Clubs, crafts, a book sale and lectures are all on the list of activities happening this month at the Kewanee Public Library. Here’s a schedule of the events:
Adult Services
Wednesday, June 3
Tabletop Club for Adults
Community Room, 10 a.m.-noon
The Board Game Club for adults is held on the first Wednesday of the month and offers a fun, low-pressure way to meet new people and play great 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 are available, and staff and fellow players can explain the rules. Players may also bring a favorite game. No registration or prior experience required.
This program is intended for adults of all ages.
Thursday, June 4 – Saturday June 6
Friends of the Kewanee Library Book Sale
Community Room
Donations support library programs.
Tuesday, June 9
Recipe Round-Up
Community Room, noon-2 p.m.
Bring a dish to pass and a copy of the recipe to share. Each month has a different theme. The Round-Up meets from May-December.
June’s theme is recipes with 3-5 Ingredients.
Tuesday, June 9
Creativity at the Carnegie
Community Room
4-6p.m.
Bring your current work-in-progress and visit with us while we create. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Thursday, June 11
Local author event with Becca Kinzer
Community Room
2 p.m.
We welcome back local author Becca Kinzer as she celebrates the release of her new book, Not What We Pictured. Those who attend may purchase a copy and have it autographed. Visitors can enjoy specialty coffees and snacks courtesy of Country Morning Coffee. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to support a local author and discover a great new read.
Sunday, June 14
Colonial Life and the Everyday Soldier
Community Room, 2-4p.m.
This program will celebrate America’s 250 years of independence with an engaging look at daily life during the Revolutionary War era at “Colonial Life and the Everyday Soldier,” sponsored and arranged by the Friends of the Kewanee Public Library.
Visitors will explore the realities of 18th-Century colonial living through hands-on demonstrations and historical displays. The program will showcase weapons and military equipment used during the Revolutionary War period, offering insight into the life of the ordinary soldier. Janey will demonstrate traditional weaving and textile techniques, highlighting the important role of cloth-making and household crafts in colonial America.
This educational and interactive program offers a fascinating glimpse into the people, skills, and struggles that shaped the nation’s founding era.
Monday, June 15
Page Turners Book Club
Community Room
2 and 6 p.m.
This club meets on the third Monday of each month. Adults of all ages are welcome.
May’s Book will be West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Tuesday, June 16
Help for Job Seekers
Community Room, 2 p.m.
This is a job search workshop with IDES and American Job Center.
This month’s workshop will focus on resume development and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) tips.
Thursday, June 18
Age Well: Aging without Children – A Different Path to Fulfillment
Community Room, 1 p.m.
This free one-hour lecture and Q&A session will cover planning for the future when aging without children.
Nearly one in five Baby Boomers don’t have children by choice or by chance. In this Age Well lecture, Luanne Mullin, retirement counselor and adult development expert, will lead a thoughtful conversation about what aging can look like without children. Explore the questions, challenges and possibilities that come with forging your own path — from building community and planning for the future to defining your legacy and discovering what comes next.
Thursday, June 18
Rainbow puzzle race
Community Room, 5-7 p.m.
Put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test for our second annual Puzzle Race.Ravensburger has once again donated some puzzles to the library, so gather a partner or form a team and compete against others to be the first to complete a surprise jigsaw puzzle.
Each team will have up to two hours to finish — speed and strategy are key.
Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers.
Registration is required, and space is limited to 10 teams.
Wednesday, June 24
Curious Minds: Nonfiction Book Club for Adults
Community Room, 6 p.m.
Do you love a good non-fiction book? We’ve got just the book club for you, Curious Minds, where we’ll be reading all non-fiction all the time.
We 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 our June title, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
Wednesday, June 24
Road Scholar online lecture: In Search of Amelia Earhart — The Expedition to Nikumaroro
Community Room, 3 p.m.
This free one-hour lecture and Q&A covers the Taraia Object and the expedition to find Amelia Earhart’s plane.
In 1937, pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart vanished while attempting to fly around the world with navigator Fred Noonan, sparking one of aviation’s greatest and most enduring mysteries. Nearly a century later, archaeologist Dr. Richard Pettigrew is preparing to lead a groundbreaking expedition to Nikumaroro, a remote island in the Pacific. The team’s focus: the “Taraia Object,” a recently identified anomaly that could be a remnant of Earhart’s Lockheed Electra.
Thursday, June 25
A Very Orwellian Afternoon
Community Room, 2 p.m.
Read, Watch, Resist
Celebrate the life and legacy of George Orwell with an evening of thought-provoking stories and cinematic rebellion. Copies of his classic novels 1984 and Animal Farm will be given away (while supplies last), perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike.
The night will also feature a screening of V for Vendetta, a film inspired by themes of surveillance, control, and resistance that echo Orwell’s work.
Join us for a celebration of literature, ideas, and the enduring relevance of Orwell’s vision.
No registration required.
V for Vendetta is Rated R and runtime is 2H 10M.
Sunday, June 28
Cinema at the Carnegie: Hamilton
Community Room, 2 p.m.
This event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and will feature a screening of the acclaimed filmed Broadway production of Hamilton: An American Musical. This groundbreaking musical brings the story of America’s founding to life through unforgettable music and storytelling.
An intermission with refreshments will be provided.
Hamilton is rated PG-13, Runtime is 160 minutes
Youth services
Preschool Story Time
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 a.m., Children’s Room
Songs, Stories, Rhymes, and Music
June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
Grab ‘n Go Crafts during the Summer Reading Program
June 1-13
Grass Heads
June 15-27
Create Your Own Binoculars
June 29-July 11
UV Beads and Thermal Bookmarks
Wednesday, June 3 – Friday, June 5, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Littles Sprout House
Children’s Room
Monday, June 8
Magician Zack Percell
10:30 a.m., Community Room
Zack Percell, the most in-demand magician in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, is a full-time professional entertainer who uses visual magic, comedy, mentalism, escape artistry and sleight-of-hand to create memories that will make your day unforgettable.
Wednesday, June 10 – Friday, June 12, 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Elementary Craft – Garden Snakes
Children’s Room
Wednesday, June 17 – Friday, June 19, 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Littles Air Dry Clay Seed Mosaic
Children’s Room
Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m.
Spoon Man performance and splash pad party
West Park/Liberty Park
Join us for the delightful sounds of The Spoon Man at 11 a.m., followed by a splash pad party.
Wednesday, June 24
2-6 p.m. and Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Foil Embossed Bugs
Young adult services
Gaming Afternoon
Every Friday from 4-5:30 p.m., YA Room, lower level
One console will be set up each Friday, rotating through Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2
Junior High and High School ages welcome.
Dungeons and Dragons Club
Saturday, June 13
Community Room
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join our new Dungeons and 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.
Participants will create their own characters, explore 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.
Grab ‘n Go Crafts are available for young adults during the Summer Reading program
Terrarium – Starting June 1
Tissue Paper Flowers – starting June 22
June 8 and 10
Escape Room
3-5 p.m., lower level
Can your team escape the farm before time runs out? Young adults are invited to the library for a fast-paced Farmyard Escape Room adventure.
Search for clues, solve puzzles, crack codes, and work separately or together to uncover the mystery hidden around the barn. From runaway animals to missing supplies, every challenge will test your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Gather your friends and see if you can beat the clock in this fun and interactive escape room experience.
Registration is not required. You can escape alone, or with a team of up to five players.
June 15 and 17
Anime Coasters Craft
3-5 p.m., lower level
Young adults are invited to design their own unique coaster using the art of decoupage. Participants will layer decorative paper, images, and patterns onto a coaster to create a personalized piece perfect for home décor or gifting. No experience is necessary; all supplies will be provided.
June 27
Mario Kart tournament
10:30 a.m.
Community Room
Compete against friends and fellow gamers in fast-paced races, show off your skills on the track, and battle for bragging rights and prizes.
Whether you’re a seasoned Mario Kart champion or just playing for fun, this tournament is a great way to hang out, game and enjoy some friendly competition at the library.