The following article was written by Meredith Gadzinski, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
We may have had a slow coldish spring, but things are definitely starting to heat up at MPL. And just like every summer at Manitowoc Public Library, the Summer Reading Program is going to be so much fun!
We have great programming planned for this summer! Here’s a sampling of the standout programs and events you have to look forward to during this year’s SRP:
- The ever-popular and highly-anticipated “Touch the Trucks” takes place on July 12
- “Paint the Library” turns MPL into a patriotic masterpiece on June 28
- The fun-loving characters from Mo Willem’s books, “Elephant & Piggie,” will be visiting MPL for storytimes in June! Stop by and introduce young readers to these larger-than-life characters!
- Teens have a Glaze & Paint and Tie Dye program coming up!
But, kids shouldn’t get to have all the fun during SRP—adults deserve to enjoy the warmer months at MPL, too!! For example:
- A couple of “ManitoWalk: Historic Downtown Walking Tours”
- A trio of virtual cooking tutorials with Chef Dunbar during “At Home with Andrew”
- An opportunity to relax and reflect with “Cats on Mats” yoga in July
- “Brew ‘N Bee III,” a spelling bee for adults, returns to Petskull Brewery, inviting all participants to “Spell Harder” the evening of July 19!
- There will also be an adult book discussion, Glowforge training, and 3D printing classes
Please stop in and get a calendar, or take a peek at our online calendar at www.manitowoclibrary.org because some of these programs do require registration.
Summer just wouldn’t be complete without MPL’s Summer Reading Program. Really, life isn’t complete without reading, period. Reading transports you to other cultures, you get to explore fantasy worlds, go into outer space, and even back in time. Whether you prefer made-up stories (fiction) or real life (nonfiction), reading has the power to give you a space to escape from your everyday reality, whether that’s for 5 minutes or for an hour or two. While I wouldn’t recommend escaping reality 24/7, it’s healthy to give yourself a break and escape from time-to-time. Not only is it entertainment, but you can learn a lot from reading.
Historically, I personally have read mostly nonfiction. In the last few years, however,my reading preferences have shifted slightly to include both fiction and nonfiction. That’s what I love about Manitowoc Public Library—we have it all. Whether you want to learn about gardening, read up on your favorite public figure, or you just want to read something that’s completely fantastical and made-up, you can find it all at MPL! And if you can’t find what you want to read, we can help with that, too—just ask any MPL staff member at one of the Service Desks for some assistance.
The Summer Reading Program has been around for quite a while now and has changed quite a bit over the years, However, our goal has never changed. We want to encourage people of all ages to create a habit of reading. It’s extremely beneficial for everyone at any age. Let me say that again in a slightly different way: reading a little bit each day does wonderful things for human beings and we want to foster that habit of reading.
What wonderful things does reading do for human beings? Well, let me list some of the ways:
- It prevents the “Summer Slide” for students. Studies show that having access to books, especially in the summer months, prevents a loss in reading acuity, especially for kids in need. MPL did a study in 2019 and for the MPSD kids that participated in this summer reading study, it was revealed that their test scores went up 12%, while their peers that didn’t participate had test scores that dropped 8%!
- Studies also show that regular reading benefits adults, as well. Reading reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, can help you sleep better—with some reading material actually making you fall asleep immediately! All joking aside, reading provides so many benefits to our mental and physical well-being. And to top it off, it’s incredibly enjoyable.
The Summer Reading Program at MPL is for ALL AGES and EVERYONE has a solid chance of winning something fabulous this summer if they participate! Basically, for every five days of reading or being read to, you win a prize. And all it takes is 30 days of reading total to complete the program. It really is that simple!
Prizes vary depending on age, but I can pass along that the adult program has gift cards, reading accessories, home accessories, and a Treasure Box loaded with all sorts of fun things. For Teens and Kids, we have gift cards, coupons for various businesses, art supplies, and their own Treasure Box! Of course, the real prize is reading in-and-of itself, but winning something is always fun!
Preregistration for this year’s Summer Reading Program opened back on May 1, and is still going on right now. You can either register online via the Beanstack app or you can do it in-person by visiting one of the Library’s Service Desks. You can start logging your reading on June 12 all the way through August 12. You’ll have until August 19 to pick up your prizes, but remember that these prizes are available on a “while supplies last” basis, so I’d encourage you not to wait until the last minute. Stop by the Library at least a few times throughout the SRP to get a few books, attend a program or two, and pick up your prizes!
For more information, please see our Summer Reading Program webpage (https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/srp) or call us (920-686-3000). We’ll be more than happy to answer all your questions.