Woodstock Public Library Newsletter - Summer 2025

Page 1


SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2025 - PAGE 2

CHILDREN PROGRAMS - PAGE 3

ADULT PROGRAMS - PAGE 6

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY CARD - PAGE 15

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2025

Registration begins May 28

Prizes begin June 2 • Prizes end July 31

EARLY READERS (AGES 0-ENTERING KINDERGARTEN)

Early readers can register at the Children’s desk beginning Wednesday, May 28 to receive a folder with a reading log and other goodies. Readers will track the time they read (or are read to) or complete activities and present their log to the Children’s desk to collect prizes.

Starting Monday, June 2, readers earn a prize for every completed paint pallette on their reading log. When readers complete a whole log, they can pick out a book as their prize. Readers can turn in one log per day to receive prizes.

CHILDREN (ENTERING GRADES 1-5)

Children can register at the Children’s Service Desk beginning Wednesday, May 28 to receive a folder with a reading log and other goodies. Readers keep track of the time they read then bring their log to the Children’s desk to collect prizes.

Starting Monday, June 2 readers can earn a prize for every 2 hours of reading. When readers complete a whole log (10 hours of reading), they can pick out a book as their prize. Readers can turn in one log per day to redeem prizes.

YOUNG ADULT (ENTERING GRADES 6-12)

Young adult readers can register at the Children’s Service desk beginning Wednesday, May 28 to receive a folder with a reading log and other goodies. Readers keep track of the time they read then bring their log to the Children’s desk to collect prizes.

Starting Monday, June 2 readers will earn a prize for every 2 hours of reading. When teens complete a whole log (10 hours of reading), they can pick out a book as their prize. Readers can turn in one log per day to redeem prizes.

ADULT (18 YEARS AND OLDER)

Summer reading isn’t just for kids–join in the fun with the Adult Summer Reading Challenge by picking up an reading card to track your reading beginning Wednesday, May 28. For every ten hours you read, you’ll earn an entry in the Summer Reading Challenge drawing. Prizes include water bottles, canvas book bags, Friends of the Library Used Book Gift Certificates, and a grand prize of a Read Between the Lynes $75 gift certificate!

Love the summer reading challenges? Want to go digital? There’s an app for that. The library is again offering Beanstack as a digital option for children and teens to log their summer reading hours on phones or computers. Children, YA, and adult patrons can earn prizes for all of the reading they do over the summer. Paper reading logs are still available for children and teens who want them. Ask for information about Beanstack at the Children’s Desk. https://woodstockpubliclibrary. beanstack.org

SUMMER READING KICK-OFF: ANDERTOONS

Here there be cartoon monsters! Dangerous dragons, kooky kraken, unruly unicorn, and maybe, just maybe, the oozlum bird will make an appearance. (Look it up!) Don’t miss this monstrously fun kick-off!

Date: Saturday/June 7

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Ages: Grades Kindergarten-8

BOOKMARK CONTEST

Design a bookmark around the Summer Reading Challenge theme “Color Our World”. Artists of all ages can participate in this year’s contest. Winners will be chosen from the following categories: Pre-K-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, and new this year, Adult. Winning illustrations will be turned into library bookmarks.

Dates: Contest open from May 28-July 31

Ages: All ages

FAMILY PROGRAMS

POP-UP LIBRARY AT WOODSTOCK PRIDE FEST

Stop by our booth to celebrate Woodstock Pride’s annual Pride Festival.

Date: Sunday/June 15

Time: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Location: Woodstock Square Park

FRIDAY FUN DAY

Check in each Friday to see what different fun activities are available in the children’s department.

Days: Fridays

Time: All day

POP-UP LIBRARY AND SPLASH PARTY

The Woodstock Water Works loves summer readers. Stop by our table for fun activities.

Date: Saturday/June 28

Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Ages: All ages

Location: Woodstock Water Works (Emricson Park)

FAMILY PROGRAMS

POP-UP LIBRARY AT THE WONDER LAKE FARMER’S MARKET

Dates: Wednesday/May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6

Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Ages: All ages

Location: Wonder Lake

Village Hall/Police Station 4444 Thompson Rd. Wonder Lake

VISIT TO A GARDEN RAILROAD

The wonderful Dreyers open up their backyard railroad for us again. Come and see their fantastic trains.

Date: Saturday/July 19

Time: 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Ages: All ages

Location: Address to this Woodstock residence will be provided in the library the week of the program.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

Encourage literacy, expand vocabulary, bond with your little ones and have fun with this nation-wide reading challenge. Those who “graduate” from the program will earn a fun bag full of goodies. Logs are available in the Children’s Department, or you can track reading online with Beanstack.

Ages: Birth-kindergarten

RESCUE READERS

Spend time at the Hooved Animal Humane Society interacting and reading with the horses. Attendees must sign safety waivers, and space is limited to children attending the program with their caregiver.

Dates: Saturdays/June 14, July 12, August 9

Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Ages: Grades 1-5

Location: 10804 McConnell Road

= Discover what’s new at the Library!

STORYTIME

Weekly storytimes will be offered June 9-July 25. There will be no storytime programs the week of June 30.

Registration begins Tuesday, May 20.

BABIES AND BOOKS

STORYTIME

Enjoy books, songs, activities, and rhymes chosen especially for lap babies, beginning walkers, and their caregivers. Then stay and play with a variety of toys and everyday objects.

Day: Tuesdays

Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Ages: 6-23 months

TODDLER STORYTIME

Enjoy books, songs, activities, and rhymes chosen especially for toddlers. Then stay for a craft to help fine tune those fine motor skills.

Day: Wednesdays

Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Ages: 2-3 years

PRESCHOOL

STORYTIME

Talk, read, write, play, and sing your way through learning with books, rhymes, flannel stories and activities. Then stay for a craft to help fine tune those fine motor skills.

Days: Wednesdays

Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Ages: 3-5 years

SPANISH-LANGUAGE

STORYTIME

Families who speak, or are learning to speak, Spanish can enjoy stories, crafts, and songs at our Spanish-language storytime. This program is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Days: Mondays

Time: 5:00-5:45 p.m.

Ages: 2 years and up

CUENTOS EN ESPAÑOL

¡Traiga a sus niños a pasar una tarde divertida! Invitamos a las familias que hablan o están aprendiendo español a que se acerquen a la Biblioteca para escuchar el relato de interesantes historias, realizar manualidades y aprender bellas canciones. El programa se realiza enteramente en español.

Día/Hora: Los días Lunes de 5:00 a 5:45 p.m.

Edad: Mayores de 2 años

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Weekly programs will be offered June 9-July 26. There will be no programs the week of June 30.

YOUNG ADULT DROP-IN ART PROJECTS

Join us each week as we highlight a different art project. Each week we’ll draw, paint, sculpt, and create. Come dressed for a mess.

Days: Wednesdays

Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Ages: Grades 6-12

FAMILY DROP-IN ART PROJECTS

Join us each week as we highlight a different art project. Each week we’ll draw, paint, sculpt, and create. Come dressed for a mess.

Days: Thursdays

Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Ages: Grades 1-5

IN-PERSON PROGRAMS

UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA

Could you recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia? Join us at the library to learn basic information on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages, risk factors, research, and FDA-approved treatments. Aileen Zei of the Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting.

Date: Tuesday/June 3

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

WHAT’S THE RUSH? A HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK DOCUMENTARY

Want to become a biodiversity hero? Learn how planting natives and removing invasive species can make you a part of the Homegrown National Park movement. Come learn about this nation-wide call-to-action with a short film, “What’s the Rush?”, by renowned conservationist Doug Tallamy, followed by a presentation and Q & A with a local pollinator expert.

Date: Tuesday/June 17

Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

INTRODUCTION TO IPHONE & IPAD

Need some help with your iPhone or iPad? Join us for a beginner-level course with handouts and activities prepared by the Public Library Association. Registrants are highly encouraged to bring their own iPhone or iPad to follow along with the course.

Date: Tuesday/June 24

Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Curious about local programs and services for seniors? Not sure where to start? Join us at the library for an exposition of organizations offering programs and services for seniors in Woodstock and McHenry County. No registration required.

Date: Wednesday/August 6

Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

= Discover what’s new at the Library!

FIREARMS SAFETY PRESENTATION

Interested in learning more about firearms safety? Stop by the library for a one-hour presentation from NAMI of McHenry County describing the importance of firearm secure storage in suicide prevention and firearm misuse. Participants will understand the role firearms play in self-harm, the types of secure storage, firearm restraining orders, and more.

Date: Tuesday/July 1

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

RESUME WORKSHOP WITH MCC

Looking to create or improve your resume without spending a dime? Join our Resume Workshop, where we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a professional, job-winning resume using free tools. Whether you’re starting fresh or fine-tuning your current resume, this workshop will provide practical tips and access to valuable templates, resume builders, and optimization techniques.

Date: Wednesday/July 9

Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

CUT THE CORD: THE PROS & CONS OF STREAMING

Interested in learning about streaming services like Netflix or Hulu? Come to the library for an informative session comparing the prices for different services and equipment needed to stream movies and television. This program will also include common scenarios to help participants break down the cost of switching to streaming versus traditional cable service. Materials in this program were provided by digitallearn.org and the Public Library Association.

Date: Tuesday/July 15

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

AS SEEN ON PINTEREST: ADULT CRAFTS

Did you miss any of the adult craft programs in the spring session? Did you like one craft so much that you would like to make second craft? If so, join us this July when we’ll bring out the left-over craft supplies from spring for another craft session.

Date: Tuesday/July 22

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

MUSIC OF THE CIVIL WAR

One part history lecture; one part folk concert. Music of the Civil War expresses the hardship, pain, love and humor of those involved in the conflict and those left behind. This program features live performances of music popular in the North, music popular in the South, and songs that crossed those boundaries and helped heal a nation. From foot stomping “Dixie” to the somber “Auction Block” ballad about slavery, this program will take the audience on a historical musical journey.

Date: Wednesday/July 23

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, WOODSTOCK!

TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION

Join attorney Mollie Dahlin and McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman to explore how legal procedures are portrayed in the media versus how they unfold in real life. Our presenters will also share some real-life truth is stranger than fiction tales from their time working in the criminal justice system.

Date: Tuesday/June 10

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

FROM DREAM TO SCREEN

Do you have a story you’d love to tell, but are not sure how to bring it to life for the big (or small) screen? Our panel of experienced local writers, actors, and filmmakers invite you to join us for a lively discussion full of tips and tricks to make your dream project a reality.

Date: Thursday/July 10

Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

HEALTH PROGRAMS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

This support group allows spouses or life partners providing care to their companions to share their unique experiences with other spouses and life partners providing similar care. Meetings are facilitated by mental health professionals from Independence Health & Therapy.

Date: Thursdays/ June 5, July 3, August 7

Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.

MCDH WELLNESS SCREENINGS

The McHenry County Department of Health will be offering wellness screenings for cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, body mass analysis, AIC, and heart age assessment. Fasting not required. The cost for the glucose and cholesterol screening is $25, A1C is $20, or all three for $35; all other screenings are FREE. Visit www.mcdh.info or call 815-334-4510 for more information or to register.

Date: Monday/June 9

Time: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

THE A, B, C & Ds OF MEDICARE

When the time comes to choose a Medicare plan or review your existing coverage the options can become overwhelming. This workshop presented by Jane Sanchez of Aegis Resources, Inc. will provide critical information about the various Medicare plans.

Date: Wednesdays/June 11, August 13

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

MEDICARE 101

Questions about the Annual Open Enrollment and Medicare Plans? Come learn about all your options with this educational event focusing on the different ways to insure yourself once you reach Medicare Eligibility. Samuela ‘Ela’ Venturi, of Venturi & Associates, an insurance agency, will be presenting the program.

Date: Saturday/June 21

Time: 1:00-2:30 p.m.

= Discover what’s new at the Library!

VERSITI BLOOD DRIVE

WPL will host Versiti Blood Center. Donated blood will benefit area hospitals. All donors must show a photo ID prior to donating. Please sign up for an appointment at www.versiti.org or call the library at 815-338-0542. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Date: Monday/August 18

Time: 1:30-6:00 p.m.

ONGOING IN PERSON PROGRAMS

DAR GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Volunteer genealogists from the Kishwaukee Trail Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will help prospective members with applications. Members must be descended from the patriots who assisted in the Revolution for American Independence. Registration is required by contacting Registrar Chris Learman at mrschris1067@att.net. During July, DAR will be accepting 1-on-1 appointments only, please email the Registrar for more details.

Date: Saturdays/June 7, August 2

Time: 10:00 a.m.- Noon

Date: Tuesdays/June 10, August 5

Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

BOARD GAME AFTERNOONS

Join fellow board gamers for an afternoon of tabletop games on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month in the reading area by the library’s piano. Bring a friend and your favorite game or try something new.

Date: Thursdays/June 12 & 26

July 10 & 24, August 14 & 28

Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.

HOLLOW TREE SPINNERS

Join the Hollow Tree Spinners, a group of spinning enthusiasts, at the library for some fun and collaborative sessions. The meeting is open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend. No registration required.

Date: Saturdays/June 14, July 12, August 9

Time: 10:00 a.m.

ONGOING IN PERSON PROGRAMS

MCHENRY COUNTY CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE

Join the McHenry County Civil War Roundtable for a series of interesting and informative historical presentations.

QUILTER’S DISCUSSION FORUM

No idea is too simple or too complex. Bring your questions, knowledge, and show and tell projects. Discussion is open to any topic relative to the art of quilting: construction, design, tools, books and more.

Date: Tuesdays/June 17, July 15, August 19

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Aavang, author and storyteller, invites you to join this group to share memories, history or anything that interests you. Participants are not required to share-listeners are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Date: Wednesdays/June 18, July 16, August 20

Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

COOKING FOR TWO WITH KRISTYN SLICK

Cooking for two doesn’t mean you have to settle for repetitive meals or food waste! In this class, you’ll learn practical meal prep strategies, creative ways to repurpose leftovers, and smart shopping tips for smaller households. We’ll also demo two delicious, perfectly portioned recipes—so you can cook once and enjoy stress-free meals without the hassle.

Date: Tuesday/July 22

Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

= Discover what’s new at the Library!

JOIN THE FRIENDS

The Friends of Woodstock Public Library is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, dedicated to helping the library. Through an annual membership drive and several fundraising events a year the Friends actively support the library by funding programs and services, and providing volunteers for library events. Inquire at the library on how you can become a part of the Friends.

USED BOOKSTORE

Come in and check out the Friends Used Bookstore on the main floor and lower level. Inventory is regularly updated and features best-sellers, classics, and new favorites for all ages. Music, movies, and audiobooks are also included. Bookstore proceeds benefit the community by providing library programs, services, materials, and much more.

FRIENDS OF WPL

USED BOOK DONATIONS ACCEPTED

The Friends of Woodstock Public Library accept donations of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs on the first Wednesday of the month during regular library hours. Used encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines, moldy/poor condition books, and Reader’s Digest Condensed books are not accepted. Unsuitable paper items can be recycled in the library’s paper recycling bins in the public parking lot. Plastic/spiral bindings should be removed before placing in recycling bins. Please do not leave donations by the front door or in the outside book drops.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT CITY BAND

CONCERT

Join the Friends of Woodstock Public Library for a sweet treat at the Ice Cream Social during the Woodstock City Band Concert on July 9. Stop by the table at the Springhouse for delicious ice cream, fun giveaways, and to learn more about how you can get involved with the Friends group. Concert starts at 7:00 p.m.

Date: Wednesday/July 9

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

FOOD PANTRY

The library’s community-supported food pantry is located in the library foyer and is available when the library is open. During the cold-weather months donated coats, hats, gloves, boots, and socks are available next to the pantry. All are welcome to take what they need to keep themselves and their family warm and fed.

Donations of unexpired, non-perishable food, as well as toiletries are greatly appreciated and may be dropped off inside the library during regular library hours.

VOLUNTEERING

Need hours for school? Love the library? Want a FABULOUS letter of recommendation from a librarian for your college applications? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, sign up to be a library volunteer. Help us with programs, storytime crafts, decorating and more. Ask at the Reference Desk for an application.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Programs requiring registration are indicated with a next to the program title. Online registration is available for most programs that require registration.

TO REGISTER:

1. Access the library’s website www.woodstockpubliclibrary.org.

2. Click on Calendar link at the top of the page.

3. Locate the program you wish to register for by date or by using the search feature.

4. Click on the Program and scroll down to the Registration Form.

5. Fill in the form and click Register.

Registration links ‘go live’ at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20.

= Discover what’s new at the Library!

GETTING A LIBRARY CARD

City of Woodstock Residents and Rural Woodstock Public Library District Residents within District 200 school boundaries and above the age of five qualify for a full-service Woodstock Library card at no cost. This card allows the cardholder to check out up to 50 items, borrow materials from other libraries, and full access to digital services. Children ages 5-14 years old must apply for the library card with their parent/ guardian present. The parent/ guardian will be required to present photo identification and proof of address.

APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD: In person, via email, or app

In Person Application: Request a library card application at the library Front Desk, you will be asked for photo identification and proof of current address (driver’s license, state I.D., personal checks, current utility bill, bank statement, apartment lease, etc.).

Email Application: Complete the PDF email library card application on the library’s website and email the completed application and a photograph of your ID/proof of address to library@woodstockil.gov. The application will be processed by staff and the library card will be mailed to your home address.

Mobile App: PrairieCat Mobile (Capira Technologies) is our catalog app that is available via Google Play or the Apple AppStore. To apply for a library card via the app select Woodstock as your ‘home’ library and click on My Account--Library Card Signup. The app will ask for your contact information. You will need to upload a photo of your photo i.d. and proof of address. The application will be processed by staff and the library card will be mailed to your home address.

Renewing Your Woodstock Library Card: to renew your library card you can stop at the front desk with valid identification with current address or you can email a photograph of your library card and valid identification to library@woodstockil.gov.

LIBRARY DATABASES

USE YOUR WOODSTOCK

TO

AncestryLibrary Available in library only

Black Life in America (historical news articles)

Chicago Area Community Newspapers Including Northwest Herald 2005-present

Chilton Automotive Repair Library

Consumer Health Complete

Consumer Reports

EBSCO Explora

Legal Information Reference Center

Literary Resource Center (Ebsco)

Newspapers.com Illinois edition

Novelist (Ebsco)

OMEKA Woodstock Local History Archive

ProQuest Newspapers (Historical & current newspapers including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post)

Mango Languages Public Records Record Information Services ReferenceUSA Business & Telephone Listings

TumbleBooks ePicture Books for Kids

LOCATION/PHONE/FAX

Phone: 815-338-0542

Fax: 815-334-2296

WELCOMING STATEMENT

The Woodstock Public Library welcomes everyone regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical abilities or socioeconomic/residential status to visit us often and to join the conversation. We are better together.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, October 15, 2023

La Biblioteca Pública de Woodstock les da la bienvenida, independientemente de su edad, raza, origen étnico, religión, identidad de género, orientación sexual, capacidades físicas o estado socioeconómico/residencial, para que nos visiten con frecuencia y se unan a la conversación. Estar juntos, nos hace mejores.

Aprobado por la junta de Síndicos, 15 de Octubre de 2023

LIBRARY HOURS

Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m-8:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m-5:00 p.m.

Closed Sundays, June 1-August 31

FIRST FRIDAY DELAYED OPENING:

On the first Friday of each month the library will open at noon to allow for ongoing staff training and workshops. Closed all day Friday, July 4

FIND US ONLINE

Website: www.woodstockpubliclibrary.org

Email: library@woodstockil.gov Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Instagram

LIBRARY BOOK DROPS

• Main Library

• Wonder Lake State Bank (3316 Thompson Road, Wonder Lake)

LIBRARY BUILDING CLOSINGS

Sunday, May 25

Monday, May 26

Friday, July 4

Saturday, July 5

Monday, September 1

ADA COMPLIANCE

The Woodstock Public Library complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable accommodations upon request to ensure services, activities and programs are available to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and need accommodations to participate in a library event or class, please call 815-338-0542 or email us at library@ woodstockil.gov. To allow us to serve you better, please provide 72-hour notice prior to a program.

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