Beanstack – No Longer Just for Summer
The library is announcing its 2026 Community Reading Goal, powered by Beanstack. All year long there will be reading challenges for all ages to help the community read more, discover new favorites, and stay connected with the library beyond the summer months.
Features of the program include:
Track your reading with Beanstack
Join seasonal and themed challenges throughout the year
Earn badges, celebrate milestones and be part of a shared community goal
Engage with library programs, events and recommendations
Whether you read one book a month or one book a week, every page counts toward our community goal.
The first challenge of the year, “For the Love of Reading,” will be in February.
The Page-Turners Book Club – Jan. 19, 2 and 6 p.m.
The library’s adult book club has been rebranded. While there is a new name, everything else remains the same. The club meets on the third Monday of each month, at both 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., to discuss one of the yearly picks.
The next meeting is on Jan. 19 to discuss The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh. To join, stop by the Information Services desk on the lower level to get a copy of the book. Next month the group will read Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch. It will be available to pick up starting on Jan. 20.
If fiction isn’t really your cup of tea, get ready for the library’s new book club, Curious Minds. Starting in March, this club will meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. and will read non-fiction. Stop by any time after March 4.
Tissue Paper Tie-Dye Tote Bag – Jan. 15
Add a splash of color to your day at this hands-on crafting event. Participants will learn how to create vibrant, watercolor-style designs using tissue paper “tie-dye” techniques. Everyone will decorate and take home their own reusable tote bag — perfect for books, groceries, or gifts. All supplies are provided, and no artistic experience is necessary.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Open House – Jan. 19
The library will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Youth Department staff is hosting an open-house style birthday celebration for Dr. King in the second-floor Youth Department between 10 a.m. and noon for activities celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. No registration required. Caregivers are asked to remember that all children 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Georgia O’Keeffe – Visions of an American Pioneer – Watch Party – Jan. 26 at 1 p.m.
A free one-hour lecture and Q&A will discuss the iconic paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe. Where many saw only bones in the deserts of the American Southwest or everyday flowers, Georgia O’Keeffe saw the transcendent passage of time. Join art historian Matthew Palczynski to examine her iconic career paintings of landscapes, flowers and desert forms, and explore why her beloved works remain so powerful today.
Youth Programming
Baby to pre-K story time continues this month. Stop by on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 am. Facebook story time goes live at 10:15 a.m. If you can’t catch us live, don’t worry; you can watch the video whenever it fits into your schedule.
Chapter Chasers is back. Starting Jan. 13, students in grades 4 through 6 are invited Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5 p.m. The group will read The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket a chapter or two at a time and discuss the story as it progresses. Students may bring drinks and snacks or just enjoy the snacks provided by the library. No registration is required.
Two drop-in crafts are planned this month. Elementary-age children may stop in Jan. 7, 8 and 9 between 2 and 6 p.m. or Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to do a glittery stained-glass snowflakes. Younger children may stop in on Jan. 21, 22 and 23 between 2 and 6 p.m. or Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a magic snowflake painting craft.
Grab ‘n go kits are also available. This month, the library has Paint by Stickers kits.
Digital literacy class
Available topics are Essential Computer Skills, Essential Software Skills and Technology Tools in Daily Life. Those with a more specific question may stop in during the class and staff will work with you to figure it out. Classes are now by appointment, so call 309-852-4505 and ask for the Information Services desk to schedule yours.
Creativity @ the Carnegie
Focusing on knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross stitch and quilting, this session meets at the library’s Community Room on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-6 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 the library, call 309-852-4505 or visit www.kewaneelibrary.org. You can also email the library at reference@kewaneelibrary.org with any questions. The library appreciates your continued support.
