The following article was written by Kristin Keck, a Teen Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Summer is here! Lazy days outside! The beach! The swimming! The hiking and the fishing! The heat. The sweaty backs. The flies, the ants, the mosquitoes . . .
Maybe we should go inside.
If there are teens out there looking for something to do, stop by the library and try some of our free *air-conditioned* programs. Hi, I’m Kristin, the Teen Services person at Manitowoc Public Library, here to tell you about the Teen Programs (and some All-Ages ones) at the Library this summer.
Teen Hang-Out: Take the Mic! Have your five minutes of fame and an audience, too! Whether you sing, dance, juggle, perform puppet shows, or tell jokes—your stage awaits! Bring some fans or make some new ones. The Library will provide the microphone, sound system, space, and concessions (free snacks). You provide your talent or your applause—or both!
Teen Hang-Out: What the Duck? Create some avian cosplay with rubber ducks and crafty stuff. Raid the cabinets for hot glue, fabric, feathers, paint pens, cardboard—all the things to transform your ducky into the character of your choosing. One lucky duck will be voted best in show, earning their proud owner a prize.
Teen Hang-Out: On the Table—Ransom Notes Welcome to my new favorite game: Ransom Notes! All the wild competition of Refrigerator Magnet Poetry and the subtle elegance of Charades combined into one tabletop extravaganza! Or maybe I have those descriptions backwards. Try to respond to prompt cards with the word tiles you have, with the best response winning the round. Time is short, words are limited—how will you answer?

Kristin Keck
Teen Hang-Out: Wild Side Selfies Warning: May Contain Snakes. The Library will provide backdrops, a light ring, a phone stand, and some scaly friends from J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue for dry selfies with a wild flair. Bring your glam look and your phone or other picture-taking device. What goes with python? You decide. Participants will get a five-minute photo session with one reptilian co-star. First come, first served. A handler will be on hand to ensure the safety of all humans and animals.
Teen Hang-Out: Sundae Funday! Let’s eat our feelings, along with some ice cream! Let there be sprinkles and sticky syrups and, you know, sundae stuff. From marshmallow fluff to gummy worms, create your own masterpiece of tooth decay. Spoons, bowls, and various sugar applications provided. Just bring your appetite! And please register so I know if there are food allergies! #AnaphylacticShocker
Once you’ve cooled off sufficiently, you might risk some of the outdoor programs as well, like Paint the Library or Tie Dye Tuesday. Just remember what I said about the mosquitoes.