I’m grateful that we live in a community with a public library that offers robust access to media, materials, and resources that can improve our lives on every level:
- Great stories that pique the imagination, broaden perspective, and take us on adventures, allowing us to walk in the shoes of another character, gaining empathy through their experiences
- The deep knowledge of non-fiction resources
- A makerspace with access to 3D printing, laser engraving and sewing
- A business resource center with access to computers, printing, faxing and photocopying
- Hobby kits for everything from bird watching to cake baking
- A delightful youth space, including a toy room and numerous activities
Manitowoc Public Library is an amazing resource in our community for all ages.
I’ve been a big fan since childhood. Some of my earliest happy memories involve storytime at the library when it was located on Hamilton Street. The song “Farmer in the Dell” immediately transports me back to the Youth Department there.
After playing such an important role in my life for 50 years, I was distressed following our near fatal accident in 2024 (when a reckless driver crossed the centerline and crashed into us) that as a double amputee, I might not be able to access the resources of the library. For nearly four months following the accident, I had extreme difficulty reading due to a concussion. Honestly, I had feared it was a skill lost to me.
Not to fear! Another great resource offered by the Manitowoc Public Library are “Playaway” audio books. Requiring only a battery and headphones, and no need for Wi-Fi or an internet connection, these small devices (easily slip into a pocket) are a great way to “read” a book with your ears.
And the best, most important, life-enhancing discovery I made is that Playaways, in addition to other materials, are available through Manitowoc Public Library’s Homebound Services program. In all my years of accessing the library, I had never heard of this service. And it is incredible.
Once I built back the ability to begin reading again, I started voraciously devouring books thanks to “homebound delivery services”. Since my post-accident mobility is limitedt, the librarians curate a box of materials (usually four books) that they drop off and pick up each month from my home. It’s an incredible service that has allowed me to keep reading.
This program is available to anyone in the community who has challenges preventing them from getting to the library. Officially, here’s how it is stated on their website: “Manitowoc Public Library provides materials for cardholders of any age that are unable to visit the Library due to an ongoing physical condition, illness, age or other qualifying condition that limits mobility. We offer material selection, delivery, and pickup services. Staff carefully select materials to reflect your interests. Volunteers are assigned to each patron for pickup and delivery services to your home or residential facility.” Isn’t that incredible?
Signing up for the program was easy and painless. I signed up online via the Library’s website, but you can also call and request the application form. And, there’s also a Reader Preferences form so the librarians who curate your monthly box of goodies have an understanding of the authors, genres, and types of materials you prefer. They even welcome specific requests. I have recently gone down an adventure travel rabbit hole so I can explore the world without leaving my wheelchair. When I mentioned this interest to the librarians, they found great selections for me to enjoy. When I’ve made specific requests for a title or author, they have tracked it down, even sometimes from other libraries in the system.
Every four weeks, the sweetest volunteer drops a waterproof bin with fresh materials on my porch and takes back the previous bin of materials.
I am so grateful for this incredible service in our community. When I consider the moniker “Coolest Coast,” this is definitely one of the things that makes our little corner of the world such a cool place to live.
If you or someone that you know is interested in utilizing MPL’s Homebound Services, here’s the URL for you to get started on your at-home journey: www.manitowoclibrary.org/services/outreach/homebound.