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Early Learning

MOVED INDOORS! Sun & Fun Storytime

Monday, June 23, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime / Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Childhood

Due to excessive heat, this program has been moved indoors.

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

Due to excessive heat, this program has been moved indoors.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

STEM Sampler

Monday, June 23, 2025 at 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
STEM
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-2 with an adult. Sample various scientific disciplines as you work your way through different fun STEM stations together.

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

Grades K-2 with an adult. Sample various scientific disciplines as you work your way through different fun STEM stations together.

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.

Rain garden

Rain Gardens 101

Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Adults

Rain gardens are an easy way to manage water and add a lively garden feature. Walk through the basics of engineering, the different types of rain gardens, and explore an extensive plant list with horticulturist Heather Prince. 

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

Rain gardens are an easy way to manage water and add a lively garden feature. Walk through the basics of engineering, the different types of rain gardens, and explore an extensive plant list with horticulturist Heather Prince. 

ELL

English Language Learners Conversation Group

Tuesday, June 24, 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.

Register Now
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.

Chess

Chess Challenge Meetup (Grades 2-4)

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Library Learning Garden 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!

Register Now
Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Library Learning Garden
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!

Disclaimer(s)

This outdoor event takes place on the Annex Lawn

The Library Annex and Library Learning Garden are located 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

Chess

Chess Challenge Meetup (Grades 5-8)

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Library Learning Garden 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! 

Register Now
Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Library Learning Garden
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! 

Disclaimer(s)

This outdoor event takes place on the Annex Lawn

The Library Annex and Library Learning Garden are located 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

Open Makerspace

Tuesday, June 24, 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.

Register Now
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.

Off The Hook

Off the Hook: Knit & Crochet Group (Online)

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 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 dates  Please click the links to register.

July 22

Register Now
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 dates  Please click the links to register.

July 22

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: Worries Are Not Forever

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 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 anxious thoughts arise, it's time to make a plan! When we recognize, talk about, and plan for uncertainty, we can feel empowered to overcome. 

Register Now
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 anxious thoughts arise, it's time to make a plan! When we recognize, talk about, and plan for uncertainty, we can feel empowered to overcome. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

LJ Slavin with guitar

Outdoor Concert: Sing Down Memory Lane with LJ Slavin

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Library Learning Garden at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Adults

Musician and multi-instrumentalist LJ Slavin performs favorite tunes on the mandolin, harmonica and autoharp, as well as other fascinating instruments. 

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

Musician and multi-instrumentalist LJ Slavin performs favorite tunes on the mandolin, harmonica and autoharp, as well as other fascinating instruments. 

Disclaimer(s)

This outdoor event takes place on the Annex Lawn

The Library Annex and Library Learning Garden are located 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

Purple & orange watercolor print of a bulldog with a blue and yellow background

Art Workshop: 3-Color Pet Print (4:30 pm)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5. Bring in a photocopy picture of a pet, or use one of ours to make a unique portrait using print techniques with various colors.

Register for either the 4:30 pm or the 6:30 pm session.

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

Grades 3-5. Bring in a photocopy picture of a pet, or use one of ours to make a unique portrait using print techniques with various colors.

Register for either the 4:30 pm or the 6:30 pm session.

Purple & orange watercolor print of a bulldog with a blue and yellow background

Art Workshop: 3-Color Pet Print (6:30 pm)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades 3-5. Bring in a photocopy picture of a pet, or use one of ours to make a unique portrait using print techniques with various colors.

Register for either the 4:30 pm or the 6:30 pm session.

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

Grades 3-5. Bring in a photocopy picture of a pet, or use one of ours to make a unique portrait using print techniques with various colors.

Register for either the 4:30 pm or the 6:30 pm session.

One older man with a mustache and a younger man stand in the foreground, looking at each other and smiling. In the background, a smiling woman in a blue shirt stares at the man with the mustache.

World Language Movie Discussion: The Blue Caftan (Online)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adults

Halim and Mina run a traditional caftan store in one of Morocco’s oldest medinas. In order to keep up with the commands of the demanding customers, they hire Youssef.

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

Halim and Mina run a traditional caftan store in one of Morocco’s oldest medinas. In order to keep up with the commands of the demanding customers, they hire Youssef.

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.

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.

Early Learning

Mini Math Magicians

Thursday, June 26, 2025 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...

Register Now
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, June 26, 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. 

Register Now
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. 

Early Learning

Starry Night Storytime (Drop-in)

Thursday, June 26, 2025 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.

View Details
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

The Canva Icon: a white script that says "Canva" over a blue background that fades to green in the top-left corner

Creating with Canva

Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft, Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Learn how to use Canva to create a design that can be printed on a mug using our sublimation printer (available in the Open Makerspace classes). This class covers:

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

Learn how to use Canva to create a design that can be printed on a mug using our sublimation printer (available in the Open Makerspace classes). This class covers:

Disclaimer(s)

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.

Technology Training Resources

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

Woman with long dark hair in a pink jumpsuit sitting cross legged on the ground holding a guitar.

Family Concert: Miss Katie Sings

Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Library Learning Garden at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Early Childhood, Elementary

All ages. Bring the family for an outdoor concert with Chicago-area favorite Miss Katie Sings. 

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

All ages. Bring the family for an outdoor concert with Chicago-area favorite Miss Katie Sings. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

This outdoor event takes place on the Annex Lawn

The Library Annex and Library Learning Garden are located 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

Ticket to Ride board game

Games for Grown-ups

Sunday, June 29, 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.

Register Now
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.

Perler bead creations

Game On: Perler Bead Creations

Monday, June 30, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Teens

Grades 6-12. Craft your favorite gaming characters using colorful beads, and bring your gaming world to life.

View Details
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. Craft your favorite gaming characters using colorful beads, and bring your gaming world to life.

Blue paper overlaid with a frame of sand and ocean creatures

Little Play Box: July 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 July box includes supplies for a craft called  "Beach Greeting Card."

View Details
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 July box includes supplies for a craft called  "Beach Greeting Card."

A blonde woman in a black shirt holding a snake

Frog Lady & Friends in the Garden

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Library Learning Garden at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
General Interest
Age Group:
Elementary

Grades K-5 with an adult. A library favorite! The Frog Lady brings her frogs and friends to the library. Learn more about her favorite amphibians and reptiles and see them up close.

Register Now
Registration Required
Library Branch: Vernon Area Public Library
Room: Library Learning Garden
Age Group: Elementary
Program Type: General Interest
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades K-5 with an adult. A library favorite! The Frog Lady brings her frogs and friends to the library. Learn more about her favorite amphibians and reptiles and see them up close.

Disclaimer(s)

Adult must attend

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

This outdoor event takes place on the Annex Lawn

The Library Annex and Library Learning Garden are located 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

Spinning Yarns: Knit & Crochet Group

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Youth Program Room at Vernon Area Public Library
Program Type:
Art / Craft
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with fellow yarn lovers in a friendly and creative space at the Library. Bring your own supplies to work on your project. No experience required. All levels welcome.

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

Connect with fellow yarn lovers in a friendly and creative space at the Library. Bring your own supplies to work on your project. No experience required. All levels welcome.

Preschool Storytime

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

Thursday, July 3, 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...

View Details
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.