The following article was written by Sharon Verbaten, the Youth Services Manager at the Manitowoc Public Library.
“I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.”
Yes, even though that quote came from 19th-century scholar Ralph Waldo Emerson, it couldn’t be truer. Books truly CAN make a person—smarter, more interesting, more fun and freer.
Once again this year, readers of all ages will be given the opportunity to read just the right books for them—all summer long—and earn prizes for that joyful endeavor. Manitowoc Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs Monday, June 16, through Saturday, August 9, and prizes are earned for every six days of reading (or being read to, or listening to books . . . because, my friend, ALL forms of reading count!). You can pre-register on the Beanstack App starting Monday, June 2, or pick up a paper reading tracker at any MPL Service Desk.
Thanks to generous local donors, readers can earn gift cards, food coupons, activity passes, and more from businesses and non-profits around the community. Not a bad deal when all you have to do is pick up a book, which, we know, you’re probably doing anyway.
Sharon Verbeten
Adults and teens have some extra special raffle prizes for completing the program. Adults have a chance to win $100 in Meijer gift cards or a three-month Club Car Wash membership (read 30 days to complete the challenge and maximize your chance of being one of the ten lucky winners of the Grand Prize). Teens can win one of three prizes—one from Dunkin Donuts, one from Manitowoc Coffee Company, and one from Target.
Remember, however, the Library isn’t just about books! This summer, take a break from the heat, come inside, and participate in one of our amazing free programs.
Youth
- Visit Bernice the Cow at Cedar Crest Ice Cream for our Summer Kick-Off event Thursday, June 12.
- Join in an All-Ages outdoor singalong concert with nationally known children’s entertainer, Jim Gill, on Wednesday, July 9.
- Rub elbows and take pictures with the Pigeon from the popular Mo Willems’ books on Tuesday & Wednesday, June 17 & 18.
- Kick off the holiday week by Painting the Library windows patriotic colors Wednesday, July 2.
Teens
- Create wearable art on Tie-Dye Tuesday, July 22.
- Take a wild selfie with wild life (lizards and snakes) Friday, August 1.
- Share your songs, dance, poetry, or other talents on Open Mic afternoon Friday, July 11.
Adults
- Enjoy an evening of storytelling and laughter with New York Timesbestselling author and Wisconsin Public Radio contributor, Michael Perry, on Thursday, June 19.
- Peruse the many offerings at The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, June 26-28.
- Learn a new skill in the Idea Box makerspace. Learn how to use a Glowforge, Cricut, Sound Booth and more! Visit https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/services/idea-box-makerspace for details and registration.
- Participate in “Brew ‘N Bee V: Unleash The Hive!”—a Spelling Bee for Adults—om Wednesday, July 23.
- Explore our downtown with the ManitoWalk: Historic Downtown Walking Tours, Mondays August 4 and August 11.
Sign up for the Summer Reading Program online via the Beanstack app or stop at the library. For more information on all things summer 2025 at Manitowoc Public Library, visit https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month.
