March 2026

UPCOMING VIRTUAL AUTHOR PROGRAMS
Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection
Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m.
Join critically acclaimed, bestselling author, Cristina Henríquez, for a compelling conversation about her work. Henríquez’s newest book, The Great Divide, is a moving exploration of the people who lived, loved, and labored during the construction of the Panama Canal. Named a New York Times’ Editors’ Choice selection and TIME Magazine “100 Must-Read Books of 2024,” The Great Divide explores history and adversity in a place very special to her – her father’s homeland of Panama.
Register to receive the Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/ILPCristinaHenríquez
The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez
Katabasis (Standard Edition) by R. F. Kuang
Babel-On with R.F. Kuang and Kelly Jensen
Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m.
R.F. Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable, Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture. Her most recent novel, Katabasis, follows two graduate students as they descend into hell after the death of their professor. Kuang’s other bestselling titles include Yellowface, Babel, and The Poppy War trilogy. Kelly Jensen, an anti-censorship advocate, a senior editor at Book Riot, and writer who has compiled such anthologies as Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World and (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, will be joining Kuang in conversation. Register to receive the Zoom Link:
https://bit.ly/ILPKuang
Prairie Roots Update
With the coming of spring work on the Prairie Roots project has started up again. This week the footings that will hold the large Cor-Ten steel moongate were poured.
 
The moongate and a soundwall is the result of collaboration between the library and McHenry County College. The winning design was created by graphic arts student Ash Ash. MCC welding students began work building the moongate last semester and the spring semester students just finished the work. It will be delivered and installed by Sebert in early April. The soundwall with a complimentary design will be installed later in the spring.
 
A large steel arch being hoisted by a crane. Cut-outs depicting native plants and wildlife are cut into the steel.
MCC welding students and instructors hoisting completed moongate with crane. The Cor-Ten steel will quickly develop a rust-colored patina that will compliment the building and Prairie Roots design.  
National Library Week Author Program
Author Panel @ McHenry County College
Thursday, April 23 @ 7 p.m.
Celebrate National Library Week with an author panel you won't want to miss at the Luecht Auditorium at McHenry County College. Join us for a lively and laughter-filled evening with a dynamic panel discussion featuring fiction authors Christina Clancy, Sonali Dev, Nancy Johnson, Sara Maurer, and Rachel Swearingen. From inspiration and the writing process to what’s next on their creative journeys, this roundtable promises sharp insights, candid moments, and plenty of humor. 
 
Read Between the Lynes will have books available for purchase and signing. This program is led by McHenry County Libraries- Let’s All Read Together a coalition of McHenry County public libraries. REGISTER
The Emma Project by Sonali Dev
 
Come see our Peep Show!
Peep Dioramas!
 
We've had a lot of really creative folks bring in Peep Dioramas with a book or movie-theme. The dioramas are on display in the Reference Area. Come in and vote for your favorites. Prizes will be awarded to the top diorama in the children, teen, and adult age categories. 

Peep Voting: 
March 26-April 4
Explore McHenry County Libraries!
Library Lovers Expedition
Ends March 31!
There's still time to complete the Library Lovers Expedition! Join the over 2,700 explorers who have already taken on the challenge to visit the 15 participating libraries in the McHenry County area! Join in the fun. All are welcome, whether you have a library card or not.
More Information

Visit at least 12 of the 15 libraries, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of 15 gift baskets, each valued at $50, filled with gift cards from area businesses. Visit all 15 libraries, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize basket valued at $150. PRIZES: Winners will be drawn and notified via phone or email after April 8. 
 
Children & Teen Programs
Writer's Workshops
Do you enjoy writing stories or poems? Come to this workshop series to learn more about literary devices and share your writings with others.
Grades 3-5 ~ 6-7 p.m.
Click on date to register
April 16     May 21
 
Pokemon Club
Celebrate all things Pokémon with card trading, games, Pokémon-themed
crafts, and more!
Click on date to register
 
Grades 3-5 ~ 5-6 p.m.
April 9    May 7
Teen Program!
Mario Kart Meetups
Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. 
Stop by the library for some casual Mario Kart races. All skill levels welcome. Controllers available for checkout in Teen area. Up to 4 players at once. Grades 6-12
Must have a current Woodstock Library card
Drop in program - No registration required
 
 
30 Things to Do in
Chicago under $30
Friday, April 3 3:30-4:30 p.m.
 From big museums to little-known attractions, learn how to take advantage of everything our beautiful city has to offer—without breaking the bank. Discover free activities and great deals to make the most of your weekend or staycation, ranging from history to culture to green spaces and quirky sites off the beaten path.
For Grades 6-12
Register
Adult Programs
Basics of Backyard Chickens
Tuesday, April 14 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Live in the Rural Library District? The price of eggs getting too high? Jennifer Murtoff of Home to Roost Chickens is stopping by the library to offer a hands-on course covering the basics of raising chickens. The program will cover local laws, special needs of chicks, nutrition, coop design, pitfalls to avoid, and much more.  Register
 Please note that current City of Woodstock ordinances do not permit the keeping of farm animals, including chickens.
Homestead farming chickens farmers market eggs
Projects & Podcasts
Crafters are invited to bring your current project to the library for a grown-up storytime together as we work on our projects and listen to an episode of "Levar Burton Reads", a podcast of short stories for adults. 
All who crochet, knit, papercraft, embroider, and more are invited to join us for this new community meet-up for adults at the library.
First Thursday of the month 10-11 a.m.
Thursday, April 2 (Register)
Thursday, May 7 (Register)
Coffee & Conversations
Join us for this new gathering at the library as we enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and discuss a program topic with a guest speaker every month.
 
April 30 : Fall Prevention (Register)
May 28 : Mental Health in Older Adults (Register)
Mini Links Saturday April 25
Friends of WPL Mini Links
Saturday April 25
Play a round of mini golf in the library during Mini Links, the Friends biggest fundraiser of the year! For anyone who has ever wanted to putt their way through the nonfiction section or chip a ball into a (non-functioning) toilet in YA, Mini Links is a fun outing and a great way to support the library.
First tee time: 10 a.m., last tee time: 3 p.m.
$5 admission; $3 for children 12 and younger
 
Raffle Prizes from Area Merchants
Items on Display April 19-25
Tickets $1/each or $5/six
Drawing: Saturday April 25. Do not need to be present to win
 
COMMUNITY HUB @ THE LIBRARY
Learn about the Community Hub on our website. 
 
Click to see all upcoming programs on the WPL Events Calendar 
 
Library Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
 
Upcoming Library Closed Day:
Fri, April 3: Library opens at noon
 
Next Friends Used Book Donation Day
Wednesday, April 1. Drop off during library hours used books, DVDs, and CDs in good condition for the Friends Used Bookstore. Limit of five boxes/bags 
Looking for Book Recommendations?

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Email friendswpl1@gmail.com to learn more and join.
Woodstock Public Library
414 W Judd Street, Woodstock, Illinois 60098
815.338.0542

https://www.woodstockpubliclibrary.org/library