The following article was written by Tony Plekan, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Reading is a great way for a child to develop essential life skills, learn about the world, and build self-esteem. Not to mention that reading can be a lot of fun! There are too many kids in Manitowoc County who do not have the ability to purchase books of their own. Manitowoc Public Library (MPL) is launching our annual “Best Gift Ever” program to distribute donated books to kids who could not otherwise afford them.
The Best Gift Ever Book Drive runs from November 2 through December 4. We are encouraging our patrons to bring in new children’s books that will be given away to kids in need in Manitowoc County.
In 2025, library patrons donated 545 books! Their incredible generosity allowed us to help a lot of underprivileged children. MPL is so grateful to everyone who contributed and we are asking for your support as we try to help more kids in our community.
How You Can Help:
- Drop off a new and unwrapped Children’s or Young Adult Book at Manitowoc Public Library any time from November 2 through December 4.
- The greater the variety of donations, the more kids we can help!
- Picture Books, Chapter Books, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adventure—any book you think a kid or teen would enjoy reading.
- All donations must be new books. We want these kids to feel the joy that comes from owning something that is theirs from the start.
- Monetary donations are also accepted.
MPL is donating the collected books to three local nonprofits. These organizations will give out these books over the holiday season. The nonprofits are:
Tony Plekan
- InCourage
- Lakeshore Foster Family and Friends
- The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County
These fantastic organizations do incredible work throughout the year, and we are pleased to be able to support them in this way—by giving their clients the gift of reading.
These kids have experienced hardships that no child should have to face. Books have a power that not many other gifts have. Let’s work together to collect as many books as possible for these kids. The more books donated, the greater the impact on our community’s youth.
We thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
