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In This Newsletter:
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Calendar of Events for November 2026
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December 2026 Highlights
Check out our November events!
Stop by the library all month long and pick up your Take and
Makes and the "Try Something Kit"; act fast as supplies are
limited!
- Kid Take and Make: week of November 2nd
- Teen Take and Make: week of November 9th
- Adult Take and Make: week of November 16th
- Adult Try Something Kit: week of November 23rd
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Family Reading Night
Thursday, November 19th
Sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian and the Illinois State Library's Illinois Center for the Book, Family Reading Night is an annual statewide event held the third Thursday in November to encourage families to spend quality time reading together.
Swing by Allerton Public Library during open hours starting Thursday, November 12th to enter a drawing for a gift basket to help families celebrate Family Reading Night! The drawing winner will be contacted the morning of Thursday, November 19th!
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Library 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.
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Ask Megan!
Hey everyone!
For this month’s column, I will share the last tip from an article I read in the Consumer Reports magazine about scam prevention. 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 4: “Get an outside perspective.”: Suspicious about something? Talk it over with friends or family before acting. They may have heard similar stories. And talking to a neutral observer may help you see what’s really going on.”
Kravitz, Derek. (2025, March). CR’s Anti-Scam Guide. Consumer Reports, 90(2), 24-31.
Emily and I will be talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) Basics at our November Back to Basics class. Please come and learn more about this trending topic. Our class is on November 17th 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.
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Allerton Library Yoga
Wednesday, November 4th, 11th, and 18th 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
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ICASH
Wednesday, November 4th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ staff will be at the Allerton Public Library on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 to help reunite citizens with missing money property through the I-Cash program.
ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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Sit & Stitch
Sunday, November 8th and 22nd 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
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Adult Bingo
Monday, November 9th at 2:00pm
Join us for Bingo the second Monday of the month from 2-3pm.
ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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BYOB: Bring Your Own Book
Tuesday, November 10th 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
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Back to Basics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Basics with Emily and Megan
Tuesday, November 17th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
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
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November Crafternoon:
Winter Tic-Tac-Toe
Thursday, November 19th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Get ready for snowy days with at our November Crafternoon! Come and make a Winter Tic-Tac-Toe set!
ADULT PROGRAM
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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Non-Fiction Book Group
Thursday, November 19th from 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Come and join us as the group discusses, "Joyful Anyway" by Kate Bowler.
ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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Parents and caregivers must not leave children under the age of 10
unattended in the library.
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Super Saturday: Read to Dogs
Saturday, November 7th from 10:00am to 11:00am
Practice 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
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Story Time
Story Time will take place Wednesday, November 4th, 11th, and 18th 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. Note: There is no Story Time on Wednesday, November 25th.
For ages 0-5
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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Music & Movement
Music & Movement will take place Thursday, November 5th, 12th, and 19th 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. Note: There is no Music & Movement on Thursday, November 26th
For ages 0-5
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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Play Time
Play Time will take place Friday, November 6th, 13th, and 20th 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! Note: There is no Play Time on Friday, November 27th
For ages 0-5
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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Tween & Teen: Franken Toy
Thursday, November 5th 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
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Knight Owls: Chess Club
Monday, November 2nd and 16th 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
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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
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5th Monday Craft:
Beaded Pen
Monday, November 30th from 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Join us for 5th Monday craft! We are making custom-designed beaded pens. We will provide the metal pen bases and colorful beads! Mix, match, and stack them to design a gorgeous, high-quality writing tool that is uniquely yours! These pens make perfect gifts, school supplies, or bullet journal accessories.
FOR AGES 5-12 ONLY
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED
Thursday, December 24th & Friday, December 25th
APLD will be closed on Thursday, December 24th & Friday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday.
We will reopen on Saturday, December 26th at 9:00am.
Thursday, December 31st & Friday, January 1st
APLD will be closed on Thursday, December 31st & Friday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday.
We will reopen on Saturday, January 2nd at 9:00am.
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2026-2027 WINTER READING CHALLENGE
Friday, December 18th, 2026 to Sunday, February 28th, 2027
Mark your calendars! The 2026-2027 Winter Reading Challenge starts on Friday, December 18th! Tracking cards WILL NOT be available for pickup before Friday, December 18th!
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It's a Wonderful Life
Monday, December 7th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Presented by Historian, Librarian, Genealogist and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Jamie Porrman! Go behind the scenes to discover the script’s beginning as a Christmas Card. The film’s connection to a Disney Princess. What parts of the set still exist. How Lionel Barrymore lost a bet with Donna Reed and much, much more!
ADULT ONLY PROGRAM.
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
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Super Saturday: Ornament Making
Saturday, December 12th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Kick off the festive season with a touch of handmade charm at our annual Holiday Ornament Making Super Saturday event! Join us at the library for a few hours of cozy crafting. We will provide all the supplies and instructions you need to design and assemble beautiful, unique ornaments to take home.
ALL AGES PROGRAM.
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
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December Crafternoon: Repeat Crafts & Cookies
Thursday, December 17th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
This month, we are revisiting some activities from Crafternoons past! Whether you missed out on these projects the first time around or loved them so much you want to make another, now is your chance! We’ll have all the supplies ready and plenty of delicious cookies to snack on while you create. Bring a friend, grab a cookie, and get crafting!
ADULT ONLY PROGRAM.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
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