LIVE MUSIC + FREE ICY TREATS |
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Sun., Aug. 4, from 12–3 pm | ENJOY LIVE MUSIC and free icy treats—at the Read for the Stars! Summer Reading Finale. The all-ages celebration includes performances by Fiddlin’ Banjo Billy and the Old Time Players (12-1:30 pm) and songwriter/musician Paul Kotheimer (2–3 pm), roving entertainment by hula hoop artist Satina, crafts for kids, and tours of The Studio. Don’t forget to pick up your prizes for the Summer Reading Challenge (through August 15). Let’s celebrate! |
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Above: Fiddlin’ Banjo Billy and the Old Time Players. Below: Hula hoop artist Satina, songwriter/musician Paul Kotheimer.
Made possible with support from the Library Friends. |
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Wild Weather with Mr. Science |
FROM A TORNADO to a cloud, meteorologist Jason Lindsey, aka “Mr. Science,” will create some of the wildest weather in three shows (Sat., Aug. 3, at 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm). He has appeared on national shows, including NBC Today Show, Sherri, Fox & Friends, RFD-TV, and WeatherNation. |
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Great Authors at the Library: Ken Liu Visits Oct. 10 |
WE ARE THRILLED to host Ken Liu as our next Great Authors at the Library speaker on Thursday, Oct. 1o, at 7 pm. Liu is an American author of speculative fiction. A winner of the Nebula, Hugo, and World Fantasy awards, he wrote The Dandelion Dynasty epic fantasy series—in which engineers, not wizards, are the heroes—as well as The Paper Menagerie and The Hidden Girl short story collections. He’s also acclaimed for his translations, including the global bestseller The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu. Netflix recently premiered a popular new series based on the books.
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Virtual Visits with Authors, including Jason Reynolds |
WE ARE EXCITED to announce speakers for the Illinois Libraries Present fall series. These virtual visits with high-profile authors include novelist and poet Erika L. Sánchez ( Oct. 9), #1 NYT bestselling author Jason Reynolds ( Oct. 22), cookbook author and TV personality Chef Art Smith ( Nov. 20), and graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier ( Dec. 10). Presented in partnership with 200+ public libraries across Illinois. |
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New! Access to Thousands of Newspapers & Magazines via PressReader |
INTERESTED IN UNLIMITED ACCESS to 7,000+ international newspapers and magazines, including The Economist? Try PressReader, a new resource for reading and downloading news and entertainment.
PressReader is intuitive and easy to use—you can view the catalog of publications and click on whatever you’d like to read. There’s a web version and an app. Both formats feature options for instant translation into 30+ languages, listening to the text, and downloading current issues for offline reading.
PressReader is available at the main location or Douglass Branch, or you can use the resource at home by logging in with your library card. Outside of the library’s wifi network, choose “log in via library” and PressReader will take you to the login screen, where you can enter your library card number.
Choose the publication you’d like to read and you’re good to go. You can zoom in on an article or story, switch to text-only view, and click on photos to enlarge them. Questions? Ask us. |
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Writer’s Workshops & Open Mic |
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TECH QUESTIONS? Our Getting Started workshops introduce computers, tablets, and more. We provide the equipment and materials—all you need to do is show up. This month includes an introduction to taking photos using your smartphone or tablet (8/6), cloud storage (8/12), and Windows 11 computers (8/13), plus workshops on organizing and storing digital files (8/20 & 27). Sign up online or give us a call at 217/403-2000.
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Business & Career Workshops |
LOOKING FOR A JOB? Interested in growing a business or nonprofit? We can help! Scott Clanin will share his social media expertise, leading Instagram for Business 101 & 201 (8/8 & 20). Instructors also include Lauren Gramly, the library’s Business Specialist (8/27) and Kevin Martlage, president of Nextier Advisors (8/29).
8/6 · Business & Career Help, drop in 5–7 pm, Douglass Branch
8/7 · Career Help, drop in 11 am–1 pm
8/8 · Instagram for Business 101, 10 am
8/8 · SBDC Office Hours in Launch Business Center, drop in 12–3 pm
8/20 · Instagram for Business 201, 10 am
8/27 · Who Is Your Customer? Conducting Market Research at the Library, 6:30 pm
8/29 · Career Lunch & Learn | Having Difficult Conversations, 12 pm
Career Resources »
Business Resources » |
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JOIN 3,946 community readers for the all-ages Read for the Stars! Summer Reading Challenge (ends August 15). It’s not too late! Prizes include books, astronaut plushies for kids, plus restaurant coupons and a cool tumbler for teens. Adult readers can win grand prize gift baskets (up to $330 value), including a travel telescope and hammock, LEGO kits, restaurant gift certificates, and swag from local businesses. Sign up » P.S. We’ve already given out 3,500+ prize books to kids and teens. |
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FriendShop Bookstore Sales |
DURING AUGUST, educators get 50% off everything at the FriendShop Bookstore. This friendly shop is open to everyone and includes more than 20,000 used books, movies, and audiobooks. Most items are $2 or less. And the best part? All the money you spend goes right back to the library. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1–4 pm.
FriendShop Monthly Sales
8/14–18 · Members’ Half-Price Sale
8/21–25 · Tag Bag Sale
Joining the Library Friends is easy. We appreciate your support! |
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Look up! Adriane Binky Donley’s installation ends August 4. Read more » |
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
FOR KIDS & FAMILIES
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Jeanie B | Live Music for Kids!
Sat., Aug. 10, at 3 pm |
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The Studio | Thursday Night Drop-in Hours
Thursdays from 5–7 pm
WANT TO CREATE something special? Drop in during open hours to explore The Studio! Library staff will be available to answer your questions. |
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DIY Kids
Wednesdays at 4 pm
Douglass Branch
(Meets at 3 pm on Aug. 7)
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES include Decorative Pins, Tech Toys, Slime Time, and Paper Airplane Challenge. |
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Teen LoungeEvery day after school starting August 12 3–4:30 pm
LOOKING FOR something exciting to do after school? Middle and high school students can stop by the library for activities and fun. Meets at Main Library in The Studio. On early-out days, activities start at 1 pm. |
Teen Week in the Studio
Aug. 1 & 2, from 2–4 pm
Middle and high school students are invited to drop by.
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Crafty Adults | Collage
Wed., Aug. 14, at 6 pm
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Studio Workshop | Sewing 101
Wed., Aug. 28, at 6:30 pm
Learn how to use the Bernina sewing machines available in The Studio. Sign up starting August 1 » |
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Friday Night Jam Session
Fri., Aug. 23, at 6 pm
Douglass Branch
For adults & teens |
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Yarn & Shenanigans
Mon., Aug. 12 & 26, at 6 pm
Douglass Branch |
Coffee and a Craft | Embroidery for Beginners
Thu., Aug. 8, at 2 pm
Douglass Branch |
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Gale Courses Start Monthly |
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Project READ Tutoring
Fridays, drop in 9:30–11:30 am |
GET HELP with basic reading or math. Project READ offers free tutoring for adults. |
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BRING YOUR CHILD to the library for shared songs, stories, and activities designed to build early literacy skills. We offer 10 Storytimes Every Week!
Make & Take for Preschoolers
Thursdays at 10 am
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Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime
For infants to age 6. Meets at 11:15 am:
8/26 · Douglass Branch
8/28 · Main Library |
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WHAT’S NEW? New Releases hit the shelves every week on Tuesday mornings. Reserve your copy now or give us a call at 217/403-2000. We’ll let you know when your hold items are ready for pickup! |
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