The following article was written by Lynn Christiansen, a Youth Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Are you looking for something fun to do with your family on these cold winter nights? Look no further than Manitowoc Public Library! Our Youth Department offers Tuesday night programs, known as Family Activity Nights (or FAN, for short) for preschool and elementary-aged children and their families. We’ve got some exciting things planned for January and February!
Up first on Tuesday, January 9, is Family Yoga with Waves Yoga family instructor, Lauren Philippsen. This beginner-friendly class will introduce yoga through a series of games, breathing techniques, and imaginative activities. Kids will especially love the Partner Poses! Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel and dress in comfortable clothing that you can move in. The program will begin at 6:30 PM in the Balkansky Community Room and no registration is required.
Next up is Reading to Certified Therapy Dogs on Tuesday, January 16, from 6:30-7:30 PM. Studies show that children who read to animals, like our therapy dogs, gain confidence and improve their overall reading. Registration will open on Tuesday, January 2, at 5 PM. Sign up for a fifteen-minute session with one of our companionable canines by visiting the Youth Department or calling us at 920-686-3030 during business hours.
We round out January with a performance by Wisconsin-based magician, Glen Gerard on Tuesday, January 23rd. Mr. Gerard has performed locally for the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Green Bay Packers. He has also entertained on cruise ships and Las Vegas showrooms. This family-friendly show begins at 6 PM in the Balkansky Room and no registration is required. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
We kick off February with Blanket Forts on Tuesday, February 6. There’s nothing better to do on a cold winter day than to crawl into your very own blanket fort with a good book! Bring your blankets, pillows, and maybe even your best stuffed buddy and get cozy in the Youth Department. Pajamas may also be worn, as long as shoes can be worn with them. We will provide hot chocolate as a sweet treat. This program begins at 6:30 PM in the Balkansky Room and no registration is required.
The Therapy Dogs return on Tuesday, February 13. Registration for this session will open on Tuesday, January 30, at 5 PM. Stop in or call the Youth Department to reserve your spot!
Our final FAN in February is Family Bingo. It will take place on Tuesday, February 20. Join us for a night of lively competition, snacks, and prizes! Bingo is excellent reinforcement for kids learning their letters and numbers or practicing social skills like listening, sportsmanship, and following directions. The program begins at 6:30 PM in the Balkansky Room and no registration is required.
The best part about all of these exciting family-friendly programs is that they are ABSOLUTELY FREE! We look forward to seeing those of you who have attended in the past, and hope to see some new faces in the New Year, as well. It’s a great time to be a FAN of Manitowoc Public Library! Please visit our website (www.manitowoclibrary.org/) or call the Youth Department at 920-686-3030 for more information about any of our upcoming programs.