2026 IHLS LIBRARY CRAWL

October 1st to October 31st

Passports will be available to pick up by APLD card holders on October 1^st

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The Annual Library Crawl is a unique event organized by the public libraries of Illinois Heartland Library System as a fun way to introduce public library patrons to the other libraries of the IHLS service area. Patrons visit area libraries throughout the month of the crawl and get a passport stamp at each library they visit. Some patrons have tried to visit every library in the crawl!

The main purpose, though, is to help participants discover the many, many great resources available to them with their library cards.  

Banned Books Week

 October 4th to October 10th

 The theme of this year’s event is Let Books Be — Protect the Freedom to Read.

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. 

Monticello Area Chamber Safe Trick or Treat

Friday, October 23rd from 4:00 to 6:30pm

Join us on Friday, October 23rd, for this fun Annual Trick-or-Treating Event!



Our members will share treats with kids from 4-6:30 PM!

Allerton Public Library will host a Scavenger Hunt for kids from 4:00-6:30 (no library card needed). The Rotary Club of Monticello will also hand out candy at that location!

Grab paper maps and goodies at Allerton Public Library or the Wabash Depot in Downtown! Watch for a Google map, closer to the event.

If you want to extend your evening... head to the Haunted House (for older kids and adults) at 1086 S Market St, Monticello, IL 61856!



Can't wait to see all those great costumes!

Ask Megan!



Hey everyone!

For the next few months, I will share tips from an article I read in the Consumer Reports magazine. Did you know that we subscribe to Consumer Reports magazine here at the library and we also have a log-in available to our patrons for online access to the magazine? If you would like this log-in information, simply give us a call and ask for it. Please don’t share the log in info publicly.   

“Stop a Scam Before It Starts: Here’s how to avoid being targeted—and losing money if you are.

Tip 3: “Have a no-share policy.”: Never give anyone who contacts you—whether by email, text, phone, or in-app message—sensitive personal data. This includes bank account numbers, passwords, and security codes, but also your date of birth, home address, Social Security number, or anything else that can be exploited for financial gain.”

Kravitz, Derek. (2025, March). CR’s Anti-Scam Guide. Consumer Reports, 90(2), 24-31.

I will be talking about scam prevention at my October Back to Basics class. Please come and learn about ways to keep you and your data safe. My class is on October 27^th at 2pm.



As always, email me with any questions at techservices@allertonpubliclibrary.org or give me a call at 217-762-4676 and ask for Megan.

Volunteer Opportunities

APLD is excited to announce our new volunteer program! If you've ever wanted to get more involved in the library then this is an excellent opportunity! We have a variety of opportunities available to the public including VolunTeen (for ages 13-17), Advocacy Volunteer, Book Sale Volunteer and Programming Volunteer. For more information click on the button below for more information on our website.

• The library will only accept volunteers age 13 and older.
• Volunteers under the age of 18 must have parental consent. 
• Allerton Public Library District cannot provide volunteer opportunities for court-ordered volunteering.  

ADULT PROGRAMMING

Medicare Information

Thursday, October 1st from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Curious about Medicare? Join us for this informational program! This is an excellent opportunity to get your questions answered! 

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM



NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book

Tuesday, October 6th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Every month join fellow readers for BYOB (bring your own book) club. There is NO assigned reading; we will discuss books that we are currently reading. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Until meeting time, happy reading!

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM



NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Allerton Library Yoga

Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th at 2:30pm

Love checking out books but forget to check in with yourself? Join Tonia in our program room for our beginner friendly yoga program! 

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM



NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Sit & Stitch

Sunday, October 11th and 25th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Unwind, create, and connect! Whether you’re halfway through a chunky knit sweater, finishing a delicate cross-stitch, or just starting to learn how to crochet, Sit & Stitch is your bi-weekly space to craft in good company.



There are no formal lessons and no pressure—just a dedicated time to work on your personal projects while chatting with fellow makers. It’s the perfect way to turn a solo hobby into a social highlight.

ALL AGES PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Adult Bingo

Monday, October 12th at 2:00pm

Join us for Bingo the second Monday of the month from 2-3pm.  



ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Watch Party: Fur Real Companionship

Tuesday, October 13th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Join us for a livestream event in our program room!

Discover the fantastic benefits animals bring to older adults. Research shows that pets can chase away loneliness, provide a sense of purpose, and get you moving. Explore fun alternatives for those who can't care for a pet. Whether you're an older adult, a family member, or a caregiver, this workshop will offer valuable insights and tips on how furry friends can enrich lives and create lasting bonds.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Mary Todd Lincoln

Thursday, October 15th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm 

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her story. Now, librarian Laura Keyes shares Mary's story in an entertaining and educational program. Mrs. Lincoln: The First "First Lady" depicts an extraordinarily important time in our nation's history from a point of view that is not often explored. Learn how Mary Lincoln influenced monumental events in her lifetime and why her story is still relevant today.   

DROP IN PROGRAM 



NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Non-Fiction Book Group

Thursday, October15th from 6:00pm to 7:15pm

Come and join us as the group discusses, "Resistance History of the United States" by Tad Stoermer.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Prairie Pathways To Freedom

Tuesday, October 20th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Dr. Jeanne Gillespie McDonald, Professor Emerita, Waubonsee Community College, will present her research on the many pathways to freedom in the Illinois antislavery movement. 

She will highlight Black, White, and Indigenous abolitionists, Underground Railroad activists, and antislavery voters across political parties with an emphasis on Central Illinois contributions.

Learn about the people, places, and practices in Illinois which defied state and federal Black laws, elected Abraham Lincoln, amended the U.S. Constitution to break the chains of the enslaved, and began the long journey to restore rights and recognition of free African Americans.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Back to Basics: Spam Prevention on Any Device with Megan

Tuesday, October 27th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Topic: Spam Prevention on any Device with Megan 

New to APLD this fall comes a set of three classes on current technology topics heard about in the news. These classes are designed for adults to come and learn about something new in a low-key and hopefully, non-intimidating learning environment. Feel free to bring your devices to each class and there will be time for questions and answers. 

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

YOUTH PROGRAMMING

Parents and caregivers must not leave children under the age of 10

unattended in the library. 

Super Saturday: Beastly Buttons

Saturday, October 17th from 10:00am to 11:00am

Design, press, and wear your own spooky creations! Join us at the library to make custom Halloween buttons. Whether you want to draw a cute pumpkin, collage a creepy monster, or use our festive templates, we’ll help you press your design into a awesome pin-back badge. Perfect decoration for your backpack or Halloween costume! 

ALL AGES PROGRAM



NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Story Time

Story Time will take place Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th starting at 9:30am. Story Time is where the fun begins! Every week is packed with great books, cheerful songs, and plenty of time for play. 

For ages 0-5 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Music & Movement

Music & Movement will take place Thursday, October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th starting at 10:00am. Get ready to wiggle, giggle, and groove! Join us for Music & Movement! This program is all about exploring rhythm and sound through catchy songs, dance breaks, and hands-on instrument play.

For ages 0-5 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Play Time

Play Time will take place Friday, October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Looking for a relaxed way to connect with other parents while your little one burns some energy? Join us for Play Time in the program room! We'll have toys and space to move. Perfect for kids to play and explore and for caregivers to chat and socialize in a safe, indoor environment. Stop by and make some new friends! 

For ages 0-5

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Tween & Teen: Franken Toy

Thursday, October 1st from 4:00pm to 4:45pm

Are you ready to bring your creation to life? Join us for a program that's part toy graveyard, part mad-scientist lab! Bring your old stuffies to rip apart, swap out limbs, tails and hot glue them back together to create the ultimate custom mutant masterpiece! 

Note: This program involves the use of low-temp hot glue guns and basic hand tools.

For ages 8-14 ONLY 

REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Knight Owls: Chess Club

Monday, October 5th and 19th from 3:30pm to 4:45pm

Whether you’re a complete beginner who doesn't know a rook from a pawn, or a seasoned strategist looking for a challenging match, there is a seat at the board for you. This is a relaxed, self-paced space to learn the basics, practice new openings, or simply enjoy a friendly game with neighbors of all ages.

All skill levels welcome! Participants are welcome to bring their own chess sets. 

FOR AGES 5-12 ONLY

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Creepy Clay

Monday, October 12th & 26th from 4:00pm to 4:45pm

Dragon Egg

Monday, October 12th

Monster

Monday, October 26th

Squish, sculpt, and spookify! Drop in and mold your very own creature out of air-dry clay. We’ll have all the clay, tools, paints, and spooky accessories you need to bring your custom creature to life. 

FOR AGES 5-12 ONLY

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED

Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th

APLD will be closed on Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.



We will reopen on Saturday, November 28th at 9:00am.

ICASH

Wednesday, November 4th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Could there be missing money in your name? In Illinois, the state treasurer is tasked with safeguarding missing money, such as unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts and unused rebate cards. Illinois holds more than $5 billion in unclaimed property. The state treasurer is legally required to return the property to the rightful owners no matter how long it takes. In Piatt County, an estimated 19,763 people have unclaimed cash or property held by the treasurer's office. The value exceeds $2,500,000.00. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs' staff will be at APLD on November 4, 2026, from 4-6pm to help reunite citizens with missing money property through the I-Cash program.

ADULT ONLY PROGRAM.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  

Super Saturday: Read to Dogs

Saturday, November 7th from 10:00am to 11:00am

Practice your reading with a patient, furry listener! Come read a story to a certified therapy dog from PawPrint Ministries! Reading to therapy dogs is a wonderful way for children to build confidence, improve reading skills, and enjoy a cozy moment with an incredibly friendly animal.

ALL AGES PROGRAM.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

Micro-Press: Zine Making

Monday, November 9th from 4:00pm to 4:45pm

Got a story to tell, a comic to draw, or a passion to share? Turn it into a mini-magazine!

A "zine" (pronounced zeen) is a self-published, pocket-sized booklet made from a single sheet of paper. In this creative, hands-on workshop, we’ll  fold, cut, and construct our very own mini-books. The library will be stocked with stickers, stamps, markers, and collage materials—all you need to bring is your imagination!

FOR AGES 5-12 ONLY.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.