The following article was written by Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services Manager, Sharon Verbeten, Public Services Librarian, Tony Plekan, and Teen Associate, Kristin Keck.
“It wouldn’t be summer without a cool beverage and a good long book.”
“The best way to pass a long summer day is by walking or riding a bike . . . while listening to an audiobook.”
“Who needs libraries anymore . . . except just about everyone!”
Who said these famous quotes?
OK, we made them up, but just to make a point. Libraries and summertime go hand in hand—and thankfully, Manitowoc Public Library (MPL) has tons of FREE events and programs to keep all ages busy. That’s right—we’re much more than just books (like free Wi-Fi, a well-equipped Idea Box makerspace, and a newly renovated business center just to name a few examples).
This year, MPL will once again hold its evergreen Summer Reading Program; this year’s event runs June 15-August 8. Every six days—by reading, listening to an audiobook, or reading to others—participants can earn prizes ranging from free books and food coupons (ice cream, anyone?) to gift cards and experience passes (the Aquatic Center! Bay Beach!! And more!!!)
It’s guaranteed—even if you don’t like to read (Say Whaaaaat?), there are plenty of free events at MPL to fill your summer on the lakefront. P.S. We’ve got a great view of both the river and the lake!
Visit www.manitowoclibrary.org to view our entire calendar. Here are some highlights.
Adults
Tony Plekan
- Exercise and history? Count me in! Walk with us and discover the legacy of 10 historic Eighth Street buildings with the ManitoWalk: Historic Downtown Walking Tour. Tours will be held Wednesday, June 17 at 10 AM, Monday, July 13 at 5:30 PM, and Monday, August 3 at 5:30 PM.
- Celebrate the 250th anniversary (can you say semiquincentennial?) of the United States with our “Made in America” series of patriotic crafting projects in the Idea Box. For more upcoming makerspace programs visit Idea Box Makerspace
- State Heart Keychains with Glowforge: Monday, June 22 at 5:30 PM and Thursday, July 2 at 1 PM
- Yankee Doodling with 3Doodler Pens: Tuesday, June 23 at 1 PM
- Patriotic Rosettes on the Cricut: Thursday, June 25 at 2 PM
- An Art/Poetry Exhibit (July 13-August 20) sponsored by the Lakeshore Artists Guild is a collaboration between 20 artists and 20 poets, featuring an amazing 40 poems and 40 artworks
- Participate in Brew ’N Bee VI: From Bee to Shining Bee, a spelling bee for adults, Wednesday, July 22 at 6 PM at PetSkull Brewing Company
- Join us for a gentle yoga class designed to relieve tension in the body and mind while furry friends wander from mat to mat. It’s Cats on Mats with Kate Casey, Wednesday, August 26 at 5:30 PM
Youth
Sharon Verbeten
- How do you spell summer? B-I-N-G-O! All-ages fun happens Tuesday, June 16 with our Summer Bingo Bash with three sessions—10 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM
- Another way little kids might spell summer is B-U-B-B-L-E-S! It will be a summer of shimmery bubbles, with events for babies (once a month on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM) and our Big Bubble Bash Wednesday, June 17 from 2-4 PM. Dress for a bubble and foam party outdoors on the lawn; bring a towel and the summer vibes
- Our annual major league favorites return—Paint the Library Red, White & Blue! (Wednesday, July 1 at 2 PM) and Touch the Trucks (Wednesday, July 15, 10 AM)
- Decorate your wagons, strollers and wheelchairs for the America 250! Patriotic Parade around the block to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30 PM
- Want to meet a raptor? Let’s Get Ready to . . . Raptor when Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary brings some birds of prey to MPL on Wednesday, July 22 at 2 PM
- Travel back in time with the mammoth hunters, recreating what life was like 15,000 years ago during We’re Going on a Mammoth Hunt! On Wednesday, July 29 at 2 PM
Teens
Kristen Keck
- Join the Zine Scene Summer and get your own byline! Take a break from devices and get creative, as we create a printed zine publishing your short stories, poetry, flash fiction, and more. For Fifth Grade and up. Wednesdays at 1 PM, starting Wednesday, June 24
- Head into the great outdoors (AKA the Library Lawn) and learn survival skills with expert outdoorsman Joshua Stuck, AKA the Woodsy Dude, on Thursday, June 18, at 5 PM
- Ever wanted your very own reptile? Learn what it takes to successfully house your scaly friend from the experts at J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue during Snakes in the House on Friday, June 26, at 1 PM
- Let the colors flow! Join instructor Michelle Bonde for “Color Flow at the Rahr-West,” a special acrylic pour technique using chains to create incredible abstract patterns, with two sessions taking place on Friday, July 17, at 1 PM and 2:30 PM
- Summer’s ending, but not before we eat ice cream (all roads lead back to ice cream!) Give summer a proper goodbye with gobs of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles at Sundae Funday on Friday, August 7, at 1 PM
Please check MPL’s Events Calendar for registration information and more detailed program information.
