Algonquin Area Public Library District

10/15/2026

Celebrate Día de Mu***os (Day of the Dead) with us at the Harnish Main Library!
We’ve created an ofrenda, a special display honoring the lives and memories of loved ones who have passed. You’re invited to participate by dropping off ofrenda items at our Youth Services Desk to help us celebrate and remember those souls who hold a special place in our hearts.
We also have a little something extra for the first 10 people to drop off items! You will receive a special gift bag featuring a sticker, lip balm with holder, and a 3D-printed sugar skull keychain. Gift bags are available while supplies last, so stop by and help us make this ofrenda a meaningful tribute to the people we miss and love.

10/14/2026

Pamela Sage is our October Artist of the Month. Learn about her, photography, and stop by the Harnish Main Library to see her work. Learn more:

Meet October’s Artist of the Month October 14, 2026 Artist of the Month A tragic loss in her teens has brought a uniquely personal perspective to Pamela Sage's work as a portrait photographer. "My dad died when I was only 15. He wasn’t in most of my childhood photographs, not because he wasn’t...

10/14/2026

Collaboration, Books, People, and Pizza!
It made for one incredible night of history and fun at Lou Malnati's in Lakewood!
We were honored to collaborate with Marc Malnati, Crystal Lake Public Library, and Abalabix Books to celebrate Marc’s new book, Deep Dish, a look at his life and the rich history behind the Lou Malnati’s pizza family tradition.
Marc and his wife, Jeanne, shared stories about the family and the origins of Lou’s, including a trip to New York, an appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and a few thoughts on the great pizza debate. (We agree: New York and Chicago have it going on, but California pizza? Let’s just say it has some catching up to do!)
Marc also shared stories about appearing on The Steve Harvey Show and facing off against Bobby Flay.
It was a fantastic evening filled with great conversation, delicious pizza samples, and the Malnati family’s incredible generosity. Everyone went home with a piece of the family tradition: a special silver heart. And in an extra-special birthday surprise, one attendee even received a custom Lou Malnati’s shirt!
A huge thank-you to Marc and Jeanne Malnati, Crystal Lake Public Library, Abalabix Books, and you for coming to the event. We hope you enjoyed this memorable evening!

10/14/2026

We have a packed house at Lou Malnati's in Lakewood, Il for our Deep Dish with Marc Malnati event. Marc is sharing Malnati's history and stories from his new book with the audience. They are loving it!

10/12/2026

Today is a day to honor Indigenous Peoples and Christopher Columbus. While many businesses are closed, the library remains open for you to explore information and enrich your mind, whether you recognize one or both of these holidays. Explore our online catalog, stop by to browse our collection, or ask a librarian to help you find items about these topics and so much more!

10/11/2026

AAPLD has once again partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois for another Blood Drive! Join us Thursday, October 29 from 3-7 pm at the Harnish Main Library to donate! All presenting donors will receive coupons for Texas Roadhouse. While you may not always feel it, donating blood makes you a lifesaver. A simple donation could be life-changing for someone in our community.
Register for your appointment today: https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11648700 Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

10/10/2026

Join us virtually on Thursday, October 15 from 7-8 pm for a Meet the Expert session. During "Artificial Intelligence for Local Business Marketing", attendees will learn how artificial intelligence can help small businesses grow without adding more hours to the work day. Register today: https://aapld.libnet.info/event/16895734

10/09/2026

We're kicking off something new at our Harnish Main Library! Just outside the Children's Creation Center, you'll find rotating art galleries featuring artwork from schools throughout our community. Our first gallery showcases the creative talents of children at The Learning Hills Childcare and Preschool in Lake in the Hills. Stop by to see their work! And while you're here, head into the Creation Center to make a corn craft of your own!

10/09/2026

Friday FAQ - Q: Who won the '70s Trivia contest?
A: Congratulations to our two trivia champs, Laura R. and Logan I.! Each winner takes home a unique basket packed with fun finds from a different era. Laura's '70s basket takes it back with paperback editions of Jaws and The Godfather, a vinyl record, retro candy, games, and a puzzle. Logan's 2026 basket is filled with an Amazon gift card, candy, games, new books, a music CD, a Blu-ray, and more! Both baskets also include special AAPLD merch, including a laser-etched pint glass! A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped us celebrate 50 groovy years at Eastgate!

10/08/2026

Our staff continues to dazzle at the annual Illinois Library Association conference! Today, they presented our Read, White, and Blue Challenge to fellow libraries, sharing how we created a new reading opportunity for the community when Summer Reading just isn’t enough.

It was a true team effort to bring the challenge to life, but special props to Anna B. for taking the presentation to ILA and sharing it with her peers!