Monthly Library Newsletter
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July 2026 Newsletter
Wednesday, July 1st
Adult Craft Night: Uncle Sam Sock Gnomes at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, July 1st at 6 pm for our July Adult Craft Night, this month we are making Uncle Sam Gnomes from socks! Registration is limited – please email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to reserve your spot today!
The Jacksonville Public Library will be closed on Saturday, July 4th for Independence Day.
Tuesday, July 7th
Marco Polo Music at 10 am –
Join us at the library on Tuesday, July 7th at 10 am as we welcome back Marco Polo Music!
Wednesday, July 8th
Adult Book Club: In the Heat of the Night by John Ball at 6 pm –
Join us on July 8th at 6 pm for our July Page Turners Book Club meeting. This month we are reading “In the Heat of the Night” by John Ball. All are welcome! Books are available for check out at the Circulation desk!
Friday, July 10th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on July 10th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build a farm animal!
Monday, July 13th
Interactive Movie: Chicken Run at 2 pm –
Not your typical movie! Don’t just sit and watch; sing, dance, and scream along with our interactive script. Props and popcorn provided. Stop by the library on Monday, July 13th at 2 pm for a special interactive movie event. We’re watching “Chicken Run”! Rated G.
Tuesday, July 14th
Absolute Science: Bubble Stations at 10 am –
Stop by the library on Tuesday, July 14th at 10 am for our friends at Absolute Science and bubble stations!
WITS Fitness at 2 pm –
Join University of Illinois Educator, Karina Moore, each month for engaging, hands-on activities that help boost cognitive function and memory. This fun, informative class is perfect for keeping everyone’s mind sharp. For more info, email Karina Moore at kmoor02s@illinois.edu or call 217-243-7424.
Wednesday, July 15th
Adult & Teen Craft Night: Beaded Wall Hangings at 6 pm –
Use beads to create a lovely wall hanging! To register, email ajones@jaxpl.org or clangdon@jaxpl.org, or call the library at 217-243-5435.
Saturday, July 18th
Abraham Lincoln Council Vortex STEM Lab at 10 am –
Our friends from the Scouts of America Abraham Lincoln Council are bringing their incredible Vortex STEM Lab to the library! Their STEMists will provide a variety of activities to explore.
Moments That Made America: Turning Points in 250 Years with Valerie Gugala at 3 pm –
Stay tuned for more details!
Tuesday, July 21st
Dan Gogh’s Grow Show at 10 am –
Stop by the library on Tuesday, July 21st at 10 am for Dan Gogh’s Grow Show!
Teen Zine Workshop at 6 pm –
Zine, short for “magazine” or “fanzine,” is a self-made and self-published booklit about anything! Zines can be hand-drawn, made through collage, or even rendered digitally. At this program we will discuss the basics of zines and design our own! To register, email clangdon@jaxpl.org, or call the library at 217-243-5435. For teens grades 6 – 12.
Wednesday, July 22nd
Adult Game Night: Word Games at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, July 22nd at 6 pm for a night full of fun, laughter, and friendly competition! July’s Theme: Word Games! Admission is free!
Saturday, July 25th
Youth Summer Reading Closing Party at 10 am –
A prize drawing will be held for those who turned in reading logs during the Summer Reading Program, followed by a celebration with snow cones from Sugar & Ice!
Encore Family Craft Class: Uncle Sam Sock Gnomes at 2 pm –
Couldn’t make the Wednesday craft night? No problem! Join us on Saturday, July 25th at 2 pm for our Encore Family Craft Class. This month, we are making Uncle Sam Gnomes from socks! Registration is limited – email ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to reserve your spot today! Adults & Children 6th grade and up may register.
Wednesday, July 29th
Washington DC Program with Lacreatia Huff at 6 pm –
Have you wished to explore Washington, D.C., but haven’t had the chance? Join LaCreatia Huff, a licensed tour guide, for an engaging one-hour presentation tailored to adults who have yet to experience our nation’s capital but are eager to learn about its iconic monuments.
Bookmobile
Just a reminder that the Bookmobile coming to a location near you every Friday from June 12th – August 7th!
Please make sure to stop by one of our 3 locations:
Pavilion @ Centenary United Methodist Church – 321 East Morgan St. from 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Dunlap Court – 612 North West St. from 2:15pm – 3:15pm
Greenbriar Apartments – 12 Greenbriar Dr. from 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Children ages 2 through seniors in high school are able to check out books. They are able to check out 2 books each week. You do not need a library card to participate in Bookmobile! Please return or renew books each week. There are no late fees or registration involved. Kids will be able to win prizes and snacks for reading.
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Youth Garden Club – Garden Club is back! Join us every Thursday at 9 am for gardening, bees, butterflies, and other nature activities! Starting June 4th. For ages 5-10.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In July, we’ll be meeting on the 9th and 23rd at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime!
June 2026 Newsletter
Monday, June 1st
Adult Summer Reading begins!
Don’t forget to pick up a reading log! The first reading log turned in earns a prize from the prize basket and each reading log is an entry for the prize drawing at the end of the summer reading program. Reading logs are due by the end of the day on July 31st.
Wednesday, June 3rd
Adult Craft Night: Rock Painting at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6 pm for our June Adult Craft Night, this month we are painting rocks! Registration is limited – please email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to reserve your spot today!
Tuesday, June 9th
Youth Summer Reading Opening Party at 10 am –
Join us on Tuesday, June 9th at 10 am to kick off our Youth Summer Reading Program! This will be your first chance to register and celebrate at our foam party! We hope to see you there!
WITS Fitness at 2 pm –
Join University of Illinois Educator, Karina Moore, each month for engaging, hands-on activities that help boost cognitive function and memory. This fun, informative class is perfect for keeping everyone’s mind sharp. For more info, email Karina Moore at kmoor02s@illinois.edu or call 217-243-7424.
Wednesday, June 10th
Adult Book Club: Coming-of-Age Stories at 6 pm –
We will be reading our own personal book choices for June based on the following genre: Coming-of-Age (aka Bildungsroman). A coming of age novel focuses on a main character or characters’ psychological, moral, and social growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood, so bring your own title that suits your fancy, and come ready to discuss!
Friday, June 11th
Youth Drop-In Craft: Perler Beads from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Stop by the library on Friday, June 12th from 2:30 – 5 pm to create with perler beads!
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on June 12th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build your favorite fruit or veggie!
Saturday, June 13th
Encore Family Craft Class: Rock Painting at 2 pm –
Couldn’t make the Wednesday craft night? No problem! Join us on Saturday, June 13th at 2 pm for our Encore Family Craft Class. This month, we are painting rocks! Registration is limited – email ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to reserve your spot today! Adults & Children 6th grade and up may register.
Tuesday, June 16th
The Rusty Pliers Show at 10 am –
Stop by the library on Tuesday, June 16th at 10 am for our first Youth Summer Reading performer: Hillbilly Comedy Ventriloquist and Magician, Rusty Pliers!
Wednesday, June 17th
Adult & Teen Craft Night: RPG Miniature Painting at 6 pm –
This month’s Craft Night will be open to both adults and teens! We will be painting RPG Miniatures! Registration is limited – email ajones@jaxpl.org, clangdon@jaxpl.org, or call to get registered! Adults & children 6th Grade and up are eligible to register.
The Jacksonville Public Library will be closed on Friday, June 19th for Juneteenth.
Saturday, June 20th
Absolute Science: Butterfly Encounter Tents at 10 am –
Join us on Saturday, June 20th at 10 am for Butterfly Encounter Tents with our friends at Absolute Science!
Monday, June 22nd
Interactive Movie: A Bug’s Life at 2 pm –
Stop by the library on Monday, June 22nd at 2 pm for a special interactive movie event. We’re watching “A Bug’s Life”!
Our Gift of Dogs with Reg Green at 6 pm –
Join us at the Jacksonville Public Library as we host author, public speaker, and dog advocate Reg Green! He will be sharing his lifelong interest in man’s best friend and will share videos, photos, and heartwarming stories with everyone!
Tuesday, June 23rd
Music & Stories with Mike Anderson at 10 am –
Join us on Tuesday, June 23rd at 10 am as we welcome back Mike Anderson!
Wednesday, June 24th
iCash Event at 4 pm –
In Morgan County, an estimated 45,000 people and businesses have unclaimed cash or property held by the treasurer’s office. The value exceeds $6,700,000.00. Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs is encouraging Area Residents to attend this I-Cash event.
Saturday, June 27th
Peter Rabbit’s Tea Party and Storytime at 10 am –
nvited to Peter Rabbit’s Tea Party and Storytime at the Jacksonville Public Library on Saturday, June 27th at 10 am. Recommended for ages 3-10.
Tuesday, June 30th
Wild Times Exotics at 10 am –
Join us at the library on Tuesday, June 30th at 10 am as we welcome back Wild Times Exotics! Come and meet some new animal friends!
Bookmobile
Just a reminder that the Bookmobile coming to a location near you every Friday from June 12th – August 7th!
Please make sure to stop by one of our 3 locations:
Pavilion @ Centenary United Methodist Church – 321 East Morgan St. from 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Dunlap Court – 612 North West St. from 2:15pm – 3:15pm
Greenbriar Apartments – 12 Greenbriar Dr. from 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Children ages 2 through seniors in high school are able to check out books. They are able to check out 2 books each week. You do not need a library card to participate in Bookmobile! Please return or renew books each week. There are no late fees or registration involved. Kids will be able to win prizes and snacks for reading.
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: June 5th & 26th
Group 2 meets: June 12th
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Youth Garden Club – Garden Club is back! Join us every Thursday at 9 am for gardening, bees, butterflies, and other nature activities! Starting June 4th. For ages 5-10.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In June, we’ll be meeting on the 11th and 25th at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime!
May 2026 Newsletter
Wednesday, May 6th
Adult Craft Night: Fruit Coasters at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, May 6th at 6 pm for our May Adult Craft Night, this month we are making Fruit Coasters! Registration is limited – please email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to reserve your spot today!
Friday, May 8th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on May 8th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build a dinosaur!
Tuesday, May 12th
Brain Boost Tuesday: Happy Hacks at 2 pm –
We are more creative, productive, energetic, and intelligent when we are positive and happy! Stress and negativity have the opposite effect, causing us to become at least 10% less productive. Let’s learn how to flip the script! Come prepared to learn, have fun, and share with one another! Light snacks provided.
Wednesday, May 13th
Adult Book Club: Coming-of-Age Stories at 6 pm –
We will be reading our own personal book choices for May based on the following genre: Coming-of-Age (aka Bildungsroman). A coming of age novel focuses on a main character or characters’ psychological, moral, and social growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood, so bring your own title that suits your fancy, and come ready to discuss!
Saturday, May 16th
Encore Family Craft Class: Fruit Coasters at 2 pm –
Couldn’t make the Wednesday craft night? No problem! Join us on Saturday, May 16th at 2 pm for our Encore Family Craft Class. This month, we are making Fruit Coasters! Registration is limited – email ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to reserve your spot today! Adults & Children 6th grade and up may register.
Wednesday, May 20th
Adult Game Night: Trivia Games at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, May 20th at 6 pm for a night full of fun, laughter, and friendly competition! May’s Theme: Trivia Games! Bring your Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy, or any other trivia games and let’s play! Admission is free!
Babel-On with R.F. Kuang (Zoom Event) at 7 pm –
Wednesday, May 20th at 7 pm. This event is intended for adults. Please call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to register.
The Jacksonville Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.
Wednesday, May 27th
The Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health with the Crisis Center Foundation at 6 pm –
The Crisis Center Foundation in Jacksonville, Illinois will help you understand the effects that domestic violence can have on one’s mental health, and will help provide attendees with the necessary tools and programs available in times of need. Admission is free!
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: May 1st
Group 2 meets: May 22nd
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In May, we’ll be meeting on the 14th and 28th at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
There will be no Storytime on May 13th, 20th, & 27th.
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime!
There will be no Toddler Storytime on May 15th, 22nd, & 29th.
April 2026 Newsletter
Wednesday, April 1st
Adult Craft Night: Mother’s & Father’s Day Cards at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, April 1st at 6 pm for our April Adult Craft Night, this month we are making cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! Registration is limited – please call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register!
Thursday, April 9th
What Can the Job Center Do for You? at 11 am –
Come to the library to learn about the amazing services The Job Center has to offer from their Career Specialist Jeni Sprinkle! From job boards, resume building, to job applications, The Job Center has so many resources for people seeking employment! Admission is Free! Hope to see you there!
Friday, April 10th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on April 10th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build a superhero!
Saturday, April 11th
Encore Family Craft Class: Mother’s & Father’s Day Cards at 2 pm –
Couldn’t make it to the Wednesday craft! No problem! Join us on Saturday, April 11th at 2 pm for our April Encore Family Craft, this month we are making cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! Registration is limited – please call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register! Adults and teens grades 6 and up may register.
Sunday, April 12th
Music Under the Dome: Illinois College Percussion Ensemble at 4 pm –
We invite you to join us for our next Music Under the Dome performance on Sunday, April 12th at 4 pm. This month, we are hosting the Illinois College Percussion Ensemble!
Tuesday, April 14th
Being Mindful in a Busy World at 2 pm –
Feeling disconnected between yourself and life? Having trouble feeling present in the moment? Come learn some mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress and increase life satisfaction. (*Including fun brain games.*) Part of the new “Brain Boost Tuesday” series. ~2nd Tuesday of the month~ No registration required!
Wednesday, April 15th
Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced with Laura Keyes at 6 pm –
Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard was committed to the Illinois State Hospital (the state mental asylum) in 1860, and was kept under lock and key for three years, all the while protesting her sanity. While her husband, Theophilus, insisted to everyone – Elizabeth’s children, extended family, neighbors, friends, and the asylum employees – that she was, in fact, insane, Elizabeth was able to obtain her release. But her battle did not stop there. Join Laura Keyes, as Elizabeth Packard, for this informative and inspiring presentation!
Thursday, April 16th
Author of the Year Reception at 6:30 pm –
The Friends of the Library invite you to celebrate the winners of the annual Author of the Year contest on Thursday, April 16th in the meeting room at the library. Winners will read their poems or prose, and light refreshments will be served. Come join us!
Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection (Zoom Event) at 7 pm
Thursday, April 16th at 7 pm. This event is intended for adults. Please call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to register.
Tuesday, April 21st
Teen Craft Night: Basket Weaving at 6 pm –
Stay tuned for more details!
Wednesday, April 22nd
Adult Book Club: The Midnight Library at 6 pm –
Join us on April 22nd at 6 pm for our April Page Turners Book Club meeting. This month we are reading “Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. All are welcome! Books are available for check out at the Circulation desk!
Saturday, April 25th
Baby Rave at 10 am –
Stay tuned for more details!
Wednesday, April 29th
John Lynn Presents: Louis & Clark – The Return to St. Louis (1806) at 6 pm –
Explore the return journey of the Lewis and Clark expedition via the Missouri River, which shaped much of their 28-month trek. Based on John Lynn’s modern paddle down the river, the program highlights the Corps of Discovery’s 2,300-mile descent from Montana to St. Louis. ADMISSION IS FREE!
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: April 3rd
Group 2 meets: April 17th
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In April, we’ll be meeting on the 9th and 23rd at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Mindful Movement – Grab a towel and join Jeannie Hemphill for a mindful movement class. Learn the basics of mindful movement with an introduction to balance, finger/wrist exercises, shoulder rolls and more. As long as there’s enough interest, this class will continue so don’t hesitate to stop by! This month classes will be held on April 6th, 20th, & 27th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm in the meeting room.
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime!