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Author Spotlight: Brad Taylor, NYT Bestselling Author

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Online
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Details coming soon

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

Details coming soon

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.

Citizenship Preparation Classes: Week 12 of 12 (Online)

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Online
Program Type:
Civics
Age Group:
Adults

If you'd like to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, attend this 12-week series to prepare for the citizenship test in a small, online group. Content includes American history, civics, speaking, and reading and writing in English.

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

If you'd like to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, attend this 12-week series to prepare for the citizenship test in a small, online group. Content includes American history, civics, speaking, and reading and writing in English.

Great Decisions book cover 2026

Great Decisions Discussion Group

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Civics, Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

In-person only

Discuss chapter 3 of the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions briefing book. Facilitated by Gary Midkiff. 

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

In-person only

Discuss chapter 3 of the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions briefing book. Facilitated by Gary Midkiff. 

Preschool Storytime

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

Thursday, April 16, 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, April 16, 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.

TTBOT

Thirsty Thursdays: Books on Tap

Thursday, April 16, 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.

Early Learning

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

Monday, April 20, 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, April 20, 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

Library Board Meeting

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Board Meetings
Age Group:
Adults

Regular meeting of the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT).

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Board Meetings
Event Details:

Regular meeting of the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT).

Early Learning

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

Tuesday, April 21, 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, April 21, 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

An assortment of Lego bricks. Attribution: Benjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia Commons

Lego Master Builders (4:30 pm)

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
STEM
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5. Love building with Legos? Work through a challenge, then let your imagination run wild during free building time.  

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

Grades K-5. Love building with Legos? Work through a challenge, then let your imagination run wild during free building time.  

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.

An assortment of Lego bricks. Attribution: Benjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia Commons

Lego Master Builders (7 pm)

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
STEM
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5. Love building with Legos? Work through a challenge, then let your imagination run wild during free building time.  

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

Grades K-5. Love building with Legos? Work through a challenge, then let your imagination run wild during free building time.  

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.

Early Learning

Baby Rhyme Storytime (Drop-in)

Wednesday, April 22, 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

Book covers

Author Spotlight: Miranda Cowley Heller, The Paper Palace

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Details coming soon

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

Details coming soon

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.

Early Learning

Mini Math Magicians

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Mini Math Magicians:

3-5 years. Explore math concepts through books, games, and activities with preschool pro Miss Emily. This program is free and open to all. Signup is required. Sign up online her...

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

Mini Math Magicians

3-5 years. Explore math concepts through books, games, and activities with preschool pro Miss Emily.

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

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Memory Café - Buffalo Grove

Thursday, April 23, 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.

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.

Early Learning

Starry Night Storytime (Drop-in)

Thursday, April 23, 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

Library opens at 1 pm

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 9:00am - 1:00pm
Vernon Area Public Library

The library will open late at 1 p.m. today following a morning of staff training.

Closing
Branches:
Vernon Area Public Library
Description:

The library will open late at 1 p.m. today following a morning of staff training.

Rebecca Caudill Award Book Discussion

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Teens

Grades 6-8. Discuss one of the 2027 award contenders. Pick up a copy of the book (yours to keep) at the Youth Desk after registering.

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

Grades 6-8. Discuss one of the 2027 award contenders. Pick up a copy of the book (yours to keep) at the Youth Desk after registering.

Off The Hook

Off the Hook: Knit & Crochet Group (Online)

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Adults
Off the Hook:

If you crochet, knit, or do any kind of handcrafting, join this casual online meetup to work on your project in the comfort of your home while in the good company of other crafters...

This event will also take place on the following date.  Please click the link to register.

May 26

Registration Required
Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Art / Craft
Registration Required
Event Details:

Off the Hook

If you crochet, knit, or do any kind of handcrafting, join this casual online meetup to work on your project in the comfort of your home while in the good company of other crafters. All skill levels are welcome. Grab your favorite beverage and join in!

Register below. Email address required; you will receive an invitation with instructions on how to log in to the event.

This event will also take place on the following date.  Please click the link to register.

May 26

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

Sunshine Squad: Try, Try Again

Wednesday, April 29, 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...

When things get tough, don't give up! Try, try again! Through encouragement with everyday "big kid" tasks, persistence and confidence can start at a young age.

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.

When things get tough, don't give up! Try, try again! Through encouragement with everyday "big kid" tasks, persistence and confidence can start at a young age.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Constructive Geometry

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
STEM
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5. This hands-on STEM program will focus on geometry, geometric shapes, and the creation of two and three-dimensional figures utilizing a multi-sensory approach with a variety of materials, including glow sticks.

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

Grades 3-5. This hands-on STEM program will focus on geometry, geometric shapes, and the creation of two and three-dimensional figures utilizing a multi-sensory approach with a variety of materials, including glow sticks.

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.

Early Learning

Little Play Box: May Pickup Begins

All Day
Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft, Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood
Little Play Box:

Current subscribers: visit the drive-up window beginning on this day to pick your activity box for this month.The Little Play Box is designed especially for the developmental needs...

Your May box includes supplies for a craft called  "Ribbon Textures Ring."

Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Age Group: Early Childhood
Program Type: Art / Craft, Storytime / Early Learning
Event Details:

Little Play Box

Current subscribers: visit the drive-up window beginning on this day to pick your activity box for this month.

The Little Play Box is designed especially for the developmental needs of children ages 0-2.

Each month, subscribers to the Little Play Box will receive a box containing supplies and instructions for a crafty play experience. The activity materials are yours to keep forever.

Here’s the best part: It’s all free! All you need is a Vernon Area Public Library card.

New subscribers...

... then watch for an email letting you know when your subscription request is confirmed!

Your May box includes supplies for a craft called  "Ribbon Textures Ring."