Mahomet Public Library

Preschool Storytime
2025-04-23 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-16 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-09 10:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us on Wednesday mornings for storytime for preschoolers and caregivers. There will be songs, movement, and books!
Ages 3-5. No registration required.
Please note: There will NOT be Preschool Storytime on April 2 due to the election.

Poetry Concert: Poetry and Music with Carl Reisman and M.J. Walker
2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:00
Celebrate National Poetry Month with an evening of poetry and music that speaks to the heart of the adult experience. Performers Carl Reisman and M.J. Walker are storytellers in verse and song, exploring emotions and dilemmas we hesitate to discuss. The program will feature M.J. Walker’s musical interpretations of poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate and National Book Award winner Philip Levine, as well as original songs and poetry by Carl Reisman.
Philip Levine’s (1928-2015) poetic work continues to give us glimpses and truths of Industrial and post-Industrial America, via his own, his friends’ and family’s work within the massive car production industry in Detroit Michigan. He was able to use his factory work to help others see what American life was like for men and women working in factories in factory towns in Twentieth-century, Midwest America. Following his younger years in Detroit, Levine lived, worked and wrote his poetry in Chicago and elsewhere, and in his later years, in California, where his poems also consider work there, including wildfire fighters’ experiences. Philip Levine’s poetry continues to be relevant because in each poem he brings together very large forces like a massive industry or wildfire disasters with very individual experiences of specific people like his brother (his twin), his son, childhood friends, or a woman co-worker — all of whom continue to live rich and thoughtful lives as they navigate work and life.
MJ says, “This essential combination of specific personal lives within big endeavors, events and changes is what drew me to Philip Levine’s poetry, and also inspired me to put some of his poems to music. In my own life, I have loved playing guitar and singing since I was a child and have used my music to ponder my experiences, and to share them with others. I have one CD of my own songs, Gold Mill (2000) and have performed solo and with Carl Reisman in Shy Folk and many other musicians in the Champaign-Urbana area, including Amasong Women’s Chorus and The Coneflowers. Philip Levine’s poetry in the collection What Work Is (1991) transported me into the lives of his subjects so that I felt I could ‘live a little of their lives’, which is what all good storytelling can do. I was moved to use my musical ideas to attempt to, hopefully, deepen my own and others’ experiences of some of Levine’s poetic work. That said, his poems stand alone quite strongly and with much integrity to this day. One of the things I have found so hard in this project is how songs differ from poems, in both rhythm and structure, which is part of the challenge of putting poetry to any song form. Regardless, I hope to continue to encourage interest in his work and for new readers to seek it out, in order to get to know it in their own ways.”
For adults. No registration required.

About the Performers:
Carl Reisman is a singer-songwriter, poet, and retired lawyer who lives in rural Mahomet with his wife, veterinarian Robin Hadley, three horses, and their dog, Friday. He’s the founder, lead singer, and song writer for the Americana group, Ticketless Traveler, which has produced one CD and is currently finishing a second album of songs recorded at studios in New Orleans and Urbana. Carl has published two collections of poetry, Kettle (Hot Lead Press, 2005) and Home Geography (Stone City Press, 2007), as well as essays and poems in various very sweet and very obscure literary journals. Ticketless Traveler’s songs and videos can be streamed on Spotify and YouTube. Carl most recently played the singer songwriter listening room showcase at Yellow and Co. in Mahomet.
Carl and M.J. Walker began collaborating a decade ago in the group that they started, Shy Folk. They continue to collaborate. M.J. has provided back up vocals on Ticketless Traveler’s recordings and Carl has provided M.J. with occasional backup vocals and percussion for her Phillip Levine songs, including a typewriter.

Trash to Treasure: Earth Day Crafts for Kids
2025-04-22 15:00 - 16:30
Exchange trash for treasure! Celebrate Earth Day by making some fun, upcycled crafts. We will provide all the supplies and materials for the crafts; you bring your creativity!
Grades K-8. No registration required.

Toddler Storytime
2025-04-22 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-08 10:00 - 10:30
Join us on Tuesday mornings to enjoy storytime for toddlers and caregivers. There will be songs, rhymes, and stories!
Ages 18 months-3 years. No registration required.
Please note: There will NOT be Toddler Storytime on April 1 due to the election.

Baby Storytime
2025-04-22 09:30 - 09:50, 2025-04-15 09:30 - 09:50, 2025-04-08 09:30 - 09:50
Bring your baby to storytime on Tuesday mornings at the Library! There will be songs, bounces, and books!

Ages 0-18 months. No registration required.
Please Note: There will not be Baby Storytime on April 1 due to the election.

Preschool Playdate
2025-04-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-28 10:00 - 11:00
Children (ages 3-5) and their caregivers are welcome to join us on Friday mornings for open-ended playtime! Each session will feature a different assortment of toys and activities.
Ages 3-5. No registration required.
Please note: There will NOT be Preschool Playdate on April 25 due to the book sale.

Save Money with Zero-Waste
2025-04-17 18:00 - 20:00
Join Linda Stroh, Zero-Waste Advocate, to learn money-saving strategies that also sustain the future of our planet. Discover the benefits of the five R’s (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot), and how to implement them to detox your home and reduce clutter. Walk away with resources and tips to lessen unnecessary consumption, improve your health, and preserve the Earth for the next generations.
Adults. Registration required.

Elementary Explorers
2025-04-16 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-09 13:30 - 14:30
Join us every Wednesday for a fun, one hour after school program! Activities will rotate monthly. We’ll usually meet from 3:30-4:30 pm, but we’ll move it up to 1:30-2:30 pm on early dismissal days.
January: LEGO Club

January 15 & 29: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
January 22: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)

February: Art Club

February 5, 12, 26: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
February 19: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)

March: Pokémon Club

March 5 & 26: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
March 12: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)
March 19: no meeting

April: Maker’s Club

April 2: no meeting
April 9: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)
April 16, 23, 30: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)

Grades K-5. No registration required.

Adult Crafternoon: Decoupaged Wooden Boxes
2025-04-15 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for creativity, conversation, and fun each month at the Library! Learn a new skill and make a craft with supplies provided by the Library.
Dates and Crafts:
January 21: Yarn Wrapped Letter Craft
February 18: Tote Bag Decorating
March 18: Introduction to Paper Quilling
April 15: Decoupaged Wooden Boxes
For adults. Registration required (register for each session individually).

ILP: The Art of Foraging with Alexis Nikole Nelson
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:00
Alexis Nikole Nelson is a forager and an outdoor educator using her platforms, TikTok account alexisnikole and Instagram page blackforager, to celebrate all the edible plants hiding in plain sight. She peels back historical layers on African American and Indigenous food traditions that have traditionally been repressed and empowers those living in food deserts with greater self- sufficiency.
Nelson received the James Beard Award for “Best Social Media” 2022, was chosen for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and as a TikTok Tastemaker, and was honored as part of Fortune Magazine’s Creator 25 in 2021. Nelson gave a TED Talk in 2022 and in 2023 joined the YouTube channel Crash Course to host a 15-episode botany series.
Alexis Nikole Nelson will be joined in conversation with Natalie Evans, a wild edible foods instructor.
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.
Adults. Via Zoom. Registration is required.

Little Groovers! Music and Movement
2025-04-10 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-27 10:00 - 10:30
Join us for a fun-filled music and movement program designed for toddlers and preschoolers age 2-5 and their caregivers. In this interactive program, children will sing, dance, and move to a variety of exciting songs that engage their imaginations, enhance motor skills, and encourage social interaction.
For children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. No registration required.

Dates (approximately every other Thursday):
January 23
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 27
April 10

Tuesday Night Book Club
2025-04-08 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 14: West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
February 11: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
March 11: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
April 8: The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
May 13: True Biz by Sara Novic
No registration required.

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

Dungeons & Dragons Club
2025-04-06 13:30 - 16:30
Join us for exciting DnD adventures that encourage creativity, strategy, and teamwork! There’s sure to be fun at every session. This is a continuous campaign beginning from character level 1. Players should expect to attend each session.
Grades 6-12. Your registration is for all of the sessions together.
Dates:
Sunday, January 12
Sunday, January 26
Sunday, February 9
Sunday, February 23
Sunday, March 9
Sunday, March 23
Sunday, April 6

Stitching Circle
2025-04-05 10:00 - 11:30
Connect with fellow crafters, share your skills, and learn from others! Whether you are an expert or novice, there is something for everyone in our circle. We’ll provide some materials, or you can bring your own project (maybe one you’ve been procrastinating on!).
All skill levels are welcome and there is not need to register. Spread the word and invite your friends. We can’t wait to see you there!

Dates and Times:
Saturday, January 4: 10:00-11:30 am
Saturday, February 1: 10:00-11:30 am
Saturday, March 1: 10:00-11:30 am
Saturday, April 5: 10:00-11:30 am

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

Teen After Hours Craft Night: Mini Terrarium
2025-04-04 17:30 - 19:00
Craft with friends each month at the Library! You bring yourself; we’ll provide all the materials for the project, plus pizza and snacks!
Dates and Crafts:
February 7: Needle Felted Hearts
March 7: Tote bag decorating
April 4: Mini terrariums

Grades 6-12. Registration required for each session.

Cookbook Club: Indulge
2025-04-03 18:00 - 19:30
Join us at the Library to explore new recipes, share cooking tips, and enjoy delicious food together! This program is intended for adults who enjoy cooking and sharing food together. All experience levels are welcome. Each Cookbook Club 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.
Adults. Registration is required.

Dates and Cookbooks:
Tuesday, February 4: Cook This Book by Molly Baz
Thursday, April 3: Indulge by Valerie Bertinelli

Cartoon Club
2025-04-03 15:30 - 17:00
Are you a cartoon fanatic? Join our Cartoon Club, a club for discussing cartoons instead of books! We’ll come together, watch two episodes of a cartoon, and then discuss it in the same way a book club would.
Grades 3-8. No registration required.

Dates (First Thursdays):
February 6
March 6
April 3

Adult Take and Make Kits
2025-03-31 09:00 - 2025-04-01 20:00
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 27: Wool Dryer Balls
Beginning February 24: Hand Warmers
Beginning March 31: Seed Starter Kit
Beginning April 28: Wind chime

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.

Plant Swap
2025-03-29 11:00 - 12:00
Attention green thumbs and leaf enthusiasts! It’s time for a plantastic exchange! Bring your beloved plants, cuttings, and seeds to the Library. Share the plant love and take home some new leafy pals. Just remember to bring your plants in pots you’re ready to bid farewell to, then let the “plant swap” commence!
Plant Swap Info:

Bring house plants, seeds, and/or rooted propagations in soil.
All items should come in containers/packaging you are willing to part with AND be labelled with the name and basic care instructions. Example: Spider Plant – water every 5-10 days, partial sun

Schedule:

11:00-11:30 am: Arrive with your plant(s), browse other plants that have been brought in, mingle with fellow plant-lovers
11:30 am-12:00 pm: Plant swap (Note: There will be a table for giveaway plants.)

Adults. No registration required.
