There are so many creative folks who are invested in our area. We’d love for you to learn more about our local authors, booksellers, crafters and learning-related community groups. Website and social media links are provided. Also, a great way to shop local!

Join us in a celebration of our Freedom to Read!

Click through to find links to:
Dear Banned Author Campaign - write to an author whose banned or challenged work has impacted your life.
Famous First Lines Quiz - Can you identify the banned or challenged books by their first line? Take the quiz to be entered to win a Banned Book themed prize pack!
FReadom - A video series featuring EPL Staff members discussing how banned / challenged books and the freedom to read have impacted our lives.

A special take-home craft for children is available for pick-up at both circulation desks to celebrate EPL's Virtual Book Festival. Included in the bag are supplies and directions to make your own book, an alphabet scavenger hunt activity, and reading word search.

Earth to Edwardsville is a community-wide read, where Edwardsville Public Library will host virtual discussions and presentations of The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert. Funds for this program are provided in part by an Illinois Humanities grant. Free copies of The Sixth Extinction are now available for pickup from Edwardsville Public Library, Lovejoy Library, and Afterwords Books. Discussions run October 5 through November 13.

Want something new and different to read, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got some options for you: NEW – our library staff have created genre-themed Book Boxes you can check out. We also have an online form where you can request a Library “Grab Bag” – just tell us what authors and subjects you like and we hand-select books for you to try. For Adults and Kids!

Working at the library provides access to interesting hidden gems you may not have come across: books, movies and documentaries that deserve some air time. You can catch our latest reviews on Facebook Live and join in the conversation, or watch them at your leisure on YouTube. We think there’s something for everyone.