The Utica Public Library announced its upcoming free events for 2026.

Scales & Tails: Reptiles of the Prairie State – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. Learn about reptile habitats, behaviors and adaptations. A Master Naturalist volunteer will lead this session, sharing photos and stories from local sightings near Starved Rock State Park. To reserve a spot, call 815-667-4509.

OSF OnCall – 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23. Free health screenings available. Vitals include a blood pressure reading and oxygen reading, as well as blood glucose and total cholesterol level testing from a single finger prick test. Fasting is not necessary, and results are available in two minutes. Please drink water before the screenings. Walk-ups only. For questions, call 815-667-4509.

The Foods and Flavors of the Mediterranean – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. The University of Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness program will be at the Utica Public Library for a program on the foods and flavors of the Mediterranean.

La Salle County Genealogy Guild – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19. Learn the basics of tracing your lineage from the La Salle County Genealogy Guild.

Grilling and Summertime Salads – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. Program on grilling and summertime salads given by the University of Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness program.

Summer Reading – Starting June 15, the Utica Public Library District will host its summer reading program.

Cooking for One or Two – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. Learn to cook for one or two people in a program given by the University of Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness program.