As the temps drop and the snow rises, what better time than right now to go on an expedition?! Don’t worry, this expedition can take you to endless worlds while keeping you warm and dry inside at the same time.
Thirteen local McHenry County area libraries are collaborating in this year’s Library Lovers Expedition. The Expedition encourages residents to visit and explore the libraries to better learn about the amazing offerings and services that are available. And if you haven’t been to a library for a few years, you just might be amazed at what your library has to offer.
The Expedition invites you to not only check out your nearest library but all 13 of the participating libraries (in any order). Each library will have its own special activities as part of the Expedition. When you do so, you’ll get your official expedition “passport” and be able to collect a unique bookmark, sticker, and ribbon from each library. And when you complete your expedition, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of several gift baskets!
Don’t have a library card? That’s okay. While this may also be a great time to get a library card if you don’t already have one, you aren’t required to have one to participate in the fun.
The Library Lovers Expedition runs from February 1st through March 31, 2023. It’s free and open to all ages. You’ll find each of the participating libraries listed below with links to their respective Directory listing. You may also want to check out the Expedition’s Facebook page.
Want to learn more about the origin of the McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition? Be sure to check out Expedition to the Crystal Lake Public Library which also shares the story on how the program started.
Look for “Spotlight Story” links below, which we’ll add as those stories are published on each of the libraries.
Algonquin Area Public Library
Address: 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102
Branch Address: 115 Eastgate Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-458-6060
Branch Phone: 847-658-4343
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Stop by the fish tank and say hello to Meatball, the puffer fish. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt while adults and teens will want to check out the Makerspace!
Cary Area Public Library
Address: 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-4210
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Join in Seek-and-Find as you search for hidden origami critters. Explorers can even get a take-and-make origami critter kit to take home.
Crystal Lake Public Library
Address: 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-1687
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Check out the gumball machine with reading prompts and buttons in Adult Services, play the mini golf hole in Youth Services, and enjoy a scavenger hunt and crafts at the Creation Station.
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Fox River Grove Memorial Library
Address: 407 Lincoln Avenue, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Phone: 847-639-2274
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Create an origami fox in Adulst Services and play a life-sized version of Candyland in the Youth Department!
Harvard Diggins Library
Address: 900 E McKinley Street, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: 815-943-4671
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout the library, check out featured memorabilia from the Greater Harvard Area Historical Society, and don’t miss the 100-year-old butterfly collection.
* Harvard Diggins Library will be closed for renovations during the month of February.
Huntley Area Public Library
Address: 11000 Ruth Road, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-5386
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Join in a scavenger hunt, warm up by the fireplace, and head to the Children’s Library for a Grab ‘N’ Go craft, build an igloo from LEGO®, or play a board game.
Johnsburg Public Library
Address: 3000 N Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Phone: 815-344-0077
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Come check out the ginormous Connect 4 game and be sure to say “hi” to Sparky Butterscotch, the sloth mascot.
Marengo-Union Library District
Address: 19714 East Grant Highway, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-568-8236
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Join the scavenger hunt and check out the take-and-make car craft for children.
McHenry Public Library
Address: 809 Front Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-385-0036
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Kids, be sure to find out what book Eddie the elephant is reading, and adults, take a picture with a book hiding part of your face.
Nippersink Public Library District
Address: 5418 Hill Road, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-678-4014
Information: Details
Join in fun activities like the weekly Scavenger Hunt and I Spy Challenges, a Guess the Number contest, and an expedition craft for families.
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River East Public Library
Address: 813 W IL Route 120, McHenry, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-6303
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Try your hand at a game of Skee Ball and participate in the Skee Ball tournament for a chance to win a prize by being one of the top three scorers.
Wauconda Area Public Library
Address: 801 N Main Street, Wauconda, IL 60084
Phone: 847-526-6225
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Be sure to see the rocket shop in Kid City and warm up by the cozy fireplace in the upper reading room.
Woodstock Public Library
Address: 414 W Judd Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-0542
Information: Details, Spotlight Story
Don’t miss the special Groundhog Scavenger Hunt and check out the memorabilia from Groundhog Day and Dick Tracy.
President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
