All Libraries


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

Lincoln Lore & More: Exploring Central Illinois with Illinois Traveler, John Kokoris

Lincoln Lore & More: Exploring Central Illinois with Illinois Traveler, John Kokoris
Tuesday, August 5th, 6:00 P.M. (Virtual)
Get ready to explore charming towns and stunning scenery between the Illinois River and the Indiana border, all while uncovering the region’s rich history as Abraham Lincoln’s old stomping grounds. Whether you’re planning a trip to the state fair this August or looking for your next weekend escape, you’ll get plenty of inspiration from seasoned Illinois traveler John Kokoris. Join us for this informative presentation, where he’ll share his favorite spots, hidden gems, and personal travel tips. Register: https://tinyurl.com/5n7j3xvv

The Wizard’s Workshop: A Harry Potter Celebration

The Wizard’s Workshop: A Harry Potter Celebration
Thursday, July 31st, 11:00 A.M.
Join us for a magical celebration where you step into the Wizarding World. You’ll craft your very own personalized wand, show off your House pride with a themed bookmark, and mix up intricate potion pendants—and that’s just the beginning. You’ll also decorate a photo frame to hold a snapshot from our themed photo backdrop and even make your own owl companion. Costumes aren’t required, but if you’ve got a favorite character, feel free to dress the part.

Hennepin

Painting Night

Painting Night
Wednesday, August 6th
6:00 P.M.
All ages.
Sunset scene.

Minecraft Family Night

Minecraft Family Night
Friday, July 25th 6:00P.M.
Join us to celebrate the most popular videogame. We will have crafts, games, and the movie airing.

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

Games at Park

Games at Park
June and July
Tuesday 11:00 A.M.
Stop by to play a different game every week.

Guessing Jar

Guessing Jar
Starts June 2nd
Winner announced Friday, August 1st

Granville

Tales with Tails

Tales with Tails
Saturday, August 9th, 10:00 A.M. (Granville)
Tuesday, August 19th, 5:00 P.M. (Granville)
Tuesday, August 26th, 5:00 P.M. (Granville)
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.

Knot & Design: Textile Art

Knot & Design: Textile Art
Thursday, August 7th, 11:00 A.M.
Ready to be creative with texture, color, and a touch of handmade charm? In this workshop, you’ll create your very own yarn wall hanging using simple lark’s head knots, a basic macramé technique that’s easy to learn. Whether you go bold and bright or soft and subtle, the design is totally up to you. Play with color, shape, and pattern to craft a piece that’s personal, stylish, and all your own.

Movie Matinee: Ten Towns That Changed America

Movie Matinee: Ten Towns That Changed America
Tuesday, August 5th, 1:00 P.M.
Imagine living in a town that wasn’t shaped by centuries of slow growth but instead was designed from the ground up with a clear vision—by architects, corporations, or citizens who believed they could change your life through thoughtful planning and design. This 54-minute documentary is not rated and made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy.

Meet Misty – Storytime and Craft

Meet Misty – Storytime and Craft
Tuesday, July 29th, 4:00 P.M.
Join us for a special storytime in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Chincoteague Pony Swim. You will hear a reading of “Misty, the Wonder Pony,” an adapted version of Marguerite Henry’s beloved novel “Misty of Chincoteague.” Following the story, you will have the opportunity to craft your own stick horse using a variety of creative materials.

Movie Matinee: Misty

Movie Matinee: Misty
Tuesday, July 29th, 1:00 P.M.
Set on Virginia’s Chincoteague Island, this heartwarming film invites you to experience the story of a centuries-old herd of wild ponies and the legendary Phantom—a mare famed for her mysterious ability to elude capture. The film is 91 minutes long, not rated, and is presented with public performance rights by Kanopy.

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.

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

Meet Misty – Storytime and Craft

Meet Misty – Storytime and Craft
Wednesday, July 30th, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a special storytime in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Chincoteague Pony Swim. You will hear a reading of “Misty, the Wonder Pony,” an adapted version of Marguerite Henry’s beloved novel “Misty of Chincoteague.” Following the story, you will have the opportunity to craft your own stick horse using a variety of creative materials.

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.

Homework Helpers

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

Standard

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