Event List

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Age Group
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This event is in the "Elementary" group

Lock Decoders (Grades 3-5)

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:45pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5. Use your detective skills and brain power to unlock as many locks as you can before time runs out. Follow the clues, solve the puzzles, and have fun!

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 3-5. Use your detective skills and brain power to unlock as many locks as you can before time runs out. Follow the clues, solve the puzzles, and have fun!

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Giving Back on MLK Day

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft, General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5. Engage with your community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Make no-sew blankets, cards and other crafts that will be donated to local organizations. Supplies and instructions provided.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: Art / Craft, General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades K-5. Engage with your community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Make no-sew blankets, cards and other crafts that will be donated to local organizations. Supplies and instructions provided.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

K9 Reading Buddies

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 1-5. A trained therapy dog listens patiently while your grade school student reads aloud, helping build confidence and encourage reading.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Event Details:

Grades 1-5. A trained therapy dog listens patiently while your grade school student reads aloud, helping build confidence and encourage reading.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Bluestem Award Book Discussion

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5 with an adult. This parent and child book group will discuss The Misfits: a Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat. Pick up a copy of the book (yours to keep) at the Youth Desk. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: Discussion
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 3-5 with an adult. This parent and child book group will discuss The Misfits: a Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat. Pick up a copy of the book (yours to keep) at the Youth Desk. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult participation is expected

Children must be accompanied by an adult. You are expected to take part in the activities with your child.

This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Cook Along with Chef Kristyn: Lasagna (Online)

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary, Teens
Cook Along with Chef Kristyn:

Add some fun to Friday night. Log in from your kitchen and cook along live over Zoom using recipes you receive in advance.

Cozy up with some lasagna and garlic bread recipes.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Elementary, Teens
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Cook Along with Chef Kristyn

Add some fun to Friday night. Log in from your kitchen and cook along live over Zoom using recipes you receive in advance.

Cozy up with some lasagna and garlic bread recipes.

Disclaimer(s)

This program will not be recorded

This online program is only available as it happens. There will not be an archived version available to view after the event.

This event is in the "Early Childhood" group
This event is in the "Elementary" group

Princess Storytime with Belle

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary

Ages 2 and up with adult. Listen to stories with your favorite book-loving princess then stay for a meet and greet and photo op.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood, Elementary
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Ages 2 and up with adult. Listen to stories with your favorite book-loving princess then stay for a meet and greet and photo op.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Chess (Grades 2-4)

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 2-4.  Discover chess moves, strategies, and checkmate techniques with National Chess Master Arjun Vishnuvardhan of Glenview Chess. All experience levels welcome. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 2-4.  Discover chess moves, strategies, and checkmate techniques with National Chess Master Arjun Vishnuvardhan of Glenview Chess. All experience levels welcome. 

This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Chess (Grades 5-8)

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary, Teens

Grades 5-8.  Discover chess moves, strategies, and checkmate techniques with National Chess Master Arjun Vishnuvardhan of Glenview Chess. All experience levels welcome. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary, Teens
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 5-8.  Discover chess moves, strategies, and checkmate techniques with National Chess Master Arjun Vishnuvardhan of Glenview Chess. All experience levels welcome. 

This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Tiny Portrait Art Show Exhibit

All Day 2/1 - 2/28
Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Elementary, Teens, Adults

Stop by the library to visit the Tiny Portrait Art Show, an exhibit of canvases created by local residents.

Part of One Book One Community. Learn more at 1book.org.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Age Group: Elementary, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Art / Craft
Event Details:

Stop by the library to visit the Tiny Portrait Art Show, an exhibit of canvases created by local residents.

Part of One Book One Community. Learn more at 1book.org.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Create Art with Miss Jane: Portraits (Grades K-2)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-2 with an adult. Using bold, vibrant colors, we will create our own self-portraits to express ourselves. Miss Jane will lead with step-by-step instructions. Dress for a mess.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: Art / Craft
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades K-2 with an adult. Using bold, vibrant colors, we will create our own self-portraits to express ourselves. Miss Jane will lead with step-by-step instructions. Dress for a mess.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Create Art with Miss Jane: Portraits (Grades 3-5)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5. Using bold, vibrant colors, we will create our own self-portraits to express ourselves. Miss Jane will lead with step-by-step instructions. Dress for a mess.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: Art / Craft
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 3-5. Using bold, vibrant colors, we will create our own self-portraits to express ourselves. Miss Jane will lead with step-by-step instructions. Dress for a mess.

This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Parent Education: The Science of Motivating Young People with Dr. David Yeager Motivation that Lasts (Online)

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
Program Type:
Parent Education
Age Group:
Elementary, Teens, Adults

Online.

Presented in partnership with D96, D102,  and D103 Parent Education. 

Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Elementary, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Parent Education
Event Details:

Online.

Presented in partnership with D96, D102,  and D103 Parent Education. 

This event is in the "Early Childhood" group
This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Take & Make Kit: Winter Olympics

All Day
Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary, Teens, Adults

[Pickup] All ages. Ask for the craft when you visit the Youth Desk in the library or the drive-up window during regular business hours. While supplies last.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Age Group: Early Childhood, Elementary, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Art / Craft
Event Details:

[Pickup] All ages. Ask for the craft when you visit the Youth Desk in the library or the drive-up window during regular business hours. While supplies last.

Disclaimer(s)

No signup required

No signup required. 

This event is in the "Early Childhood" group
This event is in the "Elementary" group

Family Concert: Nanny Nikki

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary

All ages. Celebrate take Your Child to the Library Day with Nanny Nikki! Get ready to move and groove to classic and original children's songs with this Grammy-nominated children's entertainer and teaching artist. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood, Elementary
Program Type: Performance
Registration Required
Event Details:

All ages. Celebrate take Your Child to the Library Day with Nanny Nikki! Get ready to move and groove to classic and original children's songs with this Grammy-nominated children's entertainer and teaching artist. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Lego Robotics (Grades K-2)

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
STEM
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-2 with an adult. Calling all Lego fans! Build and program the Roaring Lion model using the Lego Education WeDo software in this fun, hands-on program.  

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: STEM
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades K-2 with an adult. Calling all Lego fans! Build and program the Roaring Lion model using the Lego Education WeDo software in this fun, hands-on program.  

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Adult participation is expected

Children must be accompanied by an adult. You are expected to take part in the activities with your child.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Lego Robotics (Grades 3-5)

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
STEM
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5. Calling all Lego fans! Build and program the Roaring Lion or Flying Bird models using the Lego Education WeDo software in this fun, hands-on program.  

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: STEM
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 3-5. Calling all Lego fans! Build and program the Roaring Lion or Flying Bird models using the Lego Education WeDo software in this fun, hands-on program.  

Disclaimer(s)

Children attend on their own

Children attend this program independently. If your child is under age 10, you must remain in the library.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Instrument Petting Zoo with the School of Rock

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

For families with children grades K-5.

Meet musicians from the Libertyville School of Rock for an opportunity to see, hear, touch, and even play a variety of guitars, drums and keyboard instruments.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

For families with children grades K-5.

Meet musicians from the Libertyville School of Rock for an opportunity to see, hear, touch, and even play a variety of guitars, drums and keyboard instruments.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

K9 Reading Buddies

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 1-5. A trained therapy dog listens patiently while your grade school student reads aloud, helping build confidence and encourage reading.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Event Details:

Grades 1-5. A trained therapy dog listens patiently while your grade school student reads aloud, helping build confidence and encourage reading.

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Winter Olympics Fun with Roary!

Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5. Compete with the library's very own T-Rex, Roary, and get excited about the 2026 Winter Olympics! Bring your future Olympians for tabletop curling, the hula hoop slalom, and other exciting events! 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades K-5. Compete with the library's very own T-Rex, Roary, and get excited about the 2026 Winter Olympics! Bring your future Olympians for tabletop curling, the hula hoop slalom, and other exciting events! 

This event is in the "Early Childhood" group
This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Drop-in Art

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary, Teens, Adults, All Ages

All Ages. Drop in for a sticker mosaic and coloring.

This program is free and open to everyone. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Early Childhood, Elementary, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Art / Craft
Event Details:

All Ages. Drop in for a sticker mosaic and coloring.

This program is free and open to everyone. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Disclaimer(s)

No signup required

No signup required. 

This event is in the "Elementary" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Cook Along with Chef Kristyn: Gold Medal Munchies (Online)

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary, Teens
Cook Along with Chef Kristyn:

Add some fun to Friday night. Log in from your kitchen and cook along live over Zoom using recipes you receive in advance.

Celebrate the Winter Olympics with some fun recipes.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Elementary, Teens
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Cook Along with Chef Kristyn

Add some fun to Friday night. Log in from your kitchen and cook along live over Zoom using recipes you receive in advance.

Celebrate the Winter Olympics with some fun recipes.

Disclaimer(s)

This program will not be recorded

This online program is only available as it happens. There will not be an archived version available to view after the event.

This event is in the "Early Childhood" group
This event is in the "Elementary" group

Dance to China: Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary

Preschool-Grade 5. Welcome the Year of the Horse with dance performances from China's different regions and cultural groups. Presented by Angela Tam, founding Artistic Director of Yin He Dance. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood, Elementary
Program Type: Performance
Registration Required
Event Details:

Preschool-Grade 5. Welcome the Year of the Horse with dance performances from China's different regions and cultural groups. Presented by Angela Tam, founding Artistic Director of Yin He Dance. 

This event is in the "Elementary" group

Frog Lady & Friends

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5 with an adult. A library favorite! The Frog Lady brings her frogs and friends to the library. Learn more about her favorite amphibians and reptiles and see them up close.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades K-5 with an adult. A library favorite! The Frog Lady brings her frogs and friends to the library. Learn more about her favorite amphibians and reptiles and see them up close.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is in the "Early Childhood" group
This event is in the "Elementary" group

Big Blue Blocks Playdate (Drop-in)

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 9:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary

All Ages. Build and play using the library's big blue blocks. 

This event is free and open to all ages. No signup required.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood, Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Event Details:

All Ages. Build and play using the library's big blue blocks. 

This event is free and open to all ages. No signup required.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

For this session, child participants must be accompanied by an adult.

No signup required

No signup required.