Event List

Young children are invited to explore nature in the North Courtyard. Be prepared to dig in and get your hands messy.

Drop-in event for children who are younger than six with an adult.

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black hair. This interactive storytime is designed for families with children in PreK-grade 5 to explore the rich culture surrounding Black hair through stories, songs, and hands-on activities.

Chat with other parents and caregivers while your child socializes and explores hands-on activities.

Drop-in event for children who are younger than six.

Enjoy books, rhymes, and songs together. Drop-in event for children age 3-6 with an adult. Space is limited.

This presentation by Everyone Reading Illinois provides a basic understanding of dyslexia, including information on such topics as the underlying deficit areas for students with dyslexia and how they appear in the classroom, early literacy screeni

Learn to make simple yummy empanadas and listen to the book Empanadas for Everyone by Jackie Azúa Kramer. 

Enjoy this time to bond with your baby and meet other caregivers. We will introduce babies to the joys of movement, books, and song, and begin to build their early learning skills. Come prepared to sit with your baby on your lap.

Enjoy fun stories, rhymes, and songs to build a love of books and reading.

Drop-in event for toddlers age 12-23 months with an adult. Space is limited.

Chat with other parents and caregivers while your child socializes and explores hands-on activities.

Drop-in event for children who are younger than 24 months.

Join Ms. Mandy and her puppet friends (including Tiny and Schmoranges) to pretend and imagine together. Kids in grade PreK-grade 2 are invited to bring their own puppets, dolls, and toys to this interactive event.

Explore a new artist and create a project inspired by their work. We'll learn about Victoria Villasana, a Mexican textile-artist known for her use of yarn and embroidery techniques.

Get ready to dance and sing in your coziest bedtime clothes.

Drop-in event for children who are younger than eight with an adult. Space is limited. 

Texting may be fast, but you can’t tuck an emoji into a shoebox and read it 20 years later—welcome to the class where we put pens to paper like it’s 1995! Come learn about writing letters and how to get started.

Two-year-olds and accompanying adults share a lively program of simple stories, songs, and games.

Drop-in event. Space is limited.

Two-year-olds and accompanying adults share a lively program of simple stories, songs, and games.

Drop-in event. Space is limited.

Huntr/x and Saja Boy fans unite! Support your favorite band by crafting your own light stick. Then, sing along and dance to songs from the movie. 

This musical storytime is perfect for kids who are always on the go. Every session is full of songs, rhymes, and movement.

Making delicious snacks can be a challenge when navigating multiple allergies and dietary restrictions. Learn how to make safe and tasty allergen-friendly treats in this workshop. Kids in grade 3-5 attend independently.

Enjoy a fun all-ages storytime. Drop-in event for children with accompanying adults. Space is limited.

October is ADHD Awareness Month. ADHD can affect things like working memory and executive function. Try making your own tools to support your everyday needs. 

Express your artistic side and beautify your library by drawing with chalk markers on the windows in the North Courtyard.

For children and families. Chalk will be provided.

Enjoy fun stories, rhymes, and songs to build a love of books and reading in our sheltered courtyard.

Drop-in event for kids age 0-23 months with an adult. Space is limited.

Young children are invited to explore nature in the North Courtyard. Be prepared to dig in and get your hands messy.

Drop-in event for children who are younger than six with an adult.

Drop by our table to learn more about the American Library Association's Banned Books Week.

Play a game to win a small prize, discuss the importance of the freedom to read with staff, and browse frequently challenged items.