Manitowoc, WI, September 18, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s October 2026 Adult Events are scheduled on the following dates and times.
 
MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival: You Be the Judge!             Thursday, October 1, 5-7:30 PM
We're thrilled to be welcoming MANHATTAN SHORT back to Manitowoc Public Library. Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. You'll join film lovers simultaneously in over 500 venues across the globe gathering to see the ten Finalists in this year's event. With past finalists garnering Oscar nominations and short films continuing to move into the Hollywood mainstream, come see this entertaining program featuring the best short films in the world today! Ballots supplied upon entry.
 

Mini Bookcases                                                                          Thursday, October 1, 6-7:30 PM

You commented and we listened! Originally offered as a Teen Event during the Summer Reading Program, so many adult patrons expressed their interest in the class that we added an Adults-Only (18+) edition to the Fall Calendar! Construct a take-along mini library that will fit in your pocket! Choose the books, put up wallpaper, decorate your shelves, and hide the whole thing away in a tiny tin. If you feel stressed, shake up your books, or just dump them all out in a big pile, and put them back in. Calm your mind in the making and in the shaking! All supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Life After Loss                                                                                Friday, October 2, 3-4:30 PM
Life After Loss is an informal grief support group for those wanting to partner with others as they work through the grief process. This support group is led by Steve Cornelius, a Bereavement Coordinator from Hospice Compassus. This group will meet in Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Board Room the first Friday of every month for the last four months of 2026. October’s meet-up will take place on Friday, October 2, from 3-4:30 PM,
 
Manitowoc County Genealogical Society 50^th Anniversary Conference
Saturday, October 3, 10 AM-2 PM
Join us as we celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Manitowoc County Genealogical Society with a special conference dedicated to local history, family history, and genealogy. This conference will feature local speakers presenting on a variety of topics. We invite you to be part of this memorable celebration as we honor fifty years of preserving our stories and the history that connects us all.
 
DWD Employment Assistance & Career Counseling                Tuesdays in October, 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 www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month/2026/10?keywords=DWD.  
 
Genealogy Help with the Genealogical Society                             Tuesdays in October, 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, October 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 in Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Balkansky Community Room from 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, October 7! 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. Please remember that children under the age of 8 (even prodigies!) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
 
Spooky Doodling with 3Doodler Pens                                           Thursday, October 8, 5-6 PM
Join us in the Idea Box for Spooky Doodling with 3Doodler Pens! You’ll learn how to use a 3Doodler Pen by creating artwork inspired by Halloween. A 3Doodler melts plastic filament into a pen that you can use to draw images or create three-dimensional objects with! Use any of our Halloween themed stencils to create spooktacular decorations just in time for Trick or Treat. Try out your doodling skills by making ghosts, bats, or other scary creatures. Following the program you will be “Badged," meaning you can use the 3Doolders at the library for your own projects! Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens Monday, September 28, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/spooky-doodling-3doodler-pens-31780 at that time to reserve your spot—IF YOU DARE! 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.
 

Make It at MPL: Halloween Motel Keychains                           Thursday, October 15, 5-6:30 PM

Join us in the Idea Box to make Halloween inspired keychains on the Cricut Maker! Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens on Thursday, October 1 at 9 AM. Make your way to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/cricut-badging-session-31629 at that time—IF PLAYING WITH TECH TOYS DOESN’T TERRIFY YOU!!! You must be 18 or older to participate in this program.
 
Unplugging Your Kids                                                                   Thursday, October 15, 6-7 PM
Today's kids are digital natives, often glued to their devices. How can parents cope with this new reality and help kids maintain healthy digital habits? Join pediatrician, Dr. Robert Greene, from Froedtert/MCW for some insight and advice into tackling this timely and sticky topic. 
 
Trunk or Treat at Manitowoc Public Library                             Tuesday, October 20, 5:30-7 PM
Come spooky. Come silly. Just come to Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30-7 PM for this scarifyingly fun evening! Families will love our safe, fun and FREE trick-or-treating event, which showcases local businesses and organizations. Dress in costume and share in the festivities the week before Halloween. Trunk or Treat will be held in the Briess Parking Lot, directly across Quay Street from the Library. Please Note: In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.
 
Spooktacular Costume Contest at Manitowoc Public Library   Tuesday, October 20, 5:30-7 PM
While you’re having fun Trunk or Treating in the Briess Parking Lot on Tuesday, October 20, head over to the Teen Hangout on MPL's First Floor between 5:30-6:45 PM to sign up for the 2025 Spooktacular Costume Contest! We've got 3 categories for you to register in:
 

• Youth: For kids aged 0-11
• Teen/Adult: For those 12 and up
• Group: For family or themed costumes with 3 or more people

 
The MPL Terror Team will review the photos and choose 5 finalists from each category. We'll be looking for costumes that showcase creativity, originality, authenticity, and great presentation.
 
Finalists will be posted on MPL's Facebook on Wednesday, October 21. A prize will be awarded to the photo with the most reactions in each category!
 
Ghosts and goblins of All Ages are welcome! Family-friendly costumes appreciated. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 27.
 

Wisconsin Writers Association Fall Conference Preview: Meet the Authors

Thursday, October 22, 6-7:30 PM

Spend an evening with authors from the Wisconsin Writers Association in Manitowoc Public Library's Balkansky Community Room. Manitowoc is proud to host the 2026 WWA Fall Conference and Author Signing, and you’re invited to meet several published authors at MPL’s exclusive preview. The event features a panel discussion on inspiration, the writer’s life, and the publication journey, as well as a Q&A and time to meet the authors. Books will be available at the book fair and author signing at the Inn on Maritime Bay on Saturday, October 24. More details available at wiwrite.org. 
 
Glowforge Badging Session                                                         Friday, October 30, 2-3:30 PM
Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for a demonstration of our Glowforge on September 18. 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, October 21, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-32052 at that time to secure your spot! You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.