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Ticket to Ride board game

Games for Grown-ups

Sunday, November 16, 2025 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.

Himawari House

Off the Page: A Teen Book Club

Monday, November 17, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Teens
Off the Page Teen Book Club:

Grades 8-12. Love to read? Meet at Culver's and add your voice to the banter while enjoying frozen custard - the library's treat!   This discussion group is free and o...

This month's discussion is Himawari House by Harmony Becker.

A print copy of this month's book (yours to keep) is reserved for you when you register. Pick up at the Youth Desk.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Discussion
Registration Required
Event Details:

Off the Page Teen Book Club

Grades 8-12. Love to read? Meet at Culver's and add your voice to the banter while enjoying frozen custard - the library's treat!  

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

This month's discussion is Himawari House by Harmony Becker.

A print copy of this month's book (yours to keep) is reserved for you when you register. Pick up at the Youth Desk.

Library Board Meeting

Monday, November 17, 2025 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Board Meetings
Age Group:
Adults

The full agenda for this meeting is available here:

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

The full agenda for this meeting is available here:

Sunset foods logo and Foundation for the Vernon Area Public Library logo

Library Fundraiser with Sunset Foods

All Day 11/18 - 11/19
Off Site
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Support the library while doing your Thanksgiving shopping at any Sunset Foods location on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

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

Support the library while doing your Thanksgiving shopping at any Sunset Foods location on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

ELL

English Language Learners Conversation Group

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 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: Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Supercommunicator Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author of 

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

Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Supercommunicator Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author of 

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.

Book cover: To Nudge the World: Conversations, Community and the Role of the Newspaper

News Media, Truth, and Trust

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Civics, General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Daily Herald opinion editor and columnist Jim Slusher examines the scope of today's news media landscape and offer tips for finding reliable sources and identifying those with their own special agenda.

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

Daily Herald opinion editor and columnist Jim Slusher examines the scope of today's news media landscape and offer tips for finding reliable sources and identifying those with their own special agenda.

Teal bookcover with title written in white, silhouette of a "Little Free Library" structure behind the title words.

Novel Night Book Discussion: "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books" by Kirsten Miller

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Quiet Reading Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Discuss Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller 

 

This event is free and open to all. Signup is required. Sign up online here, by telephone at 224-543-1485, or in person at the library.

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

Discuss Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller 

 

This event is free and open to all. Signup is required. Sign up online here, by telephone at 224-543-1485, or in person at the library.

Icon of a Microsoft Excel file with the classic X logo on a green background

Microsoft Excel: Pivot Tables

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Technology
Age Group:
Adults

An introduction to the pivot table, a tool that allows users to quickly filter, reorganize, and modify the structure of a data set. 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:

An introduction to the pivot table, a tool that allows users to quickly filter, reorganize, and modify the structure of a data set. 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.

Cover of Great Decisions book with a globe

Great Decisions Discussion Group

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Civics
Age Group:
Adults

In-person only

Discuss the most critical global issues facing American today. This month, discuss Chapter 8 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
Registration Required
Event Details:

In-person only

Discuss the most critical global issues facing American today. This month, discuss Chapter 8 of the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions briefing book, facilitated by Gary Midkiff. 

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, November 19, 2025 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, November 20, 2025 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, November 20, 2025 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, November 20, 2025 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.

Open Makerspace

Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft, Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Stop by to work on personalized crafts. We won't be teaching any new skills, but supplies will be available for sublimation printing and other projects.

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

Stop by to work on personalized crafts. We won't be teaching any new skills, but supplies will be available for sublimation printing and other projects.

Film poster for Affliction. Nick Nolte's face looming over a snowy woodwith blood

Reel Talk Movie Discussion: Affliction (R) [Online]

Friday, November 21, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Online
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Set in a snowy New Hampshire town, this gripping psychological drama follows Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte), a small-town sheriff haunted by his abusive upbringing and a troubled relationship with his domineering father, Glen (James Coburn).

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

Set in a snowy New Hampshire town, this gripping psychological drama follows Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte), a small-town sheriff haunted by his abusive upbringing and a troubled relationship with his domineering father, Glen (James Coburn).

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.

Bilingual Storytime with the Language Labs

Saturday, November 22, 2025 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, songs, and explore an introduction to Spanish 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, songs, and explore an introduction to Spanish in this interactive storytime with The Language Labs.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Family Travel Trivia

Monday, November 24, 2025 at 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5 with an adult. Take a trip around the world as you match your family’s knowledge of places both far and near during this multigenerational trivia competition.

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

Grades K-5 with an adult. Take a trip around the world as you match your family’s knowledge of places both far and near during this multigenerational trivia competition.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Two women with brown hair and long sleeve shirts holding a wolf puppet and plant

Firefly Family Theatre presents The Harvest Moon

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary

Ages 2-7 with an adult. Celebrate fall with Spark the Firefly and her friends! Pumpkins, apples, falling leaves and more.

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

Ages 2-7 with an adult. Celebrate fall with Spark the Firefly and her friends! Pumpkins, apples, falling leaves and more.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

Chess

Chess Challenge Meetup (Grades 2-4)

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:45pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 2-4. Challenge a friend to a game of chess! Test your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and meet new friends!

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

Grades 2-4. Challenge a friend to a game of chess! Test your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and meet new friends!

Chess

Chess Challenge Meetup (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Teens

Grades 5-8. Challenge a friend to a game of chess! Test your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and meet new friends!

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

Grades 5-8. Challenge a friend to a game of chess! Test your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and meet new friends!

Library closing at 5 pm

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Vernon Area Public Library

The library will close early today at 5 pm and remain closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

Closing
Branches:
Vernon Area Public Library
Description:

The library will close early today at 5 pm and remain closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

Library Closed

All Day
Vernon Area Public Library

The library is closed today for the holiday.

Closing
Branches:
Vernon Area Public Library
Description:

The library is closed today for the holiday.

Early Learning

Little Play Box: December 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 December box includes supplies for a craft called  "Painting without a paintbrush."

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 December box includes supplies for a craft called  "Painting without a paintbrush."