales has become something of an unfortunate ongoing issue, the Friends will once again pivot to Giving Tuesday and the generosity of the community in the hope of generating the necessary assistance that they normally provide for the Summer Reading Program.
Karen Hansen
And while it’s hard to believe that an entire year has passed since we reached out to you, it was incredibly encouraging to see how much it meant to you to nurture literacy in our community. Your financial gifts totaling almost $4,000 helped impact the lives of kids, teens, and adults through our Summer Reading Program. To match your generosity and support, library staff worked even harder this year to make a difference in our community. Highlights of this year include:
- Total enrollment for the Summer Reading Program increased by 32% from 2020
- Expanded onsite programming from 2020, including the return of the ever-popular and educational “Touch the Trucks” and “Zoozort” events for kids and Historic 8th Street Manito-Walk Tours for adults
- Partnering with MPSD to connect 568 Summer Academy participants with new books as reading prizes
- Simplified participation and great incentive prizes for all ages
The benefits of the Summer Reading Program impact so many in our community—from the youngest picture book enthusiast to the most seasoned reader. It combines a love of reading with informative, fun programming with spectacular results. More importantly, we’ve discovered that the Summer Reading Program directly impacts students in the Manitowoc community. A small study of those students that participated in the SRP performed better in the fall semester on standardized tests in comparison to their peers. With all the disruptions to learning that our children have faced in the last year, the Summer Reading Program serves a more important role than ever.
Giving Tuesday is elegant in its simplicity—people donate whatever they can. It’s that straightforward. And here’s where you come in. This is your chance to help to make a difference. Give what you can, whether it’s $5 or $50. Every bit helps! That’s the beauty of Giving Tuesday.
Tim Gadzinski
Your donation has the potential to make a big impact this year and for years to come in the lives of children in our community. The gift of literacy is the greatest gift! Donating is easy. Just donate via the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library’s PayPal account on their Giving Tuesday landing page (www.manitowoclibrary.org/givingtuesday) or by mailing a check to the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220. Earmark your donation for “Giving Tuesday.” Or you can always stop by and drop off a donation at the Service Desk in-person!
Much like their Used Book Sales, Giving Tuesday doesn’t place a huge price tag on the ask—it’s about the accumulation of small amounts. Ultimately, when all is said and done, it’s these small amounts that create an impressive final tally. It’s all about giving what you feel you can.
Again, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/givingtuesday for further details and, hopefully, to donate to a great cause! Mark your calendars for November 30. Make Giving Tuesday part of your plan as we head towards a more hopeful 2022 and the welcome return of MPL’s Summer Reading Program.
Thank you for keeping the Friends Giving Tuesday fundraiser in mind and we look forward to seeing you online on November 30!
