Manitowoc Public Library Teen Services September 2024 Events

American Farmer: A Photo-Portrait Exhibition                             Through Sunday, October 20
Manitowoc Public Library is thrilled to welcome the “American Farmer” traveling exhibition to our community, which will be available for viewing on MPL’s Main Floor during all regular hours of operation. A Program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts, “American Farmer” celebrates the living spirit of our heartland through the faces and voices of the people who keep it alive. Featuring forty-five full-color and black-and-white portraits and interviews with farmers across the United States by photographer, Paul Mobley—from cattle ranchers to strawberry growers—American Farmer tells the honest and inspiring stories of the true stewards of our land. We hope that you will join us at Manitowoc Public Library to celebrate this rural portraiture, an iconography with deep roots, not just in our immediate community, but our nation as a whole. For further details regarding this exhibition, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/american-farmer.
 
Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL                                                 Wednesday, September 4, 6-7:30 PM
Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club at Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Balkansky Community Room from 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, September 4! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits—and it's just fun! Those of all abilities and ages (6-years plus, please) are welcome, but staff will not offer formal instruction. Chessboards are provided and library materials are available for further learning. No registration is required, but please remember that children under the age of 8 (even prodigies!) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
 
Space to Write                                                         Tuesdays, September 10 & 24, 5:30-7:30 PM
Do you have a novel or short story you want to write? How about a screenplay or a memoir? Poetry? Graphic novels? Then you need—Space to Write! Every second and fourth Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30 PM, the Franklin Street Room will be open to writers of all descriptions, from professional to novice. Come find your people in a community of fellow adventurers. Sit in the Chair of Inspiration! Take a risk in the Forest of Dares! Browse for new directions in the Prompt Marketplace! Seek wisdom from occasional wandering speakers and guest presenters! Above all, get comfortable with your creativity. This is your Space to Write.
 
Movie Nights at the Library/“Stand By Me”                            Thursday, September 12, 5-7 PM
Four boys—played by a young all-star cast of River Phoenix, Will Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell—set out on a hike to search for the dead body of a missing boy. Based on the novella, “The Body,” by Steven King, featuring Kiefer Sutherland as a menacing hoodlum, and including an unforgettable pie eating competition for some necessary comic relief, this coming-of-age story has all the earmarks of a modern classic. MPL’s Matt Mottl invites one-and-all to join him from 5-7 PM on Thursday, September 12, for a screening of “Stand By Me” (1986, R, 1 hour, 29 minutes), during “Movie Nights at the Library.” Admission is FREE!!! See you in the Balkansky!
 
Teen Hang-Out: You Draw Funny—Caricatures with Dean Konop
Thursday, September 12, 6-7 PM
Can you make a funny face? Learn to draw one at the Library! Dean Konop will be on-hand to instruct all those from 11 to 18-years old in aspects of caricature—the fine art of drawing funny. All supplies provided. Registration is required for this event. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/caricatures starting at 12 PM on Thursday, August 29 grab a spot to let your funny flow!
 
Going Beyond Google: How to Research the Right Way       Tuesday, September 17, 10-11 AM
Don't trust Wikipedia! Homeschoolers and all families are welcome to attend this engaging introduction to the library's free resources and online tools in the Balkansky Community Room. Learn how to access books, magazines, databases, and more to assist with homework, projects, and research.
 
MPL Insider: Beyond the Books with Tim & Emily                    Thursday, September 19, 12 PM
Tim & Emily return to the infoweb airwaves at a slightly later start time with “MPL Insider: Beyond the Books” on Thursday, September 19, at 12 PM! It’s a fantastic opportunity to grab a fried bologna and Velveeta sandwich, a six-pack of Jolt Cola, and get ready for some fun, nonlinear chit-chat! They will continue their behind-the-scenes look at Manitowoc Public Library staff, services, patrons, and events. Will there be trivia? Without a doubt! Will there be foolishness? Absolutely! MPL Teen Associate, Kristin Keck, will be joining us in-studio to chat about the full slate of amazing events and programming that she has coming up. The ever-stylish Jordan Kabat will also be on-hand to discuss his no-holds-barred upcoming peony program! And come with questions at-the-ready! You're bound to have some!
 
Urban Farming with Grow It Forward!                               Thursday, September 19, 5-6:30 PM
Join Manitowoc Public Library for an inspiring event featuring two Urban Farmers who will share their journey of collaboration under Grow It Forward. Learn firsthand about their experiences, challenges, and innovative techniques in urban farming. Discover how their partnership exemplifies the power of community and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply curious about urban agriculture, this event promises valuable insights and inspiration.
 
Teen Hang-Out: Shelf Conscious Book Group                        Thursday, September 19, 6-7 PM
Don't like book clubs? Me either! Don't want someone telling you what to read? Same! There's no reading list for the Shelf Conscious Book Group, meeting in Manitowoc Public Library’s Franklin Street Room on Thursday, September 19, from 6-7 PM. Come talk about the books you loved, hated, or haven't read yet, but want to. Or the ways the adapted series based on the book you liked failed you. There will be new books to look over and a Genre of the Month to consider. Snacks and conversation starters provided; ideas you have to bring yourself.
 
Mini Masterpieces Workshop                                                     Tuesday, September 24, 6-7 PM
Show off your artistic abilities by creating an original work of art. All ages (5 and up) are welcome to join us for a short discussion of art styles and color theory, followed by time to begin working on your masterpiece. If you cannot attend in person, kits may be picked up at any MPL service desk starting on Wednesday, September 25 (while supplies last; quantities are limited). Completed artwork returned to the library by Monday, October 28, will be eligible to be part of the Mini Masterpieces Art Show on Monday, November 4.
 
“American Farmer” Movie Night/”Greener Pastures”            Thursday, September 26, 6-7 PM
Running a family farm is hard enough. Adding climate change, a worldwide pandemic, and the increasing economic uncertainty brought on by megafarms, being an independent farmer in America is a profession of survival. Following four Midwest family farms over several years, “Greener Pastures” is a story of perseverance and endurance within the farming industry in the heartland. It provides an intimate window into the lives of these multigenerational Midwestern farming families. Manitowoc Public Library is thrilled to be screening this multi-award-winning, unrated 2023 documentary film from first-time director Sam Mirpoorian in the Balkansky Community Room at 6 PM on Thursday, September 26. Amazingly, one of the four farmers featured in “Greener Pastures”—Jeff Ditzenberger—will attend the screening for a special Q&A period following the film.
 
Library Closing at 12 PM for Staff Development                         Friday, September 27, 12-6 PM
The Library will be closing at 12 PM on Friday, September 27, for Staff Development. Normal MPL hours will resume Saturday, September 28, at 9 AM.