Manitowoc, WI, October 19, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s Teen Services October 2026 programming is scheduled with the following events and dates:

Teen Shelf Care Subscription Boxes

Sign-Up from November 1 through November 15

Everyone between the ages of 11 and 18 is 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 Sunday, November 1: www.manitowoclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes. December’s Theme—Lost in Translation. Ever been misunderstood? Sometimes things are Lost in Translation, particularly when books start in one language and end up in another. Explore the world in books that came from everywhere. 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.

Best Gift Ever Book Drive @ Manitowoc Public Library November 2 through December 4

Help build a lifetime of reading enjoyment by giving the gift of reading! Manitowoc Public Library is running our "Best Gift Ever" campaign to collect new children's books for local families in need. From November 2 through December 4, you can donate new, unwrapped books by placing them in the donation box near the First Floor Service Desk. All book donations will be given to three local nonprofits for distribution over the holiday season:

· Incourage

· Lakeshore Foster Family and Friends

· Salvation Army of Manitowoc County

All types of books are welcome—picture books, board books, chapter books, young adult books, anything you feel a child or teenager would enjoy reading! You can also make a monetary donation that will go towards purchasing new children's books to be donated. For checks, please make it to the "Friends of the Manitowoc Public Library," with "Best Gift Ever" in the notes line. Make sure monetary donations are submitted by November 24, so we can have the books ready for delivery in December. Owning something as simple as a book can have a tremendous impact on a child’s self-esteem and help boost their spirits. We ask that you work with us to provide new children’s books for these needy kids. The benefits will last a lifetime.

Life After Loss Tuesday, November 3, 5:30-7PM

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. Life After Loss will be convened twice monthly. This is the first session taking place this week. It takes place later in the day for those who can’t make it to MPL for the earlier Friday session.

3D Printer Badging Session Wednesday, November 4, 5-6PM

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, October 26, at 9AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/3d-printer-badging-session-31094 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.

Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:30PM

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, November 4! 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.

Life After Loss Friday, November 6, 3-4:30PM

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 is the earlier-in-the-day, second session of the week.

Open Sew and Badging with Betty Monday, November 9, 2-3PM

Resident sewing enthusiast Betty will be in the Idea Box bimonthly to answer questions or badge individuals on the sewing machines. Bring your own project to work on or get badged on the library sewing machines. Space is limited. Can't make it at the scheduled time? Contact Betty in the Youth Department at 920-686-3030 to set up a badging session. Open to ages 13+.

Teen Hang-Out: Terror Tropes with Black Heart Books Saturday, November 14, 1-2PM

The nights draw in—and spooky books are calling. Discuss horror tropes with Jessica of Black Heart Books in Manitowoc. Whether you're new to the macabre or a long-time fan, let's gaze into the abyss together. Something just may gaze back. Snacks and book recommendations provided.

Enchanted Evergleams at MPL November 25, 2026, through January 10, 2027

'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 at MPL in Frankie’s 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! And as always, a number of additional Mirro ephemera items on loan from Manitowoc County Historical Society will lend additional community resonance to the goings-on! The glitter, the glitz, the history, the kitsch! All in the comfy confines of Manitowoc Public Library!