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Manitowoc Public Library Teen Services January 2026 Events

Press Release

Manitowoc, WI, December 15, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s Teen Services January 2026 programming is scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
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!
 

Teen Shelf Care Subscription Boxes

Sign-Up from Friday, January 2 through Thursday, January 15
Teens! Ready to explore the shelves of Manitowoc Public Library? Everyone between the ages of 11 and 18 are invited to sign up for our new Shelf Care subscription boxes from November 1 through November 15! These boxes will take you on an adventure through MPL’s Young Adult stacks, introduce you to authors—both popular and unfamiliar—and maybe even dive into the arcane knowledge hidden in the nonfiction section. Sign up here starting Friday, January 2: www.manitowoclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes. February’s Theme—The Road to True Love. Meet cuties, misunderstandings, and rivals to besties to maybe something more? All the Romance tropes are our favorites. Each themed box will contain three books, a snack, a toy or art project, and stationery to surprise and entertain. Boxes will be available on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. All that needs to be returned is the box and the books to Manitowoc Public Library and you get to keep the goodies! Each month will be a new journey to meet your next favorite author. *** Please note that the window to sign up ends on the 15th of each month. Boxes will become available on the first of the following month and must be picked up by the 8th.
 
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.
 
Teen Hang-Out: Paper Rollercoasters                                       Thursday, January 8, 6-7:30 PM
This is how we roll! If you’re between the ages of 11 and 18, design a rollercoaster in the First Floor’s Teen Space using just paper and imagination, then see if it works by sending marbles through it. Can you navigate the curves and the loops? Supplies and snacks provided. First come, first served.
 

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.
 
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.
 
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!
 

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.
 

Manitowoc Public Library Teen Service...