It’s no secret: community happens at the library and through library programs! Our many discussion groups, book clubs, and hobby gatherings provide opportunities for people to gather, discuss, explore, and learn together. We have new groups starting all the time! See what our groups are talking about in December and January…and get in on the conversation. Please note that some groups require registration.
Book Clubs for Adults/Young Adults
Stop by the Adult Services Desk with any questions or to pick up a copy of the book to be discussed. For ages 18 years and older unless otherwise noted.
Cozy Corner – NEW! *Ages 14+*
Harnish Main Library
A new book club for cozy mystery fans!
1st Wednesday of the Month @ 7-8 p.m.
January 2: A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall
Contact: Lindsey Tomsu
Book Clubbers
Harnish Main Library
1st Thursday of the month at 7 pm
December 6: Beartown by Fredrik Backman
January 3: Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
Contact: Patty Pearsall
Spinecrackers
Harnish Main Library
1st Friday of the month at 10am
December 7: No book selection. Read a favorite book and we’ll chat over lunch!
January 4: Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin
Contact: Elena Feiza
Bookalicious: A Not-So-YA Book Club
Meet at Woodscreek Tavern, Lake in the Hills
2nd Monday of the month at 7 pm
December 10: I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
January 14 : Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1 by Laini Taylor
Contact: Karrie Stewart
Great Books Discussion Group
Harnish Main Library
3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 pm
December 19: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (play) (1949)
January 16: The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas (1844)
Contact: Kristen McCallum
Pages at the Projects
Meet at Daily Projects, Algonquin; 6-8pm
January 16: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Night Readers
Harnish Main Library
3rd Thursdays at 7 pm
December 13: (2nd Thursday) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
January 17: Enchantress of Numbers by Jennifer Chiaverini
Contact: Patty Pearsall
For more information about these book clubs, please call the Adult Services Department at 847-458-6060, ext. 143.
Book Clubs for Kids
Cover-to-Cover Youth Book Club – Register
Harnish Main Library
2nd Thursdays at 7pm
December 13: Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park
January 10: Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Contact: Heather Swanson
Pageturners Youth Book Club – Register
Harnish Main Library
2nd Thursdays at 7pm
December 13: Schooled by Gordon Korman
January 10: Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine
Contact: Kimberly Damitz
For more information about these book clubs, please call the Youth Services Department at 847-458-6060, ext. 135.
Hobby Clubs
Photo Fabulous – Register
For students in grades 4 to 8
Harnish Main Library
Wednesdays at 6 pm: December 12, 2018 and January 23, 2019
Bring your camera or phone to learn about taking fabulous photos! We will talk about different camera settings and filters, editing apps and get to play with a variety of props.
Worth 1000 Words Camera Club – Register
For photographers 14 years old and up
Harnish Main Library
Wednesdays at 7 pm: January 02, 2019
Amateur and expert photographers are welcome to learn, discuss and practice photography from basic tips to pro tricks and DIY photo hacks. Compare and critique photos taken with different equipment, settings and techniques.
Special Interest Discussion Groups
Animangiacs: Anime & Manga Fan Group
For fans 18 years old and older
Eastgate Branch Library
2nd Tuesdays of the Month, 6 to 8 pm
December 11: Holidays and Winter
January 8: New Year/ New Wolrd
Fans of anime and manga who are out of high school are invited to watch anime shows with us. Themes change each month and guests are welcome to show & tell and talk nerdy.
Contact: Brandon Zimmerman
Creativity Cafe – Algonquin Area Writers Group
For writers 18 years old and up
Harnish Main Library
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm: December 20, January 17
Aspiring authors, beginners to advanced, are invited to join a diverse group of local writers.
Contact: Virginia Donahue
Critique – Algonquin Area Writers Group
For writers 18 years old and up
Harnish Main Library
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm: December 27, January 24
Writers can use this time for writing, small group critique or to present a workshop
Contact: Virginia Donahue
Keeping it Reel: a Discussion Group for Film Lovers – Register
For film lovers 18 years old and up
Eastgate Branch
4th Thursday of the month, 6:30 to 7:30
January 24: Amadeus (1985)
Watch the film, then come to the library for a lively discussion about Amadeus, winner of the 1985 Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture. We’ll be discussing the recent award ceremony on Jan. 5 as well. Copies of the film will be available for checkout.
Contact: Rebekah Noggle