Your guide to this week’s events at Manitowoc Public Library

MANITOWOC – The Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay St., is warming up winter with a full lineup of programs for readers, families and curious minds of all ages. For details, call 920‑686‑3000 or visit manitowoclibrary.org.

The Manitowoc Library as seen, Friday, January 23, 2026, in Manitowoc, Wis.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Family Activity Night: Blanket Forts: From 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Feb. 3, take your blankets, pillows and maybe even your best stuffed buddy and get cozy with a book in your own blanket fort. Pajamas may be worn if shoes can be worn with them. Hot chocolate is provided. The event is intended for children ages 3-11.
• Drop-In Chess Club: Want to improve your memory and concentration or practice logical thinking skills? Make a smart move and join the Drop-In Chess Club in the second-floor Balkansky Community Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4. All abilities and ages are welcome, but staff will not offer formal instruction. Chessboards are provided and library materials are available for further learning.
• “Minute-to-Win-It” Winter Olympics:Didn’t make it to Italy for the Winter Olympics? Join the library for a fast-paced, frosty, “Minute-to-Win-It”version from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 5. Compete in a series of hilarious, winter-themed, 60-second challenges. Go head-to-head with other tweens and teens to see who can complete the most challenges — and maybe even land a spot on the podium! Intended for ages 10-18. No athletic ability required.
• Library tour: From 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, explore the building during “Check Out the Library: A Tour of MPL,” highlighting collections, programs, and unique features like the Makerspace and Seed Library.
• Great Decisions: The popular Great Decisions 2026 foreign‑policy lecture series returns from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23, featuring Beloit College’s Pablo Toral, Ph.D., discussing tariffs and the global economy. Attend in person or tune in via Facebook and YouTube.
• Winter Reading Program: The 2026 Winter Reading Program, “Warm Up to a Good Book!,” continues through Feb. 28. Participants of all ages can log 10 hours of reading for a chance to win prize baskets. Track progress with the Beanstack app, online at manitowoclibrary.beanstack.org, or with a paper tracker from any service desk.
• Story times: Baby Storytime (for ages 0-2 at 9:30 a.m.) and Preschool Storytime (for ages 2-5 at 10:30 a.m.) return with songs, stories and sensory fun on Jan. 29, Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. No registration required.
• Shelf Care Boxes: Teens can dive into discovery with Shelf Care Boxes, available for sign‑up Feb. 1-15. Each box includes three books, snacks, a project and surprises tied to March’s theme: “Stardate: The Future!” Limited supplies; register at manitowoclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes.
• Employment assistance: Visitors seeking job support can stop by the Franklin Street Room for Department of Workforce Development Employment Assistance every Tuesday in February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.