Library Closed
We will be closed Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th for Independence day.
All Libraries
Please view each of our locations’ programs below. Call us or email us with questions or concerns.
Roadside Attractions with Pop Culture Historian, Leslie Goddard
Roadside Attractions with Pop Culture Historian, Leslie Goddard
Tuesday, June 24th, 6:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Have you ever slept in a wigwam, snapped a selfie with Paul Bunyan, or walked into the mouth of a giant alligator? Since the 1920s, quirky roadside attractions have popped up across the country—built to catch the eye of curious travelers just like you. While their heyday has passed with the rise of interstate highways, thousands of these whimsical landmarks still line America’s roads today. Join pop culture historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., for an entertaining journey through the history of these one-of-a-kind spots and discover what they tell us about American travel, creativity, and roadside charm. Register: https://tinyurl.com/292kka3d.
Hennepin
Kids Book Sale
Kids Book Sale
July 17-19
We will have boardbooks to Teen books available. Donations accepted. Great for teachers looking to build their classroom library collection and kids.
“Submarines Down the Illinois River”
“Submarines Down the Illinois River”
Sunday, July 13th
6:30 P.M.
Location: Putnam County Historical Society Meeting House
Joe Tokarz will be presenting. During World War 2, 28 Submarines were built in Manitowoc, WI. 25 went to war. 4 never came home. The USS Chicago Base of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. has put Manitowoc Submarine Memorials in Chicago, Joliet and Morris – along the path they took on their way to war.
Cricut Makerspace
Cricut Makerspace
July 7 – 11
During Library Hours
Come in to learn how to use the Cricut Maker. Crafty Adults welcome! Call ahead to schedule your appointment.
Can Cooler Sleeves
Concert at Park
Concert at Park
Friday, July 4th
5:30 P.M.
Library is co-sponsoring the dinner music this year.
Dog Man Family Night
Dog Man Family Night
Friday, June 27th
6:00 P.M.
Join us for a dog wagging celebration with the best selling children’s graphic novel by Dav Pilkey. A half dog half man Police officer. We will have a craft, games and the movie too.
Games at Park
Games at Park
June and July
Tuesday 11:00 A.M.
Stop by to play a different game every week.
Granville
Sockapalooza! Puppet Making Workshop
Sockapalooza! Puppet Making Workshop
Thursday, July 24th, 11:00 P.M.
You’re invited to a special storytime that celebrates all things’ socks, especially the wild, the wacky, and the wonderfully mismatched. Wear your most outrageous socks, and feel free to add decorations, your imagination is the only limit. The program begins with a short film featuring B.B. King and the Singing Sock Puppets, followed by a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own sock puppet to take home. Don’t forget to strike a pose – your fabulous sock style will be featured in the Library’s Sockapalooza! Gallery.
Movie Matinee: Mr. Tornado
Movie Matinee: Mr. Tornado
Tuesday, July 22nd, 1:00 P.M.
Explore the remarkable story behind the most intense tornado outbreak on record—the Super Outbreak of 1974. In this compelling documentary, you will follow the devastating path of 148 tornadoes that swept across thirteen states, resulting in widespread destruction and the loss of over 300 lives. This 52-minute, PG-rated documentary is presented through public performance rights by Kanopy.
Language of Flowers with Gardener, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh
Language of Flowers with Gardener, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh
Thursday, July 17th, 6:00 P.M.
Step into the enchanting world of floriography, the Victorian art of speaking through flowers. In this engaging presentation, you’ll uncover the hidden meanings behind different blooms and learn how “talking bouquets” were once used to send subtle, coded messages. You’ll also enjoy a live demonstration on crafting tussie-mussies and elegant floral arrangements. Afterward, put your new knowledge to the test by interpreting a curated display of symbolic bouquets. It’s a unique and inspiring journey into a timeless floral tradition.
No-Sew Bandana Bag Workshop
No-Sew Bandana Bag Workshop
Tuesday, July 15th, 4:00 P.M.
Learn how to turn colorful bandanas into stylish, functional bags—no sewing required. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use simple knotting techniques to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s as fun to make as it is to carry.
Movie Matinee: Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History
Movie Matinee: Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History
Tuesday, July 15th, 1:00 P.M.
Think you know the story behind Monopoly? Think again. In Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History, you’ll uncover the surprising truth behind America’s favorite board game—a tale of invention, theft, obsession, and corporate maneuvering. Part detective story, part cultural critique, and part pop-culture deep dive, this 52-minute PG-rated documentary is made available through public performance rights by Kanopy.
Stories of Historic Illinois Women with Historian, Tom Emery
Stories of Historic Illinois Women with Historian, Tom Emery
Thursday, July 10th, 6:00 P.M.
Join historian Tom Emery as he shares insights from his latest book, Stories of Historic Illinois Women. You’ll explore the inspiring lives and legacies of some of the most influential women in Illinois history—from trailblazers like social reformer Jane Addams and poet laureate Gwendolyn Brooks to pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman.
Tales with Tails
Tales with Tails
Tuesday, July 8th, 5:00 P.M.
Saturday, July 19th, 10:00 A.M.
Tuesday, July 22nd, 5:00 P.M.
Bring your favorite book from home—or pick one from our collection—and read aloud to a friendly, furry companion. This program gives you a fun and comforting way to practice your reading, boost your confidence, and become a more fluent reader in a relaxed, judgment-free setting.
Movie Matinee: Ten Buildings That Changed America
Movie Matinee: Ten Buildings That Changed America
Tuesday, July 8th, 1:00 P.M.
Take a closer look at ten groundbreaking works of architecture—and the visionary minds behind them—in this fascinating documentary. The documentary runs 57 minutes, is rated PG, and is made available through public performance rights by Kanopy.
Hemp & Harmony: Jewelry Making Workshop
Hemp & Harmony: Jewelry Making Workshop
Thursday, July 3rd, 11:00 A.M.
Discover how to create stylish, eco-friendly jewelry in this hands-on workshop. You’ll work with hemp cord and decorative accents to design unique necklaces and bracelets that reflect your personal style.
Independence Day Windsock Craft
Independence Day Windsock Craft
Tuesday, July 1st, 4:00 P.M.
Celebrate the 4th of July by creating your own patriotic windsock. You’ll get to craft a colorful decoration perfect for showing off your red, white, and blue spirit. Plus, while supplies last, you’ll receive a glowstick bracelet to help light up your celebration.
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.
McNabb
Chalk Art Creations
Chalk Art Creations
Wednesday, July 16th
4:00 p.m.
In this creative workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own homemade chalk from scratch. While your chalk sets, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your artistic skills by designing colorful, imaginative chalk art on the sidewalk.
Independence Day Windsock Craft
Independence Day Windsock Craft
Wednesday, July 2nd
4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 4th of July by creating your own patriotic windsock. You’ll get to craft a colorful decoration perfect for showing off your red, white, and blue spirit. Plus, while supplies last, you’ll receive a glowstick bracelet to help light up your celebration.
Blow Paint Monster Masterpieces
Blow Paint Monster Masterpieces
Wednesday, June 25th
4:00 p.m.
Grab a straw and get ready to blow some paint! You’ll make crazy-cool splatter designs, then turn them into your very own silly monsters with googly eyes and fun features. There’s no right or wrong, just lots of creativity, color, and imagination.
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.
Standard
History of American Pies
History of American Pies
July 8th
12:30 P.M.
Pies are as American as pizza is American: we took a great idea, adapted it to our needs, and ran with it. Our ancestors used what they had available locally and made the most from it. You might be thinking that pies are just for dessert, but for our American ancestors, they were often considered survival food. Sometimes, they ate pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for months at a time. Catherine Lambrecht, who achieved Grand Champion and Best of Show at the Lake County Fair for apple pie, will present the history of pies in America and our state.
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