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.
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 12
SA 13:00–16:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Oct 20
TU 19:00–20:45
Virtual · Highland Park, IL
Sep 17
TH 13:00–14:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 17
TH 19:00–20:30
Highland Park Senior Center · Highland Park, IL
Oct 15
TH 13:30–14:30
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 18
FR 17:30–18:45
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 18
FR 13:00–15:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 19
SA 14:00–15:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 21
MO 18:30–20:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 24
TH 10:00–12:00
Virtual · Highland Park, IL
Sep 24
TH 18:00–18:30
Virtual · Highland Park, IL
Sep 24
TH 19:00–19:30
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 24
TH 18:00–19:30
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 26
SA 14:00–16:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 26
SA 14:00–16:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 28
MO 19:00–20:00
Virtual · Highland Park, IL
Sep 29
TU 19:00–20:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Sep 29
TU 14:00–15:00
Virtual · Highland Park, IL
Oct 1
TH 18:00–19:00
Braeside Market · Highland Park, IL
Oct 3
SA 09:00–12:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Oct 6
TU 18:00–20:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Oct 7
WE 11:00–21:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Oct 8
TH 13:00–14:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Oct 10
SA 11:00–13:00
Highland Park Public Library · Highland Park, IL
Oct 13
TU 13:00–14:30
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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