Sara Billiet with the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Halloween, Spider Art, the 150th Library Celebration, the Hope Diamond, and the Fall Health Clinic with First Choice Healthcare. The Kewanee Public Library is marking its 150th anniversary this Sunday with an open house, blending historical displays, community performances, and family-friendly crafts from 2 to 4 PM. Children can join walking spider craft workshops leading up to Halloween, while regular story times and the popular Lego Club keep young minds engaged. The “I Spy” shelves offer weekly challenges with prizes for eagle-eyed kids. For adults, a Fall Health Clinic this Wednesday provides free screenings and flu shots. Movie lovers can enjoy “Hocus Pocus” on October 30th, and history buffs are invited to a Hope Diamond watch party on the 27th.
The children’s room at the library offers story time nearly every Tuesday and Thursday, welcoming babies through preschoolers without the need for registration. Each session includes book readings, singing, and engaging activities with scarves and egg shakers—designed to build hand-eye coordination and social skills essential for kindergarten. For families unable to attend in person, story time is also broadcast live on Facebook each Tuesday at 11:15 AM, with previous videos available for up to a month. This online option allows kids to enjoy their favorite segments and even send in questions, expanding access to early literacy fun.
Area third through fifth graders are wrapping up a chapter chaser’s adventure with Roald Dahl’s “The BFG.” Led by retired Wethersfield teacher Chris Reeves, the book club offers participants a chance to listen to the story, follow along with their own copies, and enjoy themed activities—whether treats, crafts, or a movie adaptation. Even confident readers benefit from being read to, while those who find reading challenging get a little relief. The club gathers on Tuesdays and Thursdays at five. As the current session winds down, organizers encourage children to sign up for the next book club session after the upcoming holiday break.
Kids of all ages are invited to unleash their creativity at the daily Lego Club, where imagination takes the spotlight. Participants can craft their own Lego masterpieces and even have their creations—complete with custom nameplates—prominently displayed for all to see. There’s no shortage of activities, as organizers continually introduce new ways to keep things lively and engaging. Plus, families can take advantage of the monthly “grab and go” kits, a popular tradition that started during the pandemic and has stuck around by popular demand. Swing by, join the fun, and don’t miss out on the next round of grab-and-go projects!
Families visiting the Kewaunee Public Library may have noticed the ongoing popularity of the “I Spy” shelves, which were originally introduced during the summer reading program. The interactive activity now features vividly colored shelves—yellow, orange, and red—each displaying objects matching its color, adding a fun challenge for children each week. Kids receive a new list of items to spot every Monday, and those who complete the search are rewarded with small prizes.
The Kiwanee Public Library is gearing up for its 150th anniversary celebration this Sunday, October 26th, from 2 to 4 PM. Hosted by the Friends of the Library, this open house promises a blend of history and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy fascinating displays on the library’s past, explore popular books through the decades, and enjoy performances by choirs from Kiwanee and Weathersford High Schools, as well as the community choir. Families are encouraged to visit—kids can participate in creative crafts upstairs, and refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. All are welcome to join in recognizing this milestone and supporting the Friends of the Library.
Local kids have something to look forward to as the Youth Department announces its Walking Spider Craft sessions this month. The creative workshops will run from October 22nd to October 24th, with doors open between 2 and 6 PM each day. An additional session takes place on Saturday, October 25th, from 9 AM until 1 PM. The event is designed for young children, allowing participants to get hands-on and imaginative while crafting their own walking spiders just in time for the Halloween season. All materials will be provided, and families are encouraged to stop by and join in the fun. Organizers note that while the decorations might look a bit spooky, the eight-legged stars are made strictly from art supplies, not webs. Staff use this opportunity to teach children about the value of spiders in nature, emphasizing that these creatures help control pesky insects. Even those with a fear of spiders have joined in the fun, finding that learning and crafting can help turn fright into fascination—and perhaps make a few tiny eight-legged friends.
Area residents are invited to attend the Fall Health Check Clinic at the Kewanee Public Library on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The event, supported by the Henry & Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, is open to adults 18 and older. Free flu shots are available for those with Medicare or insurance—attendees must present their insurance card. The cash price for the vaccine is $60. The clinic also offers free blood pressure checks, vital signs assessments, and blood glucose screenings. Additional health resources and giveaways will be provided to promote community wellness.
The Health Department is urging all individuals aged six months and older to receive a flu vaccination this season. Special emphasis is placed on those at higher risk for severe flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, seniors over 65, those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease, and smokers. Health care workers are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect vulnerable populations.
Halloween spirit is set to come alive on October 30th with a festive movie night featuring the beloved film “Hocus Pocus.” The event begins at 5:30 PM. and promises more than just a screening. Guests can look forward to seasonal treats and exclusive Hocus Pocus coloring sheets, adding a creative twist to the evening. The film, rated PG and running one hour and 36 minutes, offers a nostalgic, family-friendly way to get into the Halloween mood. Organizers invite everyone to gather, relax, snack, and take part in this enchanting pre-Halloween celebration.
A watch party is set for Monday, October 27th, at noon in the 2nd Floor Community Room featuring the online presentation, “Evalyn Walsh McLean and the Curse of the Hope Diamond.” Host Carolyn Crouch will delve into the mysterious origins of the Hope Diamond’s notorious curse and its links to the life of socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Attendees can expect to learn about the diamond’s storied past, the legends surrounding it, and the personal adventures of its most famous owner. The event promises intrigue for those fascinated by history, treasure, and enduring legends.