2026 Summer Reading Kickoff

Monday, May 30th from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Join us as we celebrate the start of the 2026 Summer Reading Program with our "Plant a Seed, Read" kickoff party! We’re turning the library into a literary garden where every book is a seed waiting to bloom. Pick up your tracking cards and help us grow a community of readers and let your imagination grow wild!

Note: Tracking cards will not be available before Saturday, May 30th 

Library Closed

The library will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of the holiday. 

We will reopen Tuesday, May 26th at 9:00am.

Ask Megan!



Happy May Everyone!

I thought I would pass along this tip I received in my monthly newsletter from the Secretary of State’s office. Here it is:

"If you get a text claiming to be from the 'DMV' or 'Illinois Secretary of State' threatening suspension or enforcement - DO NOT click or reply. Our office will never send texts for payment or personal info. Stay vigilant and report scams by sending the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov."

If you would like to receive the Illinois Secretary of State’s monthly newsletter please click on the button below.

Let me know if you have any technology related questions by sending me an email at techservices@allertonpubliclibrary.org or calling me at 217-762-4676 and ask for Megan.

Unattended Children in the Library

While public libraries are a wonderful place for children to explore and learn, they are open public buildings. Staff cannot provide the dedicated supervision necessary to ensure a child's safety.

To maintain a secure and positive environment for everyone library users must abide by our Library Usage Policy. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in

the library. The Allerton Public Library District is committed to help children with activities related to the library. The library cannot act in loco parentis and is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended. Preschool children may not be left unattended in the library. Although

parents are not expected to be in attendance at library programs planned specifically for young children, they are expected to remain in the building in case of an emergency.

Parents and caregivers must not leave children under the age of 10 unattended in the library. All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible caregiver. The responsible caregiver must be at least 12 years old. If a child is unsupervised, attempts

will be made to locate the parent or caregiver. In situations where these policies are abused, the library staff will take appropriate action. This may include contacting parents or legal authorities.

In no instance will library staff provide transportation for children left unattended at the library.

Following library policy regarding unattended children ensures that every visit remains a safe and enriching experience for the youngest members of our community. When these guidelines are followed, staff can focus on providing high-quality service and curated programming, knowing that children are properly supported by their caregivers. Ultimately, this cooperation fosters a secure, welcoming environment where families can explore and learn together with peace of mind.

Damaged Items

Summer is when we see some of the highest collection use at APLD. Items do tend to have general wear and tear, but if something is damaged it is helpful to library staff if patrons communicate what and where the damage has occurred. When damaged items are brought to our attention, it allows us to assess whether a book can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced to maintain the quality of the collection.

Damaged items are those that can no longer be circulated due to the condition as determined by library or IHLS staff. Examples of damage include but are not limited to: Materials with torn/defaced/missing covers or pages, liquid or dirt damage, missing pieces (i.e. DVDs, audiobooks, CDs). Replacement charges are set by the item’s price in the system catalog. The cost for a damaged DVD case is $5.00. Patrons who pay for a damaged item are entitled to keep the item. The Library does not accept replacement copies supplied by the borrower.

Notifying staff early prevents minor wear from becoming irreversible damage and ensures that the next reader doesn't discover a frustrating surprise in the middle of their story. This simple act of communication helps us keep our shared resources in excellent condition for the entire community to enjoy.

Explore More Illinois

What is Explore More Illinois?

Explore More Illinois is a free service provided by your library that provides instant online access to free and discounted tickets to museums, science centers, sporting events, zoos, park districts, theatres, and other fun and local cultural venues.

How do I get a pass?

Log in with your library card credentials and browse for passes by date or attractions. 

If you do not know your PIN or password, or if you have problems logging into Explore More Illinois, please contact your home library.

Make your reservation and print or download your pass shortly before your visit. You can have three active reservations per library card. Please cancel your reservation(s) if unable to attend, otherwise the reservation will count as being used. Remember that once you print or download your pass you cannot cancel your reservation.

Explore More Illinois users must be 18 years or older. Attractions may require a photo ID in addition to the reservation.

ADULT PROGRAMMING

True Crime with Bob Cyphers

Monday, May 4th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Join Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award–winning journalist, Bob Cyphers, for an evening of true crime discussion about a chain of unsolved murders along I-70 in the 1990’s and highlights the recent advances helping to crack these cold-cases. 

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

Allerton Library Yoga

Tuesday, May 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th 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.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book

Tuesday, May 5th 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

Sit & Stitch

Sunday, May 10th and May 24th 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

Adult Bingo

Monday, May 11th at 2:00pm

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



ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

Illinois Libraries Present: Babel-On with R.F. Kuang

Wednesday, May 20th at 7pm

R.F. Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable, Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture. 

Kelly Jensen, an anti-censorship advocate, a senior editor at Book Riot, and writer who has compiled such anthologies as Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World and (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, will be joining Kuang in conversation. 

Illinois Libraries Present online events are limited to local patrons—those with library cards for our library or residents of our community without cards. 

Virtual Program 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

Participants must register by 5pm on May 20th! 

This event is intended for adults

May Crafternoon: Watermelon Wreath

Thursday, May 21st

from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Come and make a super fun, quick, and colorful watermelon wreath! 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

Register at the circulation desk, call APLD at 217-762-4676

OR email staff@allertonpubliclibrary.org 

Non-Fiction Book Group

Thursday, May 28th from 6:00pm to 7:15pm 

Come and join us as the group discusses, "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

KIDS PROGRAMMING

Lap Time

Lap Time will take place Wednesday, May 6th, 13th, and 20th starting at 9:30am. Lap Time is filled with fingerplay, books, and songs. There is no Lap Time Wednesday, May 27th.



Recommended for 0-2 years old.

Story Time

Story time will take place Thursday, May 7th, 14th, and 21st starting at 10:00am. Story time is filled with books, songs, instruments, and play. There is no Story Time Thursday, May 28th.



Recommended for 3-5 years old.

Play Time

Play Time will take place Friday, May 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Join us for free play in the program room and socialize with other families! There is no Play Time Friday, May 29th.

Recommended for 0-5 years old.

Kids Craft Closet Cleanout

Monday, May 4th, 11th & 18th

from 4:00pm to 4:45pm

Give our leftover craft supplies a second life! Join us for "trash-to-treasure" crafting. We’ve emptied our cupboards of all the left over craft supplies from the year, and they are yours to use. 

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

DROP IN PROGRAM

Super Saturday: Make a Mother's Day Card

Saturday, May 9th from 10:00am to 11:00am 

Looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Look no further than your own imagination! Join us for a fun-filled hour of crafting. We’ll have everything you need to create beautiful, personalized cards for the mothers and mother-figures in your life. No registration required—just bring your creativity!

Recommended for families of all ages 

DROP IN PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

TEEN PROGRAMMING

Tween and Teen: D&D Group A

Thursday, May 7th 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, & May 7th

5 per group MAX

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

For ages 11-18 (grades 6th-12th) 

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book Group

Tuesday, June 2nd 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

Watch Party: Become a Dementia Friend

Tuesday, June 9th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm 

More than 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and many more live with other forms of dementia that impact their independence and well-being. This training allows participants to become a Dementia Friend — someone who understands what it’s like to live with dementia and knows simple, practical ways to offer support.

This session training is part of Illinois Dementia Friends and Dementia Friendly Illinois, a member of the Dementia Friendly America network. Only those attending this live training with an Illinois Extension educator will become a certified Dementia Friend.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Sit & Stitch

Sunday, June 14th and June 28th 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 biweekly 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

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

unattended in the library. 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED