What's Up at the Library?

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Tuesday, April 21: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. Wear a bookish t-shirt to the library.

Wednesday, April 22: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are. Cardigan Day- Channel your inner cozy librarian vibes- bonus points for elbow patches and dramatic book recommendations.

Thursday, April 23: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries. Library Card Selfie Day- Strike a pose with the most powerful card in your wallet. Don't have a library card? We can help :)

Friday, April 24: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. Celebrate Reading Rainbow Day "But don't take our word for it..." Stop by and revisit the magic of stories that take you anywhere.

Whether you’re here for the books, the vibes, or just the smell of pages (we get it), there’s something for everyone this week. Come celebrate with us—you belong here.

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May Chautauqua Lecture: Growing Food, Growing Community

This month’s speaker, Richland Community College’s Dave Shiley, is the Outreach Coordinator for Agricultural Programs. Shiley works with high school agricultural programs within Richland’s district to showcase the College’s agricultural offerings and recruit students into the program. Additionally, he works with the agribusiness community to expand internships and other experiential learning opportunities for students. 

Shiley earned his BS and MS in Forestry and Outdoor Recreation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and has completed advanced coursework at the University of Illinois in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources.

He brings to Richland Community College 38 years of experience with the University of Illinois Extension. He recently served as an Extension Educator in Local Food Systems and Small Farms in east-central Illinois and as the coordinator of the Illinois Master Naturalist program. Shiley also worked as an Extension Educator in Natural Resource Management in central Illinois, and started his career with Extension as the Camp Manager/Program Director at 4-H Memorial Camp, near Monticello, Illinois.

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Plant a Seed, Read: Summer Reading Program Preview

Get ready to grow something amazing this summer! From June 2 through July 10, 2026, our library invites readers of all ages to dig into stories, discover new adventures, and “plant seeds” of imagination with our Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed, Read.

New This Year: Plant a Seed, Grow a Library

As part of our 2026 program, we’re proud to launch a new literacy initiative that connects reading with classroom impact. Students can help a teacher earn a $200 classroom library collection simply by reading and participating in the library’s summer program. The more they read, the more they help their classroom grow!

This year’s theme is all about growth—whether it’s growing your reading habits, learning something new, or connecting with your community. With programs designed for kids, teens, and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Participants can track their reading all summer long and earn fun incentives along the way. Weekly check-ins bring small prizes and coupons from local sponsors, while milestone achievements unlock even more rewards.

And for those aiming high- our grand prizes include electric scooters, along with additional sponsor giveaways that make reading even more rewarding.

But Summer Reading is about more than prizes—it’s about experiences. Little ones can enjoy Story & Play Times and lively Lawn Chairs at the Library evenings, featuring family entertainment on the library lawn. Adults can join book clubs, stop by Tuesday morning sewing, or participate in bingo and exercise programs. Don’t miss our popular Friday Afternoons at the Library from 1-3 PM featuring the Macon County Conservation District and weekly projects.

We’ll wrap up the season with a final celebration on July 10, featuring inflatables, games, music, and prize drawings—a joyful way to celebrate a summer of reading and growth.

Whether you’re planting the first seed of a reading habit or continuing to grow a lifelong love of books, this summer is your chance to bloom.

Stop by the library to sign up and start your journey—because every great story begins with a single seed.