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Heirlooms: Your Family History Is American History

Heirlooms: Your Family History Is American History

Thursday, July 23rd @ 6:30 P.M.

The history of theUnited States is unique in many ways, and that uniqueness is sometimes bestrevealed not in the speeches and documents of the famous and powerful but inthe everyday objects of the nation’s ordinary people. In this talk, personalproperty appraiser Carolyn Law will tell the stories of US history as it iswritten on and into the family heirlooms and other artifacts we cherish andpass down through generations. Attendees are invited to bring one hand-heldobject for group discussion. No appraisals will be conducted at the event.

Westclox Museum

Westclox Museum

Saturday, July 18th 10:00 A.M.

The Westclox Museum is proudto present to you a history of the Western Clock Company, better known asWestclox, that was founded in Peru, Illinois and continued to operate in thislocation for nearly a century! The museum is located in a portion of thehistoric Westclox building, so don’t miss out on your chance to see and learnabout the company that began waking up America, and eventually the world, in1885. Free admission. Will accept donations.

OSF King Care A Van

OSF King Care A Van
Friday, July 10th 9:00 – 12:00 P.M.

Virtual visit with OSF OnCall provider for Healthscreenings, Health care navigation, Technology assistance, Connection toresources, Program enrollment No appointment needed. Some services are free ofcharge, including health screenings). Paid services are billed similar to atraditional office visits. Ask your care team for more information.

Shrek the Musical Cast

Shrek the Musical Cast 

Tuesday, July 7th

6:00 P.M.

Hennepin Library Headquarters

Shrek Characters will be visiting the library.

For more information please call

+1 815-310-0320

pccommunitytheatre@gmail.com

Bomb Pop Day

Bomb Pop Day
Thursday, June 25th
We will have Free Bomb Pops available all day for patrons.

Chess

Chess
Thursday, June 25th
We will have Chess available for patrons to play throughout the day.

Mahjong

Mahjong
Thursday, June 18th
We will have Mahjong available for patrons to play throughout the day.

Make it Dino Friday

Make it Dino Friday
Fridays starting June 5th All Day
5th Dig it site!
12th Frozen Eggs
26th Track painting

All Age Yoga

All Age Yoga
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 A.M.
Matt who has a 200 YTT with Yoga Alliance. A class built for anyone. Please bring your own mat.

Holiday Family Photos

Holiday Family Photos

All Week (Pets Welcome)

Monday, December 1st – 6th

Stop by to get photos taken with our holiday backdrop. Pets are welcome to attend.

The Forgotten Front: Illinois in the Revolutionary War

The Forgotten Front: Illinois in the Revolutionary War (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, July 7th, 6:00 p.m.
When most people think of the American Revolution, they think of Boston, Philadelphia, and Valley Forge. But the war was also fought on the Illinois frontier, and the story is every bit as dramatic. Freelance writer and historical researcher, Tom Emery, will present his recent work, Illinois in the Revolutionary War, shining a spotlight on George Rogers Clark, the dominant figure of the Revolutionary War in Illinois. Clark’s daring captures of Kaskaskia and Vincennes, including a legendary advance through frigid, chest-deep floodwaters, make for one of the war’s most remarkable and overlooked chapters. Emery will also examine Clark’s lieutenants, the British officers who opposed them, military engagements across the state, and the role of Illinois’s American Indian nations in the conflict. The lasting legacy of the war, felt for decades and still present today, will also receive emphasis. Tom Emery is the author of numerous historical titles and has appeared in more than 150 newspapers nationwide. The recipient of 16 awards from the Illinois State Historical Society, he is a widely respected voice in regional history.
This free program is open to the public. It will be offered in-person at the Granville Branch and virtually through Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/hyHPT.

Route Flute 66: A Musical Cross Country Concert

Route Flute 66: A Musical Cross Country Concert (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, June 30th, 6:00 p.m.
The Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble and the Bloomington-Normal Flute Club join forces for an evening of music tracing the iconic highway from Chicago to California. The program follows Route 66 state by state, from Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and on to California, with each piece evoking the landscapes, cultures, and spirit of the communities along the way. It’s a musical road trip you won’t want to miss!
Based at Music Suite 408 in Peru, the IVFE has been a cornerstone of the Illinois Valley music scene since 1991. The ensemble has performed at venues ranging from the Hegeler Carus Mansion to the Chicago Flute Festival and has released three recordings. Director Sue Gillio, Principal Flute of the Illinois Valley Symphony, faculty at IVCC, and a nationally recognized flute educator, founded the ensemble and has shaped its legacy for over three decades.
The Bloomington-Normal Flute Club, founded in 2022 by Rachel Bailey, is an all-abilities adult ensemble dedicated to musical growth, community, and low-pressure performance. The group has performed at assisted living facilities and public events throughout central Illinois. The concert is free and open to the public.

Shine Bright: A Patriotic Art Workshop

Shine Bright: A Patriotic Art Workshop (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, June 30th, 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day with a hands-on chalk pastel art project that’s as fun to make as it is beautiful to display. Using star templates, chalk pastels in red, white, and blue, and a little smudging magic, participants will create a stunning piece of patriotic artwork, perfect for decorating your home for the Fourth of July. This free program is open to the public and recommended for participants ages 6 and up. All materials will be provided, and each participant will receive a glow stick bracelet to take home.

Movie Matinee: 1776: A Musical

Movie Matinee: 1776: A Musical (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, June 30th, 1:00 p.m.
Experience a pivotal moment in American history through this compelling adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Set against the backdrop of a nation on the verge of revolution, follow John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they confront political discord, personal struggles, and the urgent need to unify the Continental Congress in pursuit of independence. Drawing from the letters and memoirs of the Founding Fathers, 1776 offers a thoughtful and resonant portrait of the convictions and sacrifices that shaped the founding of the United States. The film runs 2 hours and 21 minutes, is rated G, and is free and open to the public. Presented through public performance rights by SWANK.

Friday Stem and Art 10:30-11:30 –  Elementary school age 

Friday Stem and Art 10:30-11:30 – Elementary school age
5 -STEM Make and Take Slime and Green gelatin snack-
12 – STEM Chemical Reactions – Erupting Volcano
26 – ART Ripped paper Dino silhouette

Indie Lens Pop-Up: The Tallest Dwarf 

Indie Lens Pop-Up: The Tallest Dwarf
Tuesday, April 7th, 1:00 p.m.
The Tallest Dwarf follows filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman as she searches for her place in the little people community and unpacks rumors of dwarfism in her own family. Through intimate stories, creative collaborations, and archival history, the film delves into identity and medicine, asking whether society should change people or the structures that limit them. The film is 60 minutes, not rated, and is made possible through Independent Lens.

Movie Matinee: The First Silent Night

Movie Matinee: The First Silent Night
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1:00 p.m.

The First Silent Night is a heartwarming film that celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most cherished Christmas carols. For nearly two centuries, “Silent Night” has been sung across the globe—translated into more than 300 languages, performed by renowned artists and orchestras, and treasured on countless holiday recordings. Its gentle melody and message of peace have offered comfort in times of both joy and hardship, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds in the true spirit of Christmas.

Join acclaimed actor Simon Callow as he journeys to the Austrian village of Oberndorf and the historic city of Salzburg, tracing the carol’s humble beginnings and timeless meaning. Through music, history, and heartfelt narration, The First Silent Night reveals how this simple song of hope has illuminated hearts and homes around the world for generations. The film runs approximately 54 minutes, is rated G, and is free and open to the public, made possible through Kanopy.

Gingerbread Lane Workshop 

Gingerbread Lane Workshop (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, December 16th, 4:00 p.m.
Registration Required; limited to 20 participants

Beginning with pre-assembled “gingerbread” houses made from graham crackers and royal icing, families can dive straight into decorating. All materials are provided, along with simple instructions and basic decorating tips to help spark creativity.

Designed especially for children ages five and up (with a parent or guardian), this hands-on workshop encourages imagination, family fun, and festive flair. Participants will take home their own beautifully decorated “gingerbread” house and discover creative ways to add candy trees, snow people, walkways, and even larger additions for more elaborate designs. This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required, as space is limited to 20 participants.

Register: https://forms.gle/kCwnEjRzc1DM2Xvx9.

Art Workshop: Stained Glass Winter Tree

Art Workshop: Stained Glass Winter Tree
Tuesday, December 2nd, 4:00 p.m.

Using a fun glue-resist technique and soft chalk pastels, participants will create a glowing winter tree that looks just like stained glass. Along the way, they’ll experiment with color blending, layering, and contrast to bring their artwork to life and design their own beautiful winter masterpieces.

Apples for Bookworms!

Apples for Bookworms!

All Month

Check out a children’s book and get an apple for your little book worm!

Books and Brunch

Books & Brunch
First Saturday of the month during library hours. Food, Books, and Friends.

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The adult group, open to participants ages nineteen and older, will meet on Tuesday, February 24th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selection is “Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America,” by Steven Waldman. In Founding Faith, Waldman debunks myths from both the left and the right about America’s religious origins, revealing how the Founders crafted a new model of liberty that protected faith by keeping government out of it. Through vivid accounts from the colonies to the early presidencies, he shows how this delicate balance between belief and freedom shaped the nation.
Before the discussion, participants will watch a 26-minute preview from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution,” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview explores religion and religious diversity in the 18th century, offering insight into how faith helped shape the nation’s early history.
Copies of the book will be available at the Granville Branch beginning in January. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/L6uCA.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation, and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together – Youth

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together – Youth
Thursday, March 26th, 5:00 p.m.
Youth, ages 8 through 14, are invited to a hybrid community book club that brings readers together to explore the American Revolution through shared reading, conversation, and film. Each month, participants will watch a preview from the PBS documentary The American Revolution by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, along with additional short videos connected to the featured book, before taking part in an informal discussion.
The featured titles for this session are “Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and the Battle of Bunker Hill,” by Nathaniel Philbrick and “Forge,” by Laurie Halse Anderson. Ben’s Revolution brings the opening days of the American Revolution to life through the eyes of a young boy caught up in the Battle of Bunker Hill, while Forge follows a teenage soldier enduring the brutal winter at Valley Forge and the personal cost of fighting for independence.
The program runs approximately 45–60 minutes and is free and open to the public. To register virtually, please visit: https://shorturl.at/u8coq. Copies of the book are available at the Condit Branch.

Bunco Club

Third Wednesday of every month

10:00 A.M.

Coffee, Color, and Conversation

Coffee, Color, and Conversation
Tuesday, June 2nd 10-11:30

Kid’s Friday Fun

Kid’s Friday Fun
Friday, June 12th 10-11:30 A.M.

Unearth Your Style: Tote Bag Workshop

Unearth Your Style: Tote Bag Workshop (Condit Branch)
Thursday, June 25th, 3:00 p.m.
In this hands-on craft workshop, participants will design and decorate their own tote bag using stencils, paint, and plenty of creativity. Whether you choose a colorful pattern, a meaningful message, or a design that reflects your personal style, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind tote, perfect to use or give as a gift. This free program is open to the public for ages 6 and up. All materials will be provided.

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together (Youth – Condit Branch)
Thursday, June 25th, 5:00 p.m.
What does it mean to be American? Join us for a hybrid community book club exploring that question through the lens of the American Revolution. The evening opens with a preview screening from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt’s PBS documentary The American Revolution, followed by an informal group discussion.
This session’s featured title is King George: What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin, a humorous, fact-filled look at the American Revolution that goes beyond the textbook. Rather than a straight retelling, Sheinkin zeroes in on quirky anecdotes, little-known details, and the colorful personalities behind the conflict, from spies and soldiers to John Hancock himself. And yes, King George III gets his say too.
This program is designed for youth ages 8–14, runs approximately 45 minutes, and is free and open to the public. It will be held both in-person at the Condit Branch and virtually via Zoom. Copies of King George: What Was His Problem? are available at the Condit Branch. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/KPVP2.

Fire & Forge: A Blacksmith Demonstration

Fire & Forge: A Blacksmith Demonstration (Condit Branch)
Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 a.m.
Blacksmiths of yesteryear helped forge the fabric of our modern world, but it’s just as compelling to see what a local smith is creating today. Doug Eichert is a local blacksmith dedicated to keeping the flame of this ancient craft alive. With 16 years of experience at the anvil, Eichert creates hand-forged goods where utility meets art.
During this live demonstration, witness the focused skill required to shape raw steel in real time. You’ll see unique forging processes up close, from the heat of the forge to the strike of the hammer, with the opportunity to ask questions about the history, tools, and future of the craft. Join us to see how this historic trade continues to thrive in our community.
This program is 1 hour and 30 minutes, free and open to the public. Doug will have a table of forged items available for purchase. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Mahjong

Mahjong
Wednesday, August 24th @ 10:00 A.M.

Homework Helpers

Students are welcome to work on homework at the library during library hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Make your own Christmas card(s)

Make your own Christmas card(s)

Tuesday, December 9th

During Library Hours

National Cheese Doodle Day

March 5th – National Cheese Doodle Day, stop in and grab a snack.

beaded sun catchers

6/25/26- beaded sun catchers

Splash of Color: Watercolor Workshop

Join us for a fun, hands-on art activity where participants will create unique Valentine’s Day–themed artwork using watercolors and the wax-resist technique. No experience is necessary — just bring your creativity and enjoy experimenting with color and texture to make a heartfelt masterpiece. This program is free and open to the public, and all supplies will be provided.

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together

Chapter 250: Reading America’s Story Together is a community book club that explores the American Revolution through shared reading, discussion, and film. The adult group, open to participants ages nineteen and older, will meet on Tuesday, February 24th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch, with a virtual option available via Zoom.
This month’s selection is “Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America,” by Steven Waldman. In Founding Faith, Waldman debunks myths from both the left and the right about America’s religious origins, revealing how the Founders crafted a new model of liberty that protected faith by keeping government out of it. Through vivid accounts from the colonies to the early presidencies, he shows how this delicate balance between belief and freedom shaped the nation.
Before the discussion, participants will watch a 26-minute preview from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary “American Revolution,” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. The preview explores religion and religious diversity in the 18th century, offering insight into how faith helped shape the nation’s early history.
Copies of the book will be available at the Granville Branch beginning in January. For more information, please contact the Library at 815-339-2038. To participate via Zoom, please register via Zoom: https://shorturl.at/L6uCA.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation, and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Homework Helpers

Students are welcome to work on homework at the library during library hours on Wednesdays.

My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff

My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff

Thursday, July 23rd @ 12:30 P.M.

What happens when it’s time to downsize and your kids don’twant your things? Antiques expert Carolyn Law outlines several options forestate planning and/or downsizing. Recognizing the emotional, psychological,and physical stress involved, as well as the practical matters of valuation andequitable distribution of personal property, she will discuss the pros and consof charitable donation, consignment, and private sale.

Luck, Laughter, and a Dash of Leprechaun Magic

Luck, Laughter, and a Dash of Leprechaun Magic
Thursday, March 12th
12:30 P.M.
Bring unforgettable charm to your St. Patrick’s Day season with historical presenter, Michelle Gibbons’ whimsical portrayal of a lively female leprechaun, complete with laughter, lore, and a dash of mischief. Her engaging program blends the true history of St. Patrick’s Day with fascinating tales of leprechaun origins, plus hilarious stories from her life as a leprechaun and the chaos that ensues when everyone tries to catch her before she disappears with the pot of gold.

From Royalty to Reality: Princess Diana’s Journey to Empathy

From Royalty to Reality: Princess Diana’s Journey to Empathy
Tuesday, November 18th @ 12:30 P.M.
Even decades after her passing, Lady Diana Spencer, the People’s Princess, remains an icon of grace, compassion, and timeless elegance. From her enchanting royal wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, witnessed by over 750 million people worldwide, to her philanthropic endeavors and unwavering dedication to her family, Diana captivated hearts across the globe.
Step into the captivating world of royalty with historical presenter, Michelle Gibbons, as she brings the indomitable spirit of Princess Diana to life. Through Michelle’s portrayal, audiences will delve in Diana’s remarkable journey-from her noble charity work and royal duties under the watchful eye of Queen Elizabeth II, to her profound love for her children and the enduring legacy she left behind.
Join us as we pay tribute to the extraordinary life and timeless legacy of the People’s Princess, Princess Diana of Wales.