The following article was written by Karin Adams, the Executive Director of the Manitowoc Public Library.
1998.25 years ago. A time when many would consider life to be “simpler”—cell phones were a luxury, social media and the internet were still in their infancy, and fashion trends like bucket hats, wedge sandals, and trench coats were all the rage. Saving Private Ryan, Armageddon, and There’s Something About Mary were among the most popular films of 1998, with Titanic becoming the first movie to gross over a billion dollars at the box office and spending the first 13 weeks of the year at the #1 spot while earning the Academy Award for Best Picture. Sex in the City premiered on HBO, Dawson’s Creek premiered on the WB network, TGIF dominated Friday night television on ABC, and 76-million viewers said good-bye as Seinfeld aired its two-part finale.
Not surprisingly, the list of best-selling (and familiar) authors of fictional works in 1998 included John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Danielle Steel, Stephen King, and Patricia Cornwell. And the world was forever changed with the US publication of a popular UK-based author: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling. (To this day, I remember checking out the first Harry Potter book from my local library in Mequon, WI, where I worked as a Page, and reading it non-stop over the next two days.)
1998 also brought the Grand Opening of this beautiful Manitowoc Public Library building on Quay Street on September 2. Years of planning and fundraising made the dream of a new architecturally-stunning library building a reality and, today, we celebrate that dream. Boasting approximately 52,000-square feet over two levels, the new library building focused on housing updated computer technology, improved seating and study spaces, and increased shelving units for material collections. 25 years later, the building’s internal layout, fixtures and furnishings have grown with the changes of its community and stayed relevant by offering high-quality collections, engaging programming for all ages, high-tech learning opportunities, full Wi-Fi and internet access, and spaces for users to meet and engage with each other.
Karin Adams
In looking back at the last 25 years of this library on Quay Street, it is also important to celebrate the people of this community that made this building possible. Beginning in 1991, library, City and community groups and leaders began the process of determining the need for a library expansion. With a Capital Campaign Steering Committee leading the fundraising efforts, the Manitowoc Public Library Foundation raised over $2.26 million for the library building project, exceeding the campaign goal of $1.85 million by 22%!
The City of Manitowoc contributed $3.56 million, and other donations, gifts, and pledges funded the rest of the $6.2 million project. Currently, library staff includes eight employees that were employed here 25 years ago and were part of “the big move” from Hamilton Street to Quay Street! Not many organizations have that dedication and longevity from employees, and I firmly believe it stems from the great community we serve every day.
It is clear—both then and now—that Manitowoc Public Library stands as an important and vital information and resource hub for all community members and visitors. Through our collections, resources, services, and programming, we have something for everyone—from the very young to the young at heart.
Please join me in celebrating this library, its rich history, the people that work here, and the people we serve. Stop in throughout the 25th “Silver Anniversary” month of September to take a walk down memory lane with a display of historical pictures and memorabilia on the First Floor. A celebration reception will be held on Tuesday, September 19, at 12:30 PM—all are welcome!
