The Teen Lounge
2026-06-25 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-29 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
Want a chill place to hang after school? Take advantage of our YA Department to study, craft, game, or read!
We have craft supplies, board games, video games, and more for teens to enjoy and get creative with!
Ages 12-18

Adult Craft: Birdhouse Plant Stake
2026-06-25 17:30
We will be creating a houseplant stake from corks and other materials.
Required registration begins on June 17th.

PNG at MCL: Open Lab
2026-06-26 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-29 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-30 12:00 - 19:00
Work with any of our equipment & create whatever you can imagine!
Funding for Project Next Generation is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Ages 10-18

Runaway Puppet Theater
2026-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 | The Pavilion Events, 1602 Sioux Dr, Marion, IL, 62959, US
This summer, Runaway Puppet Theater presents three stories in their new show for Summer Reading 2026: Tall Tales, Tiny Heroes.
Laugh along with the outrageous tale of the Ugly Duckling (who suspiciously looks like a dinosaur), the madcap adventures of the Tiger and the Mouse, and the zany antics of Rumpelstiltskin!
The show also features interactive sing-alongs and humorous water buffalo jokes (well, at least we hope they’re humorous…) It’s the perfect summer adventure to help readers of all ages Unearth a Story!

MCL Book Club
2026-06-27 10:00
We will meet in the McCoskey Room to discuss the book Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence by Carol Berkin.
Meet in the McCoskey Room
Bonus! This book will also count towards one of the Adult Summer Reading Challenges

Tween Movie
2026-06-27 13:00
Come watch a fun tween movie!

Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819 - 1865
2026-06-27 13:00 - 14:30
Presented by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, Dr. Caroline Kisiel and in partnership with Artspace Southern Illinois.
Although Illinois entered the Union as a free state in 1818, residents had practiced slavery and indentured servitude since the 1700s, laying the foundation for the Illinois Black Codes, enforced from 1819 to 1865. These were severely restrictive laws that controlled nearly every aspect of life for enslaved people, indentured servants, and free Blacks for nearly 50 years.
Scholar Caroline Kisiel will trace the history and share stories of African Americans whose resilience helped change the course of Illinois history.

PNG at MCL Saturday Sessions: Art, Music, & Sound
2026-06-27 13:00 - 16:00
June 27th PNG at MCL Saturday Session: Post Production!
Combine your skills to create your own music video to tell a story!
Throughout June, learn the process of music production, along with creating your own video to accompany it!
Funding for Project Next Generation is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Ages 10-18

Builder's Club with Heartland LUG
2026-06-29 17:30 - 19:00
Build whatever you can imagine with our building blocks or join Heartland LUG in a fun building activity!
Use our building blocks to construct your masterpieces. Large Duplo Blocks will be available for younger children.

For ages 0-12.

Playroom Playdate
2026-06-30 10:00 - 12:00
Meet up with friends and make new ones in our fun playroom!

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

CLOSED FOR FOURTH OF JULY
2026-07-04
We’ll be closed on Saturday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
Regular business hours will resume Monday, July 6th.

America 250: Securing the Dream for Us All
2026-07-09 18:00
Blending his new production, Unum, and his own experiences, Dr. Ted Williams III explores how the community can work towards a thriving democracy across the country and how to ensure that the promise of America extends to all.
This event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Road Scholar speakers travel throughout Illinois sharing free, dynamic presentations about literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more. Visit ilhumanities.org for more information about Illinois Humanities and programs.
Dr. Ted Williams III is an accomplished and experienced actor, educator, author, and Road Scholar. Through his presentations for organizations across the state, he shares his life’s work and passion that revolves around the topics of political science and social justice via theater. For more information about Dr. Williams and his work, visit www.tedwilliamsiii.com.

Lawyer in the Library
2026-07-14 17:00 - 19:00
An attorney will be available for 20-minute private meetings to assist with legal coaching, document review, referrals to additional community services, e-filing court documents, and legal questions.

Registration is required. Sign-up at the Main Floor Circulation Desk.

Participants must be a resident within the Illinois First Judicial Circuit and not currently represented by an attorney.
