The following story was written by Tony Plekan, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. To celebrate this milestone, Manitowoc Public Library is offering a series of USA-themed craft programs in the Idea Box—the Library’s makerspace. Join us for “Made in America!”
The Idea Box is a special place in the library. It holds a variety of amazing technology that offers unique crafting opportunities. Use devices like our Glowforge, Cricut, and 3Doodler Pens to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Manitowoc Public Library routinely offers “Badging Sessions” where you can be trained on specific Idea Box equipment, allowing you to use that device for your own projects!
“Made in America” events will introduce you to some of what the makerspace has to offer, while giving you the chance to make some great patriotic projects just in time for July 4th.
Registration is required for each program and space is limited. No prior makerspace experience necessary.
Made in America: State Heart Keychains with Glowforge
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- Monday, June 22, at 5:30 PM & Thursday, July 2, at 1 PM
- Make a Heart-Shaped Wood Keychain featuring the State of your choice! Pick the state you were born in, loved to visit, or dream of going to one day and we’ll create a keychain of that state using the Glowforge
- The Glowforge is a laser engraver that etches designs into material like wood and acrylic
- The state designs were created by the Glowforge Company
- Following the demonstration, we’re offering a Glowforge Badging Session for all attendees. By completing this training, you will be “Badged,” meaning you can use the Glowforge on your own!
- Registration opens on Monday, June 15, at 9 AM
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate
- Please only register for one session!
Made in America: Yankee Doodling with 3Doodler Pens
Tony Plekan
- Tuesday, June 23, at 1 PM
- Use any of the provided USA stencils to create a piece of art with the 3Doodler Pen
- The 3Doodler melts plastic filament into a pen that you can use to draw solid and even three-dimensional designs!
- You will be “Badged” on the 3Doodler and can use it at the library for future projects!
- Registration opens on Monday, June 15, at 9 AM
- You must be 14 years old or older to participate. Individuals who are 14-17 years old must have a parent or guardian present to complete a waiver to use the equipment
Made in America: Patriotic Rosettes on the Cricut
- Thursday, June 25, at 2 PM
- Join us in the Idea Box to create patriotic rosettes on the Cricut!
- A Cricut is a computerized cutting machine that allows users to make custom designs out of material like paper, cardstock, and vinyl
- Registration opens on Thursday, June 11, at 9 AM
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate
Let’s put our old-fashioned American ingenuity to work as we create neat keepsakes to recognize this historic anniversary. “I Want You!” to come to “Made in America” at Manitowoc Public Library. For more details on “Made in America” and upcoming Idea Box Badging Sessions, visit Idea Box on our website.
