Community Calendar

Step into the mid-1700s with Cathy Grafton, Quilter and Needlework Artist, as she brings to life a seamstress fresh from her travels — from Scotland to France and, at last, to the New World. Born from more than four decades of participation in historic fairs and festivals, this trunk show is part costume drama, part textile history, and entirely delightful.

Dressed in period costume, Cathy shares an engaging look at the fashions, clothing construction, and needlework of 18th century society, including the stories, and occasional hardships, of her "travels." Antique sewing tools, quilts, fabrics, and needlework pieces are on hand to bring the era vividly to life, alongside Cathy's own work, offering a beautiful through-line between centuries of craft tradition.
This free program is open to the public and will be presented both in-person at the Granville Branch and virtually via Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/vNf_l.

Long before bookmobiles and digital libraries, a remarkable group of women on horseback carried the gift of reading to the most remote corners of Eastern Kentucky. This documentary tells the story of the Pack Horse Librarians — women hired by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression to deliver books, magazines, and hope to isolated mountain communities. Braving swollen creeks, rugged mountain trails, and unpredictable weather, these dedicated women rode for miles to ensure that even the most hard-to-reach families had access to the written word.

Theirs is a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and an unshakeable belief in the power of literacy — and it feels as relevant today as ever. This free program is open to the public. The film runs 27 minutes and is made possible by PBS.

What does it mean to be American? Join us for a hybrid community book club exploring that question through the lens of the American Revolution. The evening opens with a preview screening from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt's PBS documentary The American Revolution, followed by an informal group discussion.

This session's featured title is Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson. The Revolutionary War rages on, and Isabel and Curzon have narrowly escaped Valley Forge, but their relief is short-lived. Reported as runaways, they find themselves hunted by the relentless Bellingham, even as they press forward with fierce determination to find Isabel's sister Ruth, who is enslaved in the South. Heroism and heartbreak mark every step of their journey in this grand finale to Anderson's acclaimed, New York Times bestselling trilogy.

This program is designed for teens ages 13–19, runs approximately 45–60 minutes, and is free and open to the public. It will be held both in-person at the McNabb Branch and virtually via Zoom. Copies of Ashes are available at the McNabb Branch. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/dVqoV.

Join us for this new gathering at Woodstock Public Library as we enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and discuss a new program topic with a guest speaker every month. Free to attend, but advance registration is required.

February 26 - New Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatment with the Alzheimer’s Association
March 26 - Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention with the Illinois Comptroller’s Office
April 30 - Fall Prevention with Smith Physical Therapy+ of Crystal Lake
May 28 - Mental Health in Older Adults with NAMI of McHenry County
June 25 - Discount and Ride Free Programs with RTA

Step back in time and explore the prehistoric story of the Illinois Valley. This engaging presentation introduces participants to the remarkable fossils found throughout the region, with a special focus on the world-famous Mazon Creek fossil beds. Known for their exceptional preservation, these fossils offer a vivid window into life roughly 300 million years ago, when Illinois was covered by tropical swamps teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Attendees will learn how these fossils formed, what they reveal about ancient ecosystems, and why the Illinois Valley remains a significant site for paleontological discovery. This free program is open to the public and made possible through the Illinois Extension Office. Registration is appreciated at go.illinois.edu/FossilGranville.

In this hands-on craft workshop, participants will design and decorate their own tote bag using stencils, paint, and plenty of creativity. Whether you choose a colorful pattern, a meaningful message, or a design that reflects your personal style, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind tote, perfect to use or give as a gift. This free program is open to the public for ages 6 and up. All materials will be provided.

What does it mean to be American? Join us for a hybrid community book club exploring that question through the lens of the American Revolution. The evening opens with a preview screening from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt's PBS documentary The American Revolution, followed by an informal group discussion.

This session's featured title is King George: What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin, a humorous, fact-filled look at the American Revolution that goes beyond the textbook. Rather than a straight retelling, Sheinkin zeroes in on quirky anecdotes, little-known details, and the colorful personalities behind the conflict, from spies and soldiers to John Hancock himself. And yes, King George III gets his say too.

This program is designed for youth ages 8–14, runs approximately 45 minutes, and is free and open to the public. It will be held both in-person at the Condit Branch and virtually via Zoom. Copies of King George: What Was His Problem? are available at the Condit Branch. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/KPVP2.

Do your kids need something positive, fun, and engaging this summer? 4-H staff, McHenry County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom teachers, and 4-H Ambassadors are offering a summer 4-H club experience that introduces youth to a variety of exciting 4-H project areas in a relaxed, summer setting.

What Will Youth Explore?

This summer club provides a glimpse into the 4-H program and encourages independent learning through engaging, hands-on activities:
Agriculture Adventures:
McHenry County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom instructors will share a short lesson and activity each session.
Outdoor Exploration:
Learn about birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects through games and hands-on experiences.
STEM Challenges:
Explore science, technology, engineering, and math with fun problem-solving activities.
Cultural & Creative Arts:
Express creativity through art and cultural activities.
Promoting Self-Care:
Emphasis on social-emotional health and proper nutrition.

Blacksmiths of yesteryear helped forge the fabric of our modern world, but it's just as compelling to see what a local smith is creating today. Doug Eichert is a local blacksmith dedicated to keeping the flame of this ancient craft alive. With 16 years of experience at the anvil, Eichert creates hand-forged goods where utility meets art.

During this live demonstration, witness the focused skill required to shape raw steel in real time. You'll see unique forging processes up close, from the heat of the forge to the strike of the hammer, with the opportunity to ask questions about the history, tools, and future of the craft. Join us to see how this historic trade continues to thrive in our community.

This program is 1 hour and 30 minutes, free and open to the public. Doug will have a table of forged items available for purchase. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

NIAAA's Senior Pop-Up fairs are for aging adults, their families and caregivers. Come find resources, services and support in the community.