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Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services February 2026 Programs

Press Release

Manitowoc, WI, January 15, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s February 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
2026 Winter Reading Program: Warm Up to a Good Book!      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.
 
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 February FAN and both are open to children ages 5-11 and their families. Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
 

  • Blanket Forts!—February 3, 6:30-7:15 PM There’s nothing better to do on a cold winter day than to crawl into your very own blanket fort with a good book! Bring your blankets, pillows and maybe even your best stuffed buddy and get cozy. Pajamas may be worn, as long as shoes can be worn with them. Hot chocolate provided.
  • Anything But a Paintbrush—February 17, 6:30-7:15 PM The tools are silly and the colors are bright. Create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece using cotton swabs, plastic forks, bubble wrap, and other unexpected tools. The only rule—no paintbrushes allowed!
 
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, February 4, 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, February 4! 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.
 
Minute-to-Win-It Winter Olympics                                             Thursday, February 5, 6-7 PM
Didn't make it to Italy for the Winter Olympics? Join us for a fast-paced, frosty, Minute-to-Win-It version. Compete in a series of hilarious, winter-themed 60-second challenges, go head-to-head with other Tweens and Teens to see who can complete the most challenges—and maybe even land a spot on the podium! Intended for ages 10 through 18. No athletic ability required—just your best effort and a sense of humor. 
 

SENSE-sational Baby Storytime                                      Tuesday, February 10, 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, February 10, 6:30-7:30 PM
Studies show that children who read to animals, like our therapy dogs, gain confidence and improve their overall reading. Due to limited availability, registration is required. Each family may register for one 15-minute one-on-one session with a therapy dog. Adults must accompany children under the age of 8 at all times. Registration opens at 5 PM on Tuesday, January 27. Please call 920-686-3030 or stop by the Youth Services Department to sign up.
 
Baby Winter Olympics                                                                 Friday, February 13, 10-11 AM
Let the Giggles Begin! Join us for a joyful morning of movement as our littlest athletes crawl, scoot, and slide through playful challenges inspired by the Winter Olympics. Designed for crawlers and early walkers, this program celebrates coordination, curiosity, and cuteness in motion! 
 

Big Kids Valentine Party                                                                 Friday, February 13, 2-3 PM

Mark your calendars for a delightful Valentine’s Day Celebration! Kids aged 5-10 are invited to enjoy engaging stories, toe-tapping songs, fun games, and a creative craft, all topped off with tasty treats. Join us for a heartwarming day of fun and friendship.
 

Manitowoc Public Library Youth Servi...