THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED

Monday, September 7th

APLD will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th at 9:00am!

Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

No matter what your tastes are, a library card hits all the right notes!

Check out a classic story or hit shuffle and try something new. Find harmony at your library’s book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and author talks. A headphone kind of day? Find your focus in a study room or vibe out in a cozy nook. Compose your future with new skills in your library’s makerspace or check out instruments and tools in the Library of Things. No matter what rhythm you find yourself in, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you.



This September, B sharp, and sign up for a library card!

Sages Read

It's almost time to pick up your prizes!

Book Worm and Book Dragon prizes can be picked up at Allerton Public Library during open hours after Tuesday, September 1st!

Having trouble finding a book for a challenge? Our staff members are happy to offer a recommendation. Challenge suggestions can also be found on two displays in the library! Our Adult/YA suggestions are next to the magazine collection on the north side of the building. Our Youth suggestions can be found next to the juvenile audio collection on the west side of the building.

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 2: “Be suspicious of “emergencies.”: Scammers often make urgent requests and pressure victims to act fast. They might pose as a law enforcement or IRS official and tell you to pay them quickly or risk a big financial penalty. Others pretend to be tech support agents and say they need access to your computer to prevent an ongoing hack. The need for speed is a scam tip-off (emphasis mine).”

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

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

ADULT PROGRAMMING

BYOB: Bring Your Own Book

Tuesday, September 1st 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, September 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th 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! 

*NOTE: There is no Allerton Library Yoga on Wednesday, September 9th.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM



NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Frank L. Baum and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in Illinois and Beyond 

Thursday, September 10th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Mark W. Sorensen will give an illustrated presentation about how Baum came to Illinois and in 1900 wrote the first six of his fourteen Oz books while living in Chicago, as well as helping create the first Oz-related musical stage show and his touring multi-media extravaganza. Sorensen will also review the many film versions that followed Baum's 1910 move to Hollywood, and some of the Oz legacies still remaining in Illinois.

Mark Sorensen is the retired assistant director of the Illinois State Archives and a past president of the Illinois State Historical Society. He is a recipient of the ISHS Lifetime Achievement Award; the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award; and an ILA Library Luminary Award. He currently is the Official Macon County Historian and the historical consultant for that county's African American Heritage Trail project.  He is the author of "Illinois and the Marvelous Land of Oz" which appeared in the July 2024 issue of ILLINOIS HERITAGE magazine. 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

Adult Bingo

Monday, September 14th at 2:00pm

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



ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Back to Basics: Smartphone Skills and Tips with Megan

Tuesday, September 15th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Topic: Smartphone Skills and Tips 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. 

ADULT ONLY PROGRAM

Sit & Stitch

Sunday, September 13th and 27th 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

September Crafternoon: Spooky Wood Blocks

Thursday, September 17th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm 

What better way to get ready for spooky season than to create a cute decoration! Join us in the program room to create a set of spooky wood blocks! Come and create a ghost, a pumpkin, Frankenstein, or a witch to complete your festive decor! 

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Non-Fiction Book Group

Thursday, September 17th from 6:00pm to 7:15pm

Come and join us as the group discusses, "Joyride: A Memoir" by Susan Orlean.

ADULTS ONLY PROGRAM 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Gateway to Gut Health

Monday, September 21st from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

What lives in your digestive tract and how you feed those organisms can influence your health. Explore the huge and tiny world of gut health by discussing the roles of fiber and other foods, defining common terms like probiotics and FODMAPs, and understanding the current science of the gut.

The class will include a recipe demonstration and tasting.

ADULT ONLY PROGRAM 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

Main Street USA

Thursday, September 24th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Main Street USA: A Feature Slide Show by Wee Little Johnny Lynn 

The product of a 30-year continuing project to capture the many ways our Illinois towns offer Roots, a Hometown, and a Little America for us all, “Main Street, Illinois” is a memorable and fun-filled tour of the charms, traditions, and personalities of our Illinois towns — mostly small towns — led by the only person who has visited and photographed all 2400 of them.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

YOUTH PROGRAMMING

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

unattended in the library. 

Super Saturday: Mega-Game Mania

Saturday, September 12th from 10:00am to 11:00am

We are supersizing the fun with oversized versions of classic games like Connect Four, Jenga, and Checkers! Bring the whole family to test your skills!

ALL AGES PROGRAM



NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Story Time

Story Time will take place Wednesday, September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 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, September 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th 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, September 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th 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, September 3rd 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

Discovery Depot

Monday, September 14th & 28th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm

We are opening up the library's vault of specialized science, technology, engineering, art, and math kits for a program of open-ended creation. Bring a friend, brainstorm together, and see what amazing things you can construct and control! This is an excellent opportunity to test drive one of our many kits in house! 

FOR AGES 5-12 ONLY

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Knight Owls: Chess Club

Monday, September 21st 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

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

2026 IHLS Library Crawl

October 1st to October 31st

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

The Annual Library Crawl is a unique event organized by the public libraries of the 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.  

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! 

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

Creepy Clay

Dragon Egg: Monday, October 12th from 4:00pm to 4:45pm

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

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

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

Super Saturday: Beastly Buttons

Saturday, October 17th from 10:00am to 12:00pm 

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

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.

ADULT ONLY PROGRAM