Library Closed on Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day

Library summer hours are now in effect. MPL will be closed every Sunday through Labor Day. All other hours remain the same. Exterior book-drop & access to online resources available 24/7.

Event List

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Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room BC at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Summer Reading Sign Up at Cedar Crest

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Reading Program, Special Event, Storytime
Age Group:
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, All Ages
Special Event:

You never know what you’ll discover at MPL!

Sign up for Manitowoc Public Library's Summer Reading Program at Cedar Crest! 

Be one of the first to sign up for the summer reading program and get a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream!

View Details
Offsite Event
Program Location: Off Site
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, All Ages
Program Type: Reading Program, Special Event, Storytime
Event Details:

Special Event

You never know what you’ll discover at MPL!

Sign up for Manitowoc Public Library's Summer Reading Program at Cedar Crest! 

Be one of the first to sign up for the summer reading program and get a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream!

Disclaimer(s)

Unattended Children

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

Summer Reading Program Logo

Summer Reading Program 2025

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

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.

View Details
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.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

All Day 6/26 - 6/28
Balkansky Community Room ABC at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Book Sale
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us for the Friends Used Book Sale!

  • Thursday, June 26, 12PM - 7:30PM
  • Friday,  June 27, 9AM - 5:30PM
  • Saturday, June 28, 9AM - 2:30PM -- Stuff-a-Bag All Saturday $4!

Cash or local check only. 

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room ABC
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Book Sale
Event Details:

Join us for the Friends Used Book Sale!

  • Thursday, June 26, 12PM - 7:30PM
  • Friday,  June 27, 9AM - 5:30PM
  • Saturday, June 28, 9AM - 2:30PM -- Stuff-a-Bag All Saturday $4!

Cash or local check only. 

Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room BC at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Jim Gill and his banjo

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

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Music, Performer, Reading Program, Special Event
Age Group:
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages

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

View Details
Offsite Event
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.

BP Screening

Free Blood Pressure Screenings at Manitowoc Public Library

Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Library Lobby at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

Time to keep a healthful post-Independence Day attitude moving in the right direction!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Library Lobby
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Time to keep a healthful post-Independence Day attitude moving in the right direction!

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.

Touch the Trucks

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
No Space at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Reading Program, Special Event
Age Group:
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, All Ages
Special Event:

You never know what you’ll discover at MPL!

Big trucks. Little kids. It's a winning combination!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: No Space
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, All Ages
Program Type: Reading Program, Special Event
Event Details:

Special Event

You never know what you’ll discover at MPL!

Big trucks. Little kids. It's a winning combination!

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.

Tie Dye Tuesday!

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Idea Box at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Reading Program
Age Group:
Families, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages

It's back and better than ever! It's Tie Dye Tuesday! Start in the Idea Box to tie, then head out to the lawn to dye!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Idea Box
Age Group: Families, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Reading Program
Event Details:

It's back and better than ever! It's Tie Dye Tuesday! Start in the Idea Box to tie, then head out to the lawn to dye!

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.

Photo of two police officers and two children

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room ABC at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Reading Program, Special Event
Age Group:
Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages

Join MPL and the Manitowoc Police Department 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:

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room ABC
Age Group: Families, Babies & Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Reading Program, Special Event
Event Details:

Join MPL and the Manitowoc Police Department 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:

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.

Shipwreck Detectives with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Balkansky Community Room ABC at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Class/Workshop, History/Genealogy, Reading Program
Age Group:
Families, Elementary-Age, Teens, All Ages

Ahoy, aspiring Shipwreck Detectives! 🏴‍☠️  Set sail on a thrilling adventure into Wisconsin's maritime history.  Uncover the secrets of Lake Michigan's shipwrecks through engaging hands-on activities.

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room ABC
Age Group: Families, Elementary-Age, Teens, All Ages
Program Type: Class/Workshop, History/Genealogy, Reading Program
Event Details:

Ahoy, aspiring Shipwreck Detectives! 🏴‍☠️  Set sail on a thrilling adventure into Wisconsin's maritime history.  Uncover the secrets of Lake Michigan's shipwrecks through engaging hands-on activities.

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.

Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room C at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room C
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Go Wild at the Library!

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Balkansky Community Room ABC at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Reading Program, Special Event
Age Group:
Families, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, All Ages

Get ready for a roaring good time at the library! Join Zookeeper Vicki Rathsack as she brings some special critters from Manitowoc's Lincoln Park Zoo. You'll learn all about these fantastic creatures and have the chance to interact up close.

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room ABC
Age Group: Families, Preschoolers, Elementary-Age, Teens, All Ages
Program Type: Reading Program, Special Event
Event Details:

Get ready for a roaring good time at the library! Join Zookeeper Vicki Rathsack as she brings some special critters from Manitowoc's Lincoln Park Zoo. You'll learn all about these fantastic creatures and have the chance to interact up close.

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.

Movie Nights at the Library: Barbie

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Balkansky Community Room A at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

Even though “Movie Nights” presented “Oppenheimer” all the way back in April, we’re pleased to be able to complete the “Barbenheimer” cycle with a screening of “Barbie”.

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room A
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Even though “Movie Nights” presented “Oppenheimer” all the way back in April, we’re pleased to be able to complete the “Barbenheimer” cycle with a screening of “Barbie”.

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.

Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room BC at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room BC at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Movie Nights at the Library: Hocus Pocus

Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Balkansky Community Room A at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

For those who adore the family-friendly Halloween fantasy comedy known as “Hocus Pocus”—and without question, its fans are legion—the reason for loving the film that ushers in the Season of the Witch can be described in precisely three words: The

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room A
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

For those who adore the family-friendly Halloween fantasy comedy known as “Hocus Pocus”—and without question, its fans are legion—the reason for loving the film that ushers in the Season of the Witch can be described in precisely three words: The

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.

Trunk or Treat

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Parking Lot at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Families, All Ages

Come spooky. Come silly. Just come! 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.

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Parking Lot
Age Group: Families, All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Come spooky. Come silly. Just come! 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.

Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room C at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room C
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Enchanted Evergleams at MPL

All Day 11/26 - 1/4
Main Floor at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Exhibit, Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

'Tis the Season for the “Gleam Team” to present "Evergleams on Eighth" in Downtown Manitowoc!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Main Floor
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Exhibit, Special Event
Event Details:

'Tis the Season for the “Gleam Team” to present "Evergleams on Eighth" in Downtown Manitowoc!

Disclaimer(s)

Unattended Children

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

Drop-In Chess Club

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Balkansky Community Room BC at Manitowoc Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room BC
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join us for Drop-In Chess Club! The game of chess offers many brainy benefits and -- it's just fun!

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.

Movie Nights at the Library: Wonka

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Balkansky Community Room A at Manitowoc Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

For the final “Movie Night at the Library” of 2024, MPL’s Matt Mottl invites one-and-all to accompany him to a land of pure imagination via the color-saturated magic of this fantasy musical.

View Details
Program Location: Manitowoc Public Library
Room: Balkansky Community Room A
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

For the final “Movie Night at the Library” of 2024, MPL’s Matt Mottl invites one-and-all to accompany him to a land of pure imagination via the color-saturated magic of this fantasy musical.

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.