Operation Jesus volunteers will personally deliver the care packages to homeless individuals in downtown Chicago on Christmas morning.

Keep kids engaged during winter break with the Yorkville Public Library's December lineup of hands-on activities, storytimes, and creative programs.

Families can form teams and compete by answering questions about holiday history, movies, music and television, the library said.

The Putnam County Public Library District will launch a community book club series in January 2026 as part of its America250 programming, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Participants will gain some tips to create hygge and choose from a selection of library books to bring home which inspire joy and relaxation this winter.

The Plano Library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 and be closed all day on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27.

Here's a slate of Polo Public Library events set for December.

The Streator Public Library will host a variety of programs from Monday, Dec. 8, through Saturday, Dec. 13.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a gingerbread decorating workshop at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Granville Branch.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a “Whimsical Winter Bird” craft session for all ages at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the McNabb Branch.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Granville Branch will host a holiday movie matinee at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Upcoming events at Julia Hull District Library in Stillman Valley also include toddler time, Young Critics Book Club and a Grinch-mas pajama party.

Upcoming events at the Mt. Morris Public Library include a seasonal craft time and Lego Night.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a free screening of “First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Granville Branch.

The exhibit runs through Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library. The display is free and open to the public at any time the library is open. The pop-up exhibition connects audiences with the people and places that shaped the nation's birth.

Upcoming events at the Forreston Public Library include Christmas in the Country on Dec. 5 and 6, 2025, and toddler/preschool story-time sessions.

The Peru Public Library will host a historical examination of the Starved Rock Murders case at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 1409 11th St.

Special Events in December to include The Misty River Music makers performing at the library

The Putnam County Public Library District has launched a Little Free Pantry at its Granville branch to support community members facing food insecurity or hardship.

The Streator Public Library will host a variety of programs from Sunday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 6.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host folk musician Lee Murdock for a Great Lakes-themed holiday concert at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Granville branch.

The Grinch-mas Pajama Party will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, and is for ages 5-9.

All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa in a more subdued and calm environment.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Condit Branch will host a screening of “Lifeline: Pearl Harbor’s Unknown Hero” at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.

The Putnam County Library will close for staff training on Dec. 5 and after noon on Dec. 12.

The Streator Public Library will host a variety of holiday-themed programs from Sunday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Nov. 29.

Bring your favorite little person for a fun, relaxed time of stories, games, crafts and making new friends.

Here's a list of upcoming events at Julia Hull District Library in Stillman Valley.

Plano Library is collecting items to help people who are experience homelessness. A program at the library helps turn plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends gather to share a meal together. It is a time of fellowship and reminds all of us to think about what we are grateful for.

The Yorkville Public Library Youth Services Department has released its November programming schedule.

DeKalb youth theater company Lightbeam Players will present its show “Secrets Lie Beyond” on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

A representative from state Sen. Sue Rezin’s office on Tuesday will assist constituents in navigating issues they face with any state or federal agency or program at Plano Library.

The Streator Public Library is hosting a variety of events from Nov. 10 to Nov. 15 for all ages, featuring activities ranging from scavenger hunts to art and gaming.

The Yorkville Public Library Adult Services Department hosts variety of special events and programs in November.

"Grow Your Own Microgreens" sessions are set for Nov. 5 and Nov. 15 at the Bertolet Memorial Library in Leaf River. Participants will learn how to grow microgreens and explore creative ways to incorporate them into their diets through engaging hands-on classes.

This year, our Giving Tree will support the Recovery Community Center of Joliet (RCCJ), an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by addiction find healing, stability, and hope.

The Reddick Public Library District, 1010 Canal St., Ottawa, will host several programs and events in November.

The Streator Public Library, 130 S. Park St., recently announced its upcoming programs and events for October and November.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a free screening of the PBS documentary “Poison Squad” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the library’s Granville branch, 214 S. McCoy St.

The Putnam County Public Library District will hold a free screening of the documentary “The Herculaneum Scrolls” at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the library’s Condit branch, 105 N. Center St.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a free picture postcard presentation at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, online via Zoom.

The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial’s corporate giving program, recently donated $2,500 to the Utica Public Library, according to a library release.

The program will provide free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth through age 5, mailed directly to their homes at no cost to families.

Here's a look at adult programs offered at the Plano Library in October.

During the event, visitors can browse and purchase a wide selection of books, DVDs, puzzles, and comic books. All sales are cash only.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a fall craft activity at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the library’s McNabb branch, 322 W. Main St.

The Marseilles Public Library has a full slate of October activities for kids and the community.

The Plano Public Library invites residents to help turn plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness on Saturday morning, Sept. 13.

Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota is inviting local middle schoolers to join a lineup of engaging October activities designed just for “Tweens,” kids in fifth through eighth grades.