View the PDF versions of our newsletter.
Youth Events & Programs – Fall 2026
Reading Dragons are Back!!!
Loved our Summer Reading Challenge? Keep the adventure going with Reading Dragons! Pick up a reading tracker at the Youth Desk, read to earn collectible dragon cards, and build your collection one dragon at a time. How many dragons will you discover?
Teen DIY Kits
While supplies last. Check out the Teen Room to snag a bag with everything you need to complete a creative project!
Thursdays, October 1 – November 19
Preschool Story Time
10:00 – 10:30 AM. Imaginations abound at this story time, where we share books, music, and bubbles!
Mondays, October 5 – November 30
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.
Tuesdays, October 6 – November 24
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, October 6 & November 10
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.
Tuesdays, October 6 – 27, & November 10 & 17
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.
Thursdays, October 8 & November 12
Lego Club
4:00 – 5:00 PM. For ages 5-12 years. Just bring your imagination – we’ll supply the Legos!
Saturday, October 10
Mini Ghost Macrame Workshop with Knotty By Nature
2:00 – 3:30 PM. Registration Required. Get crafty this spooky season! Teens are invited to create their own adorable mini ghost macrame wall hanging. Participants will learn basic macrame techniques and customize their ghost with unique facial features and accessories.
Monday, October 12
School’s Out Movie Matinee
1:00 PM. Spend your day off from school enjoying a movie & free popcorn at the library! For a safe and smooth event, we ask that parents or guardians accompany all children inside the library for check-in. An adult must stay with children under 8. We will be showing: Minions & Monsters.
Mondays, October 12 & 26, November 9 & 23
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.
Wednesdays, October 14 & November 11
Snack Around the World
4:00 – 5:00PM. 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.
Wednesdays, October 14 & November 11
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 in the Youth Library!
Fridays, October 16 & November 20
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.
Saturdays, October 17 & November 21
Read to a Dog
10:00 – 11:00 AM. Registration Required. A therapy dog will be visiting the library and wants to listen to you read! Each young reader will have 15 minutes with the dog-on-duty.
“This is Halloween” Interactive Movie
Sunday, October 18
2:00 PM. Please Register for Each Person Attending. Celebrate The Nightmare Before Christmas with an interactive screening of Tim Burton’s beloved Claymation classic! Follow along with a provided script and enjoy a bag full of tricks and treats as the story comes to life. Costumes are welcome!
Tuesdays, October 20 & November 17
Minecraft Madness
4:00 – 5:00PM. Registration Required. For ages 8-11 years. Break out your pickaxes, watch out for creepers, and head to the library to play Minecraft with friends on our server!
Wednesdays, October 21 & November 18
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!
Wednesday, October 21
Read to a Dog
10:00 – 11:00 AM. Registration Required. A therapy dog will be visiting the library and wants to listen to you read! Each young reader will have 15 minutes with the dog-on-duty.
Monday, October 26
Spooky-Ooky Book Club
3:00 – 4:00 PM. Registration Required. Visit the Youth Desk to pick up your free book. Calling all spooky bookworms in joining the Spooky-Ooky book club! In October, we’ll be reading R.L. Stine’s classic ‘Stay Out of the Basement’ from the Goosebumps series. We’ll go over what makes for a creepy story, along with some lightly frightening activities.
Tuesdays, October 27
Pokemon Club 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, October 28 & November 25
To Be Read…Book Club
6:00 – 7:00 PM. Registration Required. For grades 6-12. Register to get a free copy of each month’s book at the Youth Desk, read it, and join us to talk all about it!
October – A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann
November – WE by Christelle Dabos
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Drop-Off: Friday November 20 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pick-Up: Saturday, November 21 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Drop off your favorite stuffed animal or doll at the library any time before 6:00 PM on Friday for a special Stuffed Animal Sleepover! While your cuddly friend spends the night enjoying a fun-filled library adventure, you’ll head home and pick them up the next morning. Join us at 10:00 AM on Saturday for a light breakfast and a photo slideshow to see all the exciting antics your stuffed animal got up to during their overnight stay!
Adult September Events & Programs
Sunday, October 4Bits & Pieces Junk Journal Club
2:00 PM Bring all necessary supplies to work on your junk journal in a welcoming, no pressure environment.
Monday, October 5
Fall Greeting Card Class
6:00 PM registration required Join Laura Borchert for a fall-themed greeting card class. Participants will make 3 greeting cards.
Monday, October 5
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.
Tuesday, October 6 & 20
Memory Cafe
10:00 AM 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.
Thursdays, October 1 & 15
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.
Wednesdays, October 7 & 21
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.
Thursday, October 8
The Cozy Comics Club
6:30 PM Discussing – Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick
Saturdays, October 10 & 24
Chair Yoga
10:00 AM Registered yoga teacher Julie Hamilton will lead the class using modifications of many common yoga poses.
Saturday, October 10
The Rough Drafts Writing Club
2:00 PM Let's make time to write! Bring your current project or start a new one.
Monday, October 19
Monday Evening Yoga
6:00 PM Join Yoga Instructor Lisa Allen for an hour of peaceful yoga and meditation.
Tuesday, October 13
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.
Wednesday, October 14
Screen Screams Society
5:30 PM 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.
Four spooky stories, one bloody night! Trick ’r Treat (2015) weaves together tales of a deadly high school principal, a mischievous teenage prank, and a mysterious creature named Sam who strictly enforces the rules of Halloween. Don't miss this modern cult-classic horror anthology!
Thursday, October 15
Happily Ever After
6:30 PM A romance book club, discussing – The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Friday, October 16
EPL & Thrillsville Present: Cult Classic Movie Club
6:00 PM The Thrillsville/EPL Cult Classic Movie Club is a place to enjoy horror, sci-fi, and fantasy cult classic films. This month we will be showing the 1993 dark comedy horror “Freaked.”
Monday, October 19
Adult Animation Showtime
5:30PM Anime club has been revamped to include all forms of animation! We will be showing Mad Monster Party (1967).
Tuesday, October 20
BYOB(book) History Book Club
6:30 PM No assigned reading, come chat about what you’re reading and maybe find something new.
Sunday, October 25
Sunday Sunrise Yoga
8:45 AM Registration Required Join Yoga Instructor Lisa Allen for one hour of yoga and meditation followed by coffee.
Monday, October 27
Riveted Readers Book Club
6:30 PM Discussing –The Wager by David Grann
Wednesday, October 28
Side Quests: 20s and 30s Hangout
5:30 PM A casual monthly hangout for adults in their 20's & 30's. Bring your friends and meet new ones too. Enjoy a low-stakes evening of fun activities, crafts, and snacks, all while watching nostalgic movies and TV shows on the big screen.
This month we will be showing Hocus Pocus (1993) and have Halloween themed crafts!
Monday, October 26
Nothing But Vinyl
6:00 PM Bring your favorite record and play us your favorite song or just come enjoy the music and discussions.
Saturday, October 3
Edwardsville Book Festival
8:00 AM Join us outside the library in City Park for some book-ish fun, including regional authors, new and used book sales, and fun activities for kids. Make sure to also stop by the Land of Goshen Community Market which will be set up around City Park. All ages are welcome!
Wednesday, October 7
Halloween Bat Beaded Tapestry Craft Night
5:30 PM Registration Required Get into the spooky season with a fun, hands-on craft night! Join us to create your own Halloween bat beaded tapestry, a perfect handmade decoration for your home. All materials provided!
Friday, October 9
USPS Passport Fair
9:00 AM 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, October 10
USPS Passport Fair
9:00 AM 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, October 10
US Citizenship Prep Class
10:00 AM 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.
Monday, October 12
Frauds and Scams
6:00 PM Presented by Heartland Bank and Trust Company, come learn about red flags, common frauds and scams, helpful tips, and how to report fraud.
Friday, October 16
Internet Safety: How to Surf Safe
4:30 PM Come learn what you need to know to make surfing the internet a safe and secure experience. This is a technology class provided by the Edwardsville Public Library.
Saturday, October 17
D&D Adult Beginner Campaign: Session Zero
2:00 PM Registration Required Join us for a new Beginner Campaign, designed to help you learn the game! We'll be having a "session zero" this month to make characters, decide what type of campaign we want to play, and go over basic fighting mechanics! For more information go to our website calendar.
Tuesday, October 20
ILP Presents: Preserving History with Geoffrey Baer
7:00 PM Virtual Event Tag along for a special conversation with Geoffrey Baer, beloved Chicago historian, storyteller, and host of numerous PBS programs exploring the architecture, history, and hidden stories of the city and surrounding region. Known for bringing local history to life, Baer has helped audiences connect more deeply with the places and communities around them.
Wednesday, October 21
A Night with Troy Taylor at the Wildey Theatre: Mother Road Murder, Mayhem & Mystery Hauntings Along Route 66
7:00 PM Join Troy Taylor for the "other side" of Route 66 history -- the stories that no one else wants to tell.
Doors open at 6pm, presentation starts at 7pm. Seating available on a first come, first served basis.
The greatest highway in American history was born a century ago in 1926. Route 66 began in downtown Chicago and stretched all the way to Los Angeles, coming to an end at the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean. For millions of people who once “motored west” on Route 66 – or dreamed of doing so – just the name conjures up images of station wagons, greasy-spoon diners, roadside stands, souvenir shops, tourist traps, motor courts, neon signs, classic cars, and sketchy roadside attractions.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the highway, and more people than ever before are looking for kicks on Route 66, telling stories about the good times, the fun places, and the quirky diners, motels, and tourist traps. But that’s only part of the story. Alongside the bright and shiny Route 66 of nostalgia and imagination were stories of ghosts, haunted hotels, hitchhiking phantoms, murders, robberies, vanishings, and worse.
Friday, October 23
Afternoon Tea With Dolly!
4:00 PM Scrumptious treats! Dolly door prizes! Learn more about the Imagination Library, and how you can help bring books to local kids age 0-5.
Saturday, October 24
D&D Adult Campaign for Experienced Adventurers: Session Zero
2:00 PM Registration Required The library is going to start up a long running campaign for those who have played Dungeons and Dragons before! This month, we'll begin with a session zero. For more information go to our website calendar.
2026 Library Crawl
The Annual Library Crawl is back and taking place October 1-31! Location “Passports” with a list of participating regional libraries can be picked up in our building or printed from our website. Visit 5 or more participating libraries and return your stamped passport by Friday, November 6th to be entered in a drawing for a prize.
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