May is a busy month at the Kewanee Public Library with much to offer residents including clubs, crafts and the start of the summer reading program.
Wednesday, May 6
Tabletop Club for Adults
Community Room, 10 a.m.-noon
Held on the First Wednesday each month, the club is a fun way to meet new people and play games. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or brand new to board games, this casual, social meetup is all about having fun and trying something new.
A variety of modern and classic board games will be available, with staff and fellow players happy to explain the rules. Bring a favorite game or just drop in and play. No registration or prior experience required.
This program is intended for adults of all ages. Come solo or bring a friend—games and good company will be waiting.
Wednesday, May 6
Community Read Book Discussion
Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Community Room, 6 p.m.
Join in the discussion at Community Read Book Discussion and share insights, perspectives and conversation around this year’s selection.
Joining the discussion will be participants from the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, via Zoom, to offer their unique voices and experiences.
All are welcome—whether you’ve finished the book or are just getting started. Connect, reflect and be part of a meaningful community conversation. Stop by the lower level of the library to pick up a free copy today.
The Kewanee Public Library District sends gratitude to the Galesburg Public Library Foundation for donating the books.
Thursday, May 7
Road Scholar Lecture Series – Age Well: Aging with a Plan-Practical Steps for a Better Future
Community Room, 11 a.m.
Join in on a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to explore practical ways to prepare for aging and caregiving. The lecture will also include planning for the future and making key decisions as we age.
Join Dr. Sharona Hoffman, author of “Aging with a Plan: How a Little Thought Today Can Vastly Improve Your Tomorrow” and professor of Law and Bioethics, to explore the essential steps that can help you prepare wisely for the road ahead.
Tuesday, May 12
Recipe Round-Up
Community Room, noon-2 p.m.
Bring a dish to pass and a copy of the recipe to share. The Round-Up meets from May-December. Each month has a different theme.
May’s theme is salads.
Tuesday, May 12
Creativity at the Carnegie
Community Room, 4 p.m.
Bring a current work-in-progress and visit with the community while you create. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Wednesday, May 13
Introduction to the MIND Diet with the University of Illinois Extension
Community Room, 2 p.m.
Kristin Bogdonas of the University of Illinois Extension will show how a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets supports cognitive health and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. Learn which foods support brain health, how to structure balanced meals and strategies for incorporating brain-healthy foods into everyday life.
This class will provide practical guidance for recipes and meal-planning tips tailored to the MIND diet principles.
Thursday, May 14
Spring Wreath Craft
Community Room, 4 p.m.
Adults are invited to create their own festive Springtime Wreath complete with bunnies and flowers. Staff will provide the materials, and residents are invited to bring their creativity.
Monday, May 18
Page Turners Book Club
Community Room, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
May’s Book will be “From Here to the Great Unknown” by Riley Keough and Lisa Marie Presley. Adults of all ages are welcome.
Monday, May 18
Road Scholar Online Lecture: Frank Kameny – Trailblazing the Gay Rights Movement
Community Room, noon
A free one-hour lecture and Q&A will be offered to learn about Frank Kameny’s fight for LGBT+ rights.
In 1958, astronomer Frank Kameny became one of the nation’s first openly gay LGBT+ rights activists, founding a grassroots advocacy group and organizing the first demonstration for gay rights in front of the White House. Residents are invited to come learn more about him.
Carolyn Crouch explores how Kameny’s fight, sparked by the Lavender Scare of the 1950s, grew into a decades-long struggle for equality.
Monday, May 25
CLOSED for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26
Summer Reading Program Kickoff Event
4-6 p.m.
Celebrate the start of the annual Summer Reading Program with a fun-filled kickoff event for all ages. Sign up for the Summer Reading Program and enjoy giveaways, hands-on activities and more. Explore all three floors of the library as you take part in a scavenger
hunt featuring Illinois native plants.
The summer reading program is a perfect opportunity for individuals and families to come together and sign up for summer reading while enjoying a fun and engaging start to the season.
Wednesday, May 27
Curious Minds: Nonfiction Book Club for Adults
Community Room, 6 p.m.
Love a good non-fiction book? The library staff has got just the book club for you. Curious Minds will meet on the last Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m.
Stop by the lower level of the library to pick up a copy of the May title, “Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, a Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier” by Susan Jonusas.
Grab ‘n Go craft for May
Straw & Hoop Gliders, available in the Children’s Room starting May 1, while supplies last.
Let creativity flow with the library’s fun and Straw and Hoop Glider. Perfect for children of all ages, this grab ‘n go kit includes everything needed to design a colorful, eye-catching glider, using straws and other materials.
Preschool Story Time
Children’s Room, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.
Songs, Stories, Rhymes and Music
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28
Story Time LIVE on Facebook
Kewanee Public Library District Facebook page, Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Special Mother’s Day Activity
Children’s Room
Friday, May 1, 2-6 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dads, bring your children in to make a surprise gift for Mom.
Snow Cone Ball Catcher
Children’s Room
Wednesday, May 6 – Friday, May 8, 2-6 p.m.
and Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kids will have a chance to create their very own cup-and-ball toy using a paper snow cone cup and simple materials. Once assembled, they can try their hand at the timeless challenge of catching the ball in the cup.
This easy and engaging craft is perfect for building coordination and creativity—plus, it’s a toy the kids can take home and enjoy again and again.
Drop in during program hours and join the fun!
Saturday, May 9
T-Rexplorers
Community Room, 11 a.m.
Roar on over to the Kewanee Public Library!
Get ready for an exciting, interactive dinosaur experience that’s perfect for kids and families. Come see authentic dinosaur fossils, hear stories from our digs and see some of the latest finds. Staff will stay up to 30 minutes after the program ends for guests to take pictures or take a second look at things that were featured in the program.
Come in 15 minutes early to meet Ranger, the T-Rex.
This event is sure to be a hit, so don’t miss your chance to explore the prehistoric world—right at your library.
Gaming Afternoon
YA Room – lower-level, every Friday from 4-5:30 p.m.
The library will have one console set up each Friday, rotating through XBox Series X, Playstation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
Junior high and high school ages welcome.
Saturday, May 16
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Community Room – 2 Floor, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ready for adventure? Join the new Dungeons & Dragons Club and dive into a world of imagination, teamwork and storytelling. Designed for kids ages 10–14, this program invites players of all experience levels—whether you’re brand new or already a seasoned hero.
Participants will create their own characters, explore exciting quests, solve puzzles and work together to overcome challenges in a fun, supportive environment. Guided by a library staff member, sessions focus on creativity, cooperation and having a great time.
All materials will be provided—just bring your imagination.
