Manitowoc, WI, January 21, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s February 2025 Adult Events are scheduled on the following dates and times.
 
2025 Winter Reading Program | Warm Up with a Good Book!
Through Saturday, February 22
The Winter Reading Program at Manitowoc Public Library is open to All Ages! Read or be read to a total of 10 hours by February 22. Everyone that finishes receives a prize, as well as a raffle ticket to enter to win one of a variety of fantastic baskets!! Track your reading on the Beanstack app or by visiting manitowoclibrary.beanstack.org, or by picking up a paper tracker at any MPL Service Desk.
 
Great Decisions 2025                                                                      Mondays in February at 6 PM
Manitowoc Public Library is proud to present Great Decisions 2025, our eighteenth year of hosting this preeminent eight-week grassroots lecture series that provides the citizens of the Lakeshore area with the opportunity to discover, discuss and decide how to meet some of the world’s greatest challenges head-on. Increasingly, global events have become domestic concerns and Great Decisions takes you beyond the headlines with essential background information, relevant facts, ever-shifting policy options and impartial analysis.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Great Decisions 2025 will be presented in a hybrid format—offered in-person in MPL’s Balkansky Community Room, as well as livestreamed simultaneously online on both our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/manitowoclibrary) and YouTube channel.
 
The lecture schedule is as follows:
 
February 3    U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy, Pablo Toral, PhD, Beloit College
February 10  After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East, Beth Dougherty, PhD, Beloit College
February 17  The Future of NATO and European Security, Martin Farrell, PhD, Ripon College (retired)
February 24  International Cooperation in Climate Change, Elizabeth Wheat, PhD, UW-Green Bay
 
The Great Decisions Series is FREE and open to the public. No registration is required. For a more detailed description for each of the above topics, please head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/great-decisions.
 
DWD Employment Assistance & Career Counseling               Tuesdays in February, 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 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, assisting 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 on Tuesdays, contact Ellen Hope at 920-930-6553 or ellen.hope@dwd.wisconsin.gov to make an appointment.

 
Genealogy Help with the Genealogical Society                             Tuesdays in February, 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.
 
Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL                                                    Wednesday, February 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, February 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.
 
Space to Write                                                            Tuesdays, February 11 & 25, 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.
 
Glowforge Badging Session                                                        Friday, February 15, 2-3:30 PM
Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for a demonstration of our Glowforge on February 15. 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 Wednesday, February 5, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-21550 to secure your spot! If registration is full, don't worry. We'll have more training sessions throughout the year.
 
Mini Job Fair                                                                                  Tuesday, February 18, 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! Please check back to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/mini-job-fair-21111 closer to the event for a full list of participating employers.
 
MPL Insider: Beyond the Books with Tim & Emily                       Thursday, February 20, 12 PM
For their February installment of “MPL Insider”, Tim & Emily will be welcoming a pair of Library staffers on Thursday, February 20, at 12 PM who cover a wide range of programming! It’s the kind of post-Valentine’s lineup that all-but-requires the viewer to throw together some Hormel chili with Kraft Mac and Cheese, froth-up a tall, cool glass of Nesquik, and settle in for some fun, nonlinear chit-chat! Youth Services Associate, Lynn Christiansen, will be bringing us up–to-speed regarding Family Activity Nights, while Public Services Associate, Olivia Hanf, will be providing details about Cricut and Idea Box makerspace activities. And don’t be terribly surprised if a shenanigan or two get thrown into the mix for good measure. Come with questions at-the-ready! You're bound to have some!
 
Movie Nights at the Library/The Notebook                                Thursday, February 20, 5-7 PM
An elderly man reads a romantic story from a notebook to an equally elderly woman in a nursing home. To say much more about the plot specifics of this romantic drama starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams would be a disservice to the revelations that unspool in this film based on the best-selling Nicholas Sparks novel. Better just to watch and discover the finer points for yourself! Manitowoc Public Library’s Matt Mottl invites one and all to join him for an evening in the Balkansky Community Room for a screening of The Notebook (2004, PG-13, 2hrs 3min). And moreover, admission is FREE!!!
 
Judy Blume Book Club                                                                Thursday, February 20, 6-7 PM
For over five decades, Judy Blume's books have enchanted young readers and hailed as pioneering works in the Young Adult (YA) novel genre. Her realistic fiction delves into the beautifully chaotic world we live in and resonates with readers of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages. Whether you're already a fan or new to the magic of Judy Blume, join us at Manitowoc Public Library as we delve into some of the standout books by this groundbreaking author. PLEASE NOTE: While Ms. Blume is a YA author, this is an Adult Program, offered to those 18-years of age and older. The Judy Blume Book Club will meet in the Board Room on MPL's Second Floor from 6-7 PM. While the JBBC will also be meeting in April and June, the first gathering will take place on Thursday, February 20, and will focus on Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
 
Extra/Ordinary: Antique Appraisals by Mark Moran            Saturday, February 22, 11 AM-2 PM
Antique expert, Mark Moran, will offer informative value on antique items during this Saturday event. Registration is required, with only 1 item allowed per registration. And please be aware that opinions of value are informal and may not be used for insurance or charitable donation, which require a certified appraisal. Registration opens on Thursday, February 6, at 5 PM and ends on Thursday, February 20, at 8 PM. Register for your time slot by calling 920-686-3010 or by stopping at the Manitowoc Public Library’s Main Service Desk. For a comprehensive list of items that are included—as well as ones that are excluded—please visit www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/extraordinary-2025.
Glowforge Badging Session                                                      Tuesday, February 25, 6-7:30 PM
Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for this month’s second demonstration of our Glowforge on February 25. 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, February 17, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-18950 to secure your spot! If registration is full, don't worry. We'll have more training sessions throughout the year.
 
Learn About Libby: The Online Reading App                  Wednesday, February 26, 10-11:30 AM
The Libby app gives you access to thousands of free eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines that you can read online. Haven’t tried Libby yet? Join us on Wednesday, February 20, from 10-11:30 AM for a demonstration of Libby and receive hands-on assistance. Our staff will show you how to download Libby, search for titles, and borrow books. You’ll also get some helpful tips for navigating the app. This class is free for all ages and no registration is required.
 

• Bring your reading device (tablet, smart phone, Kindle, etc.) and your library card
• Have your passwords for your devices ready
• For Apple Devices, you’ll need your Apple ID and password
• For Kindles you’ll need your Amazon login and password.

 
Join us in MPL’s Second Floor Board Room Room and start enjoying eBooks!
 
3Doodler Badging Session                                                      Wednesday, February 26, 5-6 PM
Join us in the Idea Box for a demonstration of our 3Doodler Pens. The 3Doodler melts plastic filament into a pen with which you can draw solid and even three-dimensional images. MPL Staff Member, Tony, will show you how to use our 3Doodler and upon completion of the training you'll be "Badged" so you can use the 3Doodler at your leisure. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens Monday, February 17, at 9 AM at www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/3doodler-badging-session-18951. You must be 14 or older to participate in this program. Individuals who are 14-17 years old must have a parent or guardian present to complete a waiver to use the equipment.
 
Cats on Mats with Kate Casey                                            Wednesday, March 26, 5:30-6:30 PM
Join Yoga Alliance licensed teacher Kate Casey and residents of Lakeshore Humane Society for an evening of fun and relaxation. Participants will be guided through a gentle yoga class designed to relieve tension in the body and mind while furry friends wander from mat to mat. Cat lovers of all sizes, abilities, and levels of experience are welcome! Please bring your own mat. Must be 18 years or older to register. Registration for this event opens at 9 AM on Tuesday, February 11. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/cats-mats-kate-casey-20490 to secure your spot!
 

Tales in the Taproom: An Adults-Only (21+) StorySlam Evening at PetSkull Brewery

Thursday, February 27, 6-8 PM
True stories told on a cold winter night in a microbrewery known for camaraderie and shenanigans. It doesn't get a whole lot better than that! Besides—Everyone has a story to tell! Why not tell yours? No props, no notes. Just five minutes and a true, personal favorite story. The important thing to remember is that this is an evening of true storytelling—not stand-up comedy, not poetry, not a platform for political manifestos or lectures, or doing a reading from an as-of-yet published post-apocalyptic neo-tribal zombie/cyborg saga. It’s a true story zone. The theme for this evening at PetSkull Brewing Company from 6-8 PM on Thursday, February 27, is "How Embarrassing!" Because no matter which way you slice it, absolutely everybody has a story to tell from when they found themselves in an embarrassing situation. And as this is an Adults-Only event, nothing is off limits—if you're willing to tell it, it's a story worthy of the hearing. For more details, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/story-slam-20190.