In This Newsletter:

  • Calendar of Events for January 2026
  • February 2026 Highlights

Check out our January 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 January 5th
  • Teen Take and Make: week of January 12th
  • Adult Take and Make: week of January 19th
  • Adult Try Something Kit: week of January 26th

Library Closed


Wednesday, December 31st & Thursday, January 1st


The library will be closed Wednesday, December 31st & Thursday, January 1st in observance of the holiday. We will reopen Friday, January 2nd at 9:00am.

ADULT PROGRAMMING

Allerton Library Yoga


Tuesday, January 6th, 13th & 27th 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 January.

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book


Tuesday, January 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!

Adult Bingo


Monday, January 12th at 2:00pm


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



Adults only program 

Illinois Libraries Present: Beyond the Screen: Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig


Tuesday, January 13th at 7pm


Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books, including his most recent, Pulitzer Prize-winning King: A Life. Vividly written and exhaustively researched, it is the first major biography in decades of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.―and the first to include recently declassified FBI files. Mark Bazer will join Jonathan in conversation. The host of The Interview Show, Bazer also frequently moderates events for Chicago Humanities and is a contributing writer for Chicago magazine. 


Virtual Program 


REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 


Participants must register by 5pm on January 13th! 


This event is intended for adults


January Crafternoon: Book Keepsake Box


Thursday, January 15th

from 2:00pm to 3:00pm


Join us to make a cute Book Keepsake Box.  


Note: You will be using an X-Acto knife for this craft! 


REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED  




Non-Fiction Book Group


Thursday, January 15th

from 6:00pm to 7:15pm


Come and join us as the group discusses, "The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy" by Moiya McTier. 

Exploring the Trails of Allerton Park


Tuesday, January 20th from 10:00am to 11:00am 


Ready to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature? Allerton Park offers miles of diverse trails waiting to be explored! Join us for this informational program where we take a deep dive into Allerton Park and Retreat Center!


KIDS PROGRAMMING

Paper Project Palooza


Mondays in January from 4:00pm to 4:45pm


Join us on Mondays in the program room for a quick paper craft! Each week this month we will have a paper craft ready to assemble and decorate.   


Monday, January 5th

Monday, January 12th

Monday, January 19th

Monday, January 26th


DROP IN PROGRAM

 

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

Super Saturday: Pajama Story Time


Saturday, January 10th starting at 10:00am


Stay in your PJs and join us for stories and songs in the program room for this Super Saturday event! 


Recommended for families of all ages 


DROP IN PROGRAM


NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Lap Time


Lap Time will take place Wednesday, January 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th 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, January 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th 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, January 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 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

Learn to Loop Knitting


Sunday, January 18th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm


Don't get thrown for a loop this winter! Cozy up and join us for a beginner's class and learn how to loop knit! We have an option of a scarf for beginners and a hat for those with a little more experience. This is a perfect intergenerational activity for a Sunday afternoon!  


Recommended for ages 11+ 


REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

Brain Blast Puzzle


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) 

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 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 & Exercises


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! 


DROP IN PROGRAM

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) 

Super Saturday: Valentine's Day Card Making


Saturday, February 14th from 10:00am to 11:00am


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

Puzzle Competition


Sunday, February 22nd starting at 2:00pm 


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.