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Games for Grown-ups

Sunday, January 18, 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, January 19, 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, January 19, 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

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.

Teen Service Club: Giving Back on MLK Day

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Teens
Teen Service Club:

Meet new people, participate in a variety of community-service projects and earn volunteer service hours. This teen volunteer program is offered several times a quarter: no libr...

Grades 7-12. 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: Teens
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Teen Service Club

Meet new people, participate in a variety of community-service projects and earn volunteer service hours.

This teen volunteer program is offered several times a quarter: no library card required; no application or training; volunteer when it fits your schedule. Do what you can, when you can, and you'll make a positive difference in the world. 

This program is free and open to teens in grades 7-12. Signup is required. Sign up online here, by telephone at 224-543-1486, or in person at the Youth Desk in the library.

Grades 7-12. 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.

 

Early Learning

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

Tuesday, January 20, 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, January 20, 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

ELL

English Language Learners Conversation Group

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
ESL
Age Group:
Adults

Practice your English conversation skills with a librarian and other non-native English speakers.

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

Practice your English conversation skills with a librarian and other non-native English speakers.

Author and book cover

Author Spotlight: Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine with Journalist Julia Hotz

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.  

Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Interest
Event Details:

Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.  

Disclaimer(s)

Online webinar

This event takes place online using a videoconferencing platform such as Zoom. After you sign up, you'll get an email with a link to join on your computer, phone, or tablet. You may also be able to call in by phone to listen without video.

Women sleeping in bed on white sheets

Secrets to Restorative Sleep

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Discover how sleep impacts your health and daily life with wellness coach Debbie Friend. Learn about insomnia, sleep apnea, the effects of sleep disturbances, and practical tips for better rest.

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

Discover how sleep impacts your health and daily life with wellness coach Debbie Friend. Learn about insomnia, sleep apnea, the effects of sleep disturbances, and practical tips for better rest.

cover image for "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano

Novel Night Book Discussion: "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Quiet Reading Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Discuss this year's One Book One Community selection, Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.

To learn more about One Book and to see other related programs, visit 1book.org.

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

Discuss this year's One Book One Community selection, Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.

To learn more about One Book and to see other related programs, visit 1book.org.

The Python Logo: A stylized, blue and yellow snake in the shape of a plus sign

Intro to Python: Part 2

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Technology
Age Group:
Adults

This is part 2 of a 3-part Python series.

Learn, practice, and experiment with the basics of Python in this three-part, hands-on class. This class covers:

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

This is part 2 of a 3-part Python series.

Learn, practice, and experiment with the basics of Python in this three-part, hands-on class. This class covers:

Disclaimer(s)

Technology Training Resources

The library subscribes to services that offer courses in software, creative, and business skills. Click here to learn more.

Early Learning

Baby Rhyme Storytime (Drop-in)

Wednesday, January 21, 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

Art featuring a woman's face made using collage technique

Paint with Paper: A Portrait Collage Workshop (4 pm)

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Adults

REGISTRATION OPENS ON DECEMBER 7,  the One Book One Community kickoff. 

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

REGISTRATION OPENS ON DECEMBER 7,  the One Book One Community kickoff. 

dog next to child reading a book

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.

Woman's face created with collage technique

Paint with Paper: A Portrait Collage Workshop (6:30 pm)

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Adults

REGISTRATION OPENS ON DECEMBER 7,  the One Book One Community kickoff. 

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

REGISTRATION OPENS ON DECEMBER 7,  the One Book One Community kickoff. 

Preschool Storytime

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

Thursday, January 22, 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.

Disclaimer(s)

Tickets are required for Preschool Storytime

Tickets are free and are 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.

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

 

Masks are encouraged

Masks are strongly encouraged at all indoor library programs. Masks are available on your way in if you need one. We respect each person’s right to decide what is best for themselves and their family, and we ask everyone to treat their fellow attendees with kindness and respect for the choices they make.

Preschool Storytime

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

Thursday, January 22, 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.

Disclaimer(s)

Tickets are required for Preschool Storytime

Tickets are free and are 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.

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

 

Masks are encouraged

Masks are strongly encouraged at all indoor library programs. Masks are available on your way in if you need one. We respect each person’s right to decide what is best for themselves and their family, and we ask everyone to treat their fellow attendees with kindness and respect for the choices they make.

Memory Café - Buffalo Grove

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Connect monthly with other individuals with memory loss and their caregivers for activities and socialization. Events feature engaging programming that is both fun and interactive. This month's activity: Celebrating the Olympic games.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Connect monthly with other individuals with memory loss and their caregivers for activities and socialization. Events feature engaging programming that is both fun and interactive. This month's activity: Celebrating the Olympic games.

Book Cover for Misfits: A Royal Conundrum

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.

3D Printing Part 2: Design Considerations

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Technology
Age Group:
Adults

This is part 2 of a 3-part series. Sign up for each session separately.

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

This is part 2 of a 3-part series. Sign up for each session separately.

Disclaimer(s)

Technology Training Resources

The library subscribes to services that offer courses in software, creative, and business skills. Click here to learn more.

Bilingual Mandarin Storytime with the Language Labs

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood

Ages 0-6 with an adult. Enjoy stories and songs while exploring an introduction to Mandarin in this interactive storytime with The Language Labs.

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

Ages 0-6 with an adult. Enjoy stories and songs while exploring an introduction to Mandarin in this interactive storytime with The Language Labs.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

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.

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.