View the PDF versions of our newsletter.
Adult April Events & Programs
Wednesday, April 1 & 15
Adult Crochet Club
3:00 PM Registration Required Whether you're new to crochet or a seasoned stitcher, come join us to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with other adult crocheters.
Thursdays, April 2 & 16
Movie Matinees
Noon At the Edwardsville Public Library. Bring a brown bag lunch, and we’ll provide the drinks and popcorn. Please call the library or go to our website for movie titles.
Monday, April 6
Chess Club
6:30 PM A casual environment for masters and novices to meet up to play and enjoy one of the oldest games in the world.
Saturday, April 11 & 25
Chair Yoga
10:00 AM Registered yoga teacher Julie Hamilton will lead the class using modifications of many common yoga poses.
Saturday, April 11
The Rough Drafts Writing Club
2:00 PM Let's make time to write! Bring your current project or start a new one.
Sunday, April 12
Bits & Pieces Junk Journal Club
2:00 PM Bring all necessary supplies to work on your junk journal in a welcoming, no pressure environment.
Thursday, April 9
The Cozy Comics Club
6:30 PM Discussing – The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All by Sumiko Arai
Monday, April 20
Adult Animation Showtime
5:30 PM Anime club has been revamped to include all forms of adult animation! For this meeting, we will be showing Fantastic Planet (1973).
Thursday, April 16
Happily Ever After
6:30 PM A romance book club, discussing –Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
Sunday, April 19
Sunday Sunrise Yoga
8:45 AM Registration Required Join Yoga Instructor Lisa Allen for an hour of peaceful yoga and meditation followed by coffee. Yoga mats not provided.
Tuesday, April 21
Recovery Without Stigma
6:00PM Mark Knott, from the Metro East Recovery Council, will be discussing the stigma of substance abuse disorder and how to deal with this sensitive and personal issue in a non-judgmental manner.
Saturday, April 25
Adult Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot Adventure
10:00AM and 2:00PM Registration Required Join us for a single session D&D adventure with pre-generated characters & a staff Dungeon Master. No books, dice, or prep necessary. Just sit down & enjoy an adventure in a single two-hour session.
Monday, April 27
Monday Evening Yoga
6:00 PM Join Yoga Instructor Lisa Allen for an hour of peaceful yoga and meditation.
Monday, April 27
Nothing but Vinyl Club
6:00 PM Bring your favorite record and play us your favorite song.
Tuesday, April 28
Riveted Readers Book Club
6:30 PM Discussing – Normal People by Sally Rooney
Tuesday, April 28
BYOB History Book Club
6:30 PM Discussing – no assigned reading
Reader’s Outpost
Returns in May
Thursday, April 2
Icash with Illinois State Treasurers Office
3:00PM The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office connects people with their cash and other assets through the I-Cash program.
Thursday, April 2, 9, 23, & 30
The Divorce Compass: Emotional & Financial Clarity After Divorce
6:00PM Divorce is not just a legal process. It is neurological. Emotional. Financial. Identity-shifting. This 4-week experience is designed to help participants: Calm the nervous system, reclaim self-trust, organize finances with clarity, and design a grounded, hopeful next chapter
Facilitated by: Teresa Reiniger, Grief Specialist & Life Transition Guide and Terri Schneider, CDFA®
Saturday, April 4
USPS Passport Fair
9:00AM Representatives of the US Postal Service will be in the library to assist those looking to get their first passport or renew an expired passport. They can also help with an expedited passport if you need that service. This is a unique opportunity to speak with USPS passport specialists outside of the hustle and bustle of the post office. To see what services will be offered, and what documents to bring, please check the front page of the Library’s Website.
Tuesday, April 7 & 21
Memory Cafe
10:00AM A welcoming social gathering for people living with changes in memory or thinking, and those who care for them. Talk with others who understand and can share thoughts and ideas.
Wednesday, April 8
Canva Basics
6:00PM registration required A welcoming social gathering for people living with changes in memory or thinking, and those who care for them. Talk with others who understand and can share thoughts and ideas.
The focus will be on people, not medical conditions. Participants can decide if they want to talk about changes in memory and thinking or not. No one will be asked if they have a diagnosis.
Friday, April 10
USPS Passport Fair
9:00AM Representatives of the US Postal Service will be in the library to assist those looking to get their first passport or renew an expired passport. They can also help with an expedited passport if you need that service. This is a unique opportunity to speak with USPS passport specialists outside of the hustle and bustle of the post office. To see what services will be offered, and what documents to bring, please check the front page of the Library’s Website.
Saturday, April 11
House Plant Swap
6:00PM Come between the hours of noon and 1PM to drop off your house plants, clippings or unused garden seeds to give them a second life. Those who dropped off a plant will have priority access to the swap between the hours of 1-2PM. From 2-3PM the swap is open for the public to enjoy! Please no outdoor plants, bulk cuttings, or unidentifiable seeds.
Wednesday, April 15
Screen Screams Society
5:30PM Screen Screams Society is a horror movie club for adults featuring regular screenings of classic and modern scary films. Sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a fright on the big screen.
This month, we will be screening the 2002 cursed videotape horror film, The Ring.
Saturday, April 18
US Citizenship Preparation Class
10:00AM registration required This free preparation class covers eligibility and naturalization process, the interview and civics test, how to complete the application, application cost, and the Oath Ceremony.
Friday, April 24
EPL & Thrillsville Present: Cult Classic Movie Club
6:00PM The Thrillsville/EPL Cult Classic Movie Club is a place to enjoy horror, sci-fi, and fantasy cult classic films. This month's movie will be the 1988 dark comedy, Heathers, staring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Wednesday, April 29
Macrame Workshop: Classic Plant Hanger
6:00PM registration required Showcase your favorite houseplants in style by making your own macrame plant holder! We'll be guided by Tracy Sharp of Knotty by Nature. All necessary materials provided, but space is limited. Registration required.
Thursday, April 16
Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection
7:00PM registration required 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.
The Edwardsville Grows Little Seed Library is now stocked & open for the year!|
Located in the library rotunda. There is a 5-pack limit per person.
Interested in donating seeds? Email gregoryg@edwpl.org for more information.
Edwardsville Memory Digitization Project
The goal of the Edwardsville Memory program at EPL is assist our patrons in preserving the history of Edwardsville, its people and institutions. In honor of Black History Month, we want to assist in preserving artifacts related to The Historic Lincoln School and those who spent time there. We would like to encourage anyone with artifacts relating to the school or its students to come to the library and have those items digitized. No items are too small to preserve, photos, clippings, assignments, notes, journals, score cards, etc. All originals will be returned to their owners along with digital copies. Contact Greg at 618-692-7556 X437 to make an appointment or ask questions about the program. Digital copies of the items can be donated to historical organizations with the agreement of the owner.
Contact Us
618-692-7556 ext. 6 edereference@edwpl.org
Greg Kessler, Head of Adult Services gregk@edwpl.org
Kelcey Stewart Adult Services Assistant kelceys@edwpl.org
Greg Guntren Adult Services Assistant gregoryg@edwpl.org
Youth Events & Programs – April 2026
JewelRide Books for Bikes Spring Reading Challenge
March 1 – April 15
Spring into summer with a new bike! Log the time you spend reading to earn up to 16 entries for the chance to win a free bike! Turn in your paper logs at the Youth Desk or log your reading on Beanstack by 8:00 PM on April 15 to count toward your entries. Then, join us upstairs in the rotunda on Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 AM for the raffle. While we hope to have an audience to cheer on the lucky readers, you do not need to be present to win. Our fourth annual Books for Bikes is generously sponsored by JewelRide, BJ’s Printables, Thompson Flaherty, YCG Accounting, the Cyclery, and Hyten Dental.
Teen DIY Kits: Tassel Wreath
While supplies last, ask at the Youth Desk to snag a bag with everything you need to complete a creative project!
National Library Week
“Find Your Joy” is an invitation for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library! Share what “library joy” means to you when visiting us between April 19 – 25, and you’ll find delightful surprises and extra fun!
Wednesday, April 1
Pajama Story Time
6:00 – 6:30 PM. All ages welcome. Cozy up for Pajama Story Time at the library, where kids can enjoy enchanting bedtime tales in their comfiest PJs! Join us for a magical evening of stories, songs, and snuggles!
Thursdays, April 2 – 23
Preschool Story Time
10:00 – 10:45 AM. For ages 3 – 5 years. Imaginations abound at this story time, where we share books, music, and bubbles!
Saturdays, April 4 – 25
Free Tutoring with EHS Students
9:30 – 11:30 AM. Connect with top EHS students weekly in the Youth Library for support in all subject areas. Tutoring is open to
elementary and middle school students (K – 8th). No sign-up required!
Mondays, April 6 - 20
Books for Babies Lapsit
10:00 – 10:30 AM. For ages 0 – 23 months. Stories, songs, and bouncing babies! Read and rhyme with your little one, and connect with other caregivers.
Monday, April 6
LEGO Club
4:00 – 5:00 PM. For ages 5 – 12 years. Just bring your imagination – we’ll supply the LEGO!
Monday, April 6
Emotional Regulation Workshop for Parents & Caregivers
6:30 PM. Join certified occupational therapy assistant and emotional regulation coach Leslie Lancaster for an engaging, parent-friendly workshop on understanding meltdowns, big emotions, and challenging behavior. In this session, you’ll learn why children struggle to regulate, what’s happening in their brain and body during overwhelming moments, and practical tools you can use right away to support calmer, more connected responses at home. Perfect for parents and caregivers of young children through teens. Birth To Five Illinois: Region 41 will also be on hand with great resources and information!
Tuesdays, April 7 – 21
Tales for Twos
10:00 – 10:30 AM. Explore a new theme each week with vibrant picture books, toe-tapping songs, and giggle-worthy moves alongside your story time pals!
Tuesdays, April 7 – 28
Teen Game Night
6:00 – 7:30 PM. For grades 6 – 12. Go on a quest with fellow players in the classic fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons, or drop in with friends to play one of our tabletop games.
Thursday, April 9
Jr. Melty Magic
4:00 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required. For ages 6 – 11 years. Kids can choose one of our design templates to create their own perler bead magnet or keychain with the help of their accompanying adult!
Saturday, April 11
Saturday Story Time
10:00 – 11:00 AM. For ages 3 – 5 years old. When weekday mornings don’t work for your schedule, try out our weekend story time, built for the whole family!
Mondays, April 13 & 27
Crochet Club
3:30 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required. For grades 6 – 12. Whether you're new to crochet or a seasoned stitcher, come join us to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with other crochet enthusiasts. If you have your own supplies and project, bring it along.
Monday, April 13
Read to a Dog
4:00 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required. A therapy dog is visiting the library and wants to listen to you read! Register to get a 15-minute session with the dog-on-duty.
Tuesday, April 14
Bloxels
4:00 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required.
For ages 8 – 11 years. With Bloxels, you become the artist, writer, designer and director of your own video game! Build art, animations and backgrounds to design your game’s world the way you want.
Wednesday, April 15
Snack Around the World
4:00 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required.
For grades 6 – 12. Embark on an adventure for your taste buds with food as your travel ticket! Each month we will sample a variety of snacks from across the globe and discover new favorite flavors.
Thursday, April 16
Perler Bead Brigade
3:00 – 4:30 PM. Registration Required.
For grades 6 – 12. Create a fun design with perler beads during the session! Materials & some ideas will be available, but feel free to bring your own design!
Thursday, April 16
Teen Movie Night – Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
5:00 PM. For grades 6 – 12. Bring friends and a covered drink & enjoy a free movie and popcorn at the library!
Friday, April 17
Drop-In Playtime
10:00 – 11:00 AM. For families with children ages 1 – 5 years. Enjoy engaging sensory activities! All Families are welcome to join. This open play is especially great for kids with multi-sensory needs.
Saturday, April 18
Books for Bikes Spring Reading Challenge Raffle
10:00 – 11:00 AM. Join us upstairs in the rotunda for the raffle. While we hope to have an audience to cheer on the lucky readers, you do not need to be present to win.
Saturday, April 18
Read to a Dog
10:00 – 11:00 AM. Registration Required. A therapy dog is visiting the library and wants to listen to you read! Register to get a 15-minute session with the dog-on-duty.
Tuesday, April 21
Minecraft Madness
4:00 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required. For ages 8 – 11. Break out your pickaxes and head to the library to play Minecraft with friends on our server!
Wednesday, April 22
Earth Day Adventure: Wiggly Wonders
4:00 – 5:00 PM. For Grades 1 – 4. Join us to discover the wonders of worm composting! Dive into the dirt and learn how these squirmy creatures turn kitchen scraps into garden gold.
Tuesday, April 28
Pokémon Hangout
4:30 – 5:30 PM. For ages 5 – 12 years. Gotta catch ‘em all! Gather with fellow Pokémon enthusiasts to trade, battle, and try a variety of crafts and games!
Wednesday, April 29
To Be Read…Book Club
4:00 – 5:00 PM. Registration Required. For Grades 6 – 12. Register to get a copy of this month’s book pick at the Youth Desk, read it, and join us to talk all about what you loved, hated, wished, and everything in between! Our April read is Lair of Dreams, the second book in The Diviners series by Libba Bray.
Thursday, April 30
Anime Watch Party
5:00 PM. Registration Required. For Grades 6 – 12. Unite at this welcoming space for both die-hard fans and those just getting started to explore the anime world. Enjoy snacks and a different anime movie or series each month. This month, we will watch the series Champignon Witch.