Manitowoc, WI, July 16, 2026—Manitowoc Public Library’s August 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:

 

Summer Reading Program 2026             Through Saturday, August 8

Join the Summer Reading Program and earn weekly prizes just by reading!

 

• FREE and for All Ages!

• Read or be read to a total of 30 days to complete the program (any time spent reading, counts as a day of reading)

• Every six days read earns you a prize!

• Participants have until Saturday, August 15, to pick up their prizes, while supplies last

 

To download Beanstack, for the full list of prizes and a complete list of all of our amazing sponsors, as well as further details, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/srp.

 

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.

 

How to Train a Dragon!       Monday, August 3, 2-3:30 PM

Travel back in time with Brock Barnabas from the Dragon Training Academy and his amazing animatronic dragons in the Balkansky Community Room from 2-3:30 PM on Monday, August 3! Kids will be trained to tame down dragons using amazing science-based inventions and techniques. 

 

Storytime on the Road: West of the Lake Gardens       Tuesday, August 4, 10-11 AM

Enjoy storytime and nature combined at the beautiful West of the Lake Gardens. After hearing stories celebrating the great outdoors, stay to wander the serene 6-1/2-acre site, taking in the balmy breezes of Lake Michigan.

 

National Night Out at Manitowoc Public Library      Tuesday, August 4, 6-7:30 PM

Join MPL and Manitowoc Police Department from 6-7:30 PM at Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesday, August 4 for National Night Out! This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. 

 

Activities Include:

• Learn about crime prevention and family safety

• Make a child ID kit

• Meet a police officer

• See police and fire vehicles

• Watch a K9 demonstration

• Watch a drone demonstration

• Visit with local 4-H members and meet their project animals

 

Children who complete an on-site scavenger hunt will receive free school supplies courtesy of Walmart.

 

Hide and Seek with Lincoln Park Zoo      Wednesday, August 5, 2-3 PM

Now you see them, now you don't! Animals have the ability to camouflage; learn all about this amazing trait in a hands-on visit from Zookeeper Kelsey and her animal friends on the Balkansky Community Room from 2-3 PM on Wednesday, August 5.

 

Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL         Wednesday, August 5, 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, August 5! 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.

 

Baby Bubble Bop          Tuesday, August 11, 10:30-11 AM

Babies are invited to explore bubbles and dance in the Balkansky Community Center from 10:30-11 AM on Tuesday, August 11 during this joyful, sensory rich playtime. Come giggle, pop, and play as we celebrate movement, curiosity, and early learning through bubbles galore! Ages 3 and under.

 

Who Wants to Build a City?         Tuesday, August 11, 6:30-7:30 PM

Design your own town in the Balkansky Community Room on Tuesday, August 11, from 6:30-7:30 PM and learn about city engineering and plans. Geared for kids ages 4 to 8.

 

Lakeshore Balloon Glow, Presented by Chamber of Manitowoc County and City of Manitowoc Friday, August 14, 5-9 PM

Please be aware: the library parking lot & drive-thru book-drop will be inaccessible starting at 2PM on Friday, August 14 to accommodate Balloon Glow activities. Manitowoc Public Library will be open regular hours, 9 AM to 6 PM. Lakeshore Balloon Glow is a free, family-friendly event featuring glowing hot air balloons, delicious food trucks and cold drinks, a water ski show, family-friendly activities and entertainment, and more in the heart of Manitowoc's downtown. All funds raised at the event support downtown beautification projects. For complete details, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/lakeshore-balloon-glow-2026. 

 

Storytime Break       August 16-29

There will be no Baby & Preschool Storytimes from Monday, August 16 through Saturday, August 29 as we gear up for Fall Programming after a busy summer!