Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services April 2026 Programs
Manitowoc, WI, MArch 16, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s April 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
Baby Storytime Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM
Baby Storytime is 20 minutes of stories, songs, rhymes, bounces, parachute activities, and bubbles, followed by 20 minutes of playtime! Baby Storytime is recommended for developmental ages 0-2 and siblings are always welcome. All Library storytimes are inclusive and welcoming. You are encouraged to attend the storytime that best meets your family's developmental needs. Registration is not required.
Preschool Storytime Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 AM
Join us in singing, talking, reading, creating, and playing at this inclusive Storytime for families with preschoolers. Storytime focuses on concepts such as life skills, counting, colors, emotions, patterns, and the alphabet. It's a great opportunity to meet new friends, socialize, and strengthen early literacy skills. Storytime is recommended for developmental ages 2-5 and siblings are always welcome. All library storytimes are inclusive and welcoming. You are encouraged to attend the storytime that best meets your family's developmental needs. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Registration is not required.
Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL Wednesday, April 1, 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, April 1! 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.
Family Activity Nights (FANs) Tuesday Evenings
Join us Tuesday evening at Manitowoc Public Library for something different and fun for the whole family! Older siblings are always welcome! Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. No registration is required for either April FAN. Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
- Bracelets & Buttons—April 7, 6:30-7:15 PM Join instructors from Camp Tapawingo and create friendship bracelets and personalized buttons. Intended for ages 5-11.
- Pet Cents—April 21, 6:30-7:15 PM Do you have what it takes to be a pet owner? Choose your imaginary pet, then take on the challenges of responsible ownership. If you succeed, you'll be a Pet Cents Champion! Intended for ages 8-11 (requires light reading and the ability to perform addition and subtraction).
SENSE-sational Baby Storytime Tuesday, April 14, 10:30-11:30 AM
Dim the lights, lower the volume, and enjoy a sensory-friendly storytime designed for little ones who find traditional Baby Storytime overstimulating. With gentle stories, songs, and bounces, caregivers and babies (birth to two years) will explore pre-literacy activities in a calm, welcoming space. Group size is limited to 12 to ensure a relaxed environment. No registration required.Read to Certified Therapy Dogs Tuesday, April 14, 6:30-7:30 PM
Help your child grow as a reader! Studies show that children who read aloud to animals, like our therapy dogs, gain confidence and improve their overall reading skills. Drop in and spend some time reading to one of our four-legged friends. Please Note—No Registration Required!
Make Your Mark & Share Your Art Wednesday, April 15 through Friday, May 1
From Wednesday, April 15 through Friday, May 1, free blank bookmarks will be available at Manitowoc Public Library (while supplies last!). Everyone is invited to take two blank bookmarks to decorate. Use markers, paint, colored pencils, glitter—anything you want to turn your bookmark into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. We encourage you to keep one for yourself, but also make one for someone important to you. Share your artistic talent with a friend, family member—anyone you care about. Say thank you to a coworker, teacher, or neighbor with the gift of art!
If you would like your artwork featured on our Facebook page, bring your bookmark to Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 2, anytime from 9 AM-1 PM. We’ll post a picture of your design to our Facebook page. We would love to see your bookmark and learn who you’re giving it to! You could also donate your bookmark to the library. To donate, please return it to MPL by Friday, May 22. Do not include any contact information on the bookmark. All donated bookmarks will be given away for free during Summer Reading 2026. Bookmarks are free and artists of all ages are encouraged to participate. We hope you have fun decorating your bookmarks!
