Manitowoc Public Library Storytime Hits the Road!

The following article was submitted by Lynn Christiansen, a Youth Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.

The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges for the Youth Staff at Manitowoc Public Library. Closing our doors to the public in March of 2020 forced us to dive head-first into the world of virtual programming. While this served as an acceptable substitute for a time, we longed for the day that we could see the smiling faces of our young patrons again.

We quickly realized that it would be impossible for our annual Summer Reading Program to take place the same way it had in the past. We would have to find a way to work around the needed safety restrictions. Fortunately for us, the state, in part with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, provided funding for us to implement the Beanstack software application. Program participants could track their reading through the application and earn free books and other prizes. However, we still were unable to offer in-person programming.

Fast forward to early 2021, when the youth staff started looking for safe, socially-distant options for one of our most popular programs—preschool storytime. We began discussing the idea of doing the program outside. We initially thought about just doing it on the Library Lawn, but then came up with a better idea. We reached out to local businesses and attractions, such as Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor, Rahr-West Art Museum, and Lincoln Park Zoo to see if we could do our program at their locations. All were thrilled with the idea.

Doing outdoor programming provides its own set of challenges. First up was the ability for our attendees to hear the stories. Although we as staff all have pretty good “outside” voices, it’s tough to compete with a semi-trailor truck that’s rumbling by. We did some research and found a great portable speaker and some wireless microphones to help overcome the noise. Then there are the distractions. As great as the book choice may be, it’s no competition for the giant barge that’s floating by on the river. Lastly, there’s always our unpredictable Wisconsin weather. We were lucky enough last year to only encounter rain one time, and Red Arrow Park had a shelter available, so that the show could go on.

Now here we are in 2022. Since it was so well received last year, Manitowoc Public Library will again offer Storytime on the Road as part of our Summer Reading Program. Sessions will take place on Tuesday mornings at 10 AM. Join us for stories, songs, and hopefully a little sunshine! No registration is required. Storytime is geared for children ages 2-5, but all are welcome! We will be returning to some favorite locations, such as Cedar Crest and Rahr-West. We will also be adding some new sites, such as Schuette Park and Woodland Dunes. Visit our website— www.manitowoclibrary.org —and check out our events calendar. Our June programs are already scheduled!

If you’d like a little preview of our storytime road show, please join us at the Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday, April 23^rd at 10 AM. It will be held rain or shine and will take place in the Education Center. No registration is required!