Mahomet Public Library

Elementary Explorers
2024-12-11 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago)
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.
September: Art Club

September 4, 11, 25: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)
September 18: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)

October: Pokémon Club

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

November: LEGO Club

November 6 and 27: no meeting
November 13: early dismissal (1:30-2:30 pm)
November 20: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)

December: Art Club

December 4, 11: regular time (3:30-4:30 pm)

Grades K-5. No registration required.

Senior Treats and Topics
2024-12-12 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a thrilling blend of knowledge…and indulgence! Each month promises an exciting speaker with insights on various topics, accompanied by delightful treats! It is not necessary to be a senior to attend.
Dates and Topics:

September 12: Adult Healthcare Options with Sandy Hockman from Evergreen Place

This session will explore the senior living options in the area and covers the spectrum from independent living and assisted living to skilled nursing and hospice care.

October 3: Estate Planning with Theodore Facer from Facer Law Office

Estate planning is a necessary, but often complex area of legal and financial management. This session will cover key topics to help you understand and navigate the process.

November 7: Dementia and Communication with Sandy Hockman from Evergreen Place

Communicating with someone living with dementia can be challenging. This session will provide knowledge on how to positively interact to create a successful and less frustrating experience for everyone involved.

December 12: Holiday Music Memory Game with Library Staff

Enjoy a festive activity to challenge your memory!

For adults. No registration required.

Preschool Playdate
2024-12-13 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 October 11 or November 29.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover
2024-12-13 17:30 - 2024-12-14 09:30
Children can drop off one stuffed animal friend to spend the night at the Library! Bring a friend to our “Good Night” Storytime. Then, stuffed friends will spend the night at the Library, and will be reunited with their human friends at our “Good Morning” Storytime. Sleepover pictures will be posted to social media throughout the evening!
Goodnight Storytime: Friday, December 13 from 5:30-6:00 pm
Good Morning Storytime: Saturday, December 14 from 9:30-10:00 am

Limit ONE stuffed animal per child. No registration required.

Cookie Decorating Workshop
2024-12-15 14:00 - 15:00
Good things crumb to those who wait! Come decorate sugar cookies at the Library. We’ll use piping and flooding techniques with royal icing. You don’t want to miss this dough-lightful workshop! Cookies and supplies will be provided.
Adults. Registration required.

Teen Finals Studying and Extended Hours
2024-12-17 09:00 - 22:00, 2024-12-18 09:00 - 22:00, 2024-12-19 09:00 - 22:00
Study for finals at the Library!
To give you even more study time, the Library will be open 2 hours later (until 10pm) on three nights leading up to finals!

Extended Hours and Edgar Room Availability:
Tuesday, December 17: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, December 18: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday, December 19: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Illinois Libraries Present: Little Women, The Musical
2024-12-20 14:00 - 2024-12-22 23:30
Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of four sisters growing up in 19th-century Massachusetts made its London premiere in this acclaimed production at Park Theatre. Originally presented on Broadway in 2005 starring Sutton Foster, Lydia White and Savannah Stevenson lead a talented cast in this beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope.
Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of four sisters growing up in 19th-century Massachusetts made its London premiere in this acclaimed production at Park Theatre. Originally presented on Broadway in 2005 starring Sutton Foster, Lydia White and Savannah Stevenson lead a talented cast in this beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope. Little Women at Park Theatre is directed by Bronagh Lagan with set and costume design by Nik Corrall, musical direction by Leo Munby, orchestrations by Andy Collyer, choreography by Sarah Golding, lighting design by Ben M. Rogers, sound design by Paul Gavin and casting by Jane Deitch. It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Knockhardy Productions, in association with Park Theatre, and co-produced by Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane. Little Women has a book by Allan Knee (Finding Neverland, The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit), lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and music by Grammy Award-winner Jason Howland.
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.
This is a pre-recorded, virtual showing. The musical can be viewed between Friday, December 20 (beginning at 2:00 pm)-Sunday, December 22. Registrants will receive an email with a special link to the performance.
All ages. Please register.

Warm Up with a Good Book! Winter Reading Challenge for Adults and Teens
2025-01-02 - 2025-03-01
Cozy up and read this winter with our Winter Reading Challenge for Teens & Adults! Pick up a reading log from the Library and earn a raffle entry for every 10 hours you spend reading. Four prize baskets are up for grabs! Whether you like novels, audiobooks, or graphic novels, every hour counts.
Raffle tickets can be submitted at the Library for your choice of 4 different prize baskets. Winners will be announced in the first week of March.

Stitching Circle
2025-01-04 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.

ILP: Chicago Pizza - Past, Present & Future with Steve Dolinsky
2025-01-09 19:00 - 20:00
Famed Food Guy reporter at NBC 5 (Chicago), Steve Dolinksy has won 13 James Beard Awards for his TV, radio and podcast work. Steve is also the producer and host of Pizza City, a bi-monthly podcast featuring some of the nation’s greatest pizza makers. In 2022, he launched Pizza City Fest in Chicago. Now in four cities, the events bring together 40 of the region’s best pizzerias baking live on electric and wood-fired ovens. Steve is also the author of two pizza books. Join him to dish on The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City, his comprehensive guide to the styles, locales and people that make the Windy City a prime destination for slices and pies.
Steve grew up in a kosher home in St. Cloud, Minnesota and it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he began to fall in love with food. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, and moving to Chicago to work as a reporter for CLTV, Steve caught his big break in 1995 when the station launched Good Eating, a weekly program that mirrored the Tribune’s food section. After eight years, Steve moved to ABC 7, Chicago’s #1 news station, where he produced two original reports every week under the moniker, The Hungry Hound.
Since 2014, Steve has hosted The Feed Podcast with Chicago chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless, a podcast covering the world of food from their professional perspectives. He is also a judge on Iron Chef America and has served as one of the 27 Regional Academy Chairs for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past 13 years. Steve lives and works in Chicago, Illinois.
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 required.

Dungeons & Dragons Club
2025-01-12 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-01-26 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

Baby Storytime
2025-01-14 09:30 - 09:50, 2025-01-21 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.

Toddler Storytime
2025-01-14 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-01-21 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.

Tuesday Night Book Club
2025-01-14 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 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!

Preschool Storytime
2025-01-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 10:30
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.

Elementary Explorers
2025-01-15 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-01-22 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.

Preschool Playdate
2025-01-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-24 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.

Acting Out: Theatre Workshop
2025-01-18 10:00 - 16:30
Theatre kids from all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to join us for a workshop focusing on basic acting skills and exercises. Students will learn about characterization, improvisation, and interpreting a script. There will be separate sessions for different age groups.
Grades K-12. Register for the session that corresponds to your age group.

Age Groups and Times:
Grades K-3: 10:00-11:30 am (register here)
Grades 4-6: 12:30-2:00 pm (register here)
Grades 7-12: 3:00-4:30 pm (register here)

Adult Crafternoon: Yarn Wrapped Letter Craft
2025-01-21 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).

Little Groovers! Music and Movement
2025-01-23 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

Beginner Sourdough Workshop
2025-01-23 18:30 - 20:00
Sourdough bread is trending, but do you know how to make it? Join us for a fun and interactive beginner class at the Library! We’ll learn how to make and maintain a starter, the science behind the sourdough fermentation process, and tips and techniques for making the perfect loaf. Attendees will make starter in class to take home.
Adults. Registration required.

ILP: Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:00
Join comedian, actress, and producer Michelle Buteau in conversation with Greta Johnsen. Michelle is the creator/writer/star of the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. She is also the host of two popular reality competition shows – The Circle and Barbecue Showdown, and hosts the popular podcast, Adulting. In 2024, she starred in Babes alongside fellow comedian/actress Ilana Glazer.

Born in New Jersey to Caribbean parents, Michelle brings her unique perspective and big personality to stage and screen. Her one-hour comedy special, Welcome to Buteaupia, won the Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Special. Her new special, A Buteau-ful Mind, dropped on Netflix December 31.

Greta Johnsen is an interviewer, podcast host, and book person. She is loved as co-host of HBO’s Official Game of Thrones Podcast and hosted WBEZ’s Nerdette podcast for eleven years. She can also be heard on podcasts like Pop Culture Happy Hour and City Cast.
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.
