Adult Take and Make Kit
2024-02-26 - 2024-02-28, 2024-03-25 - 2024-03-27, 2024-04-29 - 2024-05-01, 2024-05-27 - 2024-05-29
Take home a craft to make! Our take-and-make crafts come with all the supplies needed for a project.

Dates and Crafts:
Beginning January 29: Wooden bead keychain
Beginning February 26: Yarn stamped greeting cards
Beginning March 25: Pinecone clothespin
Beginning April 29: DIY lip balm
Beginning May 27: Clay pot mushroom

Stop by the Library to pick up a free kit. Kits are available while supplies last. Limit one kit per person, please!
Adult take-and-make crafts are part of our Adult Craft Connection series.

Senior Treats and Topics
2024-02-26 14:30 - 15:30, 2024-03-25 14:30 - 15:30, 2024-04-22 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
Designed for our retired adults, each month promises an exciting speaker with insights on various topics, accompanied by delightful treats! Join us for a thrilling blend of knowledge…and indulgence!

January 22: Understanding Medicare with Nicole Mitchell of Champaign County Healthcare consumers – RESCHEDULED for Thursday, March 21 from 2:00-3:00 pm (more info here)
February 26: Using Library e-Resources with Library Director John Howard
March 25: Improving Mood & Finding Happiness as We Age with Staci McNicholl from The Rock Counseling Group
April 22: Ways to Pay Online with Nick Schneider of First State Bank of Forrest

No registration required.

Adult Crafternoon
2024-03-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-02 13:00 - 14:00
Get crafty with your friends or make some new friends!
Join us each month as we craft together. You can bring your own project to work on or create a unique craft with instructions and supplies provided by the Library.
Dates and Crafts:

January 9: Make your own candle
February 6: Heart string art
March 5: Bookmark
April 2: Sock bunny
June 4: Diamond painting
July 2: Bullet journaling

Adult Crafternoons are part of our Adult Craft Connection Program series.
No registration required. No meeting in May.

Cookbook Club
2024-03-05 18:00 - 19:30
This program is perfect for adults who enjoy cooking and sharing food together. All experience levels are welcome! Each Cookbook Club meeting will feature a selected cookbook and attendees will bring a dish from the book to share.
Copies of the cookbook will be available one month in advance at the Library’s Circulation Desk. Registered participants will receive a link to a Google form to include the name of the dish they will be bringing. Participants may contact Alyssa with any questions.
Registration is required.

Cookbooks:
January 9: Half Baked Harvest: Every Day by Tieghan Gerard
March 5: Magnolia Table (Vol. 1) by Joanna Gaines

DIY Earring Workshop
2024-03-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-03-07 18:00 - 19:30
Discover the art of crafting beaded earrings, perfect for adorning yourself or gifting to a friend. We’ve got all the bling you need—just bring your creativity!
Registration is required. There are two workshops; please register for ONE session at 1:00 pm or 6:00 pm.

Pen to Paper: Creative Writing Workshop for Adults
2024-03-09 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-04-13 14:00 - 15:30
Get creative! This monthly writing workshop is for adults (ages 18+). Writers will have a chance to share their work and receive feedback from fellow writers.
Registration is required. Please note: Your registration includes all the sessions. Please let us know if you are unable to attend one of the sessions.

Tuesday Night Book Club
2024-03-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-05-14 18:30 - 20:00
Join us at the Library on the second Tuesday of each month as we discuss that month’s great read!
January 16: The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
February 13: Maame by Jessica George
March 12: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
April 9: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
May 14: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
June 11: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutano
July 9: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
August 13: The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
No registration required.

Wondering what books we’ve previously read for Tuesday Night Book Club? Check out our Tuesday Night Book Club Picks list!

Illinois Libraries Present: Interweaving Tradition and Imagination Through Costume Design with Ruth E. Carter
2024-03-20 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for a special event with Ruth E. Carter, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer. Carter made history as the first Black person to win an Academy Award in Best Costume Design for the film Black Panther. She received a second Academy Award in the same category for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Ruth E. Carter’s ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character made her one of the most sought after and renowned costume designers today. Best known for turning the Black Panther superhero into an African king, Carter is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category and the first costume designer to win for the first film and its sequel. Carter is known for her research and diligence to the craft of costume design, specifically for her work on films such as Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Steven Spielberg’s Amistad, and Ava DuVernay’s Selma.
In addition to Academy Award nominations and wins, Carter won accolades and recognition from the Costume Designers Guild, Black Reel Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, American Black Film Festival, San Diego Film Critics Society, among many others. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ruth E. Carter will be joined in conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of Wannabe.
Via Zoom. Please register below. Please note, this event will not be recorded for viewing at a later date. Be sure to register and attend the live presentation to enjoy the conversation!

This event is 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 (LSTA).
ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

RESCHEDULED Treats and Topics: Understanding Medicare
2024-03-21 14:00 - 15:00
The Library was closed due to snow on the day of January’s Treats and Topics session. The session has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 21 from 2:00-3:00 pm! Join Nicole Mitchell of Champaign County Healthcare Consumers as she discusses Medicare.
Designed for our retired adults, each month promises an exciting speaker with insights on various topics, accompanied by delightful treats! Join us for a thrilling blend of knowledge…and indulgence!

See all our upcoming Senior Treats and Topics sessions here.

No registration required.

CANCELED: Difficult Discussions
2024-03-21 18:30 - 20:00
The Winter Difficult Discussion series has been canceled. Please read Library Director John Howard’s full statement and reasoning here.
Is it possible to discuss “difficult” or divisive issues without resorting to yelling, name calling or simply spouting slogans? How can we solve our society’s most challenging issues without talking to each other? Mahomet Public Library Director John Howard believes that learning to discuss divisive issues is desperately needed in our communities, and is out to show that it is possible. Come listen and participate while local experts and members of the community dig into some of our most divisive issues, with the hope that all of us can improve our ability to do the same.
Dates and Topics:
January 25: Gun Violence and Gun Control CANCELED DUE TO SPEAKER CANCELLATION
February 22: Immigration in America
March 21: The Role of Police in Society
For adults. No registration required.

CANCELED: Spring Critical Conversations Book Club
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-04-25 19:00 - 20:00
THIS BOOK CLUB HAS BEEN CANCELED. STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB SESSIONS.
Join us on Zoom for Critical Conversations, a book club focused on important cultural topics in contemporary society. This spring, we’ll be reading 400 Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019, edited by Ibram Kendi and Keisha Blain.
Dates:
March 21
April 11
April 25

Adults. Registration is required. After you register, you will receive the link for the Zoom meeting.

All About Solar Eclipses
2024-04-04 11:00 - 12:00
Let’s throw some shade on solar eclipse mysteries! Brace yourselves for an out-of-this-world session with University of Illinois Astronomy graduate students, Liam Nolan and Spencer Hulsey, and get ready for the solar spectacle on April 8.
Looking for eclipse glasses? We’ll be giving away ONE PAIR per adult at this event!

For adults. No registration required.

Additional Eclipse Information
Upcoming Eclipse Events at the Library:

Crafting the Cosmos: Eclipse Crafts for Kids
Watch the Solar Eclipse at the Library

Eclipse Safety:

Guide to safely viewing the eclipse (American Astronomical Society)

Alternative Ways to View the Eclipse:

Printable Guide to building eclipse viewers from household materials

Stitching Circle
2024-04-16 13:00 - 15:00
Enjoy a crafty hobby and conversation each month! Participants are welcome to bring their own fiber arts projects (crochet, knitting, embroidery, etc…) or any crafty hobby. Beginners are welcome! A selection of basic supplies will also be available for use.
Dates:
January 23
February 20
April 16

No meeting in March or May.
Stitching Circle is a part of our Adult Craft Connection Program series. No registration required.

CANCELED: Role With It! Play Reading Group
2024-04-28 14:00 - 16:30
Join the Library’s play-reading group for theatre enthusiasts! We’ll get together every other month to do a live reading of a full-length play. Participants will be assigned roles and receive their own copy of the script at the meeting. After the reading, we’ll discuss our thoughts about the play.

February 25: Our Town by Thornton Wilder
CANCELED – April 28: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

For teens and adults. Registration for each session is required.

Firm Foundations Parenting Session: Preparing Your Child for Preschool or Kindergarten
2024-04-29 17:30 - 19:00
Join Mahomet-Seymour School teachers as they discuss preparing your child for preschool or kindergarten!
This session takes place at Middletown-Prairie, with pizza and childcare provided.

Schedule for the evening:
5:30 pm: Pizza
6:00-7:00 pm: Speaker

If you need childcare, please register. Otherwise, no registration is required. For parents of children enrolled in our Firm Foundations program.

Illinois Libraries Present: The Many Lives of Kal Penn
2024-05-07 19:00 - 20:00
Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair’s The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and the Christmas comedy The Santa Clauses for Disney+. His first book, You Can’t Be Serious, was released on November 2, 2021 from Simon and Schuster/Gallery Books. He also narrates the audiobook.
He was a national co-chair for the Obama/Biden re-election campaign in 2012 and served on the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities, focusing on arts education and cultural diplomacy, including the first-ever US Government arts delegation to Cuba. Penn taught courses at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Los Angeles. Originally from New Jersey, he received his undergraduate degree in sociology, theater, film, and television at the University of California, Los Angeles, and received a graduate certificate in international security from Stanford University. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Earlier in the year, Penn wrapped production on the Bloomberg Green climate change docuseries, Getting Warmer, and the Viacom/Paramount+ comedy, Surina & Mel. Following the departure of Trevor Noah from The Daily Show, Kal was named as an upcoming guest host.
Kal Penn will be joined in conversation with Bridget Petrites, Evanston Public Library.
Via Zoom. Please register below.

This event is 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 (LSTA).
ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

Arts and Crafts Supply Swap
2024-05-11 10:00 - 11:00
Got a surplus of gently-loved or even brand-new art and craft supplies collecting dust at home? Eager to dive into a new hobby without breaking the bank on fresh materials? Beginning May 5 at 1 pm through May 10 at 6 pm, artists and crafters can drop off supplies in good condition that they’re ready to part with. Then, on May 11 from 10:00-11:00 am, the Library will be the place to be for an Art Supply Swap – where everyone is welcome to snag some supplies for their creative adventures, completely free of charge!
Swap Schedule:
10:00-10:15 am: Anyone who donated items can enter the swap by showing the donation ticket they received when dropping off donations. (Those who donate will receive one ticket per person.)
10:15-11:00 am: All participants will be able to fill one bag.
11:00 am and beyond: If there is anything left, there will be no bag limit and anyone can take whatever they want.

No registration required. Part of our Adult Craft Connection series.

Confidential Document Shredding Event
2024-05-11 10:00 - 12:00
Looking for a way to dispose of confidential documents? Attend our shredding event in the Mahomet Library parking lot!
Details:

Limit 3 banker boxes of documents
No cost (optional $10/box donation suggested to help with Rotary projects)
Accepted materials: Paper, index cards, spiral notebooks, hanging and file folders, 3-ring binders

Sponsored by: Fisher National Bank, Mahomet Public Library, Mahomet Rotary Club
