The following article was written by Lynn Christiansen, a Youth Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Is your household dealing with a case of the winter blues? Look no further than Manitowoc Public Library’s Youth Department for fun and free activities to help chase those blues away!
We’ll kick off the year with a family favorite, Bingo Bash, on Tuesday, January 6, at 6 PM. Playing bingo is a great way for children to practice social skills such as listening, following directions, and sportsmanship. It’s also a great way to learn numbers and letters. We will provide snacks and prizes. This program is intended for children ages 5-11 and their families.
Studies show that children who read to animals gain confidence and improvement in their overall reading skills. We provide a fun and furry opportunity through our monthly Therapy Dog program. Join us on January 13 to share stories with a four-legged friend. Families may reserve a 15-minute time slot by either stopping in or calling the Youth Department at 920-686-3030 starting at 5 PM on December 30. This program is intended for elementary age children and their families.
We welcome Dr. Jennifer Cappelle for a Storytime & Stuffie Clinic on Tuesday, January 27, at 6 PM. Dr. Cappelle will read a story, share the tools she uses, and explain what happens during a checkup in a kid-friendly way. Afterwards, participants may give their favorite stuffed animal a gentle exam. This program is intended for preschool and elementary age children and their families. Please be sure to bring a stuffie with you!
Get cozy and read in your very own blanket fort on Tuesday, February 2, at 6:30 PM. Bring blankets, pillows, and even your favorite stuffed friend. Pajamas may be worn, as long as shoes can be worn with them. Hot chocolate will be provided as a sweet treat as well. Preschool and elementary age children and their families are welcome to participate.
Therapy Dogs return on Tuesday, February 10. Registration will open on Tuesday, January 27, at 5 PM. Stop in or call the Youth Department to reserve your spot.
Calling all baby athletes! Join us for our inaugural Baby Winter Olympic Games on Friday, February 13, at 10 AM. Compete in events such as laundry basket luge, beanbag curling, and slalom obstacle course. Intended for crawlers and early walkers, this program celebrates coordination, curiosity, and cuteness in motion!
Later that afternoon, at 2 PM, we’ll be hosting a Big Kids Valentine Party. Participants can enjoy engaging stories, toe-tapping songs, fun games, and a creative craft. Fun, friendship, and treats will be included. This program is intended for children ages 5-10.
We’ll round out the month’s activities on February 17 with a creative challenge—Anything But a Paintbrush! Participants will have the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind work of art using tools such as cotton swabs, bubble wrap, and other unexpected tools. Absolutely no paintbrushes will be allowed! This program will start at 6:30 PM is intended for children ages 5-11 and their families.
All of these programs will take place in the Balkansky Community Room. Children ages eight and under must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
Please visit our website to find out more information about these programs, as well as all of the other exciting things happening at Manitowoc Public Library: https://www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month!