Gardens at IPPL patio.
Gardens at IPPL.
Today, Wednesday, Apr. 22, is Earth Day! It's the perfect time to visit the Gardens at IPPL, located on the east side of the building. The gardens are a great place to read, play with your family, or simply take in nature. Be sure to stop by—we'd love to see you there!
Amy smiling under a balloon arch.
Today, Wednesday, Apr. 22, is National Library Outreach Day! From visiting schools to attending community events, we love to see you. Recently, Amy, Head of Programming & Outreach, was at Cass Junior High for a school district event. Look for us at more events in the community.
Volunteer Fair graphic.
Do you have spare time? Are you looking for ways to be active in the community? If so, then stop by the Volunteer Fair this Saturday, Apr. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Teens, adults, families, and retirees can connect with local organizations to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
Various IPPL staff members smiling.
Various IPPL staff members smiling.
Various IPPL staff members smiling.
Do you happen to recognize any of these smiling faces? These are the faces of those who answer your questions, check out your books, update the library's collection, host programming, and so much more. Today, Tuesday, Apr. 21, is National Library Workers Day.
Mug surrounded by various Starbucks coffee bean bags.
Join us in celebrating National Library Week, now through Saturday, Apr. 25. To celebrate, visit us! Stop in and take part in our fun scavenger hunt for kids and teens, a Starbucks coffee beans giveaway, and more. We can't wait to celebrate with you.
Stress management books.
Join us for our Introduction to Stressbusting for Caregivers program on Friday, Apr. 24, 10-11 a.m. Caregivers are introduced to a variety of exercises and techniques designed to help reduce stress and build confidence in their caregiving roles. Register at buff.ly/mu05feF.
Puzzle of cats baking in a kitchen.
Puzzle of dogs playing in a bedroom.
Puzzle of pets being bathed.
Puzzle of a fish.
We love seeing you at the puzzle table! Enjoy the recent puzzles our community has put together.
The puzzle table is in the cafe on the first floor. It's a fun activity to enjoy while you’re visiting the library.
Pathway lined with cherry blossom trees.
Don't miss our Celebrating Japan's Cherry Blossom Festival program on Thursday, Apr. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Educator Yvonne Wolf, who lived and worked in Japan, gives an overview of spring through Japan’s cherry blossom festivals. This program is for adults. Save your seat at buff.ly/TWLDOVG.
Oil painting of stream of water and grass.
Oil painting of a forest.
Display case with various art pieces.
Watercolor flower drawing.
Check out the gallery! The galleries on both floors feature Paul Callahan’s artwork. His work includes watercolor and oil paintings that capture everyday life. The second-floor display cases feature artwork created by members of The Way Forward. Their works include mixed media and watercolor pieces.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez book cover.
With over 80 preloaded titles, the Adult eReaders are great for travelers and binge readers. We recently added these titles:
• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Read these titles and more by placing a hold at buff.ly/hID4psK.
Volunteer Fair graphic with hands holding hearts.
Are you looking for ways to be active in the community? If so, then stop by the Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Apr. 25, 10 a.m.-noon, to find something that sparks your passion. Teens, adults, families, and retirees can connect with local organizations to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
White flower.
White flowers.
Pink clustered flowers.
The flowers in the Gardens at IPPL are starting to bloom, and it's feeling like spring!
The Amazing Spiderman Full Circle comic.
Hawkeye Kate Bishop comic.
The Flash comic.
Superhero Comics book display.
Are you a fan of comics and superheroes? Explore our librarian-curated Superhero Comics display on the first floor. This collection features classic and fan-favorite heroes like Spiderman and The Flash. Swing by the display to snag a comic or two to enjoy.
Kid using scissors to cut paper at the activity table.
We love to see kids crafting at the activity table. Located on the second floor, the activity table offers themed, fun crafts for kids to enjoy. Drop by and check it out—we can’t wait to see what your kids create!
Bookazines display.
Have you checked out our Bookazine collection? Located on the first floor, Bookazines are a great way to dive deep into a niche topic. Our collection covers a variety of topics, including health, home, and cooking. Be sure to stop by to see what’s new and to borrow one to take home.
Old photograph of the library building being built.
Front of IPPL library building.
Old photograph of the side of the library building.
Side of the library building with the drive-up window and book returns.
On April 14, 1996, a dedication ceremony for IPPL's new two-story building was held. Can you believe it has been 30 years?
Graphic with image of Christina Henriquez.
Join Illinois Libraries Present online via Zoom on Thursday, Apr. 16, 7-8 p.m., for a compelling conversation with critically acclaimed author Cristina Henríquez. This program is intended for adults. Get your invite at buff.ly/PRuYvU8.
This program is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present.
Mini Book with a duck design.
Trucker hat with various patches.
Teens have been busy creating with IPPL. From Spartan Hour at Lakeview Junior High to a Trucker Hat program at the library, we love seeing what teens create. Visit calendar.ippl.info to see more program opportunities for teens (and everyone!).
Chicago Master Singers logo.
The newest addition to Explore More Illinois is the Chicago Master Singers, a community chorus group. By using Explore More Illinois, you can receive 50% off individual tickets, up to four per order, for certain concerts. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Learn more at buff.ly/rkPXpZN.
Books, puzzles, and audiobooks on shelves.
Buying from our ongoing Book Sale is a great way to support the library through the IPPL Foundation & Friends. Located in the library's cafe on the first floor, find wonderful bargains on books for youth and adults, DVDs, puzzles, and more. Drop by to snag your next bargain.
Volunteer Fair graphic.
Do you have spare time? Are you looking for ways to be active in the community? If so, then stop by the Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Apr. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Teens, adults, families, and retirees can connect with local organizations to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
Collage of pet pictures with dogs, cats, hamster, bird, snake, and guinea pigs.
Collage of pet pictures with dogs, cats, hamster, bird, snake, and guinea pigs.
Collage of pet pictures with dogs, cats, hamster, bird, snake, and guinea pigs.
It's National Pet Day, and our team's pets are stealing the spotlight! Elvis, Luna, Marigold, Cappuccino, Kiki, Coco, GG, Oso, Smokey, Samwise, Frodo, Charlie, Sammy, and Harper are here to wish your pets a great day.
This Is a Serious Book by Jodie Parachini.
Let's Count Goats! by Mem Fox.
Please Don't Eat Me by Liz Climo.
Grins and Giggles book display.
Looking for books that will make your child laugh? Check out our Grins and Giggles book display on the second floor. This display features picture books full of fun, silly stories that are perfect for reading together. Stop by to snag a book or two to enjoy!
Vinyl record player next to Stevie Wonder's The Definitive Collection vinyl.
Throw it back to the 70s and 80s with our vinyl record collection. This collection has something for everyone to enjoy. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Drop by the first-floor display to snag your next listen or view our collection online at buff.ly/3CUcQ4R.
Families playing with blocks.
Have little ones who love building or just knocking things down? Families with children 7 & under with an adult caregiver, join us for Little Builders Drop-In on Saturday, Apr. 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Children can work on their fine motor skills while building with blocks and bricks of all sizes.
Guest sitting and reading a newspaper.
Newspapers are a great way to catch up on the latest news. From the Chicago Tribune to the New York Times, we have a lot of popular newspapers for you to choose from. Plus, our collection is updated daily, ensuring you have access to what's new. Drop by the cafe to view the collection.
Archaeology exhibit.
Archaeology exhibit.
Have you checked out the Archaeology of Illinois: The Deep History of the Prairie State exhibit yet? Now through Thursday, Apr. 16, on the library's second floor, view this exhibit that offers a concise look at where and how people lived in Illinois over the past 12,500 years.
Reading Garden bricks.
Would you like to see your name become a lasting part of the library? Would you like to honor a special person or occasion? Consider buying a brick in the Reading Garden in the Gardens of IPPL. Learn more at buff.ly/ln5gFQ2, call 630/887-0945, or email giving@ippl.info.
Hand holding reading challenge logs.
Ready for a challenge? Take the Monarch, Bluestem, or Caudill reading challenge! Students in grades K-8th who read all 20 books can receive a free book. Logs and books are available to pick up and borrow from the second floor. The challenge ends Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2027.
Rocket Men by Robert Kurson book.
Dirt Creek by Hayley Scrivenor book.
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley book.
Sign up for a May book discussion!
• Rocket Men by Robert Kurson: Thursday, May 7, 7-8 p.m.
• Dirt Creek by Hayley Scrivenor: Thursday, May 14, 7-8 p.m.
• How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley: Monday, May 18, 7-8 p.m.
Learn more and register at calendar.ippl.info.