All Libraries

Fall Book Sale

Fall Book Sale

September Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th

During the Hennepin Garage Sales we will have our annual Fall Book Sale. Donations are accepted. Books and movies for all ages are available. Will accept donations prior too.

IDNR: Chronic wasting disease

IDNR: Chronic wasting disease

Friday, September 19th @ 6:00 P.M.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Chris Jacques will be here to discuss chronic wasting disease in the local deer population.

Salem Speaks: Voices of the Salem Witches

Cancelled
Salem Speaks: Voices of the Salem Witches

Thursday, September 18th @ 6:00 P.M.

Local storyteller Tricia Kelly will be presenting this program. February 1692 to May 1693 may well be defined as one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history. Over 200 innocent men and women were dragged from their homes and accused of the crime of witchcraft. 20 of them were executed. What was really going on in 17th century America? Was it hysteria? Ergotism? Petty jealousy? Or was it something far more sinister? Tricia will attempt to shine a little light on the subject, incorporating real trial testimony and quotes from the accused. One of the victims, Rebecca Nurse, will make a special ‘appearance’ to break her silence for the first time in over 300 years.

Painting Night

Painting Night

Thursday, September 11th @ 6:00 P.M.

Painting with leaves.

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.

Of Wind & Sky: Illinois Author Marguerite Henry and the Wild Ponies of Chincoteague Island

Thursday, September 4th @ 6:00 P.M.

Join Jamie Poorman to explore the life and legacy of Illinois Author and pony-lover Marguerite Henry. Henry was born in Milwaukee in 1902 and moved to Illinois after her marriage, writing many of her most famous works here. She published 59 books, mostly animal tales for children. Henry was an avid library user and conducted in-depth research before visiting the places that inspired her stories. Her works won many awards, including the Newbery Medal.

In 1946, Henry visited the island of Chincoteague off the coast of Virginia for the annual “Pony Penning” week when the wild ponies from nearby Assateague Island were rounded up, swam across the channel, and foals auctioned off. Marguerite fell in love with a tiny foal, named Misty, and purchased her. When Misty was old enough, she was shipped to Illinois to live with Marguerite on her farm near Wayne. Misty lived here in Illinois for over 10 years until returning to Chincoteague to have foals of her own. Misty was beloved by the neighborhood children, then the whole country. The pony was even invited to the American Library Association conference, and national contests were held to name her foals. In 1962, when Chincoteague Island was devastated by a terrible storm, Misty saved the town and the ponies by raising money on a tour of theaters along the Eastern Shore. 

Henry once wrote “Some people, by the very tone of their voices, can make a story sound exciting. But then, when you follow up on the idea, it often turns out to be little or nothing. With Misty, the reality was more exciting than the promise.” You won’t want to miss this incredible story of an Illinois author and her impact on generations of readers and an island community nearly 1,000 miles away.

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.

The Life Cycle of Clothing

The Life Cycle of Clothing
Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:00 p.m.

Step back in time and discover how much time and care Americans in the 19th century devoted to making and maintaining their wardrobes. In this engaging presentation, you’ll explore the full life cycle of clothing in the 1800s—how garments were made, mended, remade, washed, and eventually recycled. You’ll also get a close look at fascinating examples of historic garments and artifacts from the Illinois State Museum’s collections.

After the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to: reflect on your own experiences with sewing, mending, washing, or recycling clothing—and how they compare to practices of the past; share family memories of how earlier generations cared for clothing; and consider today’s attitudes toward “fast fashion” and the growing interest in repairing rather than discarding. This program is made possible by Illinois Humanities, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom, the Illinois General Assembly through the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Illinois Centennial Soil Archive

Illinois Centennial Soil Archive
Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m.

Discover the incredible story behind the University of Illinois Soil Lab’s Centennial Soil Archive Project—a unique window into Illinois’ agricultural heritage.

This world-class soil archive dates back to the earliest surveys of Illinois soils, some beginning as early as 1899. Soil scientists mapped types across the state by sampling to a depth of three feet, carefully documenting and preserving distinct soil layers. Thanks to the foresight of early researchers, both the records and physical samples were preserved on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Today, this historical treasure helps us understand long-term changes in soil—shedding light on the effects of farming practices, environmental policy, and even climate change.

Learn how modern resampling efforts are uncovering new insights—and find out how you can get involved. Register now: go.illinois.edu/CentennialSoils

Movie Matinee: 10 Parks That Changed America

Movie Matinee: 10 Parks That Changed America
Tuesday, September 16th, 1:00 p.m.

In this 55-minute documentary, made possible through public performance rights provided by Kanopy, you’ll discover the inspiring stories of ten visionaries who turned neglected, overlooked spaces into vibrant public parks. From the elegant squares of Savannah to a freeway-topping park in Seattle and New York City’s iconic High Line, you’ll explore how these peaceful green spaces came to life—and meet the people who made them happen, as well as those who stood in their way. You’ll also take a deeper look at the history of landscape architecture—an American-born art form that strives to capture the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

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!

Movie Matinee: Landfill Harmonic

Movie Matinee: Landfill Harmonic
Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:00 p.m.

Discover Landfill Harmonic, an inspiring documentary that follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a group of young musicians from Paraguay who play instruments made entirely from materials found in the landfill where they live. As you follow their journey, you’ll see how their story captures the world’s attention and launches them from humble beginnings to international stages. With the support of their dedicated music director, Favio Chávez, the orchestra faces the pressures of sudden fame while staying true to their community.

When a natural disaster strikes their already fragile town, Favio must lead the orchestra through adversity and help bring hope through the power of music. This uplifting film is a powerful testament to creativity, resilience, and how music can change lives. The film is 85 minutes, rated PG, is English subtitled, and is made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

Autumn Leaf Creations

Autumn Leaf Creations
Tuesday, September 9th, 4:00 p.m.

Get creative in this fun and festive fall art workshop. You’ll combine oil pastels and watercolor paints to design your own one-of-a-kind leaf masterpiece while celebrating the vibrant colors and beauty of the autumn season.

Books and Brunch

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

Homework Helpers

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

National Blueberry Popsicle Day

National Blueberry Popsicle Day

Tues Sept 2nd After School

Star Finger Painting patriot day

Star Finger Painting patriot day

Thursday, September 11th

Highland Cow at the library

Highland Cow at the library

Thursday, September 30th

5:00 – 6:00 P.M.

Learn about highland cows and pet one

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.

Johnny Appleseed Book Reading

Johnny Appleseed Book Reading

Saturday, September 25th

Make your own applesauce

Silly Squirrel Craft

Silly Squirrel Craft
Wednesday, September 17th at 4:00 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the fall season with a fun and festive (and slightly silly) squirrel craft. You’ll create your own playful squirrel and a 3D paper acorn that’s perfect for autumn. All materials are provided.

Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft

Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft
Wednesday, September 10th, 4:00 p.m.

You’ll use your fingers to create a bright, leafy fall tree while exploring color mixing, using your imagination, and making a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home.

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.

Duty, Honor, Country: The Life of Dwight D. Eisenhower

Duty, Honor, Country: The Life of Dwight D. Eisenhower
Thursday, September 4th @ 12:30 P.M.

Duty, Honor, Country. This is the West Point motto – a motto that graduate, Dwight D. Eisenhower, lived his entire life. From growing up in the small town of Abilene, Kansas, he became a soldier at West Point, a Five Star General, Columbia University President, and finally, our 34th President of the United States. Eisenhower lived and died by this motto. He was a man who could charm you one minute with his warm, down-home attitude, and broad grin, but in an instant could become a man of steel. He led nations to absolute victory on Normandy Beach and the eventual ending of World War II.

Historian, Jim Gibbons, will present the life of the man known as “Ike”, a man of wisdom, courage, and vision. Through his legacy, we learn to guard against the ever-present dangers that our country faces today. Finally, you will see why the slogan, “You like Ike, I like Ike, everybody likes Ike,” not only applied to the Republicans but to Democrats alike! Everyone respected Ike!

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