PNG at MCL: Open Lab
2026-05-28 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-01 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-02 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-03 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-04 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-05 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-08 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-09 13:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
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

Playroom Playdate
2026-05-28 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-04 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00
Meet up with friends and make new ones in our fun playroom!

The Teen Lounge
2026-05-28 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-01 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-02 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-04 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-08 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-09 16:00 - 19:00
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

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!

Tween Movie
2026-05-30 13:00, 2026-06-06 13:00
Come watch a fun tween movie!

PNG at MCL Saturday Sessions: Health & Medical
2026-05-30 13:00 - 15:00
Every Saturday in May, learn about healthcare and medical work in the MCL Tech Lab!
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

Teen Craft To-Go: Pressed Flower Bookmarks
2026-06-01
Materials and instructions will be provided for creating a Pressed Flower Bookmark.
Available at the YA Desk beginning June 1st, while supplies last. One kit per patron, please.
No registration required.

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!

Planting Herbs for Pollinators: Support Your Local Bees, Butterflies, and Beyond!
2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:00
Join Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Kimberly Rohling, for a program designed to help you create a pollinator-friendly herb garden! In this session, you’ll learn how to select, plant, and care for herbs that attract and support vital pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio, we’ll show you how easy it is to grow herbs that not only enhance your cooking but also provide essential food and habitat for pollinators.
Program Highlights:

Introduction to pollinators and their role in the ecosystem
Best herbs to plant for attracting pollinators
Tips for planting in containers or garden beds
Pollinator-safe practices

Register at go.illinois.edu/PlantingPollinators

Animal Rescue Story Hour
2026-06-03 10:30
Join MCL and Shining Light Animal Rescue and read a book about animal adoption, sing and dance and take home a fun pet craft!

Teen Game Night: Enchanted Forest Hunt
2026-06-03 16:00
Go on a hunt for items from the enchanted forest throughout the YA Department! Win a prize for finding them all, then stick around to play with our Ninetendo Switch or one of our many board games!

Tween Craft: Bead Lizards
2026-06-05
Come pick up a kit to make your very own bead lizards!
Begins Friday, June 5th while supplies last.

PNG at MCL Saturday Sessions: Art, Music, & Sound
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00
June 6th PNG at MCL Saturday Session: Get in the Band!
Experiment with several musical instruments and begin planning your own music video!
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

Book Speed Dating
2026-06-09 09:00 - 19:00
Stack your Summer Reading list!
Stop by Carnegie Commons any time between 9 am and 7pm to meet some new books. Library Card required only if taking items home with you.
This is a come and go event; no registration required.
