Manitowoc, WI, November 14, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s December 2025 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
Best Gift Ever Book Drive @ Manitowoc Public Library                 Through Friday, December 5
Help build a lifetime of reading enjoyment by giving the gift of reading! Manitowoc Public Library is running our "Best Gift Ever" campaign to collect new children's books for local families in need. From November 3 through December 5, you can donate new, unwrapped books by placing them in the donation box near the First Floor Service Desk. All book donations will be given to three local nonprofits for distribution over the holiday season:

• Incourage
• Lakeshore Foster Family and Friends
• Salvation Army of Manitowoc County

All types of books are welcome—picture books, board books, chapter books, young adult books, anything you feel a child or teenager would enjoy reading! You can also make a monetary donation that will go towards purchasing new children's books to be donated. For checks please make it to the "Friends of the Manitowoc Public Library," with "Best Gift Ever" in the notes line. Make sure monetary donations are submitted by November 24, so we can have the books ready for delivery in December.
Owning something as simple as a book can have a tremendous impact on a child’s self-esteem and help boost their spirits. We ask that you work with us to provide new children’s books to these needy kids. The benefits will last a lifetime.
 
Enchanted Evergleams at MPL                                             Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
'Tis the Season for the “Gleam Team”—Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-Mas Inc., or MAKI, for short—to present "Evergleams on Eighth" in Downtown Manitowoc! Over 100 glittering aluminum Evergleam trees in over forty different styles, sizes, and colors will be featured in participating downtown businesses, with an impressive number showcased in the Enchanted Evergleam Forest at Manitowoc Public Library! Give into the sparkle of the rare trees on display! Returning this year—an incredible custom-made 14-foot Evergleam marvel that has been donated to Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-Mas Inc. by a very generous pair of sisters from Kansas!
 
Baby Storytime                                                                      Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM
Baby Storytime is 20 minutes of stories, songs, rhymes, bounces, parachute activities, and bubbles, followed by 20 minutes of playtime! Baby Storytime is recommended for developmental ages 0-2 and siblings are always welcome. All Library storytimes are inclusive and welcoming. You are encouraged to attend the storytime that best meets your family's developmental needs. Registration is not required.
 
Preschool Storytime                                                            Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 AM
Join us in singing, talking, reading, creating, and playing at this inclusive Storytime for families with preschoolers. Storytime focuses on concepts such as life skills, counting, colors, emotions, patterns, and the alphabet. It's a great opportunity to meet new friends, socialize, and strengthen early literacy skills. Storytime is recommended for developmental ages 2-5 and siblings are always welcome. All library storytimes are inclusive and welcoming. You are encouraged to attend the storytime that best meets your family's developmental needs. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Registration is not required.
 
Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL                                                  Wednesday, December 3, 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, December 3! 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.
 
Holiday Movie Fest @ Manitowoc Public Library                                    Various Dates & Times
Get cozy at Manitowoc Public Library during the Holidays! Join us for our Holiday Movie Fest, featuring family favorites and festive classics on the Balkansky Community Room’s big screen.
 
Schedule:

• December   4, 6-8 PM: “Babes in Toyland (1960s Version), Rated G
• December 13, 11 AM-1 PM: “Scrooge,” Rated G
• December 14, 1-3 PM: “Prancer,” Rated G
• December 18, 6-8 PM: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1990s Version), Rated PG
• December 22, 11 AM-1 PM: “Unaccompanied Minors,” Rated PG
• December 29, 11 AM-1 PM: “Krampus.” Rated PG-13

 

SENSE-sational Baby Storytime                                      Tuesday, December 9, 10:30-11:30 AM

Dim the lights, lower the volume, and enjoy a sensory-friendly storytime designed for little ones who find traditional Baby Storytime overstimulating. With gentle stories, songs, and bounces, caregivers and babies (birth to two years) will explore pre-literacy activities in a calm, welcoming space. Group size is limited to 12 to ensure a relaxed environment. No registration required.
 
All About Camilla with Author Jennifer Brandt                      Tuesday, December 16, 6-6:30 PM
Join local author, Jennifer Brandt, as she shares her book Camilla the Tail-Wagging Tutor, the story of a dog who used her special talents to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities and fall in love with storytelling. This program will take place before our December therapy dog event. If you’re booking a time to read to one of our furry friends, plan to arrive early to meet Jennifer and find out all about Camilla
 
Read to Certified Therapy Dogs                                        Tuesday, December 16, 6:30-7:30 PM
Studies show that children who read to animals, like our therapy dogs, gain confidence and improve their overall reading. Due to limited availability, registration is required. Each family may register for one 15-minute one-on-one session with a therapy dog. Adults must accompany children under the age of 8 at all times. Registration opens at 5 PM on Tuesday, December 2. Please call 920-686-3030 or stop by the Youth Services Department to sign up.
 
Storytime with Santa                                                            Saturday, December 20, 10-11 AM
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s bringing a festive story to share! Gather the family for a cozy storytime on Saturday, December 20, from 10-11 AM in the Balkansky Community Room filled with festive cheer, then enjoy a special photo-op with The Man in Red himself. While Santa won’t be able to have children sit on his lap this year, he can’t wait to hear from them! Be sure to bring your Letter to Santa and drop it in his special North Pole Mailbox during the event. Need help getting started? Starting December 8, stop by the library and visit our festive Letter to Santa Station. We’ll have all the supplies your Little Ones need to write (or draw!) their holiday wishes before the big day. No registration required—just your holiday spirit, your best smiles, and your letter for Santa!
 
Manitowoc Public Library Closed for Christmas and New Year’s Holidays
Wednesday, December 24, Thursday, December 25, Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026
MPL will be closed December 24 & 25 for the Christmas Holiday. Regular hours will resume Friday, December 26, at 9 AM. MPL will also close on December 31, 2025 & January 1, 2026 for the New Year’s Holiday. Regular hours will resume in 2026 on Friday, January 2, at 9 AM.