All Libraries


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

Weird and Haunted Illinois: Ghosts, Hauntings & the Unexplained in the Prairie State

Weird and Haunted Illinois: Ghosts, Hauntings & the Unexplained in the Prairie State

Tuesday, October 14th @ 6:00 P.M.

Get ready for a spine-tingling evening as you join author Troy Taylor for a journey into Illinois’ haunted history. This isn’t just about ghost stories and folklore – you’ll uncover the real tales behind the state’s most chilling legends and little-known haunts. Travel back in time and explore eerie stories from across the state, including: the legends and lore of Abraham Lincoln—America’s most haunted president, a devoted bartender who never left his favorite nightclub, one of the most famous spirit possessions in American history, the true story of Chicago’s legendary vanishing hitchhiker and more. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, you’ll walk away with goosebumps—and maybe even leave the lights on tonight. This program is hosted on Zoom; registration required: https://shorturl.at/w8G06.

Finding the Clues: Then and now with Steve Burns

Finding the Clues: Then and now with Steve Burns

Tuesday, September 16th @ 7:00 P.M.

Join Illinois Libraries Present for a nostalgic and intimate hour-long conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Steve Burns, best known as ‘Steve’ from the beloved Nickelodeon show Blue’s Clues. Beyond the iconic blue paw print and memorable striped green shirt, Burns has built a unique career in entertainment, encompassing acting, directing, music, and, new this fall, a podcast which “listens back” – Alive with Steve Burns. This special interview offers a closer look at Burn’s journey, from the early fame of Blue’s Clues to his personal growth and creative evolution. Arionne Nettles, a Chicago based storyteller and cultural reporter, will join Steve in conversation.

This event is intended for adults.

bit.ly/ILPSteveBurns

Hennepin

Cricut Makerspace

Cricut Makerspace

October 14th – 17th

During Library Hours

Come in to learn how to use the Cricut Maker. Crafty Adults welcome! Call ahead to schedule your appointment. Halloween Themed Oven Mittens.

Halloween Family Night

Halloween Family Night

Thursday, October 9th @ 6:00 P.M.

DJ Mara and T-Rex will be here for this fun family night at the library. Glow in the Dark Mini-golf, music, and more.

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.

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.

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.

Granville

Movie Matinee: Flyways

Movie Matinee: Flyways
Tuesday, October 14th at 1:00 p.m.

You’ll journey into the extraordinary world of shorebirds—remarkable travelers that fly thousands of miles each year along ancient migratory routes known as Flyways. More than 200 species, including Far Eastern Curlews, Lesser Yellowlegs, Red Knots, and Hudsonian Godwits, migrate from feeding grounds in the Southern Hemisphere to Arctic breeding sites and back, sometimes flying for up to nine days non-stop without food or water.

But these incredible birds are now in crisis. Their populations are crashing due to climate change and rapid urban development. In this 54-minute documentary, rated TV-14, you’ll follow a passionate conservation movement of scientists and everyday bird lovers working together to understand and protect these endangered travelers. Made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy, this film invites you to witness a global effort to save some of nature’s most resilient yet vulnerable species.

Fall Fun Week

Fall Fun Week
Tuesday, October 14th through Saturday, October 18th

Stop by anytime during the week to snap a photo in front of our festive, fall-themed backdrop—perfect for capturing cozy autumn memories with friends or family. While you’re here, don’t forget to pick up your own glowstick charm bracelet and a laser-engraved wooden pendant featuring leaf or pumpkin designs. These charming keepsakes are available while supplies last, so be sure to visit early.

Movie Matinee: Banned Together

Movie Matinee: Banned Together
Tuesday, October 7th at 1:00 p.m.

Step into the powerful story of Banned Together, a documentary that takes you inside the growing fight over book bans and censorship in public schools and libraries.

You’ll follow a diverse group of visionary teens as they take a stand when 97 books are suddenly pulled from their school libraries. What begins as a local protest quickly turns into a national movement as these student activists speak out at school board meetings, face personal threats, and connect with some of the most influential voices in the battle for free expression. Along the way, you’ll hear from bestselling—and banned—authors like Juno Dawson, Jodi Picoult, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Erika L. Sánchez, and Ellen Hopkins. You’ll also gain insight from First Amendment defenders, legal experts, and advocates including Congressman Jamie Raskin, PEN America’s Jonathan Friedman, Deborah Caldwell-Stone from the ALA, and many more.

Moonlit Guardians Art Workshop

Moonlit Guardians Art Workshop
Tuesday, October 7th at 4:00 p.m.

Create a spooky, hands-on masterpiece in this Halloween-themed art workshop. You’ll combine a glowing full moon, a haunting night sky, and soaring bats to design a striking three dimensional scene using mixed media techniques. As you craft your eerie landscape, you’ll also discover how bats help our world – pollinating plants, eating pests, and keeping ecosystems in balance. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, seasonal fun, and nature appreciation. All supplies will be provided.

The documentary doesn’t just tell the story, it invites you to witness the movement unfolding in real time, led by the very students whose rights are on the line. The film is 95 minutes, unrated, and made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

Moon Quest: Explore, Create, Celebrate

Moon Quest: Explore, Create, Celebrate
Tuesday, September 30th at 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night with a fun-filled evening at the Library, all about the Moon. Start the night with a reading of “Max Goes to the Moon,” by Jeffrey Bennett, a charming story that blends fiction with real facts about space exploration and the Moon. After the story, you’ll get to create your own Moon Masterpiece and explore how lunar craters form with a hands-on NASA science activity.

Movie Matinee: 8 Days: To the Moon and Back

Movie Matinee: 8 Days: To the Moon and Back
Tuesday, September 30th, at 1:00 p.m.

Step inside the Apollo 11 mission like never before with this immersive recreation of humanity’s first moon landing. Using real mission audio featuring conversations between Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, the film seamlessly blends archival news footage, NASA materials, and breathtaking CGI to bring the journey to life. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or new to the story, you’ll experience the drama, awe, and achievement of Apollo 11 as if you were there. The film is 85 minutes in length, PG and is made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

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.

Cancelled Illinois Centennial Soil Archive

Cancelled
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.

Putnam

Books and Brunch

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

Magnolia

Homework Helpers

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

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.

McNabb

Rockin’ Autumn Fox Craft

Rockin’ Autumn Fox Craft
Wednesday, October 15th at 4:00 p.m.

Get ready to bring a little woodland magic to your afternoon when you’ll create your very own adorable paper fox that rocks back and forth like it’s playing in the crisp fall leaves.

Colorful Harvest

Colorful Harvest
Wednesday, October 1st at 4:00 p.m.

In this hands-on art activity, you’ll use markers or colored pencils to design and decorate a festive fruit basket—perfect for welcoming the fall season.

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.

Homework Helpers

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

Standard

Accused: A Salem Witch Faces Her Fate

Accused: A Salem Witch Faces Her Fate

Thursday, October 9th @ 12:30 P.M.

Step back in the year 1692, where fear, superstition, and mass hysteria gripped the Puritan town of Salem. In this chilling portrayal, historical presenter Michelle Gibbons will embody the voice of one of the countless women accused of witchcraft during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Hear firsthand what it was like to live under suspicion, accused of dark, unthinkable crimes for which the only evidence was rumor, fear, and prejudice.

Gibbons will bring to life the dread, despair, and resilience of a suspected witch, giving voice to those silenced by history. Was this accused woman truly guilty of witchcraft, or simply a victim of fear and ignorance?

Step into the shoes of the accused and experience the fear, resilience, and silent strength of a women fighting to survive in a world that believes her guilty. Was she truly a witch, or simply a victim of mass hysteria? Come, listen, and decide for yourself.

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