The following article was written by Tony Plekan, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
For decades now, Manitowoc Public Library has run our annual “Best Gift Ever” book drive to collect new children’s books for kids in need in our community. This program has benefited thousands of Manitowoc area kids over the years. We continued that tradition in 2025, and thanks to the generosity of Manitowoc library patrons, we collected over 500 books!
545 books were donated to Best Gift Ever! It was great to see so many different types of books come in. Chapter books, young adult books, graphic novels, and more!
Over the holiday season, all these fantastic books will find their way into the hands of kids whose families could not otherwise afford them. Any of these books could be the catalyst that leads them to a lifelong love of reading.
Tony Plekan
Donations went to three local nonprofits: InCourage, Lakeshore Foster Families and Friends, and the Salvation Army of Manitowoc County. Manitowoc Public Library thanks these outstanding organizations for the work they do in the community and for connecting kids with these wonderful books.
Manitowoc Public Library expresses our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed, donated, and promoted “Best Gift Ever”. Your efforts have made the holiday season brighter for our county’s youth. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for giving!
