Don't forget!! The 2025-2026 Winter Reading Challenge ends Saturday, February 28th! 

The final day for prize pick up is Saturday, February 28th by 1:00pm!

Prizes cannot be picked up after Saturday, February 28th at 1:00pm! 

Drawings will take place the first week of March 2026.

Did You Know?

Did you know that an average e-book costs a library 3.9x more than what you pay to buy it on your Kindle? Print books are owned by the library and can be used until they're worn out. Publishers put limits on library e-books and e-audiobooks. Publishers put limits on how long the content can be used. Once that limit is reached, libraries will need to re-purchase the license at the same inflated price if they want to keep offering it to their community. If you have been waiting a while for an e-book, we encourage our community to not only check our regular print collection for a title, but also the large print collection. For more information, click on the link below.

New Collection Alert!

Have you noticed some missing titles in our Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Graphic Novel section, and Young Adult section? They are being added to a collection specifically for kids 8-12 years old! Youth Services is very excited to announce that we are adding a Middle Grade collection to APLD!

While early chapter books are fantastic for bridging younger readers from picture books to more complex books, middle grade books offer kids a way to look at more complicated issues. Such as friendship, identity, and family. As well as helping to build a higher vocabulary, critical thinking, and a love for reading through age-appropriate stories. Middle grade books can also help to bridge kids, as they age, into young adult books. The new Middle Grade collection can be found on the west side of the Young Adult section across from the Magazines.

Moving the books from will take time. If you are having trouble finding a book, please do not hesitate to ask a staff member. We are happy to help!

AARP Tax Help

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service. 

Volunteers with AARP Tax-Aide are currently taking appointments at Allerton Public Library. 

Appointment days are ONLY Thursdays between 5:00pm and 6:30pm & Saturdays between 9:00am and 11:30am starting Thursday, February 5th 2026 until Saturday, April 11th 2026.  

You are responsible for tracking your appointment date.  

To make an appointment call Allerton Public Library during open hours at 217-762-4676

Library staff cannot give tax advice. 

**Note: Allerton Public Library is located at 4000 Green Apple Lane in Monticello, IL 61856 in Appletree Subdivision off of County Road 1625 N. We are not associated with Allerton Park & Retreat Center. 

ADULT PROGRAMMING

Allerton Library Yoga

Tuesday, February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th at 9:30am

Hannah Batchelder from the Dewitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department will be here to lead a yoga class in the program room.



*There is no Yoga at 1:00pm in February.

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book

Tuesday, February 3rd 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!

Wits Workout

Wednesday, February 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th from 11:00am to 12:00pm  

Looking for a fun way to keep your mind sharp and your social calendar full? Join us for Wits Workout on Wednesdays in February from 11:00am to 12:00pm! Based on the research that intellectual challenge and social connectedness are two of several factors that contribute to brain health throughout life, Wits Workout has two main goals—to provide purposeful opportunities for older adults to engage intellectually, and to increase their socialization through ongoing group participation.  

DROP IN PROGRAM

Arthritis & Exercise

Thursday, February 5th starting at 2:00pm 

Join us for an informative presentation! Learn how safe, simple exercises can help reduce joint pain, improve flexibility, and boost overall well-being. You will discover the benefits of exercise for arthritis, gentle seated stretches and strength exercises, and tips for staying active! 

Adult Bingo

Monday, February 9th at 2:00pm

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



Adults only program 

Movie: Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Tuesday, February 17th starting at 3:00pm 

Join us in the program room for a movie event! "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" (PG-13) is based on the autobiography of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson. This movie follows Carson through his childhood, including his mother's crucial intervention, his academic struggles, and eventual rise to medical prominence.

Non-Fiction Book Group

Thursday, February 19th from 6:00pm to 7:15pm 

Come and join us as the group discusses, "A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir" by Jacinda Ardern. 

February Crafternoon: Faux Tealight Snowman Candle

Thursday, February 19th

from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Join us in the program room to make a cozy Faux Tealight Snowman Candle out of hot glue, a toilet paper roll, and a battery operated tealight!  

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED  

Puzzle Competition

Sunday, February 22nd from 2:00pm to 4:00pm 

Put your puzzle working skills to the test at our Puzzle Competition! Teams will compete to see who finishes the puzzle first. Remember, it’s always the small pieces that make up the big picture.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Limit of 9 teams made up of 4 people max per team. 

Illinois Libraries Present: Beyond the Screen: Still Afraid of the Dark: An Evening with R.L. Stine

Tuesday, February 24th at 7pm

Witty, creepy, and compulsively readable, bestselling author R.L. Stine defined horror for a generation of young readers. The generation that grew up with the Goosebumps franchise may be grown, but Stine keeps finding ways to keep us afraid of the dark! Join us with The Guinness Book of World Records’ “most prolific author of children’s horror novels,” R.L. Stine, to discuss his illustrious and still-expanding body of work. Becky Spratford, acclaimed horror maven and editor of Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature, will join R.L. Stine in conversation.

Virtual Program 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

Participants must register by 5pm on February 24th! 

This event is intended for adults

John Deere: A Discussion of the History & Future of Farming

Thursday, February 26th

at 4:00pm

As John Deere, historian Brian “Fox” Ellis, covers 10,000 years of ag history, then leads a discussion on its future. Raising key issues on the pros and cons of agriculture vs agribusiness, technology and mechanization, the family farm, centennial farms, and community service agriculture, he engages the audience in a complex conversation on how we might continue to feed the world. Brian "Fox" Ellis is an author, storyteller, historian and keynote speaker. He has a minor in ag history and keynoted the National Ag in the Classroom Conference and Ohio Organic Food and Farm Conference, et al. He has worked with PBS, producing two series on WTVP. He has authored 30 books including a biography of John Deere.

KIDS PROGRAMMING

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Saturday, February 7th from 9:00am to 1:00pm

Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD) is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. Launched in 2011 in Connecticut by librarians Nadine Lipman (Waterford Public Library, retired) and Caitlin Augusta (Stratford Library) with artist Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, TYCLD raises community awareness about the importance of the library in the life of a child, and promotes library services and programs for children and families.

Swing by APLD for a library themed scavenger hunt for kids ages 0-12!

Brain Blast Puzzle Group

Monday February 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd from 4:00pm to 4:45pm

Are you ready to put your brain to the test? Join the Brain Blast Puzzle Group! Each week, we’ll dive into a variety of mind-bending activities designed to boost logic, critical thinking, and patience.

We will conquer:

• Logic Puzzles (riddles, grid puzzles)
• Spatial Reasoning Challenges (tangrams, building blocks)
• Mind Games (strategy games, brain teasers)
• Creative Ciphers (code-breaking and secret messages)

It’s the perfect place for kids who love puzzles and want to sharpen their focus in a fun, supportive setting. Get ready for a blast! 

DROP IN PROGRAM

For ages 5-11 (K-5th Grade)

Super Saturday: Decorate Valentines

Saturday, February 14th starting at 10:00am

Join us in the program room for our annual Valentine's Day Card Making Super Saturday Program! Drop in and make a card for your sweetheart with the supplies we have on hand!  

Recommended for families of all ages 

DROP IN PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Lap Time

Lap Time will take place Wednesday, February 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th starting at 9:30am Lap Time is filled with fingerplay, books, and songs.



Recommended for 0-2 years old.

Story Time

Story time will take place Thursday, February 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th starting at 10:00am. Story time is filled with books, songs, instruments, and play.



Recommended for 3-5 years old.

Play Time

Play Time will take place Friday, February 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Join us for free play in the program room and socialize with other families!

Recommended for 0-5 years old.

TEEN PROGRAMMING

Tween and Teen: D&D Group A

Thursday, February 5th from 4:00pm to 6:30pm  

Grab a friend and don't forget to register for the one of two campaigns! Dive into the ultimate collaborative game with Dungeons & Dragons for ages 11-18! Practice problem solving, communication, and critical thinking skills while building community. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or completely new to rolling a D20, come sharpen your strategy, boost your creativity, and make new friends! Adventure awaits!  

Group A meets February 5th & April 2nd 

Group B meets March 5th & May 7th

5 per group MAX

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

For ages 11-18 (grades 6th-12th) 

Learn to Loop Knit 2

Sunday, February 8th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Cozy up and join us for part 2 of this beginner's class and learn how to loop knit! This is a perfect intergenerational activity for a Sunday afternoon!

Supplies are provided 

Recommended for ages 11+ 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Book Sale

Thursday, March 26th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Friday, March 27th from 9:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday, March 28th from 9:00am to 1:00pm

Sunday, March 29th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Mark your calendars! Our Annual Book Sale is coming up at the end of March!

Board Game Cafe

Monday, March 2nd, 9th, 23rd & 30th from 4:00pm to 4:45pm 

Drop by the library on Mondays this March for Board Game Cafe! This is an excellent opportunity for kids to practice critical thinking, teamwork, and good sportsmanship in a relaxed environment. 

DROP IN PROGRAM.

Special note: there is NO Board Game Café on Monday, March 16^th.  

For ages 5-11 (K-5th Grade) 

Tween and Teen: D&D Group B

Thursday, March 5th from 4:00pm to 6:30pm  

Grab a friend and don't forget to register for the one of two campaigns! Dive into the ultimate collaborative game with Dungeons & Dragons for ages 11-18! Practice problem solving, communication, and critical thinking skills while building community. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or completely new to rolling a D20, come sharpen your strategy, boost your creativity, and make new friends! Adventure awaits!  

Group A meets February 5th & April 2nd 

Group B meets March 5th & May 7th

5 per group MAX

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

For ages 11-18 (grades 6th-12th) 

Cherry & Jerry

Wednesday, March 18th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Step back in time with the great music of the ragtime era! The popular duo Cherry and Jerry will bring you well known songs such as The Entertainer, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, and St. Louis Blues as well as some rarely heard but wonderful music. Fun for the whole family, they focus on ragtime, blues, jazz and popular music from about 1900-1920. If you haven't heard the music before, it's the perfect time to get an introduction!

The St. Louis duo has toured music of the ragtime era throughout the region, appearing at libraries, museums, pubs and restaurants, special events, and more. Appearances include the Illinois State Fair, DuQuoin State Fair, the George Washington Carver National Monument, the Cole Porter Festival in Peru, Indiana, and the Missouri History Museum. 

All Ages Program