Manitowoc Public Library May 2026 Adult Events
Manitowoc, WI, April 16, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s May 2026 Adult Events are scheduled on the following dates and times.
WOMT 100: A Century of Live Local Radio in Manitowoc Through Saturday, May 30
100 years ago, WOMT Radio was founded by pioneers of Wisconsin broadcasting, Francis and Lillian Kadow, and originally broadcast from the Second Floor of the Mikadow Theatre on Washington Street. Today, WOMT Radio is owned and operated by Seehafer Broadcasting, a third-generation family broadcast company led by President, Mark Seehafer, and Vice President, Terry Stevenson. As one of the oldest radio stations in Wisconsin, WOMT Radio has served as a trusted voice for news, sports, community information and entertainment for generations. To honor and celebrate this century-long legacy, WOMT is partnering with Manitowoc Public Library to present a rare exhibition of radios spanning the decades to our community from the private collection of Manitowoc resident, Steve Kanter. This Historic Radio Showcase will be on display on MPL's First Floor through Saturday, May 30, near the Main Service Desk. More pieces of interesting, obscure WOMT ephemera are certain to be added as the exhibition nears, so check back to MPL’s web calendar to see what's been added to the display!
Comic Book Day 2026 Saturday, May 2, 9 AM-1 PM
You’re invited to Comic Book Day! A celebration of everything from the world of Comic Books, Comic Strips, and Manga. Come dressed as your favorite Comic Book character, participate in fun activities and pick up a comic book! Activities:
- Comic Book Sale: Buy a Comic Book for just 25¢! This used comic book sale includes titles from Marvel and DC!
- Giveaways: There will be a limited number of free First Little Comics (books recommended ages 2-7), Buttons, Stickers, and Trading Cards (recommended 13+). Limit one per person and available while supplies last!
- Costume Contest: Dress up in your favorite Comic Book or Manga inspired outfit and participate in our Costume Contest! Take a picture or video at the library and we’ll post it to our Facebook. Whoever gets the most likes will win a LED Mask! Enter with friends or individually (only one LED Mask will be awarded).
- Scavenger Hunt: Use the clues to find hidden comic book characters throughout the library. Complete the scavenger hunt to win a small prize and earn a ticket for a Raffle Prize! You could win a Graphic Novel, Comic themed Trading Cards, or a custom-made Comic Keychain!
- Comic Book Display: Learn about comic book history with our display of comic collectables.
- Arts and Crafts: Superhero Mask Making and Coloring Sheets will be available in the Youth Department.
- We'll also be taking pictures for Make Your Mark and Share Your Art Bookmark decorating program.
DWD Employment Assistance & Career Counseling Tuesdays in May, 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/2026/05?keywords=DWD.
Genealogy Help with the Genealogical Society Tuesdays in May, 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, May 6, 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, May 6! 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.
Glowforge Badging Session Monday, May 11, 2-3:30 PM
Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for a demonstration of our Glowforge on May 11. 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, May 4, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-27815 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, May 13, 5:30-6:45 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, May 4, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/3d-printer-badging-session-28425 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.Free Life Skills Workshop—Social Media Smarts: Protecting Your Mind
Thursday, May 14, 6-7:30 PM
Join Rogers Behavioral Health for a transformative series of free, monthly life skills workshops. Open to everyone in the community, you'll gain valuable life skills in a supportive, non-clinical environment. Registration encouraged, though not required through Rogers Behavioral Health.Library Card Free Days Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 10 AM-4 PM Both Days
Join Manitowoc-Calumet Library System for a free day at Manitowoc County Historical Society. Guests can show their MCLS library card (Manitowoc, Lester, Brillion, Chilton, Kiel, & New Holstein) either day to tour the museum at no cost.
No-Cost Skin Cancer Screening Wednesday, May 20, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM
Checking your skin regularly can help find skin cancer early when it is easier to treat with a better outcome. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing skin cancer. Join the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Network and Forefront Dermatology for no-cost skin cancer screenings for adults ages 18 and older. Screenings take less than 15 minutes. If abnormal areas are found, patients will be referred for diagnostic tests. Skin protection education and skin care kit (while supplies last) will be provided to participants. This event is co-sponsored by Manitowoc Public Library, Forefront Dermatology, and Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin.
Adult Book Discussion—Our Guiding Light: Wisdom from the Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter, by Therese Langer Woelfel
Thursday, May 21, 6-7 PM
Our Guiding Light is an inspiring true story rooted in the Great Lakes lighthouses of the early 1900s. Through the life of Vivian, daughter of a devoted lighthouse keeper, the book reveals how courage, faith, and service to others can light the way through life’s greatest storms. Blending family history, resilience, and spiritual insight, this heartfelt story invites readers to discover a calmer, more purposeful life guided by trust, hope, and enduring light. If this type of inspirational fare appeals to you, meet fellow book lovers for an engaging conversation in MPL’s Second Floor Board Room from 6-7 PM on Thursday, May 21. Pick up your copy of “Our Guiding Light” near the First Floor’s Service Desk.
Library Closed for Memorial Day Monday, May 25
Manitowoc Public Library will be closed all day Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, May 26, at 9 AM.
Friends of Manitowoc Public Library Used Book Sale Thursday, May 28-Saturday, May 30
IT’S BACK!!! Join MPL for the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library’s HUGE Used Book Sale in the 2nd Floor’s Balkansky Community Room. Hours of Operation are as follows:
- Thursday, May 28 12-7:30 PM
- Friday, May 29 9 AM-5:30 PM
- Saturday, May 30 9 AM-2:30 PM (Stuff-a-Bag—$4—All Day Saturday!)
Cash or local check only! NO debit/credit cards accepted! ATM located on the 1st Floor near the Main Entrance.
Cricut Badging Session Tuesday, May 29, 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. You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program. Registration opens on Friday, May 15 at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/cricut-badging-session-28393 to secure your spot!
