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Manitowoc Public Library

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Manitowoc, WI 54220
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Staff Picks

  • Image for "The Bear Out There"

    The Bear Out There

    DON'T SCREAM! There's something scary out in the forest, but you're in good hands in this story by Jess Hannigan, author of the wryly silly Spider in the Well. Just make sure you keep a cool head, and watch out for any intruders...

    The signs are clear--there's a BEAR OUT THERE!

    You're lucky to be safe in this cabin in the woods, with a host who is levelheaded, trustworthy, and smart about bear safety.

    There's certainly no need to worry about any dark shadows or sneaky schemes in this book...RIGHT

    Jess Hannigan is back with another bold and brazen tale that's not too silly, not too scary, but just right.

  • Image for "Changing Tides"

    Changing Tides

    In this touching story for children ages 3-7, Theo and his mother become part of Lula's family, but things don't go quite as planned. A beautiful celebration of blended families and adapting to change.

    When Theo and his mother become part of Lula’s family, Lula isn’t sure what to expect. She’s never had a big brother before. On vacation at the beach, the new siblings make a sandcastle and slowly learn to trust each other as they work together. But when things don’t go as planned, will their relationship weather the storm?

  • Image for "I Want It!"

    I Want It!

    A girl wants to play with her brother's toys. And she won't give up! From two-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Honoree Paul Meisel, this story is perfect for kindergarteners and first graders to read on their own.

    I want it! 
    Mine!

    A boy is contentedly playing with his superheroes, cars, and blocks when he notices that his sister has taken his dragon. He wants it back! Now!

    Brother and sister struggle with strong emotions, dramatically illustrated--from possessiveness to frustration to anger. But empathy and compassion win out in the end. And we can read the joy on the children's faces.

    The books in the award-winning I Like to Read® series build vocabulary and promote fluency, which are essential for reading success. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high-quality books that are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

  • Fergie and Chouchou

    Fergie and Chouchou

    From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Shaw—also known as Kitten Lady—comes the sixth book in an exciting and heartwarming chapter book series! 

    When Fergie and Chouchou arrive separately in Fosterland, the two tiny babies have big challenges to overcome. But when they meet, friendship magic happens! They’re two goofballs who cheer each other up with their wacky antics, to the entertainment of other fosters. But as they watch other foster babies graduate from Fosterland, they can’t help but get discouraged. Healing takes time, but when will it be their turn?

    What Fergie and Chouchou don’t know is that the Elder Cats have been watching them. Coco, Eloise, and Haroun, who’ve always loved helping foster babies prepare for their forever homes, have lately been wondering whether it’s time to retire to the sunroom and bring a new member or two into the fold. Could Fergie and Chouchou be the right fit to make Fosterland their Foreverland?

  • Image for "Lone Wolf on Vacation"

    Lone Wolf on Vacation

    Oscar the Grouch meets Frog & Toad in this hilarious illustrated early reader series about a cranky wolf on a quest to be left alone.

    Wolf is excited for a peaceful, refreshing vacation: There, there’ll be nobody he knows. Nobody he doesn’t know. Nobody to bother him at all. Total relaxation. 

    But from a sing-along bus ride to a broken elevator to a hotel room snafu, Wolf can’t seem to catch a break. And worst of all, some familiar old characters have somehow chosen the same dream destination. Will Wolf ever find solitude? Maybe the best vacation is a trip to an all-too-familiar place . . .

    Move over, Elephant & Piggie! For readers who have had enough of the buddy duos, for kids who’d rather play by themselves—Wolf is the antihero you’ve been waiting for. Lone Wolf On Vacation is another hilarious early reader starring the completely lovable, chronically grumpy Wolf, a character who affirms kids who fly solo better than with friends.

    Kids who are beginning to read on their own won’t be able to get enough of Kiah Thomas’s sarcastic stories, perfect whether read alone or out loud, and K-Fai Steele’s laugh-out-loud illustrations will give any kid, no matter their reading level, a new favorite series.

  • Image for "Chip Gets Swimmer Shivers"

    Chip Gets Swimmer Shivers

    Chip, the little penguin, tries to get out of swim lessons in this hilarious Level Two I Can Read Comic by Maddie Frost.

    Chip is starting swim school and he really isn't looking forward to it.

    Join Chip as he navigates this first-time experience with imagination and humor. This Level Two I Can Read Comics title by Maddie Frost is illustrated with comic panels and is perfect for children eager to read on their own. This early reader is the second Chip story, a follow-up to Chip Plays Grown-Up. They are great companions, but Chip Gets Swimmer Shivers can be enjoyed on its own.

  • Please Pay Attention

    Please Pay Attention

    Three starred reviews!

    A girl with cerebral palsy navigates loss, grief, and the aftermath of trauma following a school shooting in a world that wasn’t built for her in this “intimate, lyrical” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) novel in verse from Jamie Sumner, the acclaimed author of Roll with It.

    There is a Before and an After for sixth grader Bea Coughlin. Before the shooting at her school that took the lives of her classmates and teacher and After, when she must figure out how to grieve, live, and keep rolling forward. But as her community rallies in a tidal wave of marches and speeches and protests, Bea can’t get past the helplessness she felt in her wheelchair as others around her took cover.

    Through the help of therapeutic horseback riding, Bea finally begins to feel like herself again. And as she heals, she finds her voice and the bravery to demand change.

  • Image for "Into the Rapids"

    Into the Rapids

    Sometimes even a girl who likes to rely only on herself needs to be brave enough to ask for help.

    When a super-storm hits Addy's remote mountain town, knocking out the bridge and cutting her home off from the main road, she worries that she won’t be able to get to the survival camp she’s been looking forward to attending. The camp’s the place where her parents met, and where Addy plans to hone her skills and honor their legacy. But now there’s no power and it’s also like a light has been switched off in her mom, who’s been triggered by the raging river and memories of Addy’s dad dying in a similar storm. The two of them are feeling particularly stranded as they’ve never bothered to befriend any neighbors. But now Addy keeps running into her classmate Caleb on the hill above her house where they both go to get cell service. Caleb’s frantic about a missing neighbor, and Addy’s amazed to see how he’s able to connect with folks to get help. Then Caleb offers to help her get to camp--but can she trust him? She always thought of him as an enemy--but maybe she was partially to blame for his frostiness? The storm has brought so many questions swirling to the surface and has made Addy feel it’s time to take some leaps of faith. When she agrees to travel with Caleb by canoe, this sets off a remarkable string of events and the biggest test of her survival skills. More importantly, it sets Addy on a road to understanding that she's not in this adventure of life alone--and that a good thing.

  • Image for "Elena Camps"

    Elena Camps

    Elena is eager to put up her tent--but is there something she's missing in her hurry? Juana Medina brings back the plucky elephant and her little sidekick with a comedic flair sure to delight beginning readers.

    The big box has arrived, and Elena is so excited! Tent parts fly everywhere as she empties the contents and dives right in. This job will be done in no time! GA-BUNK! Oops! Elena forgot the poles! Now it's under control . . . GA-BAM! A little tug here might help . . . GA-BOING! Now Elena is stomping mad! What's that her bird buddy's saying? Something about that folded paper that came with the tent? In a charmingly comic follow-up to Elena Rides, also available in a dual English-Spanish edition, the determined elephant shows young fans that some things are hard--and some tents cow the best of campers--but with patience you can conquer them, if you slow down and try, try again.

  • Image for "Pretty Ugly"

    Pretty Ugly

    Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year winner for ages 6 to 8
    Most Anticipated Books of 2024 List, Kirkus Reviews
    Most Anticipated Kids Books List - February, Barnes & Noble
    Kids Indie Next Pick March/April 2024
    2025 Capitol Choices

    A hilariously quirky monster tale about appreciating beauty—in all its weird and wonderful forms!— by the creator of the iconic Olivia books and bestselling humorist David Sedaris.

    ★“Disgustingly hilarious….Adult readers will recognize hints of Maurice Sendak and William Steig and maybe even a smattering of Tim Burton in this remarkable outsider tale….Consider this little monstrosity a much-needed corrective to smarmy platitudes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

    “[..] Demonstrates an appealing, Olivia-esque joie de vivre.” —The New York Times

    In this beautifully gross picture book, Anna Van Ogre’s lovely monster face turns into that of a sickeningly adorable, rosy-cheeked little girl—and it’s not switching back! Can she find a way to stop looking like an ugly human and regain her gorgeous monstrosity of a face?

    In this incredible story about beauty standards, owning your uniquessness, and developing self-esteem, nationally acclaimed comedian and perpetual bestelling author David Sedaris and renowned creator of the Olivia picture boook series Ian Falconer come together to ponder the eternally relevant question: is true beauty really on the inside?

    Sedaris and Falconer make a spectacular splash with this tale of a monster turned ugly—stuck with a human face!

  • Image for "Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle"

    Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle

    Two lovable, but unlikely, friends try to get the job done. Sloth and Squirrel have different ways of doing things — and different speeds of doing them. So, when fast-as-lightning Squirrel gets himself and slow-as-molasses Sloth hired as pickle packers to earn money for a new bike, things don’t go according to plan. They’re so bad, in fact, that the friends are shown the door, along with the 677 1/2 jars of pickles they packed incorrectly! Now their bicycle dream is shot. Or so they think — until the resourceful pair come up with an ingenious plan! Whoever said fast and slow don’t go together didn’t know Sloth and Squirrel!

  • Image for "For a Girl Becoming"

    For a Girl Becoming

    A baby girl is welcomed to the breathing world by generations of her family and set on the magnificent journey of becoming. As she grows, she is reminded of her connections to the natural world; to her family, her ancestors, her neighbors; to the source of all magic and sorrow--and of her responsibility to uphold and honor those connections.

    With US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's transcendent verse and Pura Belpré Award winner Adriana Garcia's monumental illustrations, For a Girl Becoming acts as a blessing and a harbinger for a young girl's life--and reminds those of us who still stand at the door of becoming that it is our relationships with nature and with each other that carry us through it.

  • Image for "To the Other Side"

    To the Other Side

    Author-illustrator Erika Meza delivers a stunning and emotionally rich book from the viewpoint of those most impacted by border walls: young refugee children. This powerfully told tale highlights the spirit and strength of those embarking on a dangerous trek, and what awaits them on the other side.

    Yoto Carnegie Medal Shortlist * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year *

    My sister tells me the rules of the game are simple.

    Avoid the monsters. Don't get caught. And keep moving.

    If the monsters catch you, you're out.

    A young boy and his older sister have left home to play a game. To win, they must travel across endless lands together and make it to the finish line. Each child imagines what might be waiting for them across the border: A spotted dog? Ice cream! Or maybe a new school.

    But the journey is difficult, and the monsters are realer than they imagined. And when it no longer feels like a game, the two children must still find a way to forge ahead.
     

    ★ "The story is ultimately hopeful, gently providing probing insight into the lives of the youngest migrants." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

    ★ "Beautiful, timely, and poignant. Recommended for all collections." --School Library Journal Online (starred review)

    ★ "Powerful. It's a realistic but hopeful look at two children's emigration."-- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • Image for "Mud Puddle"

    Mud Puddle

    When Jule Ann goes outside in her brand-new clothes, a mud puddle jumps on her and gets her completely dirty. The mud gets in her ears, eyes, and even her mouth. Jule Ann's mother scrubs her clean and puts her in new clothes, but every time Jule Ann ventures out, the mud puddle finds her and pounces. Finally, Jule Ann has had enough: clutching two bars of smelly yellow soap, she heads outside one more time...

    A newly designed Classic Munsch picture book introduces this charming tale of unavoidable mess to a new generation of young readers.

  • Image for "The Teacher of Auschwitz"

    The Teacher of Auschwitz

    From the bestselling author of Born Survivors, a novel inspired by the powerful true story of a man who risked everything to protect children in Auschwitz.

    Fredy built a wall against suffering in their hearts . . .

    Amid the brutality of the Holocaust, one bright spot shone inside the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. In the shadows of the smokestacks was a wooden hut where children sang, staged plays, wrote poetry, and learned about the world. Within those four walls, brightly adorned with hand-painted cartoons, the youngest prisoners were kept vermin-free, received better food, and were even taught to imagine having full stomachs and a day without fear. Their guiding light was a twenty-seven-year-old gay, Jewish athlete: Fredy Hirsch.

    Being a teacher in a brutal concentration camp was no mean feat. Forced to beg senior SS officers for better provisions, Fredy risked his life every day to protect his beloved children from mortal danger.

    But time was running out for Fredy and the hundreds in his care. Could this kind, compassionate, and brave man find a way to teach them the one lesson they really needed to know: how to survive?

    The Teacher of Auschwitz shines a light on a truly remarkable individual and tells the inspiring story of how he fought to protect innocence and hope amid depravity and despair.

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Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
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Jun-Aug 2025

Summer Reading Program 2025

All Day 6/16–8/9
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
This event is in the "Elementary-Age" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Jun-Aug 2025

Summer Reading Program 2025

All Day 6/16–8/9
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: No Space
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Reading Program
Event Details:

Join the Summer Reading Program and earn weekly prizes just by reading!  Pre-register on the Beanstack App starting June 2 or pick up a paper reading tracker at any Service Desk.

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
Jul 9 2025 Wed

Baby Storytime

9:30am–10:15am
Families, Babies & Toddlers
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
Jul 9 2025 Wed

Baby Storytime

9:30am–10:15am
Families, Babies & Toddlers
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Storytime

You’re never too young for a great story!

Join us for 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.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.

Unattended Children

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
Jul 9 2025 Wed

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am
Families, Preschoolers
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
Jul 9 2025 Wed

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am
Families, Preschoolers
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: Families, Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Storytime

You’re never too young for a great story!

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.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.

Unattended Children

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
This event is in the "Elementary-Age" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Jul 9 2025 Wed

A Sing-along & Play-along Concert with Jim Gill

2:00pm–3:00pm
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Offsite Event
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
This event is in the "Elementary-Age" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Jul 9 2025 Wed

A Sing-along & Play-along Concert with Jim Gill

2:00pm–3:00pm
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Location: Off Site
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Music, Performer, Reading Program, Special Event
Event Details:

Get ready to sing, clap, and dance along with award-winning musician and author Jim Gill. His distinctive music play creates the spirit of a family room on a grander scale and is an invitation to children, parents and grandparents to sing, da

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.

Unattended Children

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
Jul 10 2025 Thu

Baby Storytime

9:30am–10:15am
Families, Babies & Toddlers
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
Jul 10 2025 Thu

Baby Storytime

9:30am–10:15am
Families, Babies & Toddlers
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Storytime

You’re never too young for a great story!

Join us for 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.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.

Unattended Children

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
Jul 10 2025 Thu

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am
Families, Preschoolers
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers" group
Jul 10 2025 Thu

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am
Families, Preschoolers
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: Families, Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Storytime

You’re never too young for a great story!

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.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

Individuals requesting accommodation for disabilities should contact the Library's ADA Manager Stacey Bialek at 920-686-3008 or sbialek@manitowoc.org. Reasonable accommodations will be made as quickly as possible, often within a week.

Unattended Children

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

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Manitowoc Public Library
707 Quay Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220

Main Line: (920) 686-3000

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