Manitowoc, WI, July 16, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s August 2026 Adult Events are scheduled on the following dates and times.

 

Summer Reading Program 2026             Through Saturday, August 8

Join the Summer Reading Program and earn weekly prizes just by reading!

 

• FREE and for All Ages!

• Read or be read to a total of 30 days to complete the program (any time spent reading, counts as a day of reading)

• Every six days read earns you a prize!

• Participants have until Saturday, August 15, to pick up their prizes, while supplies last

 

To download Beanstack, for the full list of prizes and a complete list of all of our amazing sponsors, as well as further details, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/srp.

 

ArtPoetry Exhibit       Through Thursday, August 20

Sponsored by the Lakeshore Artists Guild, this “call and response” exhibit is a collaboration between twenty artists and twenty poets resulting in forty poems and forty artworks. Each artist submitted an original artwork, and each poet submitted an original poem. Participants selected the poem or artwork that spoke to them, and then created new works inspired by their choices. Artwork will be on display on the First Floor near the Grand Staircase.

 

ManitoWalk: Historic Downtown Walking Tour                         Monday, August 3, 5:30-7 PM

Downtown Manitowoc has seen significant change over the decades, but landmarks of our city’s past remain—if you know where to look! Join library staff as they explore the historic buildings on 8th Street in Downtown Manitowoc. Learn about the history of 10 buildings that helped shape our community. The tour starts at Manitowoc Public Library. Participants are asked to meet outside by the Flag. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the walking tour. For ages 18+. Space is limited. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/manitowalk-historic-downtown-walking-tour-29293 then to secure your spot! PLEASE NOTE: This is a walking tour of Downtown Manitowoc, and you will need to be able to withstand walking and standing for over an hour. ***In the event of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.

 

DWD Employment Assistance & Career Counseling              Tuesdays in August, 9 AM-4 PM

The Department of Workforce Development staff is providing onsite services in MPL’s Franklin Street Room for both Employment Assistance and Career Counseling. Here are some of the specifics:

• Drop-In Employment Assistance: Department of Workforce Development staff will provide onsite services, including resume writing, assistance with online applications, assistance registering in Job Center of Wisconsin, and more! No appointment is needed.

• Career Counseling: Dealing with a Job Loss or considering a Career Change? Career and Employment Counseling may help! Our licensed career counselor can assist with providing support and encouragement, assist with the exploration of career and self-assessments, assisting with reviewing labor market information, removing and overcoming obstacles, and creating an individualized employment plan to help you turn your career vision into a reality. Our Career Counselor can also provide you with the tools, feedback and resources you need to be successful in your job search. For in-person career counseling, contact Ellen Hope at 920-930-6553 or ellen.hope@dwd.wisconsin.gov to make an appointment.

 

To see all the hours and date specifics, head to https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month/2026/08?keywords=DWD. 

 

Mini Job Fair       Tuesday, August 4, 1-3 PM

Manitowoc Public Library and Wisconsin Job Service would like to invite job seekers to a multi-employer hiring event taking place in MPL's Balkansky Community Room!

 

Genealogy Help with the Genealogical Society                         Tuesdays in August, 3-5 PM

Members of the Manitowoc County Genealogical Society can be found in MPL’s Manitowoc Collection every Tuesday from 3-5 PM to help people with their genealogy research.

 

National Night Out at Manitowoc Public Library      Tuesday, August 4, 6-7:30 PM

Join MPL and Manitowoc Police Department from 6-7:30 PM at Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesday, August 4 for National Night Out! This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. 

 

Activities Include:

• Learn about crime prevention and family safety

• Make a child ID kit

• Meet a police officer

• See police and fire vehicles

• Watch a K9 demonstration

• Watch a drone demonstration

• Visit with local 4-H members and meet their project animals

 

Children who complete an on-site scavenger hunt will receive free school supplies courtesy of Walmart.

 

Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL         Wednesday, August 5, 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, August 5! 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.

 

ArtPoetry Exhibit Reception             Friday, August 7, 3:30-5:30 PM Come celebrate the convergence of two disciplines with artists and poets in the Balkansky Community Room.

 

Digital Film Scanner Badging Session           Thursday, August 13, 5:30-7 PM

Join us in the Idea Box for a demonstration of the Kodak SCANZA, a machine that creates digital files from old slides and filmstrip negatives. Library Staff will show you how to use our Kodak SCANZA. Upon completion of the training, you'll be "Badged" and eligible to use it at your leisure. 

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens on Monday, August 3, at 9 AM. Please head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/digital-film-scanner-badging-session-30281 to secure a spot! You must be 18 or older to participate in this program. Participants are required to bring their own filmstrip or slide to class.

 

Lakeshore Balloon Glow, Presented by Chamber of Manitowoc County and City of Manitowoc Friday, August 14, 5-9 PM

Please be aware: the library parking lot & drive-thru book-drop will be inaccessible starting at 2PM on Friday, August 14 to accommodate Balloon Glow activities. Manitowoc Public Library will be open regular hours, 9 AM to 6 PM. Lakeshore Balloon Glow is a free, family-friendly event featuring glowing hot air balloons, delicious food trucks and cold drinks, a water ski show, family-friendly activities and entertainment, and more in the heart of Manitowoc's downtown. All funds raised at the event support downtown beautification projects. For complete details, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/lakeshore-balloon-glow-2026. 

 

Cricut Badging Session         Monday, August 17, 5:30-7 PM

Join us in the Idea Box for a demonstration of the Cricut Maker, a machine that cuts and scores a variety of materials for hobby crafting. Library Staff will show you how to use our Cricut Maker and the Design Space software. Upon completion of the training, you'll be "Badged" and eligible to use it at your leisure. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens on Monday, August 3, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/cricut-badging-session-30304 then to secure your spot! You must be 18 or older to participate in this program.

 

Glowforge Badging Session                  Wednesday, August 19, 2-3:30 PM

Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for a demonstration of our Glowforge on July 31. The Glowforge uses a laser to engrave designs into different material types like acrylic and wood. Library Staff will show you how to use our Glowforge and upon completion of the training, you'll be "Badged" so you can use the Glowforge at your leisure. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens on Monday, August 10, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-30086 at that time to secure your spot! You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.

 

Sweet Summer Treats with Fern & Flour   Thursday, August 20, 6-7:30 PM

With the Summer Sizzle in full-effect, we thought it would be a good idea to bring back one of MPL's hottest adult programming options—a baked goods decorating class with Fern & Flour, a local gourmet bakery that has been packing enthusiastic attendees into Manitowoc Public Library’s Idea Box makerspace. During this summertime cookie decorating class taking place on Thursday, August 20, from 6-7:30 PM, Fern & Flour's owner, Stephanie Fulton, will guide participants through different piping techniques using Royal Icing to create 6 different delectable designs. Please bring a container with you to "Sweet Summer Treats" for the safe transport of your cookies on their journey to your home. Registration is required and we can't emphasize this enough—SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED! Registration opens at 9 AM on Thursday, August 6. If you want a realistic shot of being one of the fortunate few to land a spot, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/sweet-summer-treats at 9 AM on Thursday, August 6 and keyboard like the wind without hesitation! Please Note: You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.