Public library programs for kids in Illinois are the most underused resource in the entire kid-activities ecosystem. Every public library runs free children's programming — story time for babies and toddlers, after-school programs for elementary kids, teen tracks, summer reading, and STEM kits. The catch is that most library programs aren't well-publicized outside their own websites, so unless you actively check, you'll miss them. Story time is the universal starting point: 30-45 minute sessions of read-alouds, songs, and a craft, free, no registration required at most branches. Beyond story time, look for STEM kits (lendable like books), 1000 Books Before Kindergarten programs, bilingual programming (especially Spanish-English in suburban districts), summer reading challenges with prizes, and seasonal events. Library cards are free with proof of address. If you have one and aren't using it weekly, you're leaving real value on the table.
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 12
SA 09:30–12:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 12
SA 10:00–11:30
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 12
SA 14:00–16:00
4th floor · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 14
MO 00:00–23:59
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Oct 12
MO 13:00–16:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 14
MO 18:30–19:30
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 14
MO 11:00–12:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 21
MO 17:00–18:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 14
MO 19:00–20:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 21
MO 00:00–23:59
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 14
MO 15:30–17:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Oct 20
TU 17:30–19:30
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Oct 6
TU 10:00–10:30
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 22
TU 09:15–12:15
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 15
TU 10:00–13:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 29
TU 09:15–12:15
Virtual via Zoom · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 15
TU 19:00–20:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 22
TU 17:00–18:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Oct 6
TU 10:30–11:15
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 15
TU 19:00–20:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 15
TU 18:30–20:30
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 16
WE 13:30–14:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Oct 14
WE 17:00–19:00
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 16
WE 13:30–14:30
Des Plaines Public Library · Des Plaines, IL
Sep 16
WE 19:30–20:30
Story time (babies through preschool), after-school programs (elementary), teen programs, summer reading challenges, STEM kits, bilingual programs, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, seasonal events, and one-off workshops on specific topics. All free with a library card.
Most library systems publish their event calendars on their own website (and rarely promote anywhere else). Subscribe to your library's email newsletter — that's typically the only reliable way to hear about new programming.
Lendable kits with K'Nex, Snap Circuits, microscopes, coding robots, or themed activities. Most include parent guides. Lend like books, but with waitlists for popular kits.
For most programs no — story time and walk-in events are open to anyone. For STEM kits, summer reading programs, and reservations, yes. Cards are free with proof of address.
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