Manitowoc Public Library Youth Services May 2025 Programs
Manitowoc, WI, April 17, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s May 2025 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
Comic Book Day 2025 Bookmark Art Contest Through Thursday, May 1
Manitowoc Public Library is looking for artists to create one of a kind bookmark designs for a Comic Book Day 2025 Bookmark Art Contest! Stop by the Manitowoc Library and pick up a blank bookmark to decorate. Use markers, paint, colored pencils, glitter, anything you want to turn your bookmark into a one of a kind masterpiece. Return your bookmark to MPL by 5 PM Thursday, May 1, to enter the contest. Your design will be featured in a display at the Library on Saturday, May 3, during Comic Book Day. Everyone who comes to the Library that day can vote for their favorites!
The contest is open to All Ages with a prize going to the top vote recipient in these age groups:
- Ages 7 and under
- Ages 8 to 12
- Ages 13 to 17
- Ages 18+
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.
Comic Book Day 2025 Saturday, May 3, 9 AM-1 PM
You're invited to Comic Book Day! A celebration of everything from the world of Comic Books and Comic Strips. This year’s festivities include special recognition of the 75th Anniversary of Charles Schulz’s beloved Comic Strip Peanuts! Come dressed as your favorite Comic Book or Peanuts character, participate in fun activities, and receive a free comic book!
Activities:
- Free Comic Book Giveaway (while supplies last)
- Scavenger Hunt
- Costume Contest
- Raffle Prizes
- Peanuts Coloring Sheets and Superhero Mask making in Youth Department
- Classic Comic Book Display
- Peanuts and Newspaper Comic Strip Display
- Bookmark Art Contest Display (vote for your favorite!)
- Virtual workshop from 12-1 PM with Justin Thompson, cartoonist and senior artist at the Charles M. Schulz Studio, and author and illustrator of the web comic, MythTickle
Virtual Workshop with Cartoonist, Justin Thompson Saturday, May 3, 12-1 PM
Justin Thompson has long-since established himself as a commercial artist. Not only is he a cartoonist and senior artist at the Charles M. Schulz Studio, Justin has also made a name for himself as an independent author and illustrator of the web comic, MythTickle. Join Justin for this virtual workshop in Manitowoc Public Library’s Second Floor Board Room from 12-1 PM on Saturday, May 3. Justin will discuss his professional life in both the mainstream and independent cartoon worlds, after which he will conduct a brief cartooning tutorial in drawing emotions onto faces. Please Note: This is an exclusively in-library event. In other words, this program will not be livestreamed on any of our social media. So, if you're interested in attending, our best advice is to show up early as seating is extremely limited (approximately 30 seats). It's going to be a fantastic workshop! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Family Activity Nights (FANs) Tuesday Evenings
Join us Tuesday evenings 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 May FAN! Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
· Spring Into Wellness Family Yoga—May 6, 6:30-7:15 PM Join local Children’s Yoga Instructor, Lauren Philippsen, for a spring-themed Family Yoga practice, where kids and adults alike can stretch, play, and grow stronger together. Enjoy a blend of fun poses, mindfulness, and games that celebrate the spring season! Our family-friendly session is designed to cultivate connection, laughter, and wellness for all ages. Embrace the energy of spring and create lasting memories with loved ones! This program is open to children ages 3-11 and their families. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and dress in comfortable clothing that you can move in.
· What’s the Buzz?—May 20, 6:30-7:15 PM Join local beekeeper, Steve Massey, of 100 Acre Hunny as he shares the sweet details about honeybees. He will provide insights into the different types of bees, the workings of a hive, and the process of honey production. Bee prepared – live bees will be present in a safely contained observation frame for a close-up look at these industrious insects. This program is open to children ages 5-11 and their families.
Drop-In Chess Club @ MPL Wednesday, May 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, May 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.
Read to Certified Therapy Dogs Tuesday, May 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, April 29. Please call 920-686-3030 or stop by the Youth Services Department to sign up.
Messy Marvins Friday, May 16, 10-11 AM
Messy Marvins—it's a baby art studio morning, baby!! We provide the supplies; you supply the creativity! Drop into the Balkansky Community Room any time from 10-11 AM on Friday, May 16, with your littles (babies to preschool age) for an inspirational artistic experience. Stay neat or get messy with our self-directed art stations and create a masterpiece to take home.
