Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library District joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the new non-fiction adult book club, the Page Turners Book of the Month, the Virtual Alzheimer’s program, Sesame Street story time, blood drive, and the new Blind Date with a Book Club. The Kewanee Public Library is rolling out a busy February and spring for the community. This month, virtual programs with the Alzheimer’s Association shine a light on understanding dementia, starting February 17 at 3 PM. For book lovers, the longstanding Page Turners fiction club is joined by the new Curious Minds non-fiction club, set to debut with meetings on the last Wednesday of each month. Adults are invited to join a new tabletop gaming club starting March 4. For families, a Sesame Street-themed story time takes place on February 21 at 11:15 AM, complete with crafts and music. Details and updates are available on the library’s website and Facebook page.
The Kewanee Public Library District is launching the Curious Minds Non-Fiction Book Club with an intriguing pick: “The Aviator and The Showman” by Laurie Gwen Shapiro. This remarkable non-fiction tells the tale of America’s first cross-country flight—a journey that spanned 49 days and included an astonishing 15 crashes. Readers are invited to dive into the world of a determined pilot and a groundbreaking media mogul. Copies will be available at the library beginning March 4th. Book lovers can join the discussion event set for Wednesday, March 25th, at 6 PM. Discover what made this journey a milestone in aviation history.
The Page-Turners Adult Book Club invites readers to saddle up for their latest pick, “Pony Confidential” by Christina Lynch. This unique mystery, told from a pony’s perspective, promises eccentric humor, a tangle of secrets, and a dash of equine attitude. Club members—and curious newcomers—have two chances to join the lively discussion on Monday, February 16th, with sessions at 2 PM and again at 6 PM at the Kewanee Public Library District. Whether you’re obsessed with the plot twists or the pony’s razor-sharp wit, this meeting offers an opportunity to share your insights with fellow book lovers.
This Tuesday, the Kewanee Public Library District is hosting an educational session focused on understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, the free event takes place at 3 PM on February 17th in the Community Room and is designed to inform families, caregivers, and anyone interested in these conditions. Attendees will learn about the key differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, early warning signs, stages of the disease, and the latest treatments and research. The session also highlights support and resources available to the community. No registration is necessary—stop by with your questions.
Readers looking for a twist at the Kewanee Public Library can take part in a unique adventure this February. The “Blind Date with a Book” program invites patrons to select a true crime story, kept under wraps—literally. Titles and authors remain a secret until checkout, promising suspense for even the most seasoned crime story enthusiasts. This creative initiative encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones while discovering gripping new tales from the true crime genre. Limited only by curiosity, library visitors can experience the thrill of uncovering a new page-turner—one mysterious encounter at a time.
The Kewanee Public Library District is teaming up with ImpactLife for a community blood drive on Friday, February 27th. Donors are invited to the Community Room on the library’s second floor between 9 and 11:30 AM. Advance registration is encouraged, and interested donors can secure a spot either online or in person by speaking with Genevieve Aldrich at the library at 309-852-4505. Phone bookings are available by calling ImpactLife at 1-800-747-5401 or online. Every donation makes a difference, and the event offers an accessible way for residents to support local healthcare needs.
The Kewanee Public Library is lighting up winter with a Sesame Street Story Time on February 21st at 11:15 AM. Families are invited to embrace sunny skies indoors with a celebration tailored for young children. Kids can listen to tales featuring beloved characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, and join in music and movement activities with scarves and egg shakers. Little ones will also enjoy a hands-on Sesame Street-themed craft to take home. The event is free and promises a lively, interactive morning where families can sing, play, and create together. Don’t miss the smiles and songs awaiting you at the library.
The Kewanee Public Library is inviting book lovers of all ages to join February’s exciting reading challenge. Participants are encouraged to read a total of 300 minutes throughout the month, logging their progress on the Beanstack app. Those who complete the challenge will earn a custom prize, adding extra incentive to cozy up with a good book. The library hopes this initiative will bring the community closer to its ambitious goal of 300,000 minutes read by 2026. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, mystery, or nonfiction, there’s never been a better time to discover new stories and collect badges.
Young food explorers are invited to a colorful adventure at Kewanee Public Library with the Eat the Rainbow program. Designed for curious kids and selective eaters alike, this engaging event encourages children to discover the benefits of vibrant fruits and vegetables through a lively scavenger hunt. Participants will identify a variety of produce, learn about healthy nutrition in simple terms, and find out why these foods help them play and grow strong. The free program takes place on Saturday, March 7th, at 10:30 AM in the Community Room, making it a fun, hands-on way for families to support healthy habits together.
History enthusiasts are invited to gather on February 18, 2026, at noon in the Community Room of the Kewanee Public Library for a fascinating lecture by acclaimed historian Louis P. Masur. The event delves into the remarkable journey Thomas Jefferson and James Madison undertook together in 1791, exploring upstate New York and New England amidst political uncertainty. Masur, drawing from his book “Founding Friendships,” will highlight the duo’s shared appreciation for landscape, botany, history, and Indigenous cultures, illuminating the roots of their enduring friendship. Those unable to attend in person can register online to participate virtually and join the conversation.