Manitowoc, WI, September 18, 2025—Manitowoc Public Library’s October 2025 Children’s Programs are scheduled with the following events and dates:
 
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, 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.
 

When Night Comes Calling: Storytime with Author Cynthia Schumerth                               Thursday. October 2, 6-7 PM

Wisconsin author, Cynthia Schumerth, presents a special evening storytime with her new picture book, When Night Comes Calling. We'll talk about watching the night sky and embracing nature—and end the night with a short walk outside to experience those joys firsthand.
 
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 required. Please check our Facebook page and event calendar for updates!
 

• Public Safety Storytime—October 7, 6:30-7:15 PM Help celebrate Crime Prevention Month by joining us for a storytime with members of Manitowoc Police, Fire, and Sheriff’s Departments. Families will also receive a free book as part of the Kiwanis Cops ‘n Kids program. This program is open to children ages 3-11.

 

SENSE-sational Baby Storytime                                       Tuesday, October 14, 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, October 14, 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, September 30. Please call 920-686-3030 or stop by the Youth Services Department to sign up.
 
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.