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Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services May 2026 Programs

Press Release

Manitowoc, WI, April 16, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s May 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
Comic Book Day 2026                                                                    Saturday, May 2, 9 AM-1 PM
You’re invited to Comic Book Day! A celebration of everything from the world of Comic Books, Comic Strips, and Manga. Come dressed as your favorite Comic Book character, participate in fun activities and pick up a comic book! Activities:

  • Comic Book Sale: Buy a Comic Book for just 25¢! This used comic book sale includes titles from Marvel and DC!
  • Giveaways: There will be a limited number of free First Little Comics (books recommended ages 2-7), Buttons, Stickers, and Trading Cards (recommended 13+). Limit one per person and available while supplies last!
  • Costume Contest: Dress up in your favorite Comic Book or Manga inspired outfit and participate in our Costume Contest! Take a picture or video at the library and we’ll post it to our Facebook. Whoever gets the most likes will win a LED Mask! Enter with friends or individually (only one LED Mask will be awarded).
  • Scavenger Hunt: Use the clues to find hidden comic book characters throughout the library. Complete the scavenger hunt to win a small prize and earn a ticket for a Raffle Prize! You could win a Graphic Novel, Comic themed Trading Cards, or a custom-made Comic Keychain!
  • Comic Book Display: Learn about comic book history with our display of comic collectables.
  • Arts and Crafts: Superhero Mask Making and Coloring Sheets will be available in the Youth Department.
  • We'll also be taking pictures for Make Your Mark and Share Your Art Bookmark decorating program.
Assemble at Manitowoc Public Library on Saturday, May 2. Activities available from 9 AM -1 PM. All ages are welcome. So, whether you are new to comics or a lifelong fan, there’ll be something amazing for you at Comic Book Day!
 
Family Activity Nights (FANs)                                                              Tuesday Evenings
Join us Tuesday evening at Manitowoc Public Library for something different and fun for the whole family! Both of May’s FANs are geared towards ages 4-8. 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 May FAN. Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
 
  • Crater Creators—May 5, 6:30-7:15 PM Inspired by Rocket Says Look Up!, read aloud from the International Space Station by astronaut Frank Rubio, participants will practice making predictions, compare their observations, and discover the science behind meteor showers and craters. This hands‑on program blends storytelling with STEM exploration, encouraging curiosity and discovery.
  • Nature Detectives—May 19, 6:30-7:30 PM Curiosity begins with noticing the little things! Inspired by Jayden’s Impossible Garden by Mélina Mangal, , children will uncover hidden details with magnifying glasses, use their senses to learn about plants and the natural world around them, and create multi-sensory art. This hands-on adventure invites families to explore, experiment, and discover the extraordinary secrets hidden in ordinary objects.
 
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, May 6, 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, May 6! 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.
 

SENSE-sational Baby Storytime                              Tuesday, May 12, 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.
 
Library Card Free Days                    Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 10 AM-4 PM Both Days
Join Manitowoc-Calumet Library System for a free day at Manitowoc County Historical Society. Guests can show their MCLS library card (Manitowoc, Lester, Brillion, Chilton, Kiel, & New Holstein) either day to tour the museum at no cost.
 
Storytime Break                                                        Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 30
There will be no Baby Storytimes or Preschool Storytimes Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 30 as we gear up for Summer Reading Program! Regular programming will resume on their regularly scheduled days and dates during the week of May 31.
 
Library Closed for Memorial Day                                                                     Monday, May 25
Manitowoc Public Library will be closed all day Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, May 26, at 9 AM.
 
Friends of Manitowoc Public Library Used Book Sale         Thursday, May 28-Saturday, May 30
IT’S BACK!!! Join MPL for the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library’s HUGE Used Book Sale in the 2nd Floor’s Balkansky Community Room. Hours of Operation are as follows:
 
  • Thursday, May 28             12-7:30 PM
  • Friday, May 29                  9 AM-5:30 PM
  • Saturday, May 30              9 AM-2:30 PM (Stuff-a-Bag—$4—All Day Saturday!)
 
Cash or local check only! NO debit/credit cards accepted! ATM located on the 1st Floor near the Main Entrance.

Manitowoc Public Library Youth Servic...