Library Events & Programs

Join us for upcoming events and programs at Morton Public Library! All events are free and open to the public. Registration required where noted. Choose an age group in the drop down box below to narrow your search.

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1
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Tuesday, Jul. 1
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Mario Bros Crafts
11:00-11:45 am
 Mario Bros Crafts
Tuesday, Jul. 1, 11:00-11:45 am
Celebrate your love of Mario and friends with a Mario themed adventure story and crafts.Grades: 1-4.Registration required.
Crafternoon: Diamond Art
1:30-2:30 pm
 Crafternoon: Diamond Art
Tuesday, Jul. 1, 1:30-2:30 pm
Have you wanted to try your hand at Diamond Art, but haven't wanted to make the investment? Join us as we create mini-masterpieces! We will provide all of the necessary supplies.Ages: Adults.Registration required.
LEGO Club
3:15-4:00 pm
 LEGO Club
Tuesday, Jul. 1, 3:15-4:00 pm
Explore the possibilities of building with LEGOs and meet other LEGO lovers! Use the library's LEGO bricks to build a creation to display in our children's area.Ages 5+.
2
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Wednesday, Jul. 2
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
3
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Thursday, Jul. 3
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Library Closing at 5 pm
5:00 pm
 Library Closing at 5 pm
Thursday, Jul. 3, 5:00 pm
Library Closing Early for Community Independence Day Celebration.Vist the library's website to place books on hold, and download digital books.
4
Library Closed
 Library Closed
Friday, Jul. 4,
Library Closed for Independence Day.Vist the library's website to place books on hold, and download digital books.
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Friday, Jul. 4
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
5
Library Closed
 Library Closed
Saturday, Jul. 5,
Library Closed for Independence Day Weekend.Vist the library's website to place books on hold, and download digital books.
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Saturday, Jul. 5
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
6
7
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Monday, Jul. 7
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Sign & Sing Storytime
10:15-10:45 am
 Sign & Sing Storytime
Monday, Jul. 7, 10:15-10:45 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join Communication Junction in Hannah's Reading Garden and learn basic American Sign Language with rhymes, stories, and bubbles.Ages 0-5.
The Help Desk
1:30-3:00 pm
 The Help Desk
Monday, Jul. 7, 1:30-3:00 pm
Do you have tech questions?Book a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment by calling 309-263-2200. Topics could include: finding items on the internet and using email; MPL apps; navigating a new device; and connecting with social media. We can give a little assistance to get started doing something new or...read more
8
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Tuesday, Jul. 8
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Toy Car Painting
10:30-11:00 am
 Toy Car Painting
Tuesday, Jul. 8, 10:30-11:00 am
Let's paint in a new way! After a quick story, we'll use toy cars to make tire track paintings.Ages 3-5.Registration required.

or call 309-263-2200.
Perler Bead Video Game Characters
2:00-3:00 pm
Perler Bead Video Game Characters
Tuesday, Jul. 8, 2:00-3:00 pm
Create your favorite video game characters using Perler beads. Bring your imagination and some ideas of what you would like to make. All materials will be provided.Grades 4-8.Registration Required.

or call 309-263-2200.
9
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Wednesday, Jul. 9
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Pokemon Crafts
3:45-4:30 pm
 Pokemon Crafts
Wednesday, Jul. 9, 3:45-4:30 pm
Create a Poke ball craft with your favorite Pokemon inside.Grades: K-3.Registration required.
10
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Thursday, Jul. 10
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Required Reading Book Club
1:30-2:30 pm
 Required Reading Book Club
Thursday, Jul. 10, 1:30-2:30 pm
Join us as we explore books that are considered classics and discuss whether or not they have stood the test of time. In July we will read and discuss the award-winning book, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the checkout desk. We will meet i...read more
Bad Art Afternoon
2:00-3:00 pm
 Bad Art Afternoon
Thursday, Jul. 10, 2:00-3:00 pm
Be wildly creative, without any pressure to make something “good”. We’ll supply a variety of materials to create your own unique art piece. Who knows what you will take home!Grades: 7-12.Registration Required.

or call 309-263-2200.
Toy Car Painting
6:00-6:30 pm
 Toy Car Painting
Thursday, Jul. 10, 6:00-6:30 pm
Let's paint in a new way! After a quick story, we'll use toy cars to make tire track paintings.Ages 3-5.Registration required.

or call 309-263-2200.
Required Reading Book Club
6:30-7:30 pm
 Required Reading Book Club
Thursday, Jul. 10, 6:30-7:30 pm
Join us as we explore books that are considered classics and discuss whether or not they have stood the test of time. In July we will read and discuss the award-winning book, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the checkout desk. We will meet i...read more
11
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Friday, Jul. 11
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Friday Friends Storytime
9:30 am
 Friday Friends Storytime
Friday, Jul. 11, 9:30 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join us for rhymes, songs, and stories in Hannah's Reading Garden! In case of rain, storytime will be held inside the library.Ages 0-5.
Friday Friends Storytime
10:30 am
 Friday Friends Storytime
Friday, Jul. 11, 10:30 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join us for rhymes, songs, and stories in Hannah's Reading Garden! In case of rain, storytime will be held inside the library.Ages 0-5.
Showtime in the Garden: Mark Hayward, the Yo-Yo Guy
12:30 pm
Showtime in the Garden: Mark Hayward, the Yo-Yo Guy
Friday, Jul. 11, 12:30 pm
Hannah's Reading Garden
Self-proclaimed "Juggler, Yo-yoer, and Cool Guy" Mark Hayward uses comedy and object manipulation to put on a show for everyone! You'll be laughing and entertained with his super show. Join us in Hannah's Reading Garden under the trees for this Showtime in the Garden program. Check...read more
Dog Man STEAM
3:30-4:30 pm
 Dog Man STEAM
Friday, Jul. 11, 3:30-4:30 pm
Join us for hands on activities, arts and crafts, and science experiments featuring everyone's favorite police hero, Dog Man.Grades: 1-4.Registration required.

or call 309-263-2200.
CANCELLED Groove in the Garden: Jane’s Rumor
6:30-8:00 pm
CANCELLED Groove in the Garden: Jane’s Rumor
Friday, Jul. 11, 6:30-8:00 pm
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and join us in Hannah's Reading Garden for free live music! Jane's Rumor is primarily a 90s rock cover band, their eclectic styles range from 80s to 2000s with some Blues thrown into the mix. Food trucks will be NateDawgs and Gramma Nanas.All ages.
12
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Saturday, Jul. 12
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Library After Hours: Kids vs Adults Nerf Night
5:00-6:30 pm
Library After Hours: Kids vs Adults Nerf Night
Saturday, Jul. 12, 5:00-6:30 pm
Ready to join your family and friends in an epic Nerf battle? When the library closes, the games will begin! Bring your own Nerf blaster and we'll provide the darts. The library doors will be locked, so please enter from the garden. Register once for the whole family.Recommended for families wit...read more

or call 309-263-2200.
13
14
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Monday, Jul. 14
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Music & Movement Storytime
10:15-11:00 am
 Music & Movement Storytime
Monday, Jul. 14, 10:15-11:00 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
This summer, join us in Hannah's Reading Garden for a high-energy storytime where we'll move & groove along with music and books.Ages 0-5, siblings welcome.
Crafty Kids
6:00-6:45 pm
 Crafty Kids
Monday, Jul. 14, 6:00-6:45 pm
Gamify your doodles! Roll the dice to draw your picture. Will you roll a 2 for puppy feet or a 4 for duck feet? Share in the fun when games and art collide!Grades: K-4.Registration required.

or call 309-263-2200.
15
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Tuesday, Jul. 15
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Baby Bounce Storytime
10:15 am
 Baby Bounce Storytime
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 10:15 am
What to do with baby? Bring them to the library! Baby Bounce features songs & rhymes to use at home as well as a chance to socialize with others caring for little ones.Ages 0-18 months, siblings welcome.
NASA Space Rovers
2:00-3:00 pm
 NASA Space Rovers
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2:00-3:00 pm
Create a space rover using uncooked pasta in this hands-on challenge! Explore engineering principles, problem-solving, and creativity as you test the success of your rover.Grades 4-8.Registration Required.
LEGO Club
3:15-4:00 pm
 LEGO Club
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 3:15-4:00 pm
Explore the possibilities of building with LEGOs and meet other LEGO lovers! Use the library's LEGO bricks to build a creation to display in our children's area.Ages 5+.
Books & Bites Book Club
6:30-8:00 pm
 Books & Bites Book Club
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Dac's Smokehouse- 25 E. Adams St.
Join us for bookish conversation at a local restaurant. Request to join our Facebook group for updates. Pick up a copy of the current month's selection at the checkout desk.July 15 at Dac's Smokehouse: James by Percival EverettAdults.New members always welcome.
16
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Wednesday, Jul. 16
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Car Wash Story & Playtime
10:30-11:15 am
 Car Wash Story & Playtime
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 10:30-11:15 am
Beat the heat with some water play and get your favorite car squeaky clean after enjoying a story or two about the car wash.Ages 3-5.Registration required.
Dungeons and Dragons
5:00-7:30 pm
 Dungeons and Dragons
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 5:00-7:30 pm
Have you always wanted to try D&D but don't know where to start? Join us for a family-friendly game of Dungeons and Dragons. We will have a series of three dates this summer (June 18, July 16 and August 6.) Sign up for one or all.Ages: 11 & up. All skill levels welcome.Registration requi...read more
17
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Thursday, Jul. 17
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Outdoor Science
10:00-10:45 am
 Outdoor Science
Thursday, Jul. 17, 10:00-10:45 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Participate in hands-on science activities and experiments. There may even be an explosion or two!Grades: 1-3. Registration required.

The Help Desk
1:30-3:00 pm
 The Help Desk
Thursday, Jul. 17, 1:30-3:00 pm
Do you have tech questions?Book a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment by calling 309-263-2200. Topics could include: finding items on the internet and using email; MPL apps; navigating a new device; and connecting with social media. We can give a little assistance to get started doing something new or...read more
18
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Friday, Jul. 18
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Friday Friends Storytime
9:30 am
 Friday Friends Storytime
Friday, Jul. 18, 9:30 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join us for rhymes, songs, and stories in Hannah's Reading Garden! In case of rain, storytime will be held inside the library.Ages 0-5.
Friday Friends Storytime
10:30 am
 Friday Friends Storytime
Friday, Jul. 18, 10:30 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join us for rhymes, songs, and stories in Hannah's Reading Garden! In case of rain, storytime will be held inside the library.Ages 0-5.
Showtime in the Garden: Wildlife Prairie Park
12:30 pm
Showtime in the Garden: Wildlife Prairie Park
Friday, Jul. 18, 12:30 pm
Hannah's Reading Garden
Wildlife Prairie Park is bringing animals to you! Come see some of your favorite animals and learn about what makes each of their species unique. Join us in Hannah's Reading Garden under the trees for this Showtime in the Garden program. Check the Library’s Facebook page for weather update...read more
Groove in the Garden: Now and Zen
6:30-8:00 pm
Groove in the Garden: Now and Zen
Friday, Jul. 18, 6:30-8:00 pm
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and join us in Hannah's Reading Garden for free live music! Now and Zen plays a variety of genres using a unique instrument called a Zendrum. Food trucks will be Long Road Home and Deep Dish Cookie Guys.All ages.
19
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Saturday, Jul. 19
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
20
POSTPONED: Summer Reading Pool Party
7:30-8:30 pm
POSTPONED: Summer Reading Pool Party
Sunday, Jul. 20, 7:30-8:30 pm
Morton Pool- 451 E Idlewood St
Due to the predicted weather, the Summer Reading Pool Party will be held on Monday, July 21 from 7:30-8:30 pm.Celebrate reaching your goals for summer reading! Participants in our Children's, Teen, and Read to Me programs who reach their first goal will receive tickets to this party at the Morto...read more
POSTPONED: Summer Reading Pool Party
6:15-7:15 pm
POSTPONED: Summer Reading Pool Party
Sunday, Jul. 20, 6:15-7:15 pm
Morton Pool- 451 E Idlewood St
Due to predicted storms, the Summer Reading Pool Party will be held on Monday, July 21 from 6:15-7:15 pm.Celebrate reaching your goals for summer reading! Participants in our Children's, Teen, and Read to Me programs who reach their first goal will receive tickets to this party at the Morton Swi...read more
21
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Monday, Jul. 21
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Sign & Sing Storytime
10:15-10:45 am
 Sign & Sing Storytime
Monday, Jul. 21, 10:15-10:45 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join Communication Junction in Hannah's Reading Garden and learn basic American Sign Language with rhymes, stories, and bubbles.Ages 0-5.
22
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Tuesday, Jul. 22
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Catapult Bowling
2:00-3:00 pm
 Catapult Bowling
Tuesday, Jul. 22, 2:00-3:00 pm
STEM meets the classic game of bowling! Participants will build small catapults and aim them to knock down pins.Grades: 4-8.Registration Required.

23
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Wednesday, Jul. 23
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
24
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Thursday, Jul. 24
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Yarn Painting
2:00-3:00 pm
 Yarn Painting
Thursday, Jul. 24, 2:00-3:00 pm
Discover the art of yarn painting in this hands-on creative workshop. Use yarn to design textured ocean scenes or something from your own imagination.Grades: 7-12.Registration Required.

or call 309-263-2200.
25
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Friday, Jul. 25
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Friday Friends Storytime
9:30 am
 Friday Friends Storytime
Friday, Jul. 25, 9:30 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join us for rhymes, songs, and stories in Hannah's Reading Garden! In case of rain, storytime will be held inside the library.Ages 0-5.
Friday Friends Storytime
10:30 am
 Friday Friends Storytime
Friday, Jul. 25, 10:30 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring a blanket and join us for rhymes, songs, and stories in Hannah's Reading Garden! In case of rain, storytime will be held inside the library.Ages 0-5.
Pop-In Bubble Play
3:00-4:00 pm
 Pop-In Bubble Play
Friday, Jul. 25, 3:00-4:00 pm
Bask in bubbles and blow your own! Weather permitting, join us for any amount of time during this hour of good clean fun.All ages. 
Library Closing at 5 pm
5 pm
 Library Closing at 5 pm
Friday, Jul. 25, 5 pm
Adult Summer Reading Celebration
5:30-7:00 pm
Adult Summer Reading Celebration
Friday, Jul. 25, 5:30-7:00 pm
Adult Summer Reading participants, you are invited to the first ever Summer Reading Party for Adults! Our "Game On" festivities begin AFTER HOURS inside the library with an indoor 9-hole miniature gold course, oversized games, an adult beverage and snacks! Why not plan to stay and Groove i...read more
Groove in the Garden: Deuces Wild Duo
6:30-8:00 pm
Groove in the Garden: Deuces Wild Duo
Friday, Jul. 25, 6:30-8:00 pm
Hannah's Reading Garden
Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and join us in Hannah's Reading Garden for free live music! Deuces Wild uses just two acoustic guitars to blend diverse styles to create a unique sound that will captivate and delight audiences of all ages. From classic rock to pop to country, and ev...read more
26
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Saturday, Jul. 26
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
27
28
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Monday, Jul. 28
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Music & Movement Storytime
10:15-11:00 am
 Music & Movement Storytime
Monday, Jul. 28, 10:15-11:00 am
Hannah's Reading Garden
This summer, join us in Hannah's Reading Garden for a high-energy storytime where we'll move & groove along with music and books.Ages 0-5, siblings welcome.
29
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Tuesday, Jul. 29
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Baby Bounce Storytime
10:15 am
 Baby Bounce Storytime
Tuesday, Jul. 29, 10:15 am
What to do with baby? Bring them to the library! Baby Bounce features songs & rhymes to use at home as well as a chance to socialize with others caring for little ones.Ages 0-18 months, siblings welcome.
30
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Wednesday, Jul. 30
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Protect Yourself
6:00-7:00 pm
 Protect Yourself
Wednesday, Jul. 30, 6:00-7:00 pm
Hone your skills in situational awareness. The Morton Police Department will lead this critical class for young adults leaving home for the first time. Bring a friend or a parent; any adult is welcome to attend. Wear comfortable clothing.Ages: Teens and adults.Registration required.

or call 309-263-2200.
31
Craft a Book Cover
 Craft a Book Cover
Thursday, Jul. 31
Stop by the teen section to make a different book cover for your favorite books! All materials will be provided.Grades: 7-12.This is a drop-in program. Come in anytime the library is open.
Playdough Lab
6:15-7:15 pm
 Playdough Lab
Thursday, Jul. 31, 6:15-7:15 pm
Sensory doughs are fun to play with, but it can get pricy to buy an assortment! Bring the family to make 3 varieties of dough to take home along with recipes so you can make them again! Register once for the whole family.Ages: Families.Registration required.
  
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