Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Cartoon illustration of a human brain with arms and legs lifting a weighted barbell overhead.

Wits Workout: Take a Number!

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room (GH) at Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Health & Wellness, Workshops

Age Group:

Adults
Registration will close on December 17, 2025 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Take a Number!

What was the last thing you did that required your total intellectual focus and attention?  No matter what it was, if it was intellectually challenging, it was good for your noggin!  Stimulating our brains

A teen sitting on a desk next to a stack of books holding an open book.

MTHS Finals Night

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Educational Programming, Genealogy & Local History, Health & Wellness, Literature & Writing, Outreach, Technology, Workshops

Age Group:

Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Age Group: Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Educational Programming, Genealogy & Local History, Health & Wellness, Literature & Writing, Outreach, Technology, Workshops
Event Details:

MTHS Finals Night

Join us for a night of studying with teacher help, laptops, snacks, and a chance to win gift cards!

A large tree with a network of exposed roots. Text: Digging Deeper Into Your Roots; Unlock the secrets of your family history.

Digging Deeper Into Your Roots: Genealogy Speed Round

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room (GH) at Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Educational Programming, Genealogy & Local History

Age Group:

Adults
Registration will close on December 26, 2025 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational Programming, Genealogy & Local History
Registration requested
Event Details:

Genealogy Speed Round

Join us for a fun, fast-paced session covering a mix of bite-sized genealogy topics!

A picture of a bean sitting on a couch reading a book in front of a fireplace.

Winter Break Reading Challenge for Students

All Day 12/20 - 1/5
All IPDPL branches

Program Type:

Educational Programming, Family Programming, Literature & Writing, Reading Challenges

Age Group:

Toddlers (2 - 5), Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18)
Library Branch: All IPDPL branches
Age Group: Toddlers (2 - 5), Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18)
Program Type: Educational Programming, Family Programming, Literature & Writing, Reading Challenges
Event Details:

Read with Benny

Attention K - 12 Students!

Benny the Bean is ready to read—are you? Elementary through high school students can read and complete activities between Dec. 20 – Jan.

A picture of a snowy owl made out of a pinecone.

Pinecone Snowy Owl Craft for All Ages

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Open Meeting Area (R) at Roanoke

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops

Age Group:

Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Registration will close on December 30, 2025 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Roanoke
Room: Open Meeting Area (R)
Age Group: Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

It’s cozy, craft time! Create a pinecone snowy owl to take home as a cute wintry friend. Registration preferred to guarantee your spot.

Cartoon illustration of a human brain with arms and legs lifting a weighted barbell overhead.

Wits Workout: Out With the Old . . .

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room (GH) at Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Health & Wellness, Workshops

Age Group:

Adults
Registration will close on January 7, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Out with the Old, In with the New!

🤔 Ever wonder why some memories fade quickly while others stick around?

A picture of a snowy owl made out of a pinecone.

Pinecone Snowy Owl Craft for All Ages

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Room (W) at Washburn

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops

Age Group:

Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Registration will close on January 6, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Washburn
Room: Community Room (W)
Age Group: Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

It’s cozy, craft time! Create a pinecone snowy owl to take home as a cute wintry friend. Registration preferred to guarantee your spot.

An open book icon and a headphones icon.

How to Library: E-Books and Audiobooks

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00am - 2:00pm
Meeting Room (GH) at Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Classes, Educational Programming, Family Programming, Workshops

Age Group:

Everyone
Registration will close on January 2, 2026 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Classes, Educational Programming, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

E-books and Audiobooks

In this session, we will look at the variety of options available for digital materials and explore the e-book📖 and audiobook🎧 platforms the library offers.  

A picture of a snowy owl made out of a pinecone.

Pinecone Snowy Owl Craft for All Ages

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room (GH) at Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops

Age Group:

Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Registration will close on January 13, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

It’s cozy, craft time! Create a pinecone snowy owl to take home as a cute wintry friend. Registration preferred to guarantee your spot.

Book Buzz Book Club

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room (GH) at Germantown Hills

Program Type:

Book Clubs

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Filters
Age Group

Pinecone Snowy Owl Craft for All Ages

1:00pm–3:00pm
Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Roanoke
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on December 30, 2025 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Roanoke
Room: Open Meeting Area (R)
Age Group: Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

It’s cozy, craft time! Create a pinecone snowy owl to take home as a cute wintry friend. Registration preferred to guarantee your spot.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

LEGO Free Play

3:30pm–6:00pm
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Metamora
Library Branch: Metamora
Room: Play Space (M)
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Family Programming, STEAM

LEGO Free Play

Did you know that using only six 2 x 4 LEGO bricks, there are 915,103,765 possible building combinations?  IPDPL has a LOT more than six LEGO bricks, so the combinations could be endless!  Come to our drop-in LEGO Free Play session to build whatever is in your imagination!   

 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

LEGO Free Play

LEGO Free Play sessions are intended as an opportunity for children to exercise their creativity using LEGO bricks and pieces.  All supplied LEGO bricks and pieces provided are the property of Illinois Prairie District Public Library and are not intended to be taken home.  Completed LEGO builds may be displayed within the library at the discretion of library staff.

WARNING! CHOKING HAZARD: Standard LEGO pieces are intended and rated for children 3 years and up.  LEGO pieces should not be placed in or near the mouth.  LEGO pieces should not be swallowed as this can present a choking hazard.

 

Winter All Ages Break-In Bag

All Day
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
All IPDPL branches
Offsite Event
Library Branch: All IPDPL branches
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Escape Rooms, Family Programming, Games & Gaming
Event Details:

Blizzard Blunder

Oh no! Benny the Polar Bear was gathering supplies for his big winter party, but a sudden snowstorm scattered everything — and now his special surprise is locked inside this bag!

Winter All Ages Break-In Bag

All Day
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
All IPDPL branches
Offsite Event
Library Branch: All IPDPL branches
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Escape Rooms, Family Programming, Games & Gaming
Event Details:

Blizzard Blunder

Oh no! Benny the Polar Bear was gathering supplies for his big winter party, but a sudden snowstorm scattered everything — and now his special surprise is locked inside this bag!

Winter All Ages Break-In Bag

All Day
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
All IPDPL branches
Offsite Event
Library Branch: All IPDPL branches
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Escape Rooms, Family Programming, Games & Gaming
Event Details:

Blizzard Blunder

Oh no! Benny the Polar Bear was gathering supplies for his big winter party, but a sudden snowstorm scattered everything — and now his special surprise is locked inside this bag!

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

Wits Workout: Out With the Old . . .

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on January 7, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Wits Workout

🧠 Ready to give your brain a workout?  Join us for brain games to exercise your mind and maintain or improve cognitive function and memory, and conversations on some key aspects of brain health - intellectual challenges, social connections, sleep, diet, physical exercise, stress, and more.  Have fun on your journey to a healthier brain today! 🎉

 

Out with the Old, In with the New!

🤔 Ever wonder why some memories fade quickly while others stick around?

Disclaimer(s)

Registration is requested for this program.

Registering guarantees your space, should capacity become an issue.  It also allows us to adequately prepare materials for all attendees.  Finally, it gives our staff the ability to contact you in the event of any last-minute schedule changes.

 

Wits Workout

Wits Workout sessions are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month.  While Wits Workout is a series, each session is a self-contained, stand-alone program.  Consecutive attendance is not required for any sessions.

 

Pinecone Snowy Owl Craft for All Ages

4:00pm–6:00pm
Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Washburn
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on January 6, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Washburn
Room: Community Room (W)
Age Group: Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

It’s cozy, craft time! Create a pinecone snowy owl to take home as a cute wintry friend. Registration preferred to guarantee your spot.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

Pinecone Snowy Owl Craft for All Ages

5:00pm–6:00pm
Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Germantown Hills
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on January 13, 2026 @ 1:00pm.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Youth (0 - 18), Teens (12 - 18), Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

It’s cozy, craft time! Create a pinecone snowy owl to take home as a cute wintry friend. Registration preferred to guarantee your spot.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

Book Buzz Book Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs

Book Buzz

The Book Buzz Book Club is an adult book club, reading a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.   They meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm at IPDPL - Germantown Hills.  

For more information about previous and upcoming titles, or to join our online community, please visit our Bookclubs.com website.

 

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

3D Gnome Lantern Craft for All Ages

5:00pm–6:00pm
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Germantown Hills
Closed
Registration requested
Registration is no longer available for this event.
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Glow Gnome

Step into a world of cozy charm! Craft a delightful paper gnome, complete with a tiny lantern to light the way through the enchanted woods (or your living room). Perfect for adding a touch of magic to your décor. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

Registration is requested for this program.

Registering guarantees your space, should capacity become an issue.  It also allows us to adequately prepare materials for all attendees.  Finally, it gives our staff the ability to contact you in the event of any last-minute schedule changes.

 

3D Gnome Lantern Craft for All Ages

5:00pm–6:00pm
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Metamora
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on December 15, 2025 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Metamora
Room: Meeting Room A/B (M)
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Glow Gnome

Step into a world of cozy charm! Craft a delightful paper gnome, complete with a tiny lantern to light the way through the enchanted woods (or your living room). Perfect for adding a touch of magic to your décor. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

Registration is requested for this program.

Registering guarantees your space, should capacity become an issue.  It also allows us to adequately prepare materials for all attendees.  Finally, it gives our staff the ability to contact you in the event of any last-minute schedule changes.

 

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

3D Gnome Lantern Craft for All Ages

4:00pm–6:00pm
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Washburn
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on December 22, 2025 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Washburn
Room: Community Room (W)
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Glow Gnome

Step into a world of cozy charm! Craft a delightful paper gnome, complete with a tiny lantern to light the way through the enchanted woods (or your living room). Perfect for adding a touch of magic to your décor. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

Registration is requested for this program.

Registering guarantees your space, should capacity become an issue.  It also allows us to adequately prepare materials for all attendees.  Finally, it gives our staff the ability to contact you in the event of any last-minute schedule changes.

 

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

3D Gnome Lantern Craft for All Ages

4:00pm–5:30pm
Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Benson
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on December 29, 2025 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Benson
Room: Main Reading Room (B)
Age Group: Children (6 - 11), Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programming, Workshops
Registration requested
Event Details:

Glow Gnome

Step into a world of cozy charm! Craft a delightful paper gnome, complete with a tiny lantern to light the way through the enchanted woods (or your living room). Perfect for adding a touch of magic to your décor. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

IPDPL programming is not designed to be "drop and go" for children.  Please have a parent, guardian, or another responsible caregiver present if your child is attending this program.  Thank you!

 

Registration is requested for this program.

Registering guarantees your space, should capacity become an issue.  It also allows us to adequately prepare materials for all attendees.  Finally, it gives our staff the ability to contact you in the event of any last-minute schedule changes.

 

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

Create with Cricut: Getting Started

5:30pm–6:30pm
Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Metamora
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on February 5, 2026 @ 5:30pm.
Library Branch: Metamora
Room: Meeting Room A/B (M)
Age Group: Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes, Technology
Registration requested
Event Details:

Create with Cricut

Did you know IPDPL has Cricut Makers available for patron use?

Maybe you have always wanted to try a Cricut cutting machine but never had the opportunity.  Perhaps you would like to learn more or simply try using one for yourself before committing to spending the money.  Our "Create with Cricut" classes are the answer!

In each session, we explore a different aspect of the Cricut crafting universe, from designing an original project to creating vinyl stickers, personalized greeting cards, and iron-ons for totes, t-shirts, and more!

Join us for this exciting crafting adventure!

 

Getting Started

During this session, we will explore the world of Cricut, including the various machines available and their capabilities.

Book Buzz Book Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs

Book Buzz

The Book Buzz Book Club is an adult book club, reading a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.   They meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm at IPDPL - Germantown Hills.  

For more information about previous and upcoming titles, or to join our online community, please visit our Bookclubs.com website.

 

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

Create with Cricut: Paper Crafting

5:30pm–6:30pm
Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Metamora
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on February 12, 2026 @ 5:30pm.
Library Branch: Metamora
Room: Meeting Room A/B (M)
Age Group: Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes, Technology
Registration requested
Event Details:

Create with Cricut

Did you know IPDPL has Cricut Makers available for patron use?

Maybe you have always wanted to try a Cricut cutting machine but never had the opportunity.  Perhaps you would like to learn more or simply try using one for yourself before committing to spending the money.  Our "Create with Cricut" classes are the answer!

In each session, we explore a different aspect of the Cricut crafting universe, from designing an original project to creating vinyl stickers, personalized greeting cards, and iron-ons for totes, t-shirts, and more!

Join us for this exciting crafting adventure!

 

Paper Crafting

In this session, we will explore the world of paper crafting.  We will design and cut a simple greeting card and scratch using Cricut Design Space, and then use the Cricut Card Mat to create a

Knit & Stitch Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Germantown Hills
Library Branch: Germantown Hills
Room: Meeting Room (GH)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Knit & Stitch

🧶 Knit & Stitch is a "loose-knit" group of crafters who enjoy fiber arts and handwork, including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and other portable projects. Bring your yarn, thread, needles, and hooks, and don't forget a good story or two! 🧵

Create with Cricut: Stickers

5:30pm–6:30pm
Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Metamora
Open
Registration requested
Registration will close on February 19, 2026 @ 5:30pm.
Library Branch: Metamora
Room: Meeting Room A/B (M)
Age Group: Teens (12 - 18), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes, Technology
Registration requested
Event Details:

Create with Cricut

Did you know IPDPL has Cricut Makers available for patron use?

Maybe you have always wanted to try a Cricut cutting machine but never had the opportunity.  Perhaps you would like to learn more or simply try using one for yourself before committing to spending the money.  Our "Create with Cricut" classes are the answer!

In each session, we explore a different aspect of the Cricut crafting universe, from designing an original project to creating vinyl stickers, personalized greeting cards, and iron-ons for totes, t-shirts, and more!

Join us for this exciting crafting adventure!

 

Stickers

Making a sticker has never been simpler!  In this session, we will create simple stickers from adhesive vinyl, use the Cricut Maker to write and cut labels, and learn how to transfer our finished des