Month: October 2026

Press Release

MANHATTAN, KS — Manhattan Public Library welcomed community members, library supporters, and local leaders Wednesday evening for a reception marking the conclusion of its three-month #ShowUrReceipts campaign. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the campaign encouraged residents to look at the estimated retail value displayed on their checkout receipts and reflect on the many ways a library card supports reading, learning, entertainment, and discovery.

The #ShowUrReceipts campaign invited patrons to review the estimated value of materials borrowed through the library. By sharing examples of their receipt totals, participants helped start a community conversation about the potential value of access through a public library card.

“When people think of the public library, they often picture books on shelves,” said Library Director Eric Norris during opening remarks. “But a public library’s impact is also found in the curiosity of a child, the dedication of a family, and the lifelong habit of learning. This campaign gave our community an opportunity to reflect on the many ways people use their library cards.”

What Receipt Totals Mean

Since 2017, the library’s integrated checkout system has displayed an estimated retail value for eligible borrowed materials on paper transaction receipts.

• Each eligible item is assigned an estimated retail or standard market value in the library system.

• The system may display an estimated value for an individual transaction as well as running annual and lifetime totals.

• Receipt totals are intended to illustrate the estimated retail value of materials borrowed through a library card. They do not represent cash payments, reimbursement, or a calculation of what an individual household would otherwise have spent.

Receipt totals do not capture the full range of resources available through Manhattan Public Library. In addition to borrowing materials, residents use library technology, digital resources, gathering spaces, and programs and learning opportunities for children, teens, and adults.

Campaign Recognition

During the reception, Manhattan Public Library publicly recognized #ShowUrReceipts campaign participants whose checkout receipts reflected substantial estimated retail value from borrowed materials. Participants received commemorative glass awards.

Annual receipt totals among recognized participants reached the tens of thousands of dollars, while some lifetime totals exceeded $200,000. Together, the recognized participants’ receipt totals reflected more than $780,000 in estimated retail value of borrowed materials.

Individual names, exact totals, and borrowing information are not included in this release.

A group photograph of campaign participants will be shared through Manhattan Public Library’s social-media channels.

“Every checkout, download, program, and library visit represents someone choosing to learn, explore, connect, or enjoy something new,” Norris said. “Whether someone borrows a favorite novel, downloads an audiobook, attends a program, or brings a child to storytime, the library helps make learning, discovery, and connection available to people of all ages.”

Manhattan Public Library thanks the Friends of the Library for sponsoring the campaign and reception, as well as the Library Board, library staff, campaign participants, and all patrons who make the library an active part of community life.

For more information about Manhattan Public Library services, programs for all ages, and upcoming events, visit MHKLibrary.org or stop by the library at 629 Poyntz Ave.