Marion Carnegie Library | 618-993-5935

Food for Fines
2025-12-01 - 2026-01-31 | 206 S Market St, Marion, IL, United States, Illinois 62959
Support the Marion community while taking care of some MCL late fees when you participate in our annual Food for Fines program!
Visit the MCL Main Desk and donate items listed in the “What can I donate?” section of our Food for Fines page. All donations will help local non-profit Gum Drop Kids provide child-friendly food to help enhance the quality of life for at-risk children.
You’ll receive $1 in MCL account credit for each donated item. Only valid to waive overdue fines.

Season's Readings
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | 206 S Market St, Marion, IL, United States, Illinois 62959
Visit the Library to get in the festive spirit! Fun activities on every floor!
Children’s Department

Ice Fishing
Snowball Fight
Snowman Bowling
Snowflake Stamp Craft

Main Floor

Beeswax Candle Craft
Hot Cocoa in Carnegie Commons

YA Department

Giant Jenga
Waterless Snow Globe Craft
Popcorn

PNG Lab

Custom Wooden Ornaments

MCL's 110th Birthday Celebration
2026-03-02 17:00 - 19:00
You’re a part of our story!

We’re celebrating our 110th birthday on Monday, March 2nd from 5pm to 7pm. Join us and journey through more than a century of reading and information!

Step into history by passing through the original library entrance on Market Street. Enjoy refreshments, activities, and historical displays throughout the building. Sign our card, strike a pose in our photobooth, and take home a vintage-styled postcard and bookmark!

Marion Carnegie Library opened its doors to the public on February 29th, 1916, and has gone through several renovations over the years. Throughout it all, the library has been dedicated to offering resources and programs, as well as fostering connections within the community.

Friends of Marion Carnegie Library Book Sale
2026-03-20 09:00 - 2026-03-21 16:00
The Friends of Marion Carnegie Library will host a book sale on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st from 9am to 4pm in the McCoskey Room.

Stop by that Saturday from 2pm to 4pm to fill a bag for $5!

Friends of Marion Carnegie Library Book Sale
2026-05-29 09:00 - 2026-05-30 16:00
The Friends of Marion Carnegie Library will host a book sale on Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th from 9am to 4pm in the McCoskey Room.

Stop by that Saturday from 2pm to 4pm to fill a bag for $5!

Library Garden Party: Summer Reading Kickoff
2026-06-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Mandala Gardens, 1704 N State St, Marion, IL, 62959, US
Join us at Mandala Gardens for our Summer Reading Kick-off!

Enjoy a fun evening with multiple businesses and organizations, and register for MCL’s Summer Reading challenges. Downtown Fizz and Drizzle Donuts will be there, along with entertainment from yo-yo performer Jack Hudspath. Look out for the cute and friendly donkeys with their handlers for photo ops!

Life Size Board Games
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:00
Enjoy life-sized games on every floor!
Yahtzee, Connect 4, Jenga, and more!

Freedom to Read: An American 250 Celebration
2026-06-30 16:00 - 18:00
MCL is celebrating 250 years of The Declaration of Independence!
Add a leaf to the Liberty Trees to celebrate independence and the pursuit of happiness. Take a selfie with The Statue of Liberty and enjoy a cookie. Watch an 18th century spinning wheel demonstration with the Black Sheep Fiber Guild and visit with costumed volunteers with the Harrison-Bruce Historical Village.

Children’s: Themed crafts and balloon horse races
YA: Hamilton showing
Main Floor: Teas of the Boston Tea Party and community jigsaw puzzle
