Manitowoc, WI, December 15, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s January 2026 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
Enchanted Evergleams at MPL
Extended By Popular Demand Through Sunday, January 11!
'Tis the Season for the “Gleam Team”—Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-Mas Inc., or MAKI, for short—to present "Evergleams on Eighth" in Downtown Manitowoc! Over 100 glittering aluminum Evergleam trees in over forty different styles, sizes, and colors will be featured in participating downtown businesses, with an impressive number showcased in the Enchanted Evergleam Forest at Manitowoc Public Library! Give into the sparkle of the rare trees on display! Returning this year—an incredible custom-made 14-foot Evergleam marvel that has been donated to Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-Mas Inc. by a very generous pair of sisters from Kansas!
 
Family Activity Nights (FANs)                                                                         Tuesday Evenings
Join us Tuesday evening at Manitowoc Public Library for something different and fun for the whole family! 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 January FAN. Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
 

• Bingo Bash!—January 6, 6-7 PM Join us for a night of lively competition, snacks, and prizes! Bingo is excellent reinforcement for kids learning their letters and numbers, and practicing social skills like listening, sportsmanship, and following directions. This activity is open to children ages 5-11 and their families.
• Storytime & Stuffie Clinic with Dr. Cappelle—January 27, 6-7 PM Pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Cappelle  joins us for a special storytime! She’ll read a book, share her tools, and explain what happens during a checkup in a kid-friendly way. Afterward, children can give their favorite stuffed animal a gentle exam. Featuring Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, this playful program helps kids explore empathy, health, and everyday bravery. Be sure to bring your stuffie!

 
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, January 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 at Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Balkansky Community Room from 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, January 7! 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.
 
Midwinter Melodies: Stories and Songs with Miss Maggie           Thursday, January 8, 6-7 PM It's the deep midwinter, so let's cozy up with stories and songs that speak to the season! Special guest musician, Miss Maggie, will share moonlight melodies with her flute, ukulele, and more. PJs, stuffies, and blankets encouraged! Cocoa provided! 
 
Messy Marvins                                                                                Friday, January 9, 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. 
 

2026 Winter Reading Program: Warm Up to a Good Book!

Sunday, January 11 through Saturday, February 28

The Winter Reading Program is open to All Ages! Read or be read to for a total of 10 hours from January 11 through February 28. Everyone who finishes receives a raffle ticket to enter to win one of a variety of fantastic prize baskets! Track your reading on the beanstack app or by visiting manitowoclibrary.beanstack.org, or by picking up a paper tracker at any service desk! This Winter Reading Program is generously sponsored by Manitowoc Public Library, Friends of Manitowoc Public Library, Green Bay Packers Give Back, Lake Michigan Carferry, On the Surface, Little Sips Play Cafe, and The Read Apple Toy Shoppe.
 

Dino-Mite Week                            Monday, January 12, 12 PM through Monday, January 19, 8 PM

Drop in anytime to stomp, roar and explore during our weeklong dinosaur celebration! Enjoy dino-themed décor, a fossil-finding scavenger hunt, crafts, and trivia. Whether you're a T. Rex expert or triceratops fan, there's something for every aspiring paleontologist!
 
Dinosaurs Before Dark with Treehouse Theater                             Monday, January 12, 6-7 PM
Join Treehouse Theater's Artistic Director, Erin Nycz, for a reader's theater teaser of the group's upcoming production of Dinosaurs Before Dark, based on the popular Magic Treehouse book series. Learn about the group and about what it takes to become a budding actor. The play debuts in February—now's your chance for a sneak peek!
 

SENSE-sational Baby Storytime                                       Tuesday, January 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 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.
 
Read to Certified Therapy Dogs                                           Tuesday, January 13, 6:30-7:30 PM
Studies show that children who read to animals, like our therapy dogs, gain confidence and improve their overall reading. Due to limited availability, registration is required. Each family may register for one 15-minute one-on-one session with a therapy dog. Adults must accompany children under the age of 8 at all times. Registration opens at 5 PM on Tuesday, December 30. Please call 920-686-3030 or stop by the Youth Services Department to sign up.
 
Dinosaur Dimensions Live!                                                            Monday, January 19, 2-3 PM
Roar into adventure with lifelike animatronic dinosaur puppets in a dynamic show by Dinosaur Dimensions! Enjoy storytelling, dino facts, and audience participation—plus a meet & greet for photos with your prehistoric pals. A dino-mite experience for all ages!
 
Storytime on the Road: Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA          Monday, January 26, 9:30-10 AM
Feeling cooped up? Toddlers have too much energy? Join Miss Sharon for a special storytime on the road at the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA. After storytime, we'll hit the gym for a free Wiggles and Giggles class. YMCA membership NOT required for this free event—perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.