Putnam County Public Library District
Branch Locations and Hours

All Libraries


Please view each of our locations’ programs below. Call us or email us with questions or concerns.

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.

Library Closed

We will be closed Monday, January 19th for the Holidays.

Hennepin

New Year’s Open House

New Year’s Open House

Tuesday, December 30th

All Day

Stop by the library to enter in our raffle. Food and drinks will be provided.

Bingo Party

Bingo Party

Tuesday, December 23rd

1 – 5 P.M.

We will have bingo at the library and be offering prizes to winners. Food and drinks will be provided.

Iced Cookies and Hot Chocolate

Iced Cookies and Hot Chocolate

Friday, December 19th 12 – 5 P.M.

We will have sugar cookies to decorate and hot chocolate available all afternoon.

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.

Cricut Makerspace

Cricut Makerspace

December 9th – 12th

During Library Hours

Come in to learn how to use the Cricut Maker. Crafty Adults welcome! Call ahead to schedule your appointment. Framed Sheet Music silhouette.

Elf on the Bookshelf

Elf on the Bookshelf

All Month

Can you find the Elf on our bookshelves? Hidden throughout the library all month long. Find him and get a prize.

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.

Pet Food and Supplies Drive

Pet Food and Supplies Drive

All Month

We will be collecting any pet supplies and donating to a local shelter for pets in our area.

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

Movie Matinee: James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty

Movie Matinee: James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty (Granville Branch)
Tuesday, December 30th, 1:00 p.m.

James McNeill Whistler was more than an artist—he was a performance in himself. With razor-sharp wit, impeccable style, and a flair for controversy, he turned the art world into his personal stage. Yet behind the bravado stood a true innovator whose fierce commitment to artistic freedom helped usher in modern painting and paved the way for abstraction. Best known for Portrait of the Artist’s Mother, Whistler’s work holds its place alongside masters like Velázquez and Rembrandt. Through vivid dramatizations, striking visuals, and expert commentary, this film delves into the genius and contradictions of a man who transformed conflict into creativity and left a lasting mark on the art world.

The film runs 56 minutes, is rated G, is free and open to the public, and is presented 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.

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.

Movie Matinee: First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8

Movie Matinee: First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8
Tuesday, December 16th, 1:00 p.m.

Experience the awe-inspiring story of humanity’s first journey beyond Earth’s orbit. This gripping documentary follows the groundbreaking 1968 Apollo 8 mission—the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon and return safely home. Through rare archival footage from NASA, the National Archives, and personal astronaut collections, the film highlights the courage, precision, and sense of wonder that propelled this historic voyage.

Among its most unforgettable moments is the capture of “Earthrise” by astronaut Bill Anders, an unexpected photograph that transformed our perspective of our planet and remains one of the most influential images ever taken. The film runs approximately 120 minutes, is rated TV-MA, is free and open to the public, and is made possible through Kanopy.

The Christmas Ship: A Holiday Concert with Lee Murdock

The Christmas Ship: A Holiday Concert with Lee Murdock
Thursday, December 11th, 6:00 p.m.

Folk musician and balladeer Lee Murdock will present a holiday concert honoring a beloved Great Lakes tradition: turn-of-the-century schooner captains delivering Christmas trees to port communities. Featuring his signature song about the legendary Rouse Simmons—the famed “Christmas Tree Ship”—Murdock’s performance blends music, history, and storytelling for a heartwarming evening of seasonal spirit.

Celebrated as “the premier interpreter of songs and tales about the Great Lakes,” Murdock brings to life the timeless stories of hardworking sailors, wooden vessels, and life on the inland seas. A gifted guitarist and storyteller, he combines thorough historical research with modern perspective to craft original ballads and authentic folk songs that illuminate the culture and enduring spirit of the Great Lakes region.

This free concert is open to the public and made possible through the generous support of Mennie’s Machine Company.

Movie Matinee: It’s a Wonderful Life

Movie Matinee: It’s a Wonderful Life
Tuesday, December 9th, 1:00 p.m.

Frank Capra’s beloved classic stars Oscar-nominee James Stewart as George Bailey, a kind-hearted small-town banker who begins to question his worth after becoming entangled in a case of mistaken bank fraud. Facing a crisis of faith and spirit, George is given a miraculous glimpse of what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if he had never been born—revealing the profound impact one person can have on their community. The film runs approximately 130 minutes, is rated PG, and is presented through SWANK Licensing.

Tales with Tails – Read to Hobo

Tales with Tails – Read to Hobo
Check Flyer for dates

Participants can bring their favorite book or choose one from the Library’s collection to read aloud to Hobo. Children will enjoy sharing stories with a gentle, furry friend while building confidence, practicing reading skills, and having fun in a relaxed environment.

Putnam

Books and Brunch

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

Movie Matinee: Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America

Movie Matinee: Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America
Thursday, December 18th, 4:00 p.m.

Frederick Law Olmsted helped define landscape architecture as both a profession and an art, partnering early in his career with Calvert Vaux. Widely considered the most influential figure in the field, Olmsted co-designed Central Park, led preservation efforts at Yosemite and Niagara Falls, designed the U.S. Capitol Grounds, planned Boston’s “Emerald Necklace,” and developed park systems across the country. His visionary parkway network in Buffalo—the first integrated system of its kind—is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Believing parks were essential to city life, Olmsted pioneered an early “environmental ethic,” recognizing the importance of public green spaces long before modern conservation movements emerged.

Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America celebrates his lasting legacy through vivid imagery and insightful storytelling, revealing how his designs continue to shape communities and inspire urban planning today. The film runs approximately 57 minutes, is rated G, free and open to the public, and made possible through Kanopy.

Magnolia

Homework Helpers

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

Christmas Movie

Christmas Movie with snacks

Tuesday, December 23rd

During Library Hours

McNabb

Whimsical Winter Bird Craft

Whimsical Winter Bird Craft
Wednesday, December 10th, 4:00 p.m.

Using simple materials and textured “snow,” participants will create a charming winter scene featuring cozy birds perched on frosty branches. This hands-on art activity encourages creativity, cutting, and fine-motor skills—perfect for artists of all ages.

Homework Helpers

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

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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.

Putnam County Public Library District| 815-339-2038 |info@putnamcountylibrary.org