Event List

Filters
Age Group
Denny sitting in a theater with a guitar

Outdoor Concert: The Stories and Songs of Neil Diamond

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Library Learning Garden at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Adults

An unforgettable tribute celebrating the tunes of the legendary Neil Diamond, performed by musician Denny Diamond. This uplifting performance features the popular songs – plus the tales behind the melodies. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Library Learning Garden
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Performance
Registration Required
Event Details:

An unforgettable tribute celebrating the tunes of the legendary Neil Diamond, performed by musician Denny Diamond. This uplifting performance features the popular songs – plus the tales behind the melodies. 

Disclaimer(s)

This outdoor event takes place in the Library Learning Garden

The Library Learning Garden is located next to the Library Annex at 4 Indian Creek Road, behind the main library building. 

Limited parking is available in the Library Annex lot. Enter from Indian Creek Road, off of Olde Half Day Road. Or park at the back of the main library parking lot and follow the signs to the Library Learning Garden.

Seating provided by the library is limited; please bring a blanket or chairs to ensure your comfort. Also recommended: hat, water bottle, sunscreen or bug spray. Portable restrooms are available.

📍 Map to Annex Lawn / Library Learning Garden

Early Learning

Baby Rhyme Storytime (Drop-in)

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:15am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood

Ages 0-14 months. Literacy starts with the littlest ones! Grow your baby's brain with songs, rhymes, and books with Miss Kelsey.

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

Ages 0-14 months. Literacy starts with the littlest ones! Grow your baby's brain with songs, rhymes, and books with Miss Kelsey.

Disclaimer(s)

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

Stacks of books

Book Club Bash

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Get fresh ideas for your book group or personal reading from Random House rep John Hastie and “The Good Book Fairy,” blogger Lauren Margolin. Now in its 13th year, Book Club Bash remains one of our most popular library programs for adults.

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

Get fresh ideas for your book group or personal reading from Random House rep John Hastie and “The Good Book Fairy,” blogger Lauren Margolin. Now in its 13th year, Book Club Bash remains one of our most popular library programs for adults.

Preschool Storytime

Preschool Storytime (9:30 am, Drop-in)

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Preschool Storytime:

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten. Children attend this story...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten.

Children attend this storytime independently (while their adult remains in the library), giving them an opportunity to practice being in a classroom setting.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Preschool Storytime

Preschool Storytime (10:30 am, Drop-in)

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Preschool Storytime:

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten. Children attend this story...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten.

Children attend this storytime independently (while their adult remains in the library), giving them an opportunity to practice being in a classroom setting.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Printmaking Lab

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Teens

Grades 6-12. Turn your ideas into bold, eye‑catching prints in this hands‑on class. Explore the world of printmaking through carving, stamping, rolling paint, and experimenting with textures and patterns.

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

Grades 6-12. Turn your ideas into bold, eye‑catching prints in this hands‑on class. Explore the world of printmaking through carving, stamping, rolling paint, and experimenting with textures and patterns.

Person playing board game, Carcassonne

Games for Grown-ups

Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Games for Grownups is available in-person or online. Select your format below.

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

Games for Grownups is available in-person or online. Select your format below.

Early Learning

Together 2s & 3s Storytime (9:30 am, Drop-in)

Monday, August 10, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Together 2s & 3s:

Ages 2-3 with an adult. Share stories and learn sign language with Miss Sarah. Activities center around a letter of the day. Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 A...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Together 2s & 3s

Ages 2-3 with an adult. Share stories and learn sign language with Miss Sarah. Activities center around a letter of the day.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

Early Learning

Together 2s & 3s Storytime (10:30 am, Drop-in)

Monday, August 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Together 2s & 3s:

Ages 2-3 with an adult. Share stories and learn sign language with Miss Sarah. Activities center around a letter of the day. Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 A...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Together 2s & 3s

Ages 2-3 with an adult. Share stories and learn sign language with Miss Sarah. Activities center around a letter of the day.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

Early Learning

Starry Night Storytime (Drop-in)

Monday, August 10, 2026 at 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood

Ages 0-6 with an adult. Get out those last few wiggles during an evening storytime with Miss Julia.

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

Ages 0-6 with an adult. Get out those last few wiggles during an evening storytime with Miss Julia.

Disclaimer(s)

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

Early Learning

Wiggling Ones (9:30 am, Drop-in)

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Wiggling Ones:

Ages 12-24 months. Add 30 minutes of joy to your week. Giggle, sing, and play along with your little one, other families, and Miss Julia. Please choose between the 9:30 AM sessi...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Wiggling Ones

Ages 12-24 months. Add 30 minutes of joy to your week. Giggle, sing, and play along with your little one, other families, and Miss Julia.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Disclaimer(s)

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

Early Learning

Wiggling Ones (10:30 am, Drop-in)

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Wiggling Ones:

Ages 12-24 months. Add 30 minutes of joy to your week. Giggle, sing, and play along with your little one, other families, and Miss Julia. Please choose between the 9:30 AM sessi...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Wiggling Ones

Ages 12-24 months. Add 30 minutes of joy to your week. Giggle, sing, and play along with your little one, other families, and Miss Julia.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Disclaimer(s)

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

Illinois History in 10 Objects

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

In commemoration of America 250, this program takes a look at Illinois history through the lens of ten objects from the collection of the Illinois State Museum, with Erika Holst, Curator of History.

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

In commemoration of America 250, this program takes a look at Illinois history through the lens of ten objects from the collection of the Illinois State Museum, with Erika Holst, Curator of History.

Weirdo

Rebecca Caudill Award Book Discussion

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Teens

Grades 6-8. Join us as we discuss Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr. Pick up a copy of the book (yours to keep) at the Youth Desk after registering. Please be sure to include your email in the registration. 

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

Grades 6-8. Join us as we discuss Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr. Pick up a copy of the book (yours to keep) at the Youth Desk after registering. Please be sure to include your email in the registration. 

Early Learning

Baby Rhyme Storytime (Drop-in)

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:15am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood

Ages 0-14 months. Literacy starts with the littlest ones! Grow your baby's brain with songs, rhymes, and books with Miss Kelsey.

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

Ages 0-14 months. Literacy starts with the littlest ones! Grow your baby's brain with songs, rhymes, and books with Miss Kelsey.

Disclaimer(s)

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

There is a table with an open book on it, a mug of coffee, and a candle. In the background, there is a chair with a blanket, a candle, and string lights.

Choose Your Own Adventure: A Book Club

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Choose your own adventure by bringing a book or audiobook and read silently with other readers. From 6:30-7:30 pm, we will silently read. From 7:30-8:30 pm, chat with others or continue reading. The choice is yours!

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

Choose your own adventure by bringing a book or audiobook and read silently with other readers. From 6:30-7:30 pm, we will silently read. From 7:30-8:30 pm, chat with others or continue reading. The choice is yours!

Preschool Storytime

Preschool Storytime (9:30 am, Drop-in)

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Preschool Storytime:

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten. Children attend this story...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten.

Children attend this storytime independently (while their adult remains in the library), giving them an opportunity to practice being in a classroom setting.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Preschool Storytime

Preschool Storytime (10:30 am, Drop-in)

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Preschool Storytime:

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten. Children attend this story...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3-5 without an adult. Get ready for school with Miss Emily by practicing the language, listening, and pre-reading skills needed for kindergarten.

Children attend this storytime independently (while their adult remains in the library), giving them an opportunity to practice being in a classroom setting.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

TTBOT

Thirsty Thursdays: Books on Tap

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

In your 20s or 30s and thirsting for intelligent conversation with excellent people? Meet for a book discussion at Half Day Brewing of Lincolnshire with excellent people over adult beverages and delicious food.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Discussion
Event Details:

In your 20s or 30s and thirsting for intelligent conversation with excellent people? Meet for a book discussion at Half Day Brewing of Lincolnshire with excellent people over adult beverages and delicious food.

Writers' Support Group

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Online
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Share work, meet fellow writers, get constructive feedback, and discuss the publishing business in this informal group. All writers welcome.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Discussion
Registration Required
Event Details:

Share work, meet fellow writers, get constructive feedback, and discuss the publishing business in this informal group. All writers welcome.

Disclaimer(s)

Zoom meeting

This event takes place on Zoom. Meeting format allows the group to interact with one another. Cameras are optional. After registration, you will receive an email with a link to join the event.

Book cover with Africa

Great Decisions Discussion Group (Online)

Friday, August 14, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Online
Program Type:
Civics
Age Group:
Adults

Online only

Discuss chapter 5 of the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions briefing book. Facilitated by Gary Midkiff. 

Register one person per household. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Civics
Registration Required
Event Details:

Online only

Discuss chapter 5 of the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions briefing book. Facilitated by Gary Midkiff. 

Register one person per household. 

Disclaimer(s)

Zoom meeting

This event takes place on Zoom. Meeting format allows the group to interact with one another. Cameras are optional. After registration, you will receive an email with a link to join the event.

Early Learning

Sun & Fun Storytime

Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Learning Garden at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Sun & Fun Storytime:

Ages 0-6 with an adult. Have some fun and soak up the sun at an outdoor storytime! Enjoy tunes, dancing, rhymes, and read-alouds in the Library Learning Garden. Takes place...

Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Library Learning Garden
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning
Registration Required

Sun & Fun Storytime

Ages 0-6 with an adult. Have some fun and soak up the sun at an outdoor storytime! Enjoy tunes, dancing, rhymes, and read-alouds in the Library Learning Garden.

Takes place outside if weather permits; if there is bad weather, storytime will move indoors to the main Meeting Room.

Signup is recommended so we can send you a program reminder and any weather-related updates. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Sign up online here, by phone at 224-543-1486, or in person at the library. This program is free and open to all. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

This outdoor event takes place in the Library Learning Garden

The Library Learning Garden is located next to the Library Annex at 4 Indian Creek Road, behind the main library building. 

Limited parking is available in the Library Annex lot. Enter from Indian Creek Road, off of Olde Half Day Road. Or park at the back of the main library parking lot and follow the signs to the Library Learning Garden.

Seating provided by the library is limited; please bring a blanket or chairs to ensure your comfort. Also recommended: hat, water bottle, sunscreen or bug spray. Portable restrooms are available.

📍 Map to Annex Lawn / Library Learning Garden

Early Learning

Together 2s & 3s Storytime (9:30 am, Drop-in)

Monday, August 17, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Together 2s & 3s:

Ages 2-3 with an adult. Share stories and learn sign language with Miss Sarah. Activities center around a letter of the day. Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 A...

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Storytime / Early Learning

Together 2s & 3s

Ages 2-3 with an adult. Share stories and learn sign language with Miss Sarah. Activities center around a letter of the day.

Please choose between the 9:30 AM session or 10:30 AM session.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Drop in to this storytime

No advance signup is required. Just claim an entry ticket when you arrive on the day of the program. Tickets are free and available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. 

Attendance is limited to children within the intended age range listed in the program description. Except for Preschool Storytime, siblings are also welcome. 

Questions? Please contact the Youth Desk at 224-543-1486 or email EarlyLearning@VAPLD.info

ESL Class Registration - Returning Students (Drop-in)

Monday, August 17, 2026 at 9:30am - 12:00pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
ESL
Age Group:
Adults

Informational meeting, registration, and placement testing for students who were enrolled in the ESL Class program last year. Registration and testing can take up to 2 hours.

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: ESL
Event Details:

Informational meeting, registration, and placement testing for students who were enrolled in the ESL Class program last year. Registration and testing can take up to 2 hours.

Disclaimer(s)

No signup required

No signup required.