Manitowoc, WI, December 15, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s January 2026 Adult Events are scheduled on the following dates and times.
 
Enchanted Evergleams at MPL
Extended by Popular Demand Through Sunday, January 11!
'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!
 
DWD Employment Assistance & Career Counseling                 Tuesdays in January, 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, 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 www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month/2026/01?keywords=DWD.
 
Genealogy Help with the Genealogical Society                              Tuesdays in January, 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, January 7, 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, January 7! 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.
 

2026 Winter Reading Program: Warm Up to a Good Book!

Sunday, January 11 through Saturday, February 28

The Winter Reading Program is open to All Ages! Read or be read to for a total of 10 hours from January 11 through February 28. Everyone who finishes receives a raffle ticket to enter to win one of a variety of fantastic prize baskets! Track your reading on the beanstack app or by visiting manitowoclibrary.beanstack.org, or by picking up a paper tracker at any service desk! This Winter Reading Program is generously sponsored by Manitowoc Public Library, Friends of Manitowoc Public Library, Green Bay Packers Give Back, Lake Michigan Carferry, On the Surface, Little Sips Play Cafe, and The Read Apple Toy Shoppe.
 
Space to Write                                                              Tuesdays, January 13 & 27, 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 of the month 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.
 

Adult Book Discussion: Real Americans, by Rachel Khong          Thursday, January 15, 6-7 PM

Real Americans begins on the brink of Y2K in New York City, where twenty-two-year-old Lily Chen, an unpaid intern at a media company, meets Matthew. He is easygoing, attractive, a native of the East Coast, and the heir to a pharmaceutical empire. Lily, raised in Tampa by scientist parents fleeing Mao’s Cultural Revolution, is flat-broke. Despite differences, Lily and Matthew fall in love. In 2021, fifteen-year-old Nick Chen, Lily's son, feels out of place on Washington Island with his single mother. He suspects she's hiding something and searches for his biological father, risking more questions than answers. If multifaceted, multicultural intrigue piques your interest, meet fellow book lovers for an engaging conversation in MPL’s Second Floor Board Room from 6-7 PM on Thursday, January 15. Pick up your copy of “Real Americans” near the First Floor’s Service Desk.
 

Make It at MPL!—Winter Jewelry Making on the Glowforge           Friday, January 16, 2-4 PM

Join us in the Idea Box as we make winter-inspired earrings ornaments on the Glowforge! The Glowforge uses a laser to engrave designs into different material types like acrylic and wood. No prior experience on the Glowforge is required. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens Monday, January 5, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/winter-earrings at that time to secure your spot! You must be 18 or older to participate in this program.
 
Dinosaur Dimensions Live!                                                            Monday, January 19, 2-3 PM
Roar into adventure with lifelike animatronic dinosaur puppets in a dynamic show by Dinosaur Dimensions! Enjoy storytelling, dino facts, and audience participation—plus a meet & greet for photos with your prehistoric pals. A dino-mite experience for all ages!
 
Open Sew and Badging with Betty
Two Sessions: Monday, January 19—2-3 PM & 6-7 PM
Resident sewing enthusiast, Betty, will be in the Idea Box tow times on Monday, January 19, to answer questions and badge individuals on the sewing machines. Bring your own project to work on, or learn to make a simple project while getting badged! Anyone aged 13 and older is welcome. Registration is not required for either session, but space is limited. Can't make the scheduled time? Contact Betty in the Youth Department at 920-686-3030 to set up a badging session.
 
Getting Published: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing                   Wednesday, January 21, 6-7 PM
Have a book idea you'd like to get published? Need to dust off that manuscript? Professional editor and published author, Sharon Verbeten, will share her seasoned skills and knowledge to help you navigate the complex world of publishing. She'll share the pros and cons of both traditional and self-publishing. Verbeten is editorial director of “All Write Creative Services” and has been a freelance writer for more than 30 years. She is the author of two books on collecting Barbies and has been published in hundreds of national trade and consumer magazines.
 
Beneath the Surface: Cobia’s Drydock Story                            Thursday, January 22, 6-7 PM
Join Wisconsin Maritime Museum's Submarine Curator, Karen Duvalle, in the Balkansky Room from 6-7 PM on Thursday, January 22, for a behind-the-scenes look at the drydocking of the USS Cobia in Sturgeon Bay. This program will share the triumphs, challenges, and unexpected moments from the historic preservation effort. Discover what it takes to care for a World War II submarine—and why it matters!

 

Free Blood Pressure Screening                                                      Monday, January 26, 1-2 PM
Froedtert Holy Family Memorial volunteer staff will conduct FREE Blood Pressure screenings. Recommendations will be given to all patients with out-of-range readings, as well as prevention education. Participants will have the opportunity to confidentially track their readings and discuss with volunteer staff each month. Referrals will include Froedtert Health, as well as Aurora and Lakeshore Community Health Center. Screenings will take place at a table near the Main Service Desk on the First Floor.
 
Glowforge Badging Session                                                      Tuesday, January 27, 6-7:30 PM
Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for a demonstration of our Glowforge on January 27. 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 Friday, January 19, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-25873 at that time to secure your spot! You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.
 

3D Printer Badging Session                                                 Wednesday, January 28, 5-6:15 PM

Join us in the Idea Box for a demonstration of the Prusa Core One 3D Printer. MPL Staff Member, Tony, will show you how to use the 3D Printer and upon completion of the training you'll be "Badged" so you can use the 3D Printer at your leisure. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens Monday, January 19, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/3d-printer-badging-session-25879 at that time to secure your spot. You must be 14-years old 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.
 
Cricut Badging Session                                                                Friday, January 30, 2-3:30 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 Friday, January 16, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/cricut-badging-session-26609 at that time to secure your spot! You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.