All Libraries
Please view each of our locations’ programs below. Call us or email us with questions or concerns.
Illinois Libraries Presents: Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig
Illinois Libraries Presents: Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig
Tuesday, January 13th 7 P.M.
Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books, including his most recent, Pulitzer Prize-winning King: A Life. Vividly written and exhaustively researched, it is the first major biography in decades of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.―and the first to include recently declassified FBI files. In this revelatory new portrait of the preacher and activist who shook the world, Eig gives us an intimate view of King, who masterfully employed peaceful protest in the streets but was rarely at peace with himself. From the classroom to the pulpit to the streets of Birmingham, Selma, and Memphis, Eig dramatically re-creates the journey of a man who recast American race relations and became our only modern-day founding father―as well as the nation’s most mourned martyr.
Eig began his writing career at age 16, working for his hometown newspaper, The Rockland County Journal News (N.Y.). He studied journalism at Northwestern University, and went on to work as a reporter for The New Orleans Times-Picayune, The Dallas Morning News, Chicago Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.
According to his parents, his greatest claim to fame is that his name once appeared in a Jeopardy! question. Eig lives in Chicago with his wife and children and shares office space with the laundry machines.
Mark Bazer will join Jonathan in conversation. The host of The Interview Show, Bazer also frequently moderates events for Chicago Humanities and is a contributing writer for Chicago magazine.
Holidays
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.
Hennepin
Library Lovers Month
Library Lovers Month
We have red and pink tickets throughout our new collection. Find one for a prize.
Hygge Drinks
Hygge Drinks
Thursday, January 29th
All Day
Try some warm Non-Alcoholic winter drinks this winter at the library. Teas, hot cocoa, and mocktails.
Winter Paint Day
Winter Paint Day
Thursday, January 22nd
We will be painting a Snowman all day event. Great for Beginners.
Nation Bagel Day, Stop in and grab a bagel
Nation Bagel Day, Stop in and grab a bagel
Thursday, January 15th
All Day
Cricut Makerspace
Cricut Makerspace
January 6th – 10th
During Library Hours
Come in to learn how to use the Cricut Maker. Crafty Adults welcome! Call ahead to schedule your appointment. Burlap Snowflake Garland
Silent Book Club
Silent Book Club
Select Thursdays
All Day
Looking for a comfortable space to read in silence we have the space for you! We will provide warm drinks for you.
School age seasonal crafts
School age Seasonal Crafts
Select Saturdays during the winter months
10 – 11 A.M.
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.
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.
Granville
Exploring History Through Ancestry: Commemorating America 250 through Genealogy and Heritage
Exploring History Through Ancestry: Commemorating America250 through Genealogy and Heritage
Tuesday, January 27th, 6:00 p.m.
Becky Hill Piliponis of the Illini Chapter and Jean Galetti of the Chief Senachwine Chapter will present an informative program about the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The presentation will explore the organization’s distinguished history, guide attendees through the process of tracing their genealogy to potential Revolutionary War ancestors and explain the steps to becoming a member. Participants are invited to learn how their own family stories may connect to America’s earliest chapters.
Movie Matinee: A Promise to My Father
Movie Matinee: A Promise to My Father
Tuesday, January 27th, 1:00 p.m.
Holocaust survivor Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter undertakes one final, profoundly personal journey to Poland and Germany, retracing the painful path of his wartime experience. In his hometown of Płock, he searches for cherished family possessions hidden beneath the basement floor in 1939, just as the German army approached. His journey continues to Treblinka, where his parents and younger brother were murdered, and to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he endured years of brutality, holding fast to his father’s last words urging him to survive.
Along the way, Izzy reunites with individuals who risked their lives to help him—powerful reminders of humanity and courage amid unimaginable cruelty. A tense and unexpected meeting with a former German soldier forces him to confront the enduring weight of trauma, memory, and forgiveness.
Narrated by Tom Kane, this deeply moving documentary follows Izzy as he revisits the places of his greatest suffering and survival—a poignant farewell that transforms history into living memory. The film runs approximately 55 minutes, is not rated, free and open to the public, and is made possible through the World War II Foundation.
Movie Matinee: Secrets of Stonehenge
Movie Matinee: Secrets of Stonehenge
Tuesday, January 20th, 1:00 p.m.
Dating back to the late Stone Age, Stonehenge remains one of the most iconic—and enigmatic—monuments in human history. Each year, more than a million visitors travel to England to stand before its towering stones, yet the true purpose and builders of this ancient monument continue to spark debate and fascination. A new wave of archaeological discoveries has opened an exciting chapter in Stonehenge research. With exclusive access to excavations at Bluestonehenge—a newly uncovered stone circle located just a mile away—NOVA follows cutting-edge investigations seeking answers to age-old questions. How did prehistoric people quarry, transport, shape, and raise these massive stones? And what rituals or beliefs inspired such an extraordinary feat?
Join a new generation of researchers as they uncover fresh clues and piece together the evolving story behind one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries. The film runs approximately 53 minutes, is rated G, free and open to the public, and is made possible through Kanopy.
Chapter 250 Book Club
Adults 19+ • Tues, Jan 20 • 5:00 PM • Granville Branch
Book: Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News
Join us in person or online • Virtual link: https://shorturl.at/kVVT4
Copies of the book will available at the Granville Branch in December.
Before the discussion, participants will enjoy a 26-minute screening reel
from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary American Revolution by Ken
Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This exciting preview offers a
dynamic look at the era and features an introduction by Ken Burns along
with additional short videos related to the topics discussed in the books.
Teens 13–19 • Wed, Jan 28 • 5:00 PM • McNabb Branch
Book: Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Join us in person or online • https://shorturl.at/Yojq6
Copies of the book will be available at the McNabb Branch in December.
Youth Ages 8–14 • Thurs, Jan 29 • 5:00 PM • Condit Branch
Books: Revolutionary Mary by Karen Blumenthal & Her Name Was Mary
Katherine by Ella Schwartz
Join us in person or online • Zoom: https://shorturl.at/gUvJV
Copies of the books will be available at the Condit Branch in December.
LeAndra Harris from IHCC Presentation on the Importance of Hydration
LeAndra Harris from IHCC Presentation on the Importance of Hydration
Friday, January 16th 1 P.M.
Illinois Centennial Soil Archive
Illinois Centennial Soil Archive
Tuesday, January 13th, 6:00 p.m.
Ever wonder how our soil has changed over the last 100 years? Discover the incredible story behind the University of Illinois Soil Lab’s Centennial Soil Archive Project. A key piece of Illinois’ agricultural heritage is a world-class, one-of-a-kind soil sample archive collected when local soils were first surveyed. As early as 1899, soil types across the state were mapped by sampling fields to three-foot depth and characterizing the distinct soil layers. Predecessors had the foresight to keep records of sampling locations and to store these soil samples on the University of Illinois’ Urbana-Champaign campus.
Learn how this historical treasure helps us understand everything from the impact of farming practices to the effects of climate change. Participants will also learn about the resampling efforts going on across the state and how you can get involved. This program is free and open to the public.
Movie Matinee: Horatio’s Drive
Movie Matinee: Horatio’s Drive
Tuesday, January 13th, 1:00 p.m.
In the spring of 1903, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson accepted a fifty-dollar bet that he could drive across America—something no one had ever accomplished. Setting off from San Francisco in a 20-horsepower Winton touring car, he began a daring and unprecedented journey. With only 150 miles of paved roads in the entire country, no gas stations, and few reliable maps, most people believed the automobile had no future. Yet Jackson’s determination and adventurous spirit would prove them wrong and change history forever.
Horatio’s Drive tells the remarkable story of America’s first transcontinental road trip—a lively adventure filled with flat tires, muddy backroads, unexpected challenges, and the simple joys that define every great journey. Jackson’s optimism and perseverance became as vital as the gasoline powering his car, turning a wild gamble into an unforgettable feat. Both humorous and heartwarming, this documentary celebrates one man’s curiosity, courage, and the early days of America’s love affair with the open road.
The film runs approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes, is rated G, is free and open to the public, and is made possible through Kanopy.
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.
School age- Fun Friday-Bingo, Puzzles, Games
School age- Fun Friday-Bingo, Puzzles, Games
Every Friday December through February
10 -11 A.M.
IHCC provides health checks- Blood pressure, Blood sugar, Oxygen meter
IHCC provides health checks- Blood pressure, Blood sugar, Oxygen meter
First Wednesday of the month December through February
3 P.M.
Putnam
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.
Movie Matinee: Agatha Christie’s England
Movie Matinee: Agatha Christie’s England
Thursday, January 8th, 4:00 p.m.
Step into the world of mystery and imagination with Agatha Christie’s England. Born in the seaside town of Torquay, Christie drew endless inspiration from the landscapes, communities, and colorful personalities around her. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, she transformed these influences into some of the most beloved and enduring crime stories ever written.
This charming documentary invites viewers on a literary journey across England, exploring the picturesque settings that shaped Christie’s life and appear throughout her timeless novels. From coastal retreats to quiet village lanes, discover the real-world places where intrigue, wit, and unforgettable characters were born. The film runs approximately 45 minutes, is rated TV-14, is free and open to the public, and is made possible through Kanopy.
Movie Matinee: Mozart’s Sister
Movie Matinee: Mozart’s Sister
Thursday, January 15th, 4:00 p.m.
Maria Anna Mozart, the elder sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was a brilliant musician and composer in her own right. As children, the siblings toured Europe together, astonishing audiences with their extraordinary talent. Yet when Maria Anna reached adulthood, societal expectations forced her to set aside her musical ambitions while her brother continued on to international fame.
Today, new and intriguing evidence suggests that she may have played a far greater role in the creation of some of Mozart’s earliest works—and scholars around the world are still searching for her lost compositions. This compelling film shines a light on a remarkable artist whose contributions may finally be receiving the recognition they deserve. The film runs approximately 55 minutes, is rated PG, is free and open to the public, and is made possible through Kanopy.
Chapter 250 Book Club
Adults 19+ • Tues, Jan 20 • 5:00 PM • Granville Branch
Book: Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News
Join us in person or online • Virtual link: https://shorturl.at/kVVT4
Copies of the book will available at the Granville Branch in December.
Before the discussion, participants will enjoy a 26-minute screening reel
from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary American Revolution by Ken
Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This exciting preview offers a
dynamic look at the era and features an introduction by Ken Burns along
with additional short videos related to the topics discussed in the books.
Teens 13–19 • Wed, Jan 28 • 5:00 PM • McNabb Branch
Book: Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Join us in person or online • https://shorturl.at/Yojq6
Copies of the book will be available at the McNabb Branch in December.
Youth Ages 8–14 • Thurs, Jan 29 • 5:00 PM • Condit Branch
Books: Revolutionary Mary by Karen Blumenthal & Her Name Was Mary
Katherine by Ella Schwartz
Join us in person or online • Zoom: https://shorturl.at/gUvJV
Copies of the books will be available at the Condit Branch in December.
Polar Bear Kaleidoscope Art Workshop
Polar Bear Kaleidoscope Art Workshop
Thursday, January 22nd, 4:00 p.m.
In this hands-on art project, participants will explore color and creativity using oil pastels and etching techniques to create a vibrant, textured polar bear masterpiece.
Movie Matinee: How It Feels to Be Free
How It Feels To Be Free is a powerful and inspiring documentary that honors six trailblazing African American women who transformed the entertainment industry and reshaped American culture. Through the extraordinary careers of Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, and Pam Grier, the film reveals how these groundbreaking performers challenged Hollywood’s racial barriers and stereotypes, forging new paths for representation, artistic freedom, and social change.
Featuring rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and heartfelt reflections from those who knew them best, the documentary offers a deeply personal look at their courage, creativity, and lasting influence. It also includes insights from contemporary artists inspired by their legacies including Alicia Keys, Halle Berry, Lena Waithe, Meagan Good, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Gail Lumet Buckley, daughter of Lena Horne.
Based on Ruth Feldstein’s acclaimed book How It Feels To Be Free: Black Women Entertainers and the Civil Rights Movement, the film situates these women’s artistry and activism within the broader fight for racial and gender equality, illustrating how their voices continue to echo in today’s movements for justice and representation. The film runs 1 hour and 53 minutes, is rated TV-14, and is made available through Kanopy. This program is free and open to the public.
Magnolia
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
Nation Bagel Day, Stop in and grab a bagel
Nation Bagel Day, Stop in and grab a bagel
Thursday, January 15th
All Day
McNabb
Bird Snack Station
Participants will create their own pinecone bird feeders and learn simple ways to attract and observe local birds throughout the season. Suitable for all ages, this hands-on program provides all the materials needed for a fun, educational way to connect with nature and welcome more feathered visitors to the backyard this winter.
Chapter 250 Book Club
Adults 19+ • Tues, Jan 20 • 5:00 PM • Granville Branch
Book: Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News
Join us in person or online • Virtual link: https://shorturl.at/kVVT4
Copies of the book will available at the Granville Branch in December.
Before the discussion, participants will enjoy a 26-minute screening reel
from the upcoming 2025 PBS documentary American Revolution by Ken
Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This exciting preview offers a
dynamic look at the era and features an introduction by Ken Burns along
with additional short videos related to the topics discussed in the books.
Teens 13–19 • Wed, Jan 28 • 5:00 PM • McNabb Branch
Book: Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Join us in person or online • https://shorturl.at/Yojq6
Copies of the book will be available at the McNabb Branch in December.
Youth Ages 8–14 • Thurs, Jan 29 • 5:00 PM • Condit Branch
Books: Revolutionary Mary by Karen Blumenthal & Her Name Was Mary
Katherine by Ella Schwartz
Join us in person or online • Zoom: https://shorturl.at/gUvJV
Copies of the books will be available at the Condit Branch in December.
Sleepy Bear Craft
Sleepy Bear Craft
Wednesday, January 14th, 4:00 p.m.
Participants will learn about hibernation through Mystery Science, then create their own cozy hibernating bear in this fun, hands-on craft workshop.
Snowflake Wonders Art Workshop
Snowflake Wonders Art Workshop
Wednesday, January 7th, 4:00 p.m.
In this hands-on art workshop, participants will be introduced to Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley — the nature enthusiast who, in 1885, became the first person to photograph a snowflake. Bentley’s groundbreaking images revealed the intricate beauty of snow crystals and confirmed that no two are alike. After watching a short film about his life and discoveries, participants will celebrate his curiosity and creativity by designing their own delicate snowflakes using oil pastels, watercolor, and salt.
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.
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Cupid Reimagined: Tales of Love and Mischief
Cupid Reimagined: Tales of Love and Mischief
Step into the enchanting world of Cupid this Valentine’s Day season! Historical Presenter, Michelle Gibbons will captivate audiences with her female portrayal of Cupid, reimagining the classic winged archer as a mischievous yet empowering goddess of love. Drawing from ancient roots, Michelle weaves the history of Cupid—from the Roman god of desire, son of Venus, inspired by the Greek Eros—into the evolution of Valentine’s Day, later commercialized in the 19th century with mass-produced cards.
In her performance, the feminine Cupid delights audiences with fictitious tales of matchmaking magic, such as secretly enchanting mismatched suitors to spark true passion or playfully misfiring arrows that hilariously detour through time to unite star-crossed lovers from different eras. This fresh, empowering twist not only educates but ignites the imagination, making Michelle’s performance the perfect heartfelt experience to draw crowds seeking romance and history this Valentine’s Day.
Puzzles and Brownies
Puzzles and Brownies
Thursday, January 22nd
Work on a puzzle with friends and enjoy blonde brownies.
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.