Manitowoc Public Library

Enriching, Connecting, Inspiring

The mission of Manitowoc Public Library is to promote a culture of reading and to provide access to information. Through our services we strive to foster an environment that meets the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the community.

Manitowoc Public Library is located overlooking the waters of both the Manitowoc River and Lake Michigan in the center of downtown Manitowoc. The many-windowed two-story 52,000 sq. ft. building was erected in 1998 to meet the information needs of the community in the 21st century.

Manitowoc Public Library's 2013-2018 Strategic Plan encompasses four goals:

Goal #1: Inspire Lifelong Learning for Children, Teens and Adults

Goal #2: Enrich the Community

Goal #3: Be a Destination

Goal #4: Connect with Technology

History

The library opened March 13, 1900, on the second floor of a building owned by the Torrison Company. From the very beginning, the space was too small. The Library Board applied to Andrew Carnegie for funds for a new library building. The Board received this reply December 29, 1902: "If the City agrees by resolution of the Council to maintain a Free Public Library at cost of not less than $2,500 per year and provides a suitable site for the building, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to furnish $25,000 to erect a Free Public Library building."

August 1, 1904, the new Library at the corner of North 8th and Chicago Streets opened to the public and served the community very well for many years. However, by the mid 1950s, it became apparent that the building was becoming inadequate to provide proper service to the people of Manitowoc. The issue was studied thoroughly for years before a new building was erected at the corner of South 8th and Hamilton Streets in 1966. The new Library opened to the public in January of 1967.

After thirty years, the need for more space and improved technology led to the opening of the current library at 707 Quay Street, September 2, 1998. Construction and furnishing costs for the current facility totaled $6.2 million. The building is 52,000 sq. ft. on two levels, 20,000 more than the three story Hamilton Street facility.

In the years since its dedication, technology has been updated and collections have changed, but the focus remains on provided unimpeded access to information for everyone.

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