Preschool Storytime
2024-03-06 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-03-13 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-03-20 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-03-27 10:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us on Wednesday mornings for storytime for preschoolers (ages 3-5) and caregivers. There will be songs, movement, and books!
Please note: There will NOT be Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, April 3.

Elementary Explorers
2024-03-06 13:30 - 14:30, 2024-03-20 15:30 - 16:30, 2024-03-27 15:30 - 16:30
Join us every Wednesday for a fun, one hour after school program! Activities will alternate monthly between Art Club and LEGO Club. 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.
December: LEGO Club

December 6: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)
December 13: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)

January: Art Club

January 10, 17, 24: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
January 31: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)

February: LEGO Club

February 7, 14, 28: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
February 21: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)

March: Art Club

March 6: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)
March 20, 27: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
No Art Club on March 13.

April: LEGO Club

April 3, 17, 24: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
April 10: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)

Grades K-5. No registration required.

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.

Preschool Playdate
2024-03-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-29 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.
Please note: There will NOT be Preschool Playdate on April 5 or 19.

Pen to Paper: Creative Writing Workshop for Adults
2024-03-09 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.

Beach Blanket Bingo
2024-03-11 10:00 - 11:30
Dive into Spring Break fun at the Library! Grab your beach blanket or towel, take a seat, and join the BINGO extravaganza for a shot at scoring some awesome prizes. This special program is exclusively for the little beachgoers. Let the Spring Break celebration begin!

For kids in preK-fifth grade. Registration is required.

Baby Storytime
2024-03-12 09:30 - 09:50, 2024-03-26 09:30 - 09:50
Bring your baby to storytime on Tuesday mornings at the Library! There will be songs, bounces, and books!
Please note: There will NOT be Baby Storytime on Tuesday, March 19.

Toddler Storytime
2024-03-12 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-03-26 10:00 - 10:30
Join us on Tuesday mornings for storytime for toddlers (ages 18 months – 3 years) and caregivers. There will be songs, rhymes, and stories!
Please note: There will NOT be storytime on Tuesday, March 19.

Tuesday Night Book Club
2024-03-12 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
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.

Firm Foundations Social: Dance Party at the Library with Kristina
2024-03-23 11:00 - 12:00
This dynamic session blends rhythmic exercises and basic dance steps to nurture both physical and creative growth. Children ages 3-5 (and their caregivers) explore self-expression in a playful atmosphere using lively tunes to enhance coordination. Join us for an hour of joy, giggles, and developmental fun, laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of movement and melody.
Kristina Robinson with Decently Bold FIT is a Mahomet native with over twenty years of Dance Experience. Kristina seamlessly intertwines the magic of storytelling into her classes in order to keep participants of all ages engaged.
Ages 3-5. No registration required, but you must be enrolled in our Firm Foundations program.

Plant Swap
2024-03-23 14:00 - 15:00
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:

2:00-2:30 pm: Arrive with your plant(s), browse other plants that have been brought in, mingle with fellow plant-lovers
2:30-3:00 pm: Plant swap (Note: There will be a table for giveaway plants.)

No registration required. All ages welcome.

Adult Take and Make Kit
2024-03-25 - 2024-03-27
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
2024-03-25 14:30 - 15:30
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.

Crafting the Cosmos: Eclipse Crafts for Kids
2024-03-26 15:30 - 17:30
Prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse by joining us at the Library for crafts that are truly out of this world! While the crafts are tailored for kids in grades K-5, everyone is welcome to come and participate!
Looking for eclipse glasses? We’ll be giving away ONE PAIR per child at this event!

No registration required.

Additional Eclipse Information
Upcoming Eclipse Events at the Library:

All About Solar Eclipses
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

Write On! Teen Writing Group
2024-03-28 18:00 - 19:30
Keep your writing skills sharp! This writing group for teens will meet every other month to talk about different aspects of the writing process and take turns sharing our work with the group. Creative writers of all levels are welcome!
Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Session Dates:
January 11
March 28
