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Manitowoc Public Library Teen Services October 2026 Events

Press Release

Manitowoc, WI, September 18, 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 Thursday, October 1 through Thursday, October 15

Everyone between the ages of 11 and 18 are invited to sign up for our new Shelf Care subscription boxes from October 1 through October 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 Wednesday, October 1: www.manitowoclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes. November’s Theme—Found: One Family. Let’s be thankful for the fam—the one we were given and the ones we create. Stories of Found Families to warm the heart. 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.

 

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,
 
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.
 
Teen Hang-Out: Haunted Mirrors                                            Thursday, October 8, 6-7:30 PM
Create a haunted mirror out of an ordinary picture frame, just in time for Spooky Season. Select a specter to trap in a mirror and enhance the frame with creepy accoutrements. All supplies provided, along with snacks to sustain us through the darkest minutes of this evening.
 
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.

Manitowoc Public Library Teen Service...