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Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services October 2026 Programs

Press Release

Manitowoc, WI, September 18, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s October 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
Baby Storytime                                                                      Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM
Baby Storytime is twenty minutes of stories, songs, rhymes, bounces, parachute activities, and bubbles, followed by twenty 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.
 
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.
 
Storytime on the Road: Festival Foods                                           Friday, October 2, 10-11 AM
Join Miss Sharon at Festival Foods for a food-themed storytime, store tour, and more fun surprises!
 
FIT4MOM Strides and Storytime                                          Monday, October 5, 9:30-11:15 AM
Join FIT4MOM's Ellie Bode for a free trial class followed by a storytime with Miss Sharon. Bring your little one in a stroller for a Stroller Strides class at 9:30 AM outside, weather permitting. FIT4MOM Manitowoc offers pre and postnatal fitness, with stroller-friendly, full-body workouts that focus on strength, cardio, and core.
 
Family Activity Nights (FANs)                                                                         Tuesday Evenings
Join us Tuesday evening at Manitowoc Public Library for something different and fun for the whole family! While October’s FAN is geared towards kids aged 5-11, older siblings are always welcome! Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
 

  • Print Party with Miss Olivia!—October 6, 6:30-7:15 PM Join MPL staff member, Olivia, for a hands-on printmaking class. Using Styrofoam and paint, participants will create a unique fall-themed masterpiece to take home.
 

Sew a Pocket Bear                                                                    Wednesday, October 7, 4-5 PM

Stitch up some fun at the Library! Kids ages 8-12 will learn basic hand-sewing stitches while creating their own adorable Pocket Bear, inspired by the book, Pocket Bear, by Katherine Applegate. No sewing experience is needed—just bring your creativity and get ready to make a cuddly friend to take home!
 
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.
 

Tiny Terrors                                                                      Monday, October 12, 10:30-11:30 AM

Kids sculpt wonderfully weird clay monsters with realistic eyes and teeth that give their creations an uncanny human-like character. Monsters can be silly, spooky, or delightfully strange. For ages 5 and up. No school this day for MPSD students!
 

SENSE-sational Baby Storytime                                      Tuesday, October 13, 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 2 years) will explore preliteracy activities in a calm, welcoming space. Group size is limited to twelve to ensure a relaxed environment.
 
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, this 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.
 
Preschool Costume Dance Party                                                   Friday, October 23, 10-11 AM
Get ready to twirl, stomp, and groove! Kids 5 and under are invited to dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy music, movement, and magical fun.

Manitowoc Public Library Youth Servic...