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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!

Book cover of The Alignment Problem

AI Book Discussion: "The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values" by Brian Christian

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Read and discuss Brian Christian's exploration of key questions surrounding the development of AI and machine learning. How do we ensure that these technologies align with human values?

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

Read and discuss Brian Christian's exploration of key questions surrounding the development of AI and machine learning. How do we ensure that these technologies align with human values?

Lock Decoders (Grades 6-8)

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Teens

Grades 6-8. 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: Teens
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 6-8. 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!

Preschool Storytime

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

Thursday, January 15, 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 15, 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.

Early Learning

Starry Night Storytime (Drop-in)

Thursday, January 15, 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

TTBOT

Thirsty Thursdays: Books on Tap

Thursday, January 15, 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.

3D Printing Part 1: Basics

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Technology
Age Group:
Adults

This is part 1 of a 3-part series. Sign up for each session separately.

Learn how to use the free design software TinkerCAD to create your own 3D Prints. 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 1 of a 3-part series. Sign up for each session separately.

Learn how to use the free design software TinkerCAD to create your own 3D Prints. 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

Sunshine Squad: Tomorrow's Leaders

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Sunshine Squad:

0-6 years with an adult. Help build a better, more compassionate world, starting with your own family! Stories and activities with Miss Kelsey focus on social-emotional development...

Raising tomorrow's leaders starts with kindness, perseverance, and the ability to inspire others. Through books, songs, and a hands-on activity we will nurture these traits.

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

Sunshine Squad

0-6 years with an adult. Help build a better, more compassionate world, starting with your own family! Stories and activities with Miss Kelsey focus on social-emotional development and cultural appreciation.

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

Raising tomorrow's leaders starts with kindness, perseverance, and the ability to inspire others. Through books, songs, and a hands-on activity we will nurture these traits.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Seed Packing Social

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

The Seed Library will return in March 2026. Help us prep with a hands-on seed-packing party to get ready for a season of growing, sharing, and sustainability. Drop in as you can or come for the whole two hours.

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

The Seed Library will return in March 2026. Help us prep with a hands-on seed-packing party to get ready for a season of growing, sharing, and sustainability. Drop in as you can or come for the whole two hours.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Ticket to Ride board game

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.