KEWANEE WEATHER

December happenings at the library


By The Kewanee Voice    December 1, 2025

Help the library feed the community

Every day, families in our community wonder where their next meal will come from or struggle with the impossible choice of paying bills or buying groceries.

The Kewanee Public Library is asking for help in assisting the Kewanee Food Pantry to put food on tables for those families during this holiday season.

The library food drive started on Nov. 11 but will continue through Dec. 22.  Drop off non-perishable food items at the main floor circulation desk. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation to the food pantry, those will also be accepted at the desk.

3D-printed ornaments in Youth Services – Dec. 31 from 1-5 p.m.

On Dec. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m., staff will be printing 3D ornaments in the Youth Room. Children can see an ornament being printed and take one home with them that day. 

Because the library staff wants to make sure that everyone gets their own ornament to take home, they are asking that you stop by the Youth Services desk to set-up an appointment to attend.

Kewanee in Pictures: Before 1900 with Mike DeWalt – Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  They can provide a snapshot of times gone by and they can take you on a trip into Kewanee’s past.  Join staff at 6 p.m. when Mike DeWalt will be here to delve into Kewanee’s history using pictures taken before 1900.

Road scholar watch party – Zoroastrianism – Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

Some believe Zoroastrianism is dying out, while others argue it has influenced the world significantly. Join religion scholar Brian Carwana Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. as he explores this ancient Persian religion that, though numerically small today, birthed ideas that have profoundly impacted the Abrahamic traditions. Attendees will learn about its founder; a religious innovator whose ideas altered human history and continue to shape our world today.

Santa is coming to KPLD – Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.

Christmas is coming fast; don’t miss your chance to see Santa before he gets too busy. Join library staff from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. when Santa will be stopping in for a visit. While he’s here, children will have a chance to get a picture with him and share all their Christmas wishes.

Cinema at the Carnegie – Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.

Join staff at the library for a special December movie night featuring the beloved Christmas classic “Elf.” Follow Buddy the elf as he searches for his biological father and tries to get him off Santa’s naughty list.  Staff has got the snacks covered; all you need to bring is your friends, family and a little holiday cheer.

Young Adult Programming

On Dec. 12 from 3-5 p.m. anyone between 13 and 18 can stop by the Young Adult room on the library’s lower level. Staff will be offering different games on the gaming television. Snacks will be provided.

Calling all creative minds!  Are you interested in creating arts and crafts while hanging out with friends and meeting new people? Then join staff on Dec. 17 from 3-5 p.m. for our Young Adult Craft Club.  

Youth Programming

Baby to PreK story time is going strong, stop by Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.  The library’s Facebook story time goes live before our Tuesday story time at 10:15 a/m. If you can’t catch them live, don’t worry; you can watch the video whenever it fits into your schedule. Please note that due to the holidays, the library won’t have a story time on Dec. 26 or 30, or Jan. 1.

The library is offering two drop-in crafts planned this month. Elementary-age children are invited to stop in Dec. 10 through 12 between 2 and 6 p.m. or Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to do a clay snowman craft. 

This month, staff will have holiday themed grab ‘n go kits for you to pick up. Stop in for a kit to make your own party pom popper and New Year’s horn. While you’re in, don’t forget to check out our I-Spy display.  

Adult Book Club – Dec. 15 at 2 and 6 p.m.

This month, rather than picking a single title to discuss, the club will be having a Christmas book potluck. Each attendee will have their own Christmas-themed book to share their thoughts on. There will be meetings at 2 and 6 p.m. Staff asks anyone attending the evening meeting to enter the building through the First Street entrance. Copies of Christmas-themed books are available for checkout at the Information Services desk on the lower level.

In January, the club will be reading The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh.  Stop by any time after the December meeting to check out a copy. 

Recipe Round-Up – Dec. 9 at noon

If you’ve never been a part of Recipe Round-Up, it’s simple to join. All you need is to find a recipe matching the theme of the month. Cook it and bring it, along with copies of your recipe, in to share when the club meets. 

The theme for this month is the annual cookie exchange. Bake up some of your favorite holiday cookies and stop by at noon with your recipes and samples.

Digital Literacy Class 

Since there was still interest in the library’s digital literacy classes, they’re bringing them back. Once again, available topics are essential computer skills, essential software skills and technology tools in daily life. If you have a more specific question, you are welcome to stop in during the class, and staff will work with you to figure it out.  Classes are now by appointment, which can be made at the information services desk, 309-852-4505 and ask for the Information Services desk.

Creativity at the Carnegie

Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross stitch or quilting? Come and join others at the Kewanee Public Library in the Community Room on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. This is an adult group sponsored by the Friends of the Kewanee Public Library for those who would like to enjoy the comradery of others while creating their own fiber projects.  

For more information on any of these programs or to see what services are offered at your library, you can call 309-852-4505 or visit us at www.kewaneelibrary.org. You can also email the library at reference@kewaneelibrary.org with any questions. The KPLD appreciates your continued support.