Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services September 2026 Programs
Manitowoc, WI, August 17, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s September 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
Think Pink! An All-Ages Barbie Party Tuesday, September 1, 6-7 PM
Barbie fans span all ages—from grandmas playing with the originals to little girls still loving them today. Join Miss Sharon, author of The Best of Barbie, on Tuesday, September 1, from 6-7 PM in the Balkansky Community Room for an all-ages party celebrating Mattel's most famous doll. Adults—bring your vintage dolls to learn what they're worth, while kids can bring their dolls for show-and-tell. Pink treats, pink trivia, and more!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.
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.
Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL Wednesday, September 2, 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, September 2! 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. 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, September 8, 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.Storytime on the Road: The Nook Tuesday, September 15, 10-11 AM
The Very Hungry—and Thirsty—Caterpillar. Preschoolers and their parents are welcome to join Miss Sharon for interactive stories, songs, and crafts related to Eric Carle's classic picture book. As the name suggests, this is an off-site event, taking place at The Nook bookstore (211 N. 9th Street in Manitowoc). Space is limited and registration is required. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/storytime-nook beginning at 5 PM on Tuesday, September 1, to secure your spot!
Educator Book Sale September 15-September 17, 3-7 PM All 3 Days
Looking to refresh your classroom library for the new school year? Stop by our Teacher & Homeschool Used Book Sale and discover great books at unbeatable prices! Held alongside our Teacher and Homeschool Open House, this sale features a variety of youth fiction, nonfiction, class sets, and young adult titles perfect for students of all ages.
- When: September 15, 16, and 17, from 3-7 PM
- Where: Balkansky Community Room, located on the Library's Second Floor
- Cost: $1.00 or under per book and Fill-A-Grocery-Bag for $5
Messy Marvins Friday, September 18, 10-11 AM
It's baby art studio morning! We provide the supplies; you supply the creativity! Drop in any time during this hour with your littles (babies to preschool age) for an artistic experience. Stay neat or get messy with our self-directed art stations.
Family Activity Nights (FANs) Tuesday Evenings
Join us Tuesday evening at Manitowoc Public Library for something different and fun for the whole family! While September’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!
- Tenzi Time!—September 22, 6:30-7:15 PM Let's get rolling! Tenzi is a fun, fast-paced dice game that is easy to learn and fun to play. Once you've learned the basics, challenge yourself with variations of the game.
Early Explorers Playdate Tuesday, September 29, 10:30-11:15 AM
Wish our storytime playtime was longer? Join us for this playtime without storytime! A relaxed space where kids ages 2 and under explore toys while caregivers connect. Feel free to bring your morning coffee!
