The Kewanee Public Library will close on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 but will reopen on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. Staff appreciates your understanding as they take this time to spend with their families.
Gear up for the library’s 150 anniversary
2025 marks the 150 year that the Kewanee Public Library has served the community. To celebrate, the library will be having special anniversary events every month throughout the year. Check back with them in 2025 to see what they have planned.
The library kicked off its celebration in November and let patrons design and submit bookmarks. The public chose the winners in December. This month, they will begin printing the winners for you to take home with you when you check out at any of our service desks.
The library will also continue the celebration with an in-house scavenger hunt. Stop in throughout January to search for historic pictures that have been hidden throughout the building. Grab a sheet at the desk to find out what pictures to look for.
Once you’ve found them all, write down where you found them and hand your form in at the Main Circulation desk to collect a prize.
Movies at the Carnegie
Staff are excited to watch some new movies and they hope you’ll join them. Stop in Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. or Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m. to watch newly-released on DVD movies.
For more information or to find out what’s showing this month, stop in the library or give them a call at 309-852-4505.
Author Talks – Jan. 9 and Jan. 23at 7 p.m.
The library has a couple of exciting virtual author talks coming up. On Jan. 9, Steve Dolinsky dishes on his book The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares and Slices in the Windy City. The guide discusses the styles, locales, and people that make the Windy City a prime destination for slices and pies.
On Jan. 23, share some Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau. Michelle is an American stand-up comedian, actress, television host, producer, and podcast host. She is also the creator, writer, and star of the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name, and will be joined by Greta Johnsen, co-host of HBO’s Official Game of Thrones podcast.
Both author talks will be available on Zoom. Simply head to the library’s website (kewaneelibrary.org) for the meeting link.
These events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.
Digital Literacy Class
Since there was still interest in the library’s digital literacy classes, the library staff are bringing them back. Once again, available topics are Essential Computer Skills; Essential Software Skills, or office productivity skills; and Technology Tools in Daily Life. If you have a more specific question, you are welcome to stop in during the class and instructors 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 today.
Chapter Chasers Book Club – fourth through sixth graders
Calling young readers! Students are invited to join the new book club, Chapter Chasers, which will meet Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the youth room. Students will listen as the library’s newest youth staff member, Chris, reads the second half of Where the Red Fern Grows and discusses the story as it progresses.
Meetings in January will be on the 7, 14 and 21. Students are welcome to bring drinks and snacks or just enjoy the snacks provided by the library. No registration is required. They hope to see you there.
Youth Programming
Baby and preschool sorytime restarts this month. Starting Jan. 7, infants through preschool age children and their adults are invited to attend Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. Stick around afterward for the stay and play sensory play time. If you can’t make it in person, catch story time live on Facebook at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays.
If you’re interested in the music and movement storytime, stop in Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. and let’s get moving.
Two drop-in crafts are planned this month. Elementary-age children are invited to stop in Jan. 8, 9 and 10 between 2 and 6 p.m. or Jan. 11from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make a falling snow bottle craft.
For preschool-aged patrons, stop in Jan. 15, 16 or 17, or Saturday, Jan. 18 between 2 and 6 p.m. for a snow hats craft. To make either of these crafts alongside library staff, stop in at 3:30 p.m. on the weekdays.
Storybook STEAM is back in January. Join staff on Jan. 20 at 3:30 p.m. The theme this month is polar bears.
Adult Book Club – Monday, Jan. 20 at 2 and 6 p.m.
The next meeting date of the Adult Book Club is Jan. 20, where the group will be discussing The First Ladies by Marie Benedict. As always, the library will hold two meetings, one at 2 p.m. and another at 6; you’re invited to attend whichever time works the best for you.
Staff asks that anyone attending the evening meeting please enter the building through the elevator entrance located on the north side of the building on First Street. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Information Services desk on the lower level. They hope to see you there.
Henry County Genealogical Society
As part of their monthly meetings, the Henry County Genealogical Society welcomes a variety of interesting presenters. The meetings are the fourth Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. The next meeting will be Jan. 27 when Steve Morrison will do a presentation on the Leeds Method of DNA Research. If you’ve already had a DNA test, be sure to bring your laptop.
Creativity at the Carnegie
Do you enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch or quilting? Come join staff 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, stop by or give them a call at 309-852-4505.
For more information on any of the above-mentioned programs or to see what services are offered at your library, you can call 309-852-4505 or visit them on the web at www.kewaneelibrary.org. You can also email the library at reference@kewaneelibrary.org with any questions.
The library staff appreciates your continued support.