All Libraries

Painting Night

Painting Night
Thursday, November 20th
6:00 P.M.
All ages.
Wood Welcome Board

Cricut Makerspace

Cricut Makerspace
November 10th – 14th
During Library Hours
Come in to learn how to use the Cricut Maker. Crafty Adults welcome! Call ahead to schedule your appointment. Christmas Sweaters. Bring your own sweater for the class.

Painting Night

Painting Night

Thursday, October 2nd @ 6:00 P.M.

All ages.

Wooden Witch Hats.

Steam Saturdays

Steam Saturdays

Saturdays @ 10:00 A.M.

Focusing on Steam topics with books, activities and crafts. Explore the intersection of literacy, art and Science.

Cricut Makerspace

Cricut Makerspace

September 8th – 12th

During Library Hours

Come in to learn how to use the Cricut Maker. Crafty Adults welcome! Call ahead to schedule your appointment. Etch Glass. Bring your own glass item.

A River of Stories

A River of Stories
Thursday, April 3rd
Brian “Fox” Ellis will be presenting. Funded by the Illinois River Tour Foundation. 2:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M. School program: River Tales
3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Conversation with the Historical Society Workshop 6:00 P.M. A River of Stories at the library

Putnam County Book Club

Putnam County Book Club
We meet 3rd Wednesday every month either at Hennepin or Granville Library at 6:30 P.M. Come join us and share your ideas. We choose books together and look forward to completing our list for the next year. Looking forward to sharing our enthusiasm for books. Follow us on Facebook.

Hennepin Book Club

Hennepin Book Club meets the third Wednesday of the month @ 6:30 P.M.

Homework Helper

Homework Helper

Anytime during Library Hours

Starting in Hennepin this Spring. Students are welcome to work on homework at the library during library hours.

Movie Matinee: Warrior Tradition

Movie Matinee: Warrior Tradition (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, November 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Discover the astonishing, heartbreaking, and inspiring story of Native Americans in the United States military. Why would Native men and women risk their lives for the very government that took their homelands? In this powerful film, you’ll hear directly from Native American warriors as they share their personal experiences — stories of service and sacrifice, courage and struggle. The film is 55 minutes, not rated, and is made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

In Their Own Words: A Soldier’s Story from Camp Douglas to Vicksburg

In Their Own Words: A Soldier’s Story from Camp Douglas to Vicksburg
Tuesday, November 4th at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a special author event with local historian and genealogist Rachael Mellen, as she shares the compelling story behind her new book, “From Camp Douglas to Vicksburg: The Civil War Letters of William J. Kennedy, 1861–63.”
In this engaging presentation, you’ll journey with Mellen as she uncovers a personal family connection to William J. Kennedy, a Civil War soldier from LaSalle. Through a collection of Kennedy’s letters—preserved at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library—she reveals the deep human side of war: the duty, sacrifice, and impact on families left at home. You’ll gain a unique perspective on the Civil War through Kennedy’s firsthand accounts and discover how these letters brought history to life for both Mellen and her readers.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. Rachael Mellen holds degrees from the University of London and California State University–Dominguez Hills. She is the author of three books on English genealogy, a frequent speaker and educator in the field, and currently serves as president of the LaSalle County Genealogy Guild.

Movie Matinee: Top Secret Rosies

Movie Matinee: Top Secret Rosies
Tuesday, November 4th at 1:00 p.m.
In 1942, you could have been recruited—not to build weapons like Rosie the Riveter, but to use your math skills as a human “computer” for the U.S. Army. Working six days a week, you would have helped calculate ballistics tables that made Allied bombs and bullets more accurately, playing a vital role in winning the war. When the Army developed the first electronic computer (ENIAC), six women like you became its first programmers.
Top Secret Rosies reveals the untold story of the women behind this secret effort, trailblazers in both war and technology. Follow four of them as they navigate opportunity, pressure, and the moral dilemmas of their groundbreaking work from 1942 to 1946. Join us for this inspiring film about the women who helped shape history—and the future of computing. The film is 56 minutes, not rated, and is made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

Pumpkins for your little pumpkin!

Pumpkins for your little pumpkin!
All Month
Check out a Children’s book and get a little pumpkin for your pumpkin.

Movie Matinee: A to Z – The First Alphabet and How Writing Changed the World

Movie Matinee: A to Z – The First Alphabet and How Writing Changed the World
Tuesday, October 28th 1:00 p.m.

Discover how writing—and eventually printing—revolutionized the spread of information, and why it still matters to you today. In this two-part series, you’ll uncover how writing first emerged, and how it led to the alphabet you use every day. Travel back 4,000 years to a turquoise mine where the roots of our modern letters may have first taken shape. From trade to storytelling, you’ll see how writing shaped civilizations and connected cultures across time.

Then, explore how the printing press transformed the world. Learn why a few simple letters in the Latin alphabet gave Europe a head start during the Renaissance—and how moveable type laid the foundation for the scientific revolution and, eventually, the digital age. Get ready to see just how deeply writing and printing have influenced the way you live, learn, and share ideas today. The films are each about 54 minutes in length, rated G and made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

First Wednesday of the month

First Wednesday of the month

Games and snacks will be available on the first Wed of the month 1-3PM

Curious Kids

Curious Kids

Fridays @ 10:00-11:00 A.M.

Focusing on STEAM topics with books, activities and crafts. Explore the intersection of literacy, art and science. Homeschoolers are encouraged.

Preschool Pals

Preschool Pals

Wednesdays @ 10:30-11:00 A.M.

Focusing on early literacy we’ll explore seasonal books and a simple craft. Stay and Play is encouraged!

Wiggle worms

Wiggle worms

Wednesday @ 10:00-10:30 A.M.

An active story time for the littlest walkers and creepers. Focusing on Gross motor, with music, shakers, bubbles and scarves to explore. Stay and Play is encouraged!

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.

The Poisoner’s Handbook

Thursday, October 30th

4:00 P.M.

In the early 20th century, the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner’s treasure chest, with radioactive radium, thallium, and morphine in everyday products. The pace of industrial innovation increased, but the scientific knowledge to detect and prevent crimes committed with these materials lagged behind until 1918. New York City’s first scientifically trained medical examiner, Charles Norris, and his chief toxicologist, Alexander Gettler, turned forensic chemistry into a formidable science and set the standards for the rest of the country.

Women of World War II: The Untold Stories

Thursday, November 6th

4:00 P.M.

American women were the secret weapon that won World War II, and in the process, changed the world. In this new documentary, hear directly from the women who built the planes and flew them, fought on the warfront and the home front, cracked codes and broke barriers.

Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal

Thursday, November 13th

4:00P.M.

In the late 1970s, residents of Love Canal in Niagara Falls, NY discovered their neighborhood had been built on a former chemical waste dump. Housewives activated to create a grassroots movement that galvanized the landmark Superfund Bill.

Bearing Witness: Native American Voices In Hollywood

Thursday, November 20th

4:00 P.M.

Hollywood has long shaped how the world sees Native Americans—often through damaging stereotypes. For over a century, Westerns crafted the “villainous Indian” to justify conquest and erase the brutal truth of genocide. But with the rise of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and powerful 1960s–70s protests, a shift began. Films like Little Big Man and Soldier Blue finally challenged the myths, humanizing Native voices and shining light on forgotten history.

Homework Helpers

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

Blues and Brats

Blues and Brats

Saturday, September 20th

We will have a photo booth at the Hennepin Blues and Brats event. Check with the Village of Hennepin for all the events going on that day.

Paint your own character pumpkin

Paint your own character pumpkin

Saturday, October 25th & Tuesday October 28th

National Candy Day

National Candy Day
Tuesday, November 4th
Stop in and vote for your favorite candy

Cappuccino and Steam Craft

Cappuccino and Steam Craft
Saturday Nov 8th
Adults come in for cappuccino – kids come in for steam craft

Mickey Mouse Birthday Pancakes

Mickey Mouse Birthday Pancakes
Tuesday Nov 18th

Paper Perch: Bird Feeder Card

Paper Perch: Bird Feeder Card
Wednesday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m.
Create your own adorable bird feeder–shaped card, complete with a colorful bird. In this hands-on craft, you’ll use paper, markers, and your imagination to design a card that’s perfect for decorating or giving to someone special. It’s just for fun—no birdseed required.

Silly Spiders Craft

Silly Spiders Craft
Wednesday, November 12th at 4:00 p.m.
Come create your own three-dimensional silly spider art using watercolors and markers. You’ll also discover the benefits of spiders to the environment in this fun program.

Spooky Suncatchers

Spooky Suncatchers
Wednesday, October 29th at 4:00 p.m.

Join us at the Library to create your very own spooky suncatcher. Using tissue paper, craft sticks, and fun Halloween silhouettes, you’ll make a colorful decoration to hang in your window just in time for the season.

Chicken Hatching with Incubator

Chicken Hatching with Incubator
Saturday, April 26th
Study and watch for 10 days process until they hatch.

Homework Helpers

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

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.

Suspense and Psychological Thrills: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock

Suspense and Psychological Thrills: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock

Thursday, October 30th @ 12:30 P.M.

Alfred Hitchcock uncovered a world of the unknown–a world unknown to previous filmmakers and to audiences. He created a world where audiences were put on edge in suspense and where each film’s psychological twists and turns made hearts skip a beat. Often deemed, “The Master of Suspense,” Alfred Hitchcock knew how to capture your mind and run wild with it.

Historian Jim Gibbons will discuss the life of Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock and his great influence on the history of filmmaking. Gibbons will discuss Hitchcock’s role as a film producer, director and his cameo appearances in the films he produced. He will explain Hitchcock’s close working relationship with several Golden Age actors and actresses including James Stewart, Cary Grant, Anthony Perkins, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak and more. He will discuss his most popular movies, Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window, The Birds and North by Northwest. Gibbons will also discuss Hitchcock’s life on and off set. Before his death, Hitchcock was not only knighted, but he also received the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award and directed over 50 feature films.

A River of Stories

A River of Stories
Thursday, April 3rd
Brian “Fox” Ellis will be presenting. Funded by the Illinois River Tour Foundation. 2:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M. School program: River Tales
3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Conversation with the Historical Society Workshop 6:00 P.M. A River of Stories at the library