NEW - Photo Release Policy: Library staff may take photographs of participants, individually or in groups, attending library programs and activities. These photographs may appear in future library publications or in other library publicity. Patron’s names and other identifying information will not accompany the published photos/video without written consent from patron or guardian. No non-staff photographs or videos are permitted involving library patrons, staff, materials or equipment without prior authorization from the library administration.

The Museum Adventure Pass Program - free admission to 17 Chicago area cultural destinations. Get all the details.
Storytimes
More Programs - After school programs, gaming events & more
Special Programs - Battle of the Books, PAWS for a Story & more

Storytimes

Drop-In Storytimes are offered throughout the year. Go to our Events calendar for this month's dates and times.

Drop-In Storytime for 2-year-olds

For 2-year-olds with parent/caregiver. Theme-based include stories, fingerplays, music, action rhymes, flannel stories, and puppets. (20 minutes)

Drop-In Storytime for 3- to 5-year-olds

For 3- to 5-year-olds without parent/caregiver. Theme-based and may include stories, fingerplays, music, action rhymes, flannel stories, and puppets. (30 minutes)

Baby Talk Book Time

For infants through age 2 with parent/caregiver. September through May. Contact Julie Ritzema at District 62 SPARK office, 847-824-1065 ext. 35.

Family Storytime

For children of all ages with parents/caregivers. Theme-based stories using puppets, flannel boards, music, fingerplays and action rhymes. (30 minutes)

PJ Storytime

For ages 3-7 with parents. Children wear pajamas and bring favorite stuffed animals. Offered at various times during the year. Registration is required.

More Programs

Drop-In Programs

Crafts

For all ages. Drop-in Crafts, featuring a theme or holiday, provide hands-on fun. Materials are supplied. Once a month in October, November, December, February, March, and May.

Family Game Night

Turn off the TV and get together at the library. Play together or challenge other families in friendly games, including Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Pictionary, and more. Play our games, or bring a favorite game from home. Offered at various times during the year.

SCRABBLE Lunch Bunch

For grades 3 - 8. Drop-in SCRABBLE tournament for new and experienced SCRABBLE players. Scheduled throughout the year.

After-School Programs

Stories and More

For grades K - 2. Theme-based activities, including stories, crafts, games and a snack. Offered October through April. Drop in - see our online calendar for dates and times.

Story Explorers

For grades 3 - 5. Theme-based activities including stories, crafts, games and a snack. Offered October through April. Register through our online calendar.

Special Programs

Below are some examples of the special programs and activities scheduled at the library throughout the year. Check our Events calendar for more information.

Battle of the Books

For grades 4 - 5 and grades 6 - 8. Read selected books and form teams to answer questions during the “Battle of the Books.” Booklists are available at the Youth Services Desk. Held once a year in April/May. Click here for this year's information.

Family Times

A special program for children with autism.

Family Times provide parents or caregivers the opportunity to leave their child with autism Friends Room C, where they will interact with specially trained dogs from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. During that time, parents and caregivers may attend a variety of library programs or explore other library resources. The third Saturday of each month, October-May.

Friends Family Sunday

For all ages. Entertaining and educational program for the whole family. Sponsored by the Friends of the Des Plaines Public Library. Offered the third Sunday of January, February, and March.

PAWS for a Story - For children in grades 1- 5. Come to the library to experience the joy of reading aloud to special attentive book loving dogs from Rainbow Assisted Animal Therapy. Readers sign up for ONE twenty minute session. Get dates and all the details in this printable brochure. IMPORTANT: Signed Parent Consent Form required on or prior to the day of the program. Printable form available here. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.