On April 14, 1996, a dedication ceremony for IPPL's new two-story building was held. Can you believe it has been 30 years?

Join Illinois Libraries Present online via Zoom on Thursday, Apr. 16, 7-8 p.m., for a compelling conversation with critically acclaimed author Cristina Henríquez. This program is intended for adults. Get your invite at buff.ly/PRuYvU8. This program is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present.

Teens have been busy creating with IPPL. From Spartan Hour at Lakeview Junior High to a Trucker Hat program at the library, we love seeing what teens create. Visit calendar.ippl.info to see more program opportunities for teens (and everyone!).

The newest addition to Explore More Illinois is the Chicago Master Singers, a community chorus group. By using Explore More Illinois, you can receive 50% off individual tickets, up to four per order, for certain concerts. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Learn more at buff.ly/rkPXpZN.

Buying from our ongoing Book Sale is a great way to support the library through the IPPL Foundation & Friends. Located in the library's cafe on the first floor, find wonderful bargains on books for youth and adults, DVDs, puzzles, and more. Drop by to snag your next bargain.

Do you have spare time? Are you looking for ways to be active in the community? If so, then stop by the Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Apr. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Teens, adults, families, and retirees can connect with local organizations to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.

It's National Pet Day, and our team's pets are stealing the spotlight! Elvis, Luna, Marigold, Cappuccino, Kiki, Coco, GG, Oso, Smokey, Samwise, Frodo, Charlie, Sammy, and Harper are here to wish your pets a great day.

Looking for books that will make your child laugh? Check out our Grins and Giggles book display on the second floor. This display features picture books full of fun, silly stories that are perfect for reading together. Stop by to snag a book or two to enjoy!

Throw it back to the 70s and 80s with our vinyl record collection. This collection has something for everyone to enjoy. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Drop by the first-floor display to snag your next listen or view our collection online at buff.ly/3CUcQ4R.

Have little ones who love building or just knocking things down? Families with children 7 & under with an adult caregiver, join us for Little Builders Drop-In on Saturday, Apr. 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Children can work on their fine motor skills while building with blocks and bricks of all sizes.

Newspapers are a great way to catch up on the latest news. From the Chicago Tribune to the New York Times, we have a lot of popular newspapers for you to choose from. Plus, our collection is updated daily, ensuring you have access to what's new. Drop by the cafe to view the collection.

Have you checked out the Archaeology of Illinois: The Deep History of the Prairie State exhibit yet? Now through Thursday, Apr. 16, on the library's second floor, view this exhibit that offers a concise look at where and how people lived in Illinois over the past 12,500 years.

Would you like to see your name become a lasting part of the library? Would you like to honor a special person or occasion? Consider buying a brick in the Reading Garden in the Gardens of IPPL. Learn more at buff.ly/ln5gFQ2, call 630/887-0945, or email [email protected].

Ready for a challenge? Take the Monarch, Bluestem, or Caudill reading challenge! Students in grades K-8th who read all 20 books can receive a free book. Logs and books are available to pick up and borrow from the second floor. The challenge ends Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2027.

Sign up for a May book discussion! • Rocket Men by Robert Kurson: Thursday, May 7, 7-8 p.m. • Dirt Creek by Hayley Scrivenor: Thursday, May 14, 7-8 p.m. • How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley: Monday, May 18, 7-8 p.m. Learn more and register at calendar.ippl.info.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To our friends who celebrate, happy Easter! As a reminder, the library is closed today, Sunday, Apr. 5, for Easter. Our drive-up book returns are open, and you can access our website 24/7 at ippl.info. The library reopens Monday, Apr. 6, at 9 a.m.

Don't miss the Interview Anxiety: What It Is and How to Manage It program on Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2-3 p.m. Nicole Tochalauski of People’s Resource Center shares how to manage anxiety before, during, and after an interview. Register now at buff.ly/x5vGfPK.

Looking for something to do with the family? Snag a museum pass from Explore More Illinois. With this program, receive free or discounted admission to places around the state. Passes are limited and are an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Learn how to get your museum passes at buff.ly/hLT4CB8.

Our Adult Audiobook Tablets are a great way to binge on popular titles. We recently added How to Read a Book by Monica Wood and The Compound by Aisling Rawle to our tablets. To listen to these titles and more, place a hold at buff.ly/4g8uLuG. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive.

We had a great time in our Crochet for Beginners program last week! Participants learned the basics of crocheting and took home their own finished piece. Interested in programs for adults? View our offerings and register at calendar.ippl.info.

Stop by the Night Sky Telescope Viewing Drop-In program on Monday, Apr. 6, 7:45-8:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the Hinsdale South Astronomy Club outside to learn about telescopes, how they work, and amazing facts about the night sky. Program is canceled in case of weather issues.

We are closed this Sunday, Apr. 5, for Easter. Although the building is closed, you can still return your materials in our book drops, which will remain open. And, you can access our eMaterials at ippl.info. From eBooks to movies, we have an amazing collection.

Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites' departure from ancient Egypt. This weeklong holiday is celebrated with many rituals, including a traditional meal known as sedar and the retelling of the exodus tale. To our friends who celebrate, happy Passover!

Today, Wednesday, April 1, is Library Giving Day. What's Library Giving Day? It's a day to donate to your favorite public library. And, we know that we are your favorite. Would you consider a donation to the IPPL Foundation & Friends? Discover the ways to give at buff.ly/IpwLp6k.

Hosting a movie night? Browse the New Movies display on the library's first floor to discover the latest additions to our collection. Find feature and foreign films, plus popular television series. Best of all, we have both DVD and Blu-Ray discs available to borrow.

We are excited to have designed the 2026 Darien vehicle sticker. Although vehicle stickers are not required by the city, buying one is a great way to support the IPPL Foundation & Friends. Visit the Guest Services Desk today and purchase one for a suggested donation of $3-cash only.

From trending titles to books in all your favorite genres, our book collection has something for everyone. Browse our adult book collection by visiting the first floor or online at catalog.ippl.info. And, if you need help finding your next read, ask our team! We love to help you.

Join us for Puzzle Swap on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2-3 p.m. Bring the puzzles you're finished with and exchange each for a new-to-you puzzle. Puzzles must be complete with no missing pieces, in the original box, and in good condition. Light refreshments are provided. Register at buff.ly/utEedPQ.

There’s no better time to check out the Museum Adventure Pass program! With this program, receive admission or discounts at participating Chicago area cultural destinations. Passes are limited and are an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Learn how to get your museum passes at buff.ly/hLT4CB8.

Save yourself a trip to the post office. We have postage stamps available to purchase from the Guest Services Desk. Plus, if you're looking to drop off your mail, we have a mailbox located in front of our building.

Check out our spring break program offerings: • Reel Reads Family Movie: The Bad Guys (Families): Monday, Mar. 30, 1-2:30 p.m. • Mid-Kids Crafternoon Drop-In (Grades 1-6): Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Register for programs at calendar.ippl.info. Drop-In programs do not require registration.

Don't miss our Mobile Phone Basics program on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 6-7 p.m. Adults and teens, learn how to use your phone to scan QR codes, use voice assistants, tap to pay, and more. This program is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Save your seat at buff.ly/59McteB.

We want to take a moment to introduce (or reintroduce) ourselves. Whether you’re new here or you’ve been following us for a while, we’re glad you’re here!

Let's play ball! The MLB opened its season on Wednesday, but our Chicago White Sox open their season today on the road, and the Cubs have their home opener today. We asked our IPPL staff—White Sox or Cubs? Check out the pic to see where our loyalties lie.

The 2026 March Madness tourney continues today with the Sweet Sixteen. Who are you rooting for? Looking for children's books on basketball? From teaching the basics of basketball to team-specific reads, there are lots of choices to pick from. Explore our collection on the second floor.

With hoopla Bonus Borrows, you can choose from select titles without using your monthly borrows. Bonus Borrows are available now through Tuesday, Mar. 31. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Sign in with your account to get started at buff.ly/7rQWFwO.

We are looking for two students in grades 1-6 and 7-12 to be our Librarian for a Day during National Library Week, Apr. 19-25. Applicants must attend a school or be a resident in the IPPL district. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Mar. 31. Learn more and apply today at buff.ly/dsCV2Kr.

S E R V I C E A L E R T: Tuesday, March 24 As a reminder, Comcast is scheduled to upgrade the library's modem. Wi-fi may be unavailable during the day today. Check our website at ippl.info for updates.

It's National Puppy Day! Puppy Luna wants all her IPPL dog-friends to know that if they go through the drive-up window with their humans, they get treats—not just on National Puppy Day, but every day! We love it when you bring your dogs to see us.

Sunday Afternoon Concerts are back! Adults, join us for Sunday Afternoon Concert: Ava Logan Jazz Duo on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2-3 p.m. Jazz artist Ava Logan shares her tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and other favorites. Sponsored by the IPPL Foundation & Friends. Register at buff.ly/DHoWxMI.

S E R V I C E A L E R T: Tuesday, March 24 Comcast is scheduled to upgrade the library's modem. Wi-fi may be unavailable during the day on Tuesday. Check our website at ippl.info for updates.

Introduce milestones, experiences, and situations to your children with a Parenting Pack. These packs include books, activities, toys, and a resource guide for caregivers based on a variety of themes. Drop by the second floor to view the collection, or place a hold online at buff.ly/EpgBe8v.

Get creative in the Maker Studio, where you'll find a variety of equipment. View equipment at buff.ly/33o50B4. An appointment is required to use the Maker Studio; book an appointment and learn more at makerstudio.ippl.info. The Maker Studio is an IPPL cardholder exclusive.

Don't miss this exhibit! Now through Thursday, Apr. 16, on the library's second floor, view the Archaeology of Illinois: The Deep History of the Prairie State exhibit. This exhibit is brought to you by the Illinois Prairie Research Institute.

Hello, spring! Today, Mar. 20, the spring equinox arrives, marking the first day of spring. A great place to enjoy sunny, spring days is at the Gardens of IPPL. Enjoy reading or simply take in nature at the gardens located on the east side of the building.

Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Celebrations include visiting family, exchanging gifts, and giving to charity. To our friends who celebrate, Eid Mubarak! May you be well throughout the year.

Is there anything better than reading with your favorite person? At IPPL, find books your child loves. Our collection has something for every child’s interests. And, if you need recommendations, stop by the Kids & Teens Desk and ask us—we love to help.

With Scholastic Teachables, enjoy access to over 30,000 materials for students in grades Pre-K through 8th. From lesson plans to printable worksheets and mini-books, this is a great way to supplement your student's education. This is an IPPL cardholder exclusive. Get started at buff.ly/DsPZNLF.

Today, Tuesday, Mar. 17, is St. Patrick's Day. This religious and cultural holiday honors Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick. Celebrations include parades, wearing green or shamrocks, and dancing. To our friends who celebrate, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today, Tuesday, Mar. 17, is Election Day. We compiled this web page with voter resources at buff.ly/m58pNER. Remember, while the library is open for voting at 6 a.m., we aren't officially open for browsing and hanging out until 9 a.m.