eRead Illinois transitioning to new app

eRead Illinois eBooks and eAudiobooks will be moving from the Boundless app to the Palace Project app. During this transition, functionality related to the eRead Illinois content will be limited. Patrons with Boundless holds should make a note of them by Nov. 16.  Contact staff for key transition dates. 

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Silhouette of a man on horseback and soldiers over the Declaration of Independence. "The American Revolution: A film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt"

Special Showing: The American Revolution, by Ken Burns

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Movie
Event Details:

Discover THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a landmark series from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt.

Frieze Lecture Series This is the End, 2025 lecture series

Frieze Lecture Series

Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Presentation
Event Details:

The Frieze Lectures, a free public lecture series created to celebrate the oldest library in Illinois founded under its Local Library Act of 1872, continues for its 28th year, from October 23 to November 13.

green and yellow dinosaur with orange spikes down its back

Dinovember Day!

Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10:00am - 1:30pm
Downtown Children's Story Area at Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Children's Story Area
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Stomp into the Downtown Library Children's Room for a roaring good time.

Nothing tricera-tops the fun you will have, for rex-ample there will be activities, crafts and more!   

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Age Group
Library Branch

Petite Picassos @ Southwest Branch

11:00am–12:00pm
Early Learning
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Do your toddlers love to get messy?  Bring them to Petite Picassos where they can use all of their senses with hands on art.  We will take care of the mess as they create their masterpieces.  

Coffee & Conversations

10:00am–12:00pm
Adult
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Mental Health, Discussion
Event Details:

Meet neighbors and create community at Coffee & Conversations every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Southwest Library! Coffee, light refreshments, and optional activities will be provided.

Elementary After School Activity @ Southwest

3:30pm–4:30pm
School Age
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: School Age
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Fun activities and crafts every week Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at Southwest!! Come for fun every week for Elementary age kids (K-6)!

 

This week we will

Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch

11:00am–11:30am
Early Learning
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

 Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs. 

For ages 0 - 5 years old. 

Southwest Book Club

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adult
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Looking to join a book club? We would love to have you join our Southwest Book Club! This month, we will be discussing The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. 

Elementary After School Activity @ Southwest

3:30pm–4:30pm
School Age
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: School Age
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Fun activities and crafts every week Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at Southwest!! Come for fun every week for Elementary age kids (K-6)!

 

This week we will

String Art Class - Snowman

6:00pm–8:00pm
Southwest Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Registration Required
Event Details:

Please join us for a evening of string art fun!  Mindy Matthews, from High Strung by 3M, will be guiding participants through the creation of a snowman string art design. Supplies will be provided.

Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch

11:00am–11:30am
Early Learning
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

 Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs. 

For ages 0 - 5 years old. 

DIY Craft: Letter Tile Ornaments

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adult
Southwest Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us on Monday, December 8th, to make a letter tile ornament! All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.  

Petite Picassos @ Southwest Branch

11:00am–12:00pm
Early Learning
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Do your toddlers love to get messy?  Bring them to Petite Picassos where they can use all of their senses with hands on art.  We will take care of the mess as they create their masterpieces.  

Coffee & Conversations

10:00am–12:00pm
Adult
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Mental Health, Discussion
Event Details:

Meet neighbors and create community at Coffee & Conversations every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Southwest Library! Coffee, light refreshments, and optional activities will be provided.

Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch

11:00am–11:30am
Early Learning
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

 Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs. 

For ages 0 - 5 years old. 

Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch

11:00am–11:30am
Early Learning
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

 Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs. 

For ages 0 - 5 years old. 

Coffee & Conversations

10:00am–12:00pm
Adult
Southwest Branch
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Mental Health, Discussion
Event Details:

Meet neighbors and create community at Coffee & Conversations every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Southwest Library! Coffee, light refreshments, and optional activities will be provided.