Set Out On the Library Lovers Expedition

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!

Sitting area under the skylight dome.
Grab a seat and relax.


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.

Harvard Diggins Library scavenger hunt card for Library Lovers Expedition.
Harvard Diggins Library scavenger hunt card for Library Lovers Expedition.

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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Be sure to claim your McHenry Life Directory listing and start making the most of your McHenry Life!

Demo business listing card.

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.

Library Lovers Expedition 2023 banner.

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.

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