Pet the Dog

Mon, Nov 17, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Ages 18 months-3 years with adult) A story program for children who are not yet ready for the structure of storytime. Your child will enjoy stories, songs and take home a craft.

Mon, Nov 17, 12:00pm - 12:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

(Adults, registration required) Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

Registration is now closed

Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB

Mon, Nov 17, 12:30pm - 1:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

(Adults, registration required) Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

Registration is now closed

Mon, Nov 17, 2:30pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Services

(Pre-Kindergarten - 4th) Free tutoring for children having difficulty in reading and math. Bring what your child is struggling with to tutoring session. If you need to cancel, call 815-740-2662.

Chess Club

Mon, Nov 17, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Grades 1-5) Whether you are a beginner or already know some chess, come join us for chess fun and make new friends.

Air Dry Clay Magnets

Mon, Nov 17, 5:00pm - 7:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Let's paint some air dry clay and make it into fridge magnets! This month’s theme will be mushrooms and all things forest vibes!

Registration is now closed

Vintage Silhouettes

Mon, Nov 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

DMS

Make a fabulous vintage style silhouette of yourself!

This event is full

Morning Book Discussion Group

Tue, Nov 18, 10:00am - 11:00am

Crossroads Christian Church - 2312 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

Share your love of reading with this lively book group! Books can be picked up at the Circulation Desk.

Tue, Nov 18, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Ages 18 months to 4 years with adult) Meet new friends in our music and play program! We will be shaking our wiggles out and using our imagination through hands-on play.

One-on-One Tech Help

Tue, Nov 18, 2:00pm - 2:30pm

Black Road Branch - Meeting Room D

(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.

This event is full

One-on-One Tech Help

Tue, Nov 18, 2:30pm - 3:00pm

Black Road Branch - Meeting Room D

(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.

This event is full

One-on-One Tech Help

Tue, Nov 18, 3:00pm - 3:30pm

Black Road Branch - Meeting Room D

(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.

This event is full

Tue, Nov 18, 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

This event is full

Special Storytime

Tue, Nov 18, 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Troy Craughwell School Cafeteria- Door 14 - 3333 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

(Birth-6 years with adult) Come listen to a few stories and sing songs with your friends and family. Enjoy a craft afterward.

Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food and Science

Tue, Nov 18, 6:30pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

This event is full

Video Game Club

Tue, Nov 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Grades 1-8) Calling all video game fans, join us for Video Game. Play fun new multi-player video games. Try out our Virtual Reality Headsets. Fans of Pokémon, can bring their Pokémon cards.

Intro to 3D printing

Tue, Nov 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch

Learn about the basics of 3D printing and entry points into the craft. We will also discuss also basic maintenance and troubleshooting. This course focuses on filament, however resin is addressed.

This event is full

Tue, Nov 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Online

Join award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration.

Wed, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Birth - 24 months with adult) Caregivers and babies will enjoy singing, reading and chasing bubbles! This is a great first "playgroup" for children.

Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB

Wed, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth - 6 years old with adult) A interactive experience that is suitable for ages birth to six years. All your favorite storytime elements will be combined into one event.

Wed, Nov 19, 2:30pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Services

(Pre-Kindergarten - 4th) Free tutoring for children having difficulty in reading and math. Bring what your child is struggling with to tutoring session. If you need to cancel, call 815-740-2662.

Wed, Nov 19, 3:30pm - 4:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

This event is full

Poetry Writing Workshop: Gratitude

Wed, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 4:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions

This event is full

Wed, Nov 19, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Join Poet Laureate of Joliet, Uxmar Torres, for workshops to spark creativity and new ideas. Open to English and Spanish speakers; fresh content only, no prior work reviewed

Reading Rangers Book Club

Wed, Nov 19, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Troy Craughwell School Cafeteria- Door 14 - 3333 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435

(Grades 2-4) Join us to discuss the book and do a fun activity. Register, pick up the book at the Black Road Branch Youth Services and read it before we meet.

Registration is now closed

Jinglebell Wreath Ornament

Wed, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Art Studio B75

Create a lovely DIY Christmas decoration.

This event is full

Create Your Own Zine

Wed, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Recording Lab B67

Let the creative juices flow and create your own 'zine at the JPL.

Wed, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth-6 years with adult) This Family Storytime is for Spanish and English speakers and will give exposure to books, songs, and activities in both languages.

Thu, Nov 20, 10:00am - 10:30am

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

This event is full

Preschool Storytime 10:30 or 11:15

Thu, Nov 20, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

This event is full

Thu, Nov 20, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(3 - 5 years with adult) A chance for children to explore the world of books through stories and songs with a take home craft.

Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB

Thu, Nov 20, 11:00am - 11:30am

Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110

Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our 30 minute personal tech help sessions.

This event is full

Trinket Thursday

Thu, Nov 20, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Grades 9-12) Calling all new and experienced crafters! Join us after school in making a fun DIY trinket to take home. All supplies will be provided by library.

Thu, Nov 20, 3:00pm - 7:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Services

(Pre-Kindergarten - 4th) Free tutoring for children having difficulty in reading and math. Bring what your child is struggling with to tutoring session. If you need to cancel, call 815-740-2662.

Can I Pet that Dog?!

Thu, Nov 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Do you just want to drop in and pet some dogs? Stop by between 4 - 5:30pm! The Alliance of Therapy Dogs Team will be here with some of their specially trained furry friends for you to meet and pet!

WriteOn Joliet

Thu, Nov 20, 5:45pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Join WriteOn members in a safe, comfortable and supportive atmosphere to share your work, and constructive feedback so that everyone can benefit from our shared knowledge.

Maker's Guild - open session

Thu, Nov 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch

This is an open-format club that encourages crafters and entrepreneurs to bring in their projects and plans. As well as bounce ideas off each other.

Toddler Turkey Trot

Fri, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:15am

Black Road Branch - Patio

(Ages 1-3 with adult) Little gobblers unite for a turkey story, songs and a mini race on the path outside of the library. Make sure to bundle up in case of cold weather!

Pokemon Family Escape Room

Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Ages 18 months to 4 years with adult) Meet new friends in our music and play program! We will be shaking our wiggles out and using our imagination through hands-on play.

Voice Over Club

Tue, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Digital Media Studio - Sound Room A

Gather with others to learn the basics of recording your voice!

This event is full

Tue, Nov 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Grades 1+ with an adult) Enjoy this fun Pokémon escape room for the family! A Pokémon has trapped you in the library, it is up to you to escape. Only children participating should be registered.

This event is full

Networking Night (Ottawa Street Branch) 18+

Wed, Nov 26, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth - 6 years old with adult) A interactive experience that is suitable for ages birth to six years. All your favorite storytime elements will be combined into one event.

Wed, Nov 26, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch

Are you creative? Do you want to meet like minded people? This is the place for you! Show off what you're working on and see what others in the area are creating as well. All creatives are welcome!

Light Up the Holidays

Fri, Nov 28, 1:00pm - 4:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Board Room 208 (2nd Level),Youth Program Room 253 A

(Kids of all ages with adult) Get into the holiday spirit and join us for some games, a craft and other activities before the Christmas parade!

Holiday Sing-a-Long

Fri, Nov 28, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Children of all ages with adult) Get into the spirit of the season! Bring the family and sing along as local musician, John Condron, leads us in our favorite holiday classics!

Beaded Creations

Mon, Dec 01, 9:00am - 9:00pm

Black Road Branch - Youth Department

(Grades 6-12) Pop into the Youth Department and pick up a fun bead craft to make at home! Supplies are limited so grab yours while they last!

Mon, Dec 01, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Ages 18 months-3 years with adult) A story program for children who are not yet ready for the structure of storytime. Your child will enjoy stories, songs and take home a craft.

Chess Club

Mon, Dec 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Grades 1-5) Whether you are a beginner or already know some chess, come join us for chess fun and make new friends.

Tue, Dec 02, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Ages 18 months to 4 years with adult) Meet new friends in our music and play program! We will be shaking our wiggles out and using our imagination through hands-on play.

Wed, Dec 03, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth - 6 years old with adult) A interactive experience that is suitable for ages birth to six years. All your favorite storytime elements will be combined into one event.

Wed, Dec 03, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Birth - 24 months with adult) Caregivers and babies will enjoy singing, reading and chasing bubbles! This is a great first "playgroup" for children.

Pokémon Meetup

Wed, Dec 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Troy Craughwell School Cafeteria-Door 14 - 3333 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

(Grades 3-8) Calling all Pokémon fans! Bring your cards to play, battle in our Pokémon Go gyms, or just hang out and discuss your favorite characters. We will have Pokémon activities and a craft.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 or 11:15

Wed, Dec 03, 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth-6 years with adult) This Family Storytime is for Spanish and English speakers and will give exposure to books, songs, and activities in both languages.

Bingo!

Wed, Dec 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Wait for your numbers to be called and try to win prizes!

Homeschool Hangout

Thu, Dec 04, 10:30am - 11:30am

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Ages 5-12 with adult) Hangout, meet other homeschoolers and do a new activity each month.

Thu, Dec 04, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(3 - 5 years with adult) A chance for children to explore the world of books through stories and songs with a take home craft.

WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release Party

Thu, Dec 04, 4:30pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

Join WriteOn members in a safe, comfortable and supportive atmosphere to share your work, and constructive feedback so that everyone can benefit from our shared knowledge.

Nightmare Before Christmas Character Jars

Thu, Dec 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Grades 6-12) “What's this? I can't believe my eyes!” Believe it as you make a glowing character jar of Jack or Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas.

Crochet 101 : Make a Mug Cozy

Thu, Dec 04, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Make your own mug cozy in this beginner crochet class! All materials will be provided.

This event is full

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Sat, Dec 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Ages 3-12 with adult) Build and decorate a gingerbread house with the family and take your holiday creation home with you!

Mon, Dec 08, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Ages 18 months-3 years with adult) A story program for children who are not yet ready for the structure of storytime. Your child will enjoy stories, songs and take home a craft.

BookTok Ornaments

Mon, Dec 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Troy Craughwell School Cafeteria- Door 14 - 3333 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

(Grades 6-12) As seen on TikTok…. Come make the perfect DIY ornament for book lovers! You'll have a choice of mini books to personalize your BookTok ornament.

Photography Club

Mon, Dec 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

DMS

This group meets every month to share, learn and network with other creatives. This group will do outings, meetups, shoot in the greenscreen room and share techniques.

NextGen Lit Book Club

Mon, Dec 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe - 852 Sharp Dr # L, Shorewood, IL 60404

20s and 30s Book Club

Tue, Dec 09, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Ages 18 months to 4 years with adult) Meet new friends in our music and play program! We will be shaking our wiggles out and using our imagination through hands-on play.

Hot Cocoa Bar

Tue, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Black Road Branch - Front Sidewalk

(All ages) We’re serving hot cocoa and apple cider! Swing by for a warm drink. Weather permitting. Check back here for updates.

Wed, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth - 6 years old with adult) A interactive experience that is suitable for ages birth to six years. All your favorite storytime elements will be combined into one event.

Poetry Writing Workshop: Snow

Wed, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Birth - 24 months with adult) Caregivers and babies will enjoy singing, reading and chasing bubbles! This is a great first "playgroup" for children.

Wed, Dec 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109

Join Poet Laureate of Joliet, Uxmar Torres, for workshops to spark creativity and new ideas. Open to English and Spanish speakers; fresh content only, no prior work reviewed

Preschool Storytime 10:30 or 11:15

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth-6 years with adult) This Family Storytime is for Spanish and English speakers and will give exposure to books, songs, and activities in both languages.

Cancelled

OSB Musician's Club 16+

Wed, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch

Local musicians of all levels Local musicians of all levels are welcomed to join in, share and create. The Joliet Library's Musician's Club is a place for anyone who writes or plays music of any kind.

OSB Musician's Club 18+

Wed, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch

Thu, Dec 11, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(3 - 5 years with adult) A chance for children to explore the world of books through stories and songs with a take home craft.

Family Paint 'n Sip: The Grinch

Thu, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Grades K+) Get into the holiday cheer and have the whole family learn how to paint everyone’s favorite grumpy grouch, The Grinch! Please register children only.

Preschool Explorers: Baking Time

Fri, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:30am

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Ages 3-5 with adult) Sugar, spice, and all things nice! Join us for some baking themed stories, activities, and sensory play! A Spanish translator will be available.

Gift Creation Station

Sun, Dec 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Grades PreK-8) Drop in and join us in making some homemade holiday gifts! A Spanish translator will be available.

Mon, Dec 15, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Ages 18 months-3 years with adult) A story program for children who are not yet ready for the structure of storytime. Your child will enjoy stories, songs and take home a craft.

Pinecone Christmas Trees

Mon, Dec 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

DMS

Create miniature Christmas trees with pinecones!

Tue, Dec 16, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Ages 18 months to 4 years with adult) Meet new friends in our music and play program! We will be shaking our wiggles out and using our imagination through hands-on play.

Exam Cram

Tue, Dec 16, 3:00pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Grades 9-12) Stress less over finals at the library! You provide the study materials and we’ll provide space to study. Snacks and de-stressing activities will be available to keep you going.

The Talent Showcase

Tue, Dec 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Ottawa Street Branch

Join us for an upstaging performance! Choose to perform or watch at this multi-talent event. Interested performers call 815.846.3127 or email dms@jolietlibrary.org (Acts must be library appropriate)

Special Storytime

Tue, Dec 16, 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Troy Craughwell School Cafeteria- Door 14 - 3333 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

(Birth-6 years with adult) Come listen to a few stories and sing songs with your friends and family. Enjoy a craft afterward.

Registration opens Tuesday, November 18 2025 at 9:00am

Wed, Dec 17, 10:30am - 11:00am

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Birth - 6 years old with adult) A interactive experience that is suitable for ages birth to six years. All your favorite storytime elements will be combined into one event.

Wed, Dec 17, 10:30am - 11:45am

Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431

(Birth - 24 months with adult) Caregivers and babies will enjoy singing, reading and chasing bubbles! This is a great first "playgroup" for children.

Exam Cram

Wed, Dec 17, 3:00pm - 8:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Youth Program Room 253 A

(Grades 9-12) Stress less over finals at the library! You provide the study materials and we’ll provide space to study. Snacks and de-stressing activities will be available to keep you going.

Pet the Dog

Wed, Dec 17, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Grade 7-12) Take a break from studying and come hang out with a dog!

Paint a Ceramic Pot

Wed, Dec 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Ottawa Street Branch - Art Studio B75

Paint a cute planter for a real or faux plant.

This event is full