The following article was submitted by Kristin Stoeger, the Executive Director at the Manitowoc Public Library.
A Letter to my Community
As of August 4, I will be stepping down as Executive Director for Manitowoc Public Library. It has been a wonderful journey and as I wrap up these last couple of weeks, I find myself reflecting on the last almost-five years. In this time, we have seen remarkable growth at Manitowoc Public Library. Growth that I was honored to be a part of.
I’d like to take a moment to reflect on parts of this amazing journey with all of you.
- Getting to know this community and the staff at MPL: What an honor it was to get to know all of you! This community is resilient and working together towards a positive future. I also can’t speak highly enough about the staff at the library. It will be no surprise to any library user for me to say we have a truly supportive and transformational team at Manitowoc Public Library. The staff embody the values of empathy, innovation, and service. Thank you for letting me be part of this team!
- Rapid flexibility and adjustment during the pandemic: Throughout the pandemic, the library remained true to our mission to support our community’s educational, recreational, and cultural needs. This meant adapting our service model to support virtual access to resources; including development of a curbside services model for library access which we continue to use during, and beyond, the pandemic.
- We continued to provide assistance for the community in job searching, applying for employment, and developing job skills.
- We focused on community engagement through our virtual programming and providing quality and innovative programming to citizens of all ages.
- We supported digital literacy through expanded Wi-Fi and circulation of wireless hotspots in our community.
- We supported education with enhanced access of virtual library cards to students.
- Instead of allowing the pandemic to define us, the library adjusted to develop service models, expand access to resources, and continue to enhance literacy in our community. Manitowoc Public Library is committed to building a stronger tomorrow.
- 2019 Non-Profit of the Year: It was an honor to be selected as Non-Profit of the Year 2019. What a wonderful acknowledgement of all our hard work and the efforts made to enhance our community.
- Thursday reopening: One of the greatest accomplishments we celebrated in 2018 was once again opening on Thursdays after being closed for many years. This was made possible through the outstanding collaboration between MPL Board of Trustees, City Council and Mayor of Manitowoc. Through increased funding, this vision was made possible for our community.
- First Floor Redesign Project: In order to develop for a stronger tomorrow, we invested time and resources into re-envisioning our first floor. We heard the needs of our community and developed in several key areas, including:
- Through a generous grant from the West Foundation, we were able to fund the expansion of our new makerspace called the Idea Box. We have created high-tech and low-tech areas for the community to connect with our maker roots with varying items, such as a laser engraving Glowforge; a sound booth with recording software and equipment; sewing machines; and 3D printing equipment.
- We have created community conversation areas with an addition of a coffee cart and fireplace.
- We have two service desks to assist our community on the first floor. With the rather large square footage, we wanted to make sure we are accessible to serve you where you need us most.
- Through the financial support of Manitowoc Public Library Foundation, we were also able to enhance our Teen Area.
- National Library Week/Libraries Build Strong Communities campaigns: In April 2018, we began our first ever “Libraries Build Strong Communities” during National Library Week. This week-long series celebrated our local businesses. Purchases made at participating businesses enabled entry into our raffle of wonderful prizes. MPL’s goal was to increase awareness and usage of our local businesses. Now, in its fourth year, we have expanded to an entire month of supporting our community businesses each September.
- Virtual Library Cards: MPSD enthusiastically partnered with us in 2017 to build the virtual library card (VLC) platform for their students and teachers. A VLC links directly with the teacher’s or student’s school ID to give them unrestricted access to the library’s educational online databases. Due to this successful partnership, we grew this partnership with other area schools within the city and surrounding areas.
- Adventure Passes: Part of having access to information is through all the wonderful physical and electronic materials the library has to offer. It’s also through the experience and knowledge in our community. That is why we were proud to partner with a few area cultural institutions to provide access to all they offer. In 2019, we partnered with Manitowoc County Historical Society, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Rogers Street Fishing Village, and Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center to provide free circulating passes for entrance into their institutions. These were so popular that we had lines waiting on the first of the month to check these out! These passes have since expanded to represent additional cultural institutions in our community to this day.
- Mobile Hotspots for checkout: Through generous funding from Friends of Manitowoc Public Library, we were able to purchase our initial five wireless hotspots for circulation. These went live in July 2017, and have been circulating ever since. A mobile hotspot provides you with password-protected access to the internet wherever you go in the United States. The amount of hotspots have grown to meet the demand over the last few years.
- Community Mural: Gracing the wall above our entrance doors is the most imaginative mural, as designed and painted by Erin La Bonte and David Carpenter. This masterpiece features our local Washington Park with literary characters coming to life and enjoying all our community has to offer. This mural showcases and supports the belief that libraries are an integral part of every community.
How transformational these last few years have been! I have been honored to serve as Library Director. Thank you all for your support and appreciation of your local library. I am a fan of musicals, and a quote from Wicked feels appropriate in this farewell: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” Keep building towards that brighter tomorrow!
