Storytimes near Algonquin Area Public Library

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Program Room

A book club for fiction lovers! Join us monthly to discuss a fiction book! This month we’ll be reading Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Check out a copy from either library location, or check out a digital copy from Libby . AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations email info@aapld.org or call 847-458-6060 ext. 143 at least 7 days in advance.

Library Pickup

Books, movies, goodies, oh my! All items included in your box will fall under the umbrella of the theme. This month's theme is What's Your Hogwarts House? Registration opens on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. Answer a few questions to help us select the best materials for you. You may register for a LibBox anytime throughout the month. Please allow at least 7 days for us to prepare your box. If you register for a LibBox at the end of the month, you will still get a box on that month's theme. Boxes include: At least 2 books At least 1 movie Some fun items for you to keep Please note any food allergies on the form. A staff member will email you when your box is ready to be picked up. For other suggestions that do not fit the monthly theme, visit our reader's advisory request page .

Harnish Main, Computer Lab Harnish

Looking to start or continue your genealogy research? Join our genealogy club! Open to novices and experts alike, this club is a dedicated time to conduct genealogy research. Research your family tree using databases and print materials provided by the library. Bring your questions and projects! Basic computer skills required. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations email info@aapld.org or call 847-458-6060, ext. 143 at least 7 days in advance.

Eastgate Branch, Eastgate Large Meeting Room

Join us for half an hour of glow in the dark music fun! We will be dancing to fun songs, learning through music, and playing with bubbles! Drop-ins are welcome and registration is not required. Register the group once under a caregiver's name to receive a reminder email. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, email [info@aapld.org] or call 847-458-6060, ext. 135 at least 7 days in advance.

Eastgate Branch, Eastgate Large Meeting Room

Dance to your favorite pop and GoNoodle songs with the blacklights! Drop-ins are welcome and registration is not required. Register the group once under a caregiver's name to receive a reminder email. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, email [info@aapld.org] or call 847-458-6060, ext. 135 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

Want to save and use seeds from your current garden for next year? Join the Illinois Master Gardeners for this informative class! Discover the art and science of saving seeds and growing new plants with confidence. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn when and how to harvest seeds from flowers, vegetables, and native plants, how to clean and store them properly, and the basics of propagating plants from seed. We’ll cover simple techniques to improve germination, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for successful planting at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this class will help you build a more sustainable garden and enjoy the satisfaction of growing plants from start to finish. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Fox Bluff Conservation Area, pavilion

Join us for a relaxed gathering where book lovers, introverts, and even procrastinators can read quietly together and connect at their own pace. Enjoy a relaxed, low-pressure reading experience in a shared space. Bring any book, e-reader, or audiobook and settle in for a quiet hour of reading, with time to socialize before and after. No assigned reading. No required discussion. Just time, space, and community, designed to promote library services, encourage reading, and connect you with our library and natural spaces around it. Bring your own materials, or a library card, and our programmer will assist with our physical or digital collections. On July 9, we will meet at the Fox Bluff Conservation Area pavilion, at 1300 Cold Springs Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102. If you wish, you can sit at a picnic table or bring a folding chair. This program is made possible through partnerships with: McHenry County Conservation District (attendance will count toward the Find Your Wild Challenge in 2026 for the months of June-August), Village of Algonquin , Village of Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation , and Kane County Forest Preserve District . AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

Award-winning YA author and Illinois Author Finalist Zee Lacson will present on the importance of understanding your personal reasons for writing. Why do you write? Join author Zee Lacson for a conversation about purpose, motivation, and how knowing your “why” can shape your writing journey. Lacson will share personal insights and offer actionable ideas for writers at any stage. Zee Lacson has had practice in many professions; engineer, educator, photographer, artist and storyteller. Her YA series, The Woolgathering Trilogy was completed in 2023. The first book, Reverie , was a 2021 Illinois Author Project finalist. Her latest release Twice Removed, was published in 2024. Learn more at zeelacson.com AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Makerspace

Calling all Witches and Wizards! Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31st) by crafting your very own themed sign. You’ll love bringing this piece to life with paint and a bit of "maker magic." AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Library Pickup

Books, movies, goodies, oh my! All items included in your box will fall under the umbrella of the theme. This month's theme is What's Your Hogwarts House? Registration opens on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. Answer a few questions to help us select the best materials for you. You may register for a LibBox anytime throughout the month. Please allow at least 7 days for us to prepare your box. If you register for a LibBox at the end of the month, you will still get a box on that month's theme. Boxes include: At least 2 books At least 1 movie Some fun items for you to keep Please note any food allergies on the form. A staff member will email you when your box is ready to be picked up. For other suggestions that do not fit the monthly theme, visit our reader's advisory request page .

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

For the littlest babies (up to 18 months): enjoy fun stories, songs, and rhymes! Please register each baby that will attend under the baby's name and age. No older siblings, please. *Registration for non-AAPLD cardholders will open on May 29th.* This program has limited space, and we will likely have a waitlist. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can make a child on the waitlist happy! For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. Please call us at 847-458-6060 ext 135 if you need to cancel. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x135 at least 7 days in advance.

Makerspace

Calling all Witches and Wizards! Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31st) by crafting your very own themed sign. You’ll love bringing this piece to life with paint and a bit of "maker magic." AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

A session for your older baby to enjoy fun stories, songs, and rhymes! Please register each baby that will attend under the baby's name and age. No older siblings, please. Younger siblings welcome. *Registration for non-AAPLD cardholders will open on May 29th.* This program has limited space, and we will likely have a waitlist. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can make a child on the waitlist happy! For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. Please call us at 847-458-6060 ext 135 if you need to cancel.

Library Pickup

Books, movies, goodies, oh my! All items included in your box will fall under the umbrella of the theme. This month's theme is What's Your Hogwarts House? Registration opens on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. Answer a few questions to help us select the best materials for you. You may register for a LibBox anytime throughout the month. Please allow at least 7 days for us to prepare your box. If you register for a LibBox at the end of the month, you will still get a box on that month's theme. Boxes include: At least 2 books At least 1 movie Some fun items for you to keep Please note any food allergies on the form. A staff member will email you when your box is ready to be picked up. For other suggestions that do not fit the monthly theme, visit our reader's advisory request page .

Harnish Main

Buzz, wiggle, and wander the Spella Park Trail to find not-so-creepy bugs! These adorable creatures will guide you around the trail and right back to the library. Can you spot each one? From library opening on June 1- to library closing on July 19th, come to the Harnish location and collect a map. Take your map to the trail directly next to the library and see what you can find. When you finish, bring it back for a prize! This trail does not “off road” and is accessible to all. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x135 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

... Share your name and email with us and we will send you a reminder email about this event, but registration is not required and drop-ins are welcome. For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x135 at least 7 days in advance.

Towne Park

Celebrate Unplug Illinois by plugging into play, nature, and community! Step away from screens and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities at Towne Park. Unplug Illinois is a campaign created by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association that encourages people to unplug from their electronic devices and plug into play, creativity, friendship, adventure and family. [ Click here for full event details.] Towne Park is located at 100 Jefferson Street in Algonquin. Parking is available in the lot at the West end of Washington Street. Presented in partnership with Algonquin Recreation.

Library Pickup

Books, movies, goodies, oh my! All items included in your box will fall under the umbrella of the theme. This month's theme is What's Your Hogwarts House? Registration opens on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. Answer a few questions to help us select the best materials for you. You may register for a LibBox anytime throughout the month. Please allow at least 7 days for us to prepare your box. If you register for a LibBox at the end of the month, you will still get a box on that month's theme. Boxes include: At least 2 books At least 1 movie Some fun items for you to keep Please note any food allergies on the form. A staff member will email you when your box is ready to be picked up. For other suggestions that do not fit the monthly theme, visit our reader's advisory request page .

Offsite Programs

Kick off your outdoor adventure at the library! We've partnered with MCCD to encourage exploration through the Find Your Wild summer challenge! Stop by the library to pick up a special code and earn points in the Find Your Wild challenge! These points can be redeemed for exciting prizes. While you're here, check out our librarians' top outdoor-themed book picks, perfect for reading at your favorite conservation area, as listed in the Find Your Wild app. Now in its fourth year, the McHenry County Conservation District’s Find Your Wild Challenge is moving to an ongoing format, giving participants more flexibility to complete missions while introducing new seasonal activities throughout the year. Explore local preserves, answer trivia questions, and complete fun challenges to earn points that can be redeemed for prizes and exclusive sticker packs featuring the district’s unique conservation areas. Also, this year, AAPLD planned two special events that are part of the Find Your Wild missions and by participating, you get extra points: The Reading Retreat, Saturday, June 6, 10 am - 12 pm, Exner Marsh Conservation Area pavilion (9000 N Lakewood Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156) OR The Reading Retreat, Thursday, July 9, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, the Fox Bluff Conservation Area pavilion (1300 Cold Springs Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102) Learn more: MCCD.me/FindYourWild Questions? Email FindYourWild@MCCDistrict.org Please register with a valid email address to receive the link to join via Zoom. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Crystal Lake Farmer's Market

Join us each month for a fun social gathering with photo tips and sharing! Want to get more out of your camera or phone? Here is your chance to share your photos, display your experiences, learn, teach and commune with others who love photography in all its variations. Need inspiration to continue with photography? Meet, discuss and examine photographic techniques, ideas and results with a group of like minded photographers. This meeting will start in the program room, then we will venture outdoors with our cameras, weather permitting. This month we will meet at 11:00 a.m. the Crystal Lake Farmer's Market by the Dole Mansion -- 401 Country Club Rd. Crystal Lake, IL 60014. We will be exploring activities and/or local destinations to take photos and meeting at the library to share our results. Members may also have the opportunity to share their work with the community as a library art exhibit. Any questions? Please reach out to Kelly Kuningas at kelly.kuningas@aapld.org. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Crystal Lake Farmer's Market, Crystal Lake Farmer\'s Market

Join us each month for a fun social gathering with photo tips and sharing! Want to get more out of your camera or phone? Here is your chance to share your photos, display your experiences, learn, teach and commune with others who love photography in all its variations. Need inspiration to continue with photography? Meet, discuss and examine photographic techniques, ideas and results with a group of like minded photographers. This meeting will start in the program room, then we will venture outdoors with our cameras, weather permitting. This month we will meet at 11:00 a.m. the Crystal Lake Farmer's Market by the Dole Mansion -- 401 Country Club Rd. Crystal Lake, IL 60014. We will be exploring activities and/or local destinations to take photos and meeting at the library to share our results. Members may also have the opportunity to share their work with the community as a library art exhibit. Any questions? Please reach out to Kelly Kuningas at kelly.kuningas@aapld.org. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

... Share your name and email with us and we will send you a reminder email about this event, but registration is not required and drop-ins are welcome. For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x135 at least 7 days in advance.

Library Pickup

Books, movies, goodies, oh my! All items included in your box will fall under the umbrella of the theme. This month's theme is What's Your Hogwarts House? Registration opens on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. Answer a few questions to help us select the best materials for you. You may register for a LibBox anytime throughout the month. Please allow at least 7 days for us to prepare your box. If you register for a LibBox at the end of the month, you will still get a box on that month's theme. Boxes include: At least 2 books At least 1 movie Some fun items for you to keep Please note any food allergies on the form. A staff member will email you when your box is ready to be picked up. For other suggestions that do not fit the monthly theme, visit our reader's advisory request page .

Harnish Main

Buzz, wiggle, and wander the Spella Park Trail to find not-so-creepy bugs! These adorable creatures will guide you around the trail and right back to the library. Can you spot each one? From library opening on June 1- to library closing on July 19th, come to the Harnish location and collect a map. Take your map to the trail directly next to the library and see what you can find. When you finish, bring it back for a prize! This trail does not “off road” and is accessible to all. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x135 at least 7 days in advance.

Eastgate Branch, Eastgate Large Meeting Room

Join us for a fun half-hour full of stories, singing, and dancing. Please register the group once under a caregiver's name. This program has limited space, and we will likely have a waitlist. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can make a child on the waitlist happy! For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. Please call us at 847-458-6060 ext 135 if you need to cancel. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [events@aapld.org] or call 847-458-6060, ext. 135 at least 7 days in advance.

Eastgate Branch, Eastgate Large Meeting Room

Join us for a fun half-hour full of stories, singing, and dancing. Please register the group once under a caregiver's name. This program has limited space, and we will likely have a waitlist. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can make a child on the waitlist happy! For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. Please call us at 847-458-6060 ext 135 if you need to cancel. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [events@aapld.org] or call 847-458-6060, ext. 135 at least 7 days in advance.

Eastgate Branch, Eastgate Large Meeting Room

Join us for a fun half-hour full of stories, singing, and dancing. Please register the group once under a caregiver's name. This program has limited space, and we will likely have a waitlist. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can make a child on the waitlist happy! For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. Please call us at 847-458-6060 ext 135 if you need to cancel. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [events@aapld.org] or call 847-458-6060, ext. 135 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Harnish Main Large Meeting Room

Like scary stories? Learn about newly published scary books and make your own tiny haunted terrarium. Join us for book talks about the latest creepy middle grade books, then customize your own creepy terrarium. For everyone's health, we kindly ask that you keep sick children at home. Please call us at 847-458-6060 ext 135 if you need to cancel. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [events@aapld.org] or call 847-458-6060, ext. 135 at least 7 days in advance.

Eastgate Branch, Eastgate FlexSpace

Join us to discuss a YA book! Refreshments will be served. In July, we'll be discussing Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray . Stop by either library location to pick up a copy or download an eBook here or download an eAudiobook here using the Libby app. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.

Harnish Main, Computer Lab Harnish,Virtual Room - Computer Class

This class will teach you how to connect your smartphone to Bluetooth devices like headphones and speakers, your laptop or Mac, and other connections like Wi-Fi and NFC. For iPhone or Android Don't forget to bring your smartphone to class! AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, email info@aapld.org or call 847-458-6060, ext. 143 at least 7 days in advance.