Olney Public Library

Christmas Festival at the Library Dec. 19th 4-6pm
2024-12-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Christmas at the Library!
Join us for story time, holiday crafts and refreshments.

Lego Club Dec. 26th 4-5pm
2024-12-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us to build legos! December 26th 4-5pm

Lego Club January
2025-01-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us to build legos! January 23rd 4-5pm. Kids ages 6-12 are invited to complete the monthly lego build or create their own build.

Matt Tavares
2025-02-06 17:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us on February 6th at 5pm for an author talk with Matt Tavares, author of the beloved Dasher Christmas books, as well as Hoops and Red and Lulu. New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Matt Tavares was born in Boston, and grew up surrounded by books and reading. Years later, as a studio art major at Bates College, he rediscovered his love for picture books, and decided to try to make his own.

Rebecca Boone Reenactment
2025-02-10 17:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us on February 10th at 5pm for an exciting reenactment by Angie Chute of the history of Rebecca Bryan Boone, wife of Daniel Boone.

Lego Club 2/20 4pm
2025-02-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Creative LEGO Building Event at Olney Public Library – Fun for Kids Ages 6-12!
Join us at Olney Public Library for an exciting LEGO Building Challenge designed just for kids ages 6-12! This hands-on, creative event encourages young builders to explore their imagination, develop problem-solving skills, and have fun with friends while constructing unique LEGO masterpieces.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Tons of LEGO bricks to build with
✅ Fun challenges and free-build time
✅ Friendly, creative atmosphere
✅ A great opportunity for kids to enhance STEM skills
No registration is required—just bring your creativity and get ready to build! This free event is perfect for young LEGO enthusiasts who love to design, create, and explore.
Don’t miss out on this fun-filled LEGO adventure at Olney Public Library—mark your calendar today! 🚀
#OlneyPublicLibrary #LEGOFun #KidsActivities #STEMLearning #FamilyFun

THE DULCIMER WORKSHOP 2/24 5pm
2025-02-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
THE DULCIMER WORKSHOP

Ross’s workshops are a special treat for children, schools, and families. Developed twenty years ago as a way to introduce STEM concepts in elementary schools, there have been almost 20,000 dulcimers made and played since then.

Horticulture Talks: Getting Started with Fruit Trees March 10th 5pm
2025-03-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Horticulture Talks with Illinois Extension: Getting Started with Fruit Trees
📅 Date: March 10, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Olney Public Library
Dreaming of growing your own apples, peaches, or cherries? Join us at the Olney Public Library for “Getting Started with Fruit Trees,” an informative horticulture talk presented by Illinois Extension. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your orchard, this session will cover essential tips to help you select, plant, and care for fruit trees in your home landscape.
🌳 Topics Covered:
✅ Choosing the right fruit trees for Illinois
✅ Proper planting techniques for healthy growth
✅ Essential care, maintenance, and pest management
✅ Best practices for a successful harvest
Learn from horticulture experts and gain the knowledge you need to start growing delicious, homegrown fruit! This free event is perfect for gardeners, homeowners, and anyone interested in backyard orchards.
#OlneyPublicLibrary #IllinoisExtension #FruitTrees #Gardening #Horticulture #GrowYourOwnFood

Family Heirloom Recipes - March 19th 5pm
2025-03-19 05:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Family Heirloom Recipes – Presented by Catherine Lambrecht & The Road Scholar Program
📅 Date: March 19, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Olney Public Library
Discover the flavors of the past and celebrate the cherished recipes passed down through generations at Family Heirloom Recipes, a special presentation by Catherine Lambrecht in partnership with The Road Scholar Program.
Catherine Lambrecht, a culinary historian and passionate food preservationist, will delve into the significance of family recipes, exploring how they connect us to our heritage, culture, and loved ones. Through fascinating stories and historical insights, she will highlight the importance of preserving these culinary traditions for future generations.
🍽️ What You’ll Experience:
✅ Inspiring stories of treasured family recipes
✅ The history and significance of heirloom cooking
✅ Tips on preserving and sharing your own family recipes
✅ Engaging discussion with fellow food enthusiasts
Whether you love cooking, history, or simply enjoy reminiscing about grandma’s secret recipe, this event is perfect for anyone interested in food heritage and culinary storytelling.
#OlneyPublicLibrary #FamilyRecipes #FoodHistory #CatherineLambrecht #RoadScholar #HeirloomCooking

2025-03-21 12:00 - 16:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Give the Gift of Life: Blood Drive at Olney Library
📅 Date: March 21, 2024⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM📍 Location: Olney Library
Join us in making a lifesaving difference! Olney Library, in partnership with Brookestone Estates and Emerald Glen, is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive to support those in need. Every donation can help save up to three lives, and your generosity ensures that hospitals and emergency centers have the supplies they need to care for patients in critical situations.
How You Can Help:✔ Schedule an appointment in advance or walk in during event hours.✔ Bring a friend, roll up your sleeve, and donate for a great cause.✔ Enjoy light refreshments and the satisfaction of knowing you made a real impact!
Your donation matters. Join us in giving hope and healing to those who need it most.
Together, we can save lives—one donation at a time! ❤️

Horticulture Talks : Pruning Basics March 24th 5pm
2025-03-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Horticulture Talks with Illinois Extension: Pruning Fruit Tree Basics
📅 Date: March 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Olney Public Library
Enhance your orchard’s productivity and health by mastering the fundamentals of fruit tree pruning. Join us at the Olney Public Library for “Pruning Basics,” a horticulture talk presented by the Illinois Extension. This session is designed to provide you with essential knowledge and techniques to effectively prune your fruit trees, ensuring optimal growth and abundant harvests.
🌳 Topics Covered:

Understanding Tree Anatomy: Learn about the structure of fruit trees and how pruning influences growth.
Timing and Tools: Discover the best times to prune different fruit trees and the tools required for precise cuts.
Pruning Techniques: Gain hands-on knowledge of various pruning methods to promote tree health and fruit production.
Maintenance Practices: Understand how to care for your trees post-pruning to encourage vigorous growth.

This event is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners aiming to improve their fruit tree care practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from horticulture experts and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
#OlneyPublicLibrary #IllinoisExtension #FruitTreePruning #Gardening #Horticulture #OrchardCare

Lego Club 3/27 4pm
2025-03-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States

Build Your Home Library - Book Fair 3/31 - 4/7, Paperpie Book Fair
2025-03-31 08:00 - 2025-04-07 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
The Paperpie Book Fair is Coming to Olney Public Library!

Mark your calendars! Join us March 31st – April 7th at the library!

We will be partnering with PaperPie Learning (formerly Usborne Books and More) to host a fundraising Book Fair, bringing a fantastic selection of engaging, high-quality books for all ages! This is a wonderful opportunity to build your child’s home library while also supporting our classrooms and school library.
Families can shop here at the library. We will receive 50% of the sales to purchase our own books for the our library. Thank you for supporting us!

100 Things to Do In Illinois Before You Die - Author Visit
2025-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join Melanie Holmes’s Author Talk on Saturday, April 12th at Noon. Learn about all of the amazing things to do in our state.

100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die introduces you to the state’s rich history, showcasing places with some of the best food and entertainment Illinois has to offer. Local author Melanie Holmes shares her favorite tips about her home state.

Horticulture Talks: Gardening 101 April 14th 5pm
2025-04-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Horticulture Talks with Illinois Extension: Gardening 101
📅 Date: April 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL 62450
Embark on your gardening journey with confidence by attending “Gardening 101,” a comprehensive workshop presented by the Illinois Extension at the Olney Public Library. This session is tailored for beginners eager to cultivate their green thumbs and establish a thriving garden.
Whether you’re planning a vegetable plot, a flower bed, or a mixed garden, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to get started.
📞 For more information or to register, contact us at: 618-392-3711
🌐 Visit our website: Olney Public Library Events
Join us on April 14th to lay the groundwork for a successful and rewarding gardening experience!
#OlneyPublicLibrary #IllinoisExtension #Gardening101 #BeginnerGardening #Horticulture #GreenThumb

Backyard Bird Watching 4/21 5:30pm
2025-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us learn about backyard birds, what to look for, bird calls and how to attract birds to your yard.
Presented by Douglas Hart Nature Center.
April 21st at 5:30

Used Book Sale - Preview Event 4/25 2pm-4pm
2025-04-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
April 25th is Preview Night 2pm -4pm
Hardback Books are only $1
Paperback books are only $.50
Saturday get a bag of books for $5

Saturday is the book sale from 10am – 4pm

Used Book Sale 4/26 10AM-4PM
2025-04-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Hardback Books are only $1
Paperback books are only $.50
Saturday get a bag of books for $5
April 25th is Preview Night 2pm -4pm & Saturday is the book sale from 10am – 4pm

Horticulture Talks: Getting Started with Composting. April 28th 5pm
2025-04-28 17:00 - 18:00
Horticulture Talks with Illinois Extension: Getting Started with Composting
📅 Date: April 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Olney Public Library
Turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost with ease! Join us at the Olney Public Library for “Getting Started with Composting,” a hands-on horticulture talk presented by Illinois Extension. This beginner-friendly session will teach you how to reduce waste, improve soil health, and create a more sustainable garden through composting.
♻️ Topics Covered:
✅ The basics of composting and how it works
✅ What materials to compost (and what to avoid)
✅ Different composting methods
✅ Tips for maintaining a healthy, odor-free compost pile
✅ How to use finished compost in your garden
Whether you’re an avid gardener or just looking to be more eco-friendly, this event will equip you with the knowledge to start composting successfully at home.
#OlneyPublicLibrary #IllinoisExtension #Composting101 #SustainableGardening #EcoFriendly #Horticulture

An Evening with Author Lee Martin: "The Evening Shades"
2025-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
An Evening with Author Lee Martin: “The Evening Shades”
📅 Date: April 30, 2024⏰ Time: 6:00 PM📍 Location: Olney Library
Join us at Olney Library for a special evening with award-winning author Lee Martin, as he discusses his latest novel, The Evening Shades. Known for his masterful storytelling and deeply compelling characters, Martin will share insights into his writing process, the themes behind his newest work, and the inspiration that drives his craft.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, this is a unique opportunity to engage with a celebrated author, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the world of literature. Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow book lovers and explore the art of storytelling in an intimate library setting.
Free and open to the public. Arrive early to secure your spot!

Family Game Night May 8th 4-6pm
2025-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us for our popular family game night at the library.
Board games are provided by the library.

Registration Full - Acrylic Painting Class May 17th 1pm-3pm
2025-05-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Come paint a wonderful acrylic painting with us on May 17th. A picture of the project is included below. Registration for this class is required. Only 28 spots are available.
Class is put on by Macoupin Art Collective.

Blood Drive May 20th, 2025
2025-05-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Give the Gift of Life: Blood Drive at Olney Library
📅 Date: Tuesday May 20th, 2025⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM📍 Location: Olney Library
Join us in making a lifesaving difference! Olney Library, in partnership with Brookestone Estates and Emerald Glen, is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive to support those in need. Every donation can help save up to three lives, and your generosity ensures that hospitals and emergency centers have the supplies they need to care for patients in critical situations.
How You Can Help:✔ Schedule an appointment in advance or walk in during event hours.✔ Bring a friend, roll up your sleeve, and donate for a great cause.✔ Enjoy light refreshments and the satisfaction of knowing you made a real impact!
Your donation matters. Join us in giving hope and healing to those who need it most.
Together, we can save lives—one donation at a time! ❤️

Lego Club 5/29 4pm
2025-05-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States

Level It Up - Story Hour June 4th
2025-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States
Join us for a Level It Up story hour series.

Level It Up - Story Hour June 11th
2025-06-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States

Level It Up - Story Hour June 18th Mad Science
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States

Level It Up - Story Hour June 25th Silly Safaris
2025-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States

Level It Up - Story Hour July 2nd
2025-07-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Olney Public Library, 400 W Main St., Olney, IL, 62450, United States

Level It Up - Story Hour July 9th - Blue and Red Sister Pumps Program
2025-07-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Olney City Park Community Building
Join us for a Level It Up story hour series.
This week we are located at the Olney Community Building
