Monthly Library Newsletter
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April 2026 Newsletter
Wednesday, April 1st
Adult Craft Night: Mother’s & Father’s Day Cards at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, April 1st at 6 pm for our April Adult Craft Night, this month we are making cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! Registration is limited – please call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register!
Thursday, April 9th
What Can the Job Center Do for You? at 11 am –
Come to the library to learn about the amazing services The Job Center has to offer from their Career Specialist Jeni Sprinkle! From job boards, resume building, to job applications, The Job Center has so many resources for people seeking employment! Admission is Free! Hope to see you there!
Friday, April 10th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on April 10th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build a superhero!
Saturday, April 11th
Encore Family Craft Class: Mother’s & Father’s Day Cards at 2 pm –
Couldn’t make it to the Wednesday craft! No problem! Join us on Saturday, April 11th at 2 pm for our April Encore Family Craft, this month we are making cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! Registration is limited – please call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register! Adults and teens grades 6 and up may register.
Sunday, April 12th
Music Under the Dome: Illinois College Percussion Ensemble at 4 pm –
We invite you to join us for our next Music Under the Dome performance on Sunday, April 12th at 4 pm. This month, we are hosting the Illinois College Percussion Ensemble!
Tuesday, April 14th
Being Mindful in a Busy World at 2 pm –
Feeling disconnected between yourself and life? Having trouble feeling present in the moment? Come learn some mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress and increase life satisfaction. (*Including fun brain games.*) Part of the new “Brain Boost Tuesday” series. ~2nd Tuesday of the month~ No registration required!
Wednesday, April 15th
Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced with Laura Keyes at 6 pm –
Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard was committed to the Illinois State Hospital (the state mental asylum) in 1860, and was kept under lock and key for three years, all the while protesting her sanity. While her husband, Theophilus, insisted to everyone – Elizabeth’s children, extended family, neighbors, friends, and the asylum employees – that she was, in fact, insane, Elizabeth was able to obtain her release. But her battle did not stop there. Join Laura Keyes, as Elizabeth Packard, for this informative and inspiring presentation!
Thursday, April 16th
Author of the Year Reception at 6:30 pm –
The Friends of the Library invite you to celebrate the winners of the annual Author of the Year contest on Thursday, April 16th in the meeting room at the library. Winners will read their poems or prose, and light refreshments will be served. Come join us!
Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection (Zoom Event) at 7 pm
Thursday, April 16th at 7 pm. This event is intended for adults. Please call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to register.
Tuesday, April 21st
Teen Craft Night: Basket Weaving at 6 pm –
Stay tuned for more details!
Wednesday, April 22nd
Adult Book Club: The Midnight Library at 6 pm –
Join us on April 22nd at 6 pm for our April Page Turners Book Club meeting. This month we are reading “Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. All are welcome! Books are available for check out at the Circulation desk!
Saturday, April 25th
Baby Rave at 10 am –
Stay tuned for more details!
Wednesday, April 29th
John Lynn Presents: Louis & Clark – The Return to St. Louis (1806) at 6 pm –
Explore the return journey of the Lewis and Clark expedition via the Missouri River, which shaped much of their 28-month trek. Based on John Lynn’s modern paddle down the river, the program highlights the Corps of Discovery’s 2,300-mile descent from Montana to St. Louis. ADMISSION IS FREE!
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: April 3rd
Group 2 meets: April 17th
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In April, we’ll be meeting on the 9th and 23rd at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Mindful Movement – Grab a towel and join Jeannie Hemphill for a mindful movement class. Learn the basics of mindful movement with an introduction to balance, finger/wrist exercises, shoulder rolls and more. As long as there’s enough interest, this class will continue so don’t hesitate to stop by! This month classes will be held on April 6th, 20th, & 27th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm in the meeting room.
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime!
March 2026 Newsletter
Sunday, March 8th
Music Under the Dome: Tim Chipman at 4 pm –
Join us for our next Music Under the Dome performance on Sunday, March 8th at 4 pm as we welcome back Tim Chipman!
Tuesday, March 10th
Wits Workout at 2 pm –
Geared toward adults 50 years old and above, Wits Workout is a fun, educational, and interactive way to support brain health. Invite friends or family to join in! March theme: Forget Me, Not! Registration for Wits Workout is not required. For questions, contact the library at: 217-243-5435 Ext: 223.
Wednesday, March 11th
Adult Book Club: “The Stolen Queen” at 6 pm –
Join us on March 11th at 6 pm for our March Page Turners Book Club meeting. This month we are reading “The Stolen Queen” by Fiona Davis. All are welcome! Books are available for check out at the Circulation desk!
Friday, March 13th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on March 13th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build an alien!
Saturday, March 14th
Family Craft Class: Easter Bunny Planters at 2 pm –
Join us on Saturday, March 14th at 2 pm for our March Family Craft Day! This month we will be making Easter Bunny Planters! All materials are provided! Registration is limited, call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register. Adults and students 6th grade and up may register.
Wednesday, March 18th
Adult Game Night: Strategy Games at 6 pm –
Get ready for another night of fun at the Jacksonville Public Library! Join us on Wednesday, March 18th at 6 pm for Adult Game Night! This month’s theme is STRATEGY GAMES! Bring your favorite strategy games! Admission is free!
Thursday, March 19th
Beyond the Page with Percival Everett (Zoom Event) at 7 pm –
Thursday, March 19th at 7 pm. This event is intended for adults. Please call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to register.
Wednesday, March 25th
Adult & Teen Craft: Candle Painting at 6 pm –
This month’s Craft Night will be open to both adults and teens! We will be candle painting! Registration is limited – email ajones@jaxpl.org, clangdon@jaxpl.org, or call to get registered! Adults & children 6th Grade and up are eligible to register.
Wednesday, March 25th at 6 pm.
Thursday, March 26th
Author Event: Robert Potter at 6 pm –
Please join us for an author talk and book signing honoring local author Robert Potter. Admission is free! Thursday, March 26th at 6 pm.
Saturday, March 28th
Sensory Friendly Storytime at 10 am –
This month on Saturday, March 28th at 10 am, the Jacksonville Public Library is offering a monthly storytime program that caters to children who might enjoy a more relaxed and slower-paced storytime. This program is designed specifically for neurodiverse children or those with sensory processing challenges, but all families are welcome to attend. This program is best suited for ages 3-7.
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: March 6th
Group 2 meets: March 20th
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime! There will be no Toddler Storytime on Friday, March 13th.
February 2026 Newsletter
Wednesday, February 4th
Adult Craft Night: Valentine’s Day Candy Jars at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, February 4th at 6 pm for our February Adult Craft Night, this month we are making Valentine’s Day Craft Jars! Registration is limited – please call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register!
Tuesday, February 10th
Wits Workout at 2 pm –
Geared toward adults 50 years old and above, Wits Workout is a fun, educational, and interactive way to support brain health. Invite friends or family to join in! February theme: Game Day! Registration for Wits Workout is not required. For questions, contact the library at: 217-243-5435 Ext: 223.
Wednesday, February 11th
Adult Book Club: Sherlock Holmes at 5:30 pm –
Join the Jacksonville Public Library’s Book Club for Adults on February 11th at 5:30 pm. This month we ask you to pick your favorite Sherlock Holmes title to discuss! We hope to see you there!
Friday, February 13th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on February 13th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build a flower!
Saturday, February 14th
Encore Family Craft Class: Valentine’s Day Candy Jars at 2 pm –
Stop by the library on Saturday, February 14th at 2 pm for our February Encore Craft Class. February’s craft is DIY Valentine’s Day Candy Jars! Registration is limited, call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email Ali at ajones@jaxpl.org to register! Adults and children 6th grade and up may register.
The Jacksonville Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 16th for Presidents’ Day.
Thursday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 24th
Teen Craft: Air-Dry Pottery at 6 pm –
Join us for a special TWO PART Teen Craft on Thursday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 24 at 6 pm where we’ll be making air-dry pottery! Make whatever you can dream up in the first session and come back the next week to paint your creation!
Tuesday, February 24th
Still Afraid of the Dark: An Evening with R.L. Stine (Zoom Event) at 7 pm –
This event is intended for adults. Please call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to register.
Wednesday, February 25th
How to Hygge with Adult Services Librarian Ali Jones at 6 pm –
Come join Adult Services Librarian Ali Jones on Wednesday, February 25th at 6 pm as she shares How to Hygge!
Saturday, February 28th
Sensory Sensitive Storytime at 10 am –
This month on Saturday, February 28th at 10 am, JPL is offering a monthly storytime program that caters specifically to neurodiverse children or those with sensory processing challenges, but all families are welcome to attend. This program is best suited for ages 3-7.
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: February 6th
Group 2 meets: February 20th
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In February, we’ll be meeting on the 12th and 26th at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Toddler Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Toddler Storytime!
January 2026 Newsletter
Wednesday, January 7th
Adult Craft Night: Pom-Pom Penguins at 6 pm –
Join us on Wednesday, January 7th at 6 pm! In January we will be making pom pom penguins! Registration is required, please email Ali Jones at ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to register!
Friday, January 9th
Lego Club from 2:30 – 5 pm –
Calling all builders! This month’s Lego Club meeting is coming up! Join us at the library on January 9th to show off your Lego skills. Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. This month’s challenge: build your favorite snow activity!
Saturday, January 10th
Encore Family Craft Class: Pom-Pom Penguins at 2 pm –
Couldn’t make it to the Wednesday craft night? No worries! Stop by our Encore family craft class on Saturday, January 10th at 2 pm. In January, we’re making pom pom
penguins! Materials will be provided! Registration is limited. Please email Ali Jones at ajones@jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5435 ext. 235 to register. Adults and children 6th grade and up are welcome!
Sunday, January 11th
Music Under the Dome: Ben Bedford at 2 pm –
The Jacksonville Public Library is pleased to welcome back Ben Bedford as our next Music Under the Dome performer. Join us on Sunday, January 11th at 4 pm!
Tuesday, January 13th
Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig (Zoom Event) at 7 pm –
This event is intended for adults. Please call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to register.
Wednesday, January 14th
Adult Book Club: “Black Klansman” at 6 pm –
Join us on January 14th at 6 pm for the next meeting of the Page Turners Book Club!
We will be discussing “Black Klansman” by Ron Stallworth. We hope to see you there!
The Jacksonville Public Library will be closed on Monday, January 19th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Wednesday, January 21st
Adult Game Night: Board Games at 6 pm –
Get ready for another night of fun at the Jacksonville Public Library! Join us on Wednesday, January 21st at 6 pm for Adult Game Night! This month’s theme is BOARD GAMES! Bring your favorite board game! Admission is free!
D&D Club from 4 – 6 pm
Well met, traveler! The Jacksonville Public Library is looking for brave adventurers to join our party!
Group 1 meets: January 2nd
Group 2 meets: January 16th
Our current session of D&D Club is full! Check our social media for updates or email Blaine at blainecoultas@gmail.com with questions regarding future sessions.
Teen Advisory Board – What do you want to see at your library? Join TAB to help us make the library a better place for teens! In February, we’ll be meeting on the 8th and 22nd at 5 pm! Please email Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org with questions!
Mindful Movement – Grab a towel and join Jeannie Hemphill for a mindful movement class. Learn the basics of mindful movement with an introduction to balance, finger/wrist exercises, shoulder rolls and more. As long as there’s enough interest, this class will continue so don’t hesitate to stop by! This month classes will be held on December 5th, 12th, and 26th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm in the meeting room.
Storytime – Join us for stories and a craft every Wednesday morning at 10 AM and every Wednesday afternoon at 3PM unless otherwise posted!
Baby Storytime – Join us at the library every Friday at 10 AM for Baby Storytime! This program, for caregivers and babies 0-24 months, is designed to encourage baby’s early literacy skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and movement.