Manitowoc, WI, September 18, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s October 2025 Adult Events are scheduled on the following dates and times.

 

Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL          Wednesday, October 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, October 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.

 

Horror Movie Fest @ Manitowoc Public Library       Various Dates & Times

Get ready for chills and thrills at Manitowoc Public Library’s Horror Movie Fest with MPL's Matt! Join us for spine-tingling screenings of classic and modern horror films that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dare to watch—if you’re brave enough!

 

Schedule:

October 2,   6-8PM: “The Haunting” (1960s version), Rated G

October 16, 6-8PM: “The Thing” (Original), Rated R

October 18—Double Feature: “The Blair Witch Project,” 10AM-12PM, and “The Conjuring,” 1-3PM, both Rated R

October 19, 1-3PM: “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (Original), Rated R

October 23, 6-8PM: “Saw,” Rated R

October 30, 6-8PM: “Smile,” Rated R

 

At the Market with Andrew         Saturday, October 4, 10 AM-12 PM

If you had the good fortune to wander purposefully about the Farmers' Market with Andrew last May, you may have a better idea of how to best utilize our Market. But, this is a whole new season with completely different offerings. So, it may be in your best interest to join Chef Dunbar during the autumnal "At the Market with Andrew" on Saturday, October 4, starting at 10 AM. After the walkthrough, we will spend some time together in the Balkansky Community Room creating a delicious snack out of items that we find at the Market. "What are we going to make," you may ask. Well, that will be determined by what wonderful, autumnal things we find that day! Please Note: Everyone will meet outside the Library near the Main Entrance for the Farmers' Market walk-about. This tour of the Market is open to all that wish to gain a greater knowledge of how to purposefully shop it. However, registration is required for a limited amount of participants to attend the snack-making session that follows in the Balkansky Community Room. Registration opens at 9 AM in Friday, September 12, at www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/market-andrew-october. Head there then to secure your spot for this fun, healthful event! Should the Farmers Market be shut down due to inclement weather on October 4, this program will be cancelled, as well.

 

The Right Foot to Sewing Success          Monday, October 6, 6-7 PM

Ever wonder why sewing machines come with so many different feet? This informative program—taking place in the Idea Box makerspace—will explain the purpose behind various sewing machine feet and how they can improve both your sewing process and final results. While this is not a hands-on workshop, you'll gain valuable insights into how these accessories work and why choosing the right foot matters for your projects.

 

DWD Employment Assistance & Career Counseling             Tuesdays in October, 9 AM-4 PM

The Department of Workforce Development staff is providing onsite services in MPL’s Franklin Street Room for both Employment Assistance and Career Counseling. Here are some of the specifics:

• Drop-In Employment Assistance: Department of Workforce Development staff will provide onsite services, including resume writing, assistance with online applications, assistance registering in Job Center of Wisconsin, and more! No appointment needed.

• Career Counseling: Dealing with a Job Loss or considering a Career Change? Career and Employment Counseling may help! Our licensed career counselor can assist with providing support and encouragement, assisting with the exploration of career and self-assessments, assisting with reviewing labor market information, removing and overcoming obstacles, and creating an individualized employment plan to help you turn your career vision into a reality. Our Career Counselor can also provide you with the tools, feedback and resources you need to be successful in your job search. For in-person career counseling, contact Ellen Hope at 920-930-6553 or ellen.hope@dwd.wisconsin.gov to make an appointment.

 

To see all the hours and date specifics, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month/2025/10?keywords=DWD.  

 

Genealogy Help with the Genealogical Society                       Tuesdays in October, 3-5 PM

Members of the Manitowoc County Genealogical Society can be found in MPL’s Manitowoc Collection every Tuesday from 3-5 PM to help people with their genealogy research.

 

Glowforge Badging Session                  Wednesday, October 8, 5-6:30 PM

Join us in the Idea Box makerspace for a demonstration of our Glowforge on October 8. The Glowforge uses a laser to engrave designs into different material types like acrylic and wood. Library Staff will show you how to use our Glowforge and upon completion of the training, you'll be "Badged" so you can use the Glowforge at your leisure. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens on Monday, September 29, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/glowforge-badging-session-24116 at that time to secure your spot! You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.

 

ManitoWalk: Historic Downtown Walking Tour        Saturday, October 11, 10-11:30 AM

Downtown Manitowoc has seen significant change over the decades, but landmarks of our city’s past remain—if you know where to look! Join Library Staff as they explore the historic buildings on 8th Street in Downtown Manitowoc. Learn about the history of 10 buildings that helped shape our community. The tour starts at Manitowoc Public Library. Participants are asked to meet in the Idea Box (the Library's makerspace) 10 minutes prior to the walking tour. For ages 18+. Space is limited! Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/manitowalk-historic-downtown-walking-tour-25424 beginning at 9 AM on Monday, September 29, to secure your spot on this fascinating stroll. PLEASE NOTE: This is a walking tour of Downtown Manitowoc, and you will need to be able to withstand walking and standing for over an hour. ***In the event of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.

 

Space to Write                   Tuesdays, October 14 & 28, 5:30-7:30 PM

Do you have a novel or short story you want to write? How about a screenplay or a memoir? Poetry? Graphic novels? Then you need—Space to Write! Every second and fourth Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30 PM, the Franklin Street Room will be open to writers of all descriptions, from professional to novice. Come find your people in a community of fellow adventurers. Sit in the Chair of Inspiration! Take a risk in the Forest of Dares! Browse for new directions in the Prompt Marketplace! Seek wisdom from occasional wandering speakers and guest presenters! Above all, get comfortable with your creativity. This is your Space to Write.

 

3D Printer Badging Session             Wednesday, October 15, 5-6 PM

Join us in the Idea Box for a demonstration of the Prusa Core One 3D Printer. MPL Staff Member, Tony, will show you how to use the 3D Printer and upon completion of the training you'll be "Badged" so you can use the 3D Printer at your leisure. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens Monday, October 6, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/3d-printer-badging-session-24119 at that time to secure your spot. You must be 14-years old or older to participate in this program. Individuals who are 14-17 years old must have a parent or guardian present to complete a waiver to use the equipment. If registration is full, don't worry. We'll have more training sessions throughout the year.

 

Check Out the Library: A Tour of MPL Thursday, October 16, 6-7:30 PM

Manitowoc Public Library’s role in the community continuously evolves as we expand our collection, enhance our amenities, and provide unique programs. You may not be aware of everything MPL has to offer. Did you know MPL has a Makerspace, a Seed Library, and a Toy Library? To learn about these resources and others, come to Manitowoc Public Library on Thursday, October 16, for "Check Out the Library: A Tour of MPL.” This guided tour will introduce you to many of the wonderful features of Manitowoc Public Library. The tour includes:

 

• An overview of the various collections for Adults, Teens, and Kids.

• A preview of upcoming programs and special events.

• A walking tour of the building***

***The tour will consist of public areas only. It will not include administrative offices or processing areas.

 

Make It at MPL!—Coffin Candleholders on the Glowforge    Monday, October 20, 5:30-7 PM

Join us in the Idea Box as we make Halloween-inspired candleholders on the Glowforge! The Glowforge uses a laser to engrave designs into different material types like acrylic and wood. No prior experience on the Glowforge is required. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens Monday, October 6, at 9 AM. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/coffin-candle-holders to secure your spot. And remember, you must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.

 

Trunk or Treat at Manitowoc Public Library   Tuesday, October 21, 5:30-7 PM

Come spooky. Come silly. Just come to Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesday, October 21, 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, the event will be cancelled.

 

Spooktacular Costume Contest at Manitowoc Public Library   Tuesday, October 21, 5:30-7 PM

While you’re having fun “Trunk or Treating” in the Briess Parking Lot in Tuesday, October 21, 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 three categories for you to register in:

 

• Youth: For kids aged 0-12

• Teen/Adult: For those 13 and up

• Group: For family or themed costumes with 3 or more people

 

The MPL Terror Team will review the photos and choose five finalists from each category. We'll be looking for costumes that show off creativity, originality, authenticity, and great presentation. Finalists will be posted on MPL's Facebook on Thursday, October 24. 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 28.

 

Hello, Beautiful! With Kelsey Healy        Wednesday, October 22, 6-7:30 PM

During a time of the year when everyone is using makeup to look as spooky or outlandish as possible, we thought we'd go in a different direction. Local makeup artist, Kelsey Healy, will be conducting a class in basic techniques for you to attain your best looks, from a day at work to a night on the town. "Hello, Beautiful!"—an Adults-Only, 18+ class—will convene in MPL's Balkansky Community Room from 6-7:30 PM om Wednesday, October 22. Registration is required and space is limited! Registration opens at 9 AM on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 AM, so head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/hello-beautiful then to secure your spot! And again, you must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.

 

Building a Birth Plan           Tuesday, October 28, 6-7 PM

Join Rochelle Siedschlag, Perinatal Navigator from The Crossing, who will discuss creating a birth plan, for before, during and after delivery. Ask questions, gather resources, gain confidence on your maternity journey.