Please view each of our locations’ programs below. Call us or email us with questions or concerns.
Preserving History
Tuesday, October 20th, 7:00 p.m.
WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer brings his signature
storytelling to Chicago’s architecture and history,
uncovering the hidden stories behind the city’s
most iconic buildings and the people who shaped
them.
John Adams: Architect of Our Democracy
Thursday, November 12th, 6:00 p.m.
Brian Fox Ellis brings John Adams to life in this
living history performance — meet a founding
father, hear his story, and share your own
American story.
Library Staff Meeting
We will be closed Friday, June 12th for Staff meeting and 12:00 P.M. and will reopen Saturday.
National Library Week
April 19th – 25th
Illinois Valley Road Trip!
All April
Area –Wide Libraries in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties will be participating once more. Travel to see the libraries in the region. In honor of America 250 there will be a side quest. Prizes will be given out to patrons who participate in this event. Stay tuned for more information.
Holidays
We will be closed Wednesday, December 24th through Friday, December 26th for the Holidays
We will be closed Wednesday, December 31st through Friday, January 2nd for the Holidays.
Book Edging
October 7th–9th – Open Hours
Design and stencil your own custom book edging
on the Cricut Maker, a fun way to give your
favorite reads a personal touch. Adults only — call
ahead to schedule.
Chess Club
Thursdays – 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
September 3rd – November 19th
Available every Thursday during the day. Stop by
and test your skills against a fellow player.
Registration appreciated.
All Age Yoga
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 8:00 a.m.
September – November
Join Matt, a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified
instructor, for a class built for anyone — all levels
welcome. Please bring your own mat.
Learn Mahjong
Tuesdays – 10:00 a.m.
September 1st – November 24th
Join our group at the library — 2026 instruction
manuals available. Registration appreciated.
Mystery at the Library
October
Follow the clues around the library to solve the
mystery — find them all for a small prize and entry
to win a gift certificate to Fire on Fifth at
Westclox.
Celebrate Book Lovers Day
Friday, November 6th – All Day
Nachos at the library — because great books
deserve great snacks. Stop by and treat yourself
while you browse.
Meet Ranger the T-Rex
Saturday, October 24th, 9:30 a.m.
Get up close with Ranger the T-Rex — a roaring,
larger-than-life adventure you won’t want to miss.
Movie: Hocus Pocus
Wednesday, October 21st, 10:00 a.m.
Three mischievous witches are resurrected on
Halloween night, and a group of kids has until
sunrise to stop them from stealing eternal youth
from every child in town. A spooky season
favorite. PG.
Guided Hike: Starved Rock State Park
Saturday, October 10th, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a guided hike through the canyons and
overlooks of Starved Rock’s natural beauty. Lunch
included. $25/person, reservations required at
815-339-2038.
Monday, October 5th – All Day
Stop by the library for FREE donuts and coffee
while you browse the stacks.
Home School Time &
Homework Time
The Library is offering a new weekly program for
homeschool students and kids looking to catch up
on homework. Join us every Wednesday — Home
School Time runs 1:00–3:00 p.m., and Homework
Time runs 3:00–6:00 p.m. Each week features a
different hands-on activity, open the entire
session unless noted otherwise.
November
4th: Make a thank-you card for veterans
(delivered to the Veterans’ Home in LaSalle)
17th: Birds with Lori Boekeloo*
18th: Free Time — imagination time.
25th: Let’s Feed the Birds — Pinecone Craft.
Home School Time &
Homework Time
The Library is offering a new weekly program for
homeschool students and kids looking to catch up
on homework. Join us every Wednesday — Home
School Time runs 1:00–3:00 p.m., and Homework
Time runs 3:00–6:00 p.m. Each week features a
different hands-on activity, open the entire
session unless noted otherwise.
October
7th–28th (Wednesdays): Teens build a
Halloween “Frankentoy” from old, broken toys
14th: Harvest Boxes with Ag in the Classroom
(1:00–3:00 p.m. only)
21st: Homemade Squishy Balls
28th: Painting Pumpkins into Book Creatures
We’re kicking off a new weekly program for our
littlest patrons — join us every Friday at 10:00
a.m., for a rotating lineup of fun, hands-on
activities designed just for toddlers.
October
2nd: Story Time
9th: Move to the Music
16th: Hands-On Activities
23rd: Make & Take Crafts
30th: Toddler Halloween Cartoons/Movie
Storybook Showdown
November – Picture Book Month
Explore our picture book collection and test your
knowledge in our trivia game — win a treat, or
take home a picture book as our grand prize!
Health Talk Fridays
3rd Friday of the Month, 11:00 a.m.
Leandra with In-Home Care Connection
Homecare & Hospice (IHCC) shares her expertise
on health topics through a presentation and Q&A.
Blood Pressure & Glucose Checks
1st Wednesday of the Month, 3:00 p.m.
Andrea with In-Home Care Connection Homecare
& Hospice (IHCC) offers free blood pressure and
glucose checks.
Tuesday, October 6th, 1:00 p.m.
In 1871, a thriving Chicago was reduced to rubble
in just 48 hours — relive it through vivid
animations, re-creations, and eyewitness
accounts.
Pattern Pumpkin Art
Wednesday, October 28th, 4:00 p.m.
Inspired by zentangle and doodle art, turn the
classic pumpkin into bold shapes, bright colors,
and repeating patterns.
Noble Discontent: Louisa May Alcott
Tuesday, October 27th, 6:00 p.m.
Poet, abolitionist, nurse, suffragist — Louisa May
Alcott was far more than the author of Little
Women. Meet her in this vivid performance
drawn from her own words. Funded by the Starved
Rock Country Community Foundation.
Docs & Dialogue: 10 That Changed America
Tuesday, October 27th, 1:00 p.m.
Discover 10 engineering marvels that shaped
modern civilization — from the Erie Canal to the
Hoover Dam.
Books & Brunch
First Saturday of the month during library hours. Food, Books, and Friends.
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
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.
Coffee, Color, and Conversation
Tuesday, June 2nd 10-11:30
Cozy Creations: Felted Pumpkin Workshop
Thursday, October 1st, 4:00 p.m.
Learn needle felting basics while creating soft,
sculpted wool pumpkins in seasonal colors.
Limited to 10 participants.
Moonlit Guardians Art Workshop
Thursday, October 14th, 4:00 p.m.
A spooky, layered art workshop featuring a
glowing moon and soaring bats — plus a look at
how bats help keep ecosystems in balance.
Craft Morning
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.
A hands-on morning of crafting, with a new
project each month for all skill levels.
September 15th: Paint Your Own Book Bag
October 20th: Make Your Own Magnets
November 17th: Christmas Cards
Docs & Dialogue: 10 That Changed America
Thursday, October 22nd, 4:00 p.m.
A tour of 10 streets that changed how we get
around — from Broadway and Wilshire to the
Boston Post Road and the Lincoln Highway.
Students are welcome to work on homework at the library during library hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Make your own Christmas card(s)
Tuesday, December 9th
During Library Hours
6/25/26- beaded sun catchers
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 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.
Students are welcome to work on homework at the library during library hours on Wednesdays.
Celebration of Wonder and Tradition
Thursday, November 19th, 12:30 p.m.
Leap into the holiday season with presenter
Michelle Gibbons as she explores the storied
history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,
from its humble 1924 beginnings to today’s
dazzling balloons and larger-than-life floats.
Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Central Railroad
Thursday, October 8th, 12:30 p.m.
Discover the true story of Joseph, who escaped
slavery in Missouri in 1855 and outran his
enslaver all the way to Chicago. His case against
the Illinois Central Railroad reached the Illinois
Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark ruling that
all persons in Illinois are presumed free. Made
possible through Illinois Humanities.
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
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.
