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Image for event: Preschool Explorers: ABC

Registration opens:
December 27th, 2025

Preschool Explorers: ABC
2026-01-24 13:00:00 2026-01-24 14:00:00 America/Chicago Preschool Explorers: ABC (Ages 2-5 with adult) Children will hear stories, enjoy music, and explore the topic with hands-on activities. Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

Saturday, January 24
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-01-24 13:00:00 2026-01-24 14:00:00 America/Chicago Preschool Explorers: ABC (Ages 2-5 with adult) Children will hear stories, enjoy music, and explore the topic with hands-on activities. Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

Ottawa Street Branch

Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)

(Ages 2-5 with adult) Children will hear stories, enjoy music, and explore the topic with hands-on activities.

On-Street Parking
On-Street Parking near the library is free for two hours Monday-Friday and free on the weekends.

Ottawa Street Parking Deck (SE corner of Ottawa and Clinton St/110 N. Ottawa St. Next to Black Cat Curiosities.)
The City of Joliet is providing free parking for customers shopping or dining who park in the city’s Ottawa Street Parking Deck. Please bring the ticket you received at the parking gate entrance to the front desk of the library to have it validated.  

https://www.joliet.gov/business/downtown/parking

AGE GROUP: | Children |

EVENT TYPE: | Storytimes | Reading and Writing | Arts and Crafts |

TAGS: | Toddlers | Storytime | Sensory Play | kindergarten | Interactive | Crafts | Bilingual English/Spanish |

Ottawa Street Branch
Phone: 815-740-2660
Hours
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Today's hours

Closed

We're closed Wednesday December 24 due to Christmas Eve
We're closed Thursday December 25 due to Christmas Day

Upcoming events

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Black Road Branch-Closed
Fri, Dec 26, All day
Black Road Branch
The Black Road Branch will be closed from December 15 through January 2 while we complete construction and prepare the library for a refreshed and more spacious experience.
Black Road Branch-Closed
Sat, Dec 27, All day
Black Road Branch
The Black Road Branch will be closed from December 15 through January 2 while we complete construction and prepare the library for a refreshed and more spacious experience.
Black Road Branch-Closed
Sun, Dec 28, All day
Black Road Branch
The Black Road Branch will be closed from December 15 through January 2 while we complete construction and prepare the library for a refreshed and more spacious experience.
Black Road Branch-Closed
Mon, Dec 29, All day
Black Road Branch
The Black Road Branch will be closed from December 15 through January 2 while we complete construction and prepare the library for a refreshed and more spacious experience.
Black Road Branch-Closed
Tue, Dec 30, All day
Black Road Branch
The Black Road Branch will be closed from December 15 through January 2 while we complete construction and prepare the library for a refreshed and more spacious experience.
Voice Over Club
Tue, Dec 30, 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
Noon Year's Eve Celebration
Wed, Dec 31, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)
(Children of all ages with adult) Countdown to 2026 kid-style with some festive family fun! Music and party favors will await your arrival complete with a countdown and grape juice toast at noon!
Black Road Branch-Closed
Fri, Jan 02, All day
Black Road Branch
The Black Road Branch will be closed from December 15 through January 2 while we complete construction and prepare the library for a refreshed and more spacious experience.
Cozy Winter Village
Fri, Jan 02, All day
Black Road Branch
(Kids of all ages) Join our Cozy Winter Village at the library! Pick up a paper house template to decorate here or at home.
Cozy Winter Village
Mon, Jan 05, All day
Black Road Branch
(Kids of all ages) Join our Cozy Winter Village at the library! Pick up a paper house template to decorate here or at home.
Photography Club
Mon, Jan 05, 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.
Homeschool Hangout
Thu, Jan 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)
(Ages 5-12 with adult) Meet other homeschoolers and do a new activity each month.
Intro to 3D printing
Thu, Jan 08, 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.
Cozy Winter Village
Mon, Jan 12, All day
Black Road Branch
(Kids of all ages) Join our Cozy Winter Village at the library! Pick up a paper house template to decorate here or at home.
Toddler Time 10:00 or 11:00
Mon, Jan 12, 10:00am - 11:30am
Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Rd., 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 and songs.
One on One Tech
Mon, Jan 12, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adult registration required) Learn more about your computer, smart phone or tablet with our 30 min personal tech help sessions.
One on One Tech
Mon, Jan 12, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(Adult registration required) Learn more about your computer, smart phone or tablet with our 30 min personal tech help sessions.
This event is full
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Mon, Jan 12, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
Chess Club
Mon, Jan 12, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)
(Grades 1-5) Whether you’re a beginner or already know some chess, join us for a fun chess experience and the chance to make new friends with guidance from instructor Jenn Johnson.
DIY Dreamcatcher
Mon, Jan 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
DMS
Learn how to make your very own dreamcatcher!
This event is full
NextGen Lit Book Club
Mon, Jan 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Critical Grind Board Game Cafe - 852 Sharp Dr # L, Shorewood, IL 60404
20s/30s Book Club - We are discussing What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
Wiggle Worms
Tue, Jan 13, 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, Jan 13, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Black Road Branch
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Tue, Jan 13, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 13, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Black Road Branch
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 13, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Black Road Branch
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
This event is full
Movie Club (18+)
Tue, Jan 13, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch
Every month we will choose a movie to watch and discuss at the next meeting. Think of it like a book club but with movies. We will discuss what we liked or didn't like about each film.
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 13, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(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, Jan 13, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
This event is full
Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig
Tue, Jan 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online
Join us for an in depth conversation with bestselling author Jonathan Eig
Register
Bouncing Babies 10:00 or 11:00
Wed, Jan 14, 10:00am - 11:30am
Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Rd., 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.
Family Storytime
Wed, Jan 14, 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.
Seniorcare and Bingo with Healthcare Plus
Wed, Jan 14, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
Learn more about Healthcare Plus and their services for senior citizens
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Wed, Jan 14, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
One-on-One Tech Help
Wed, Jan 14, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
One-on-One Tech Help
Wed, Jan 14, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
Bilingual Storytime
Wed, Jan 14, 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.
Preschool Storytime 10:00 or 11:00
Thu, Jan 15, 10:00am - 11:30am
Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431
(3 - 5 years with adult) A chance for children to explore the world of books through stories and songs in a group environment with a craft. All adults are to bring their photo ID with them every time.
One-on-One Tech Help
Thu, Jan 15, 10:00am - 10:30am
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.
One-on-One Tech Help
Thu, Jan 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(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
Thu, Jan 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
This event is full
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Thu, Jan 15, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
Board of Trustees Meeting
Thu, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Board Room 208 (2nd Level)
Joliet Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
WriteOn Joliet
Thu, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 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, Jan 15, 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.
English Conversation Group: Beginner- High Beginner
Fri, Jan 16, 10:00am - 11:30am
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
(Adults, registration required) Practice your English in a small group setting. Build your vocabulary, learn common phrases and build your confidence in expressing yourself by talking to others.
English for Beginners-High Beginners
Sat, Jan 17, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
(Adults, registration required) English class that will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
Celebrate Wicked
Sat, Jan 17, 10:00am - 11:30am
Youth Department
(Families with kids) Families are invited to drop by the library to enjoy some Oz-some activities that celebrate Wicked.
English for Intermediate-Advanced
Sat, Jan 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
(Adults, registration required) English class that will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing practice
Cozy Winter Village
Mon, Jan 19, All day
Black Road Branch
(Kids of all ages) Join our Cozy Winter Village at the library! Pick up a paper house template to decorate here or at home.
Morning Book Discussion Group
Tue, Jan 20, 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.
Wiggle Worms
Tue, Jan 20, 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.
Lawyers in the Library
Tue, Jan 20, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
Meet with attorneys from Prairie State Legal Services during our Lawyers in the Library event. They can answer questions about a variety of civil legal matters. Registration is required through PSLS.
Register
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 20, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Black Road Branch
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 20, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Black Road Branch
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Tue, Jan 20, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 20, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Black Road Branch
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
Free Headshot Day (OSB)
Tue, Jan 20, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
Get a free headshot in the Joliet Library Digital Media Studio!
One-on-One Tech Help
Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(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, Jan 20, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
This event is full
Video Game Club
Tue, Jan 20, 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.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 9:00am
Bouncing Babies 10:00 or 11:00
Wed, Jan 21, 10:00am - 11:30am
Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Rd., 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.
Family Storytime
Wed, Jan 21, 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.
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Wed, Jan 21, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
One-on-One Tech Help
Wed, Jan 21, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
One-on-One Tech Help
Wed, Jan 21, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(Adults) 30 minute personal tech help sessions. Learn more about your computer, smartphone or tablet with our personal sessions.
Bilingual Storytime
Wed, Jan 21, 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.
Name That Tune: K-Pop Edition
Wed, Jan 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)
(Grades 6-12) How well do you know K-Pop songs? Test out your K-Pop knowledge and name that tune before time runs out!
Paint and Plant Wellness Class
Wed, Jan 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
Join Ashley Searing from RejuveNate Plant and Wellness to paint your own planter in this class that blends art and nature to support self care!
One-on-One Tech Help
Thu, Jan 22, 10:00am - 10:30am
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.
Preschool Storytime 10:00 or 11:00
Thu, Jan 22, 10:00am - 11:30am
Galowich Family YMCA - 749 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431
(3 - 5 years with adult) A chance for children to explore the world of books through stories and songs in a group environment with a craft. All adults are to bring their photo ID with them every time.
One-on-One Tech Help
Thu, Jan 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Ottawa Street Branch - Study Room E 110
(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
Thu, Jan 22, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
Free Tutoring - Reading and Math @ OSB
Thu, Jan 22, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch
(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.
Register
Snacks and Crafts Around the World
Thu, Jan 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Troy Craughwell School Cafeteria- Door 14 - 333 Black Rd., Joliet
(Grades 1-5) Join us to explore the world through other countries' snacks and crafts.
Registration opens Thursday, December 25 2025 at 9:00am
Puppy Yoga
Thu, Jan 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
Learn gentle yoga poses focused on staying on the floor to optimize roaming puppy cuddle sessions. A great way to reduce stress, increase happiness, and help a furry friend in need!
English Conversation Group: Beginner- High Beginner
Fri, Jan 23, 10:00am - 11:30am
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
(Adults, registration required) Practice your English in a small group setting. Build your vocabulary, learn common phrases and build your confidence in expressing yourself by talking to others.
Art Uncorked: Painting with the Library
Fri, Jan 23, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
BISHOPS HILL WINERY
Enjoy a creative afternoon at Bishops Hill Winery!
This event is full
English for Beginners-High Beginners
Sat, Jan 24, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
(Adults, registration required) English class that will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
English for Intermediate-Advanced
Sat, Jan 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - McGuire Room 109
(Adults, registration required) English class that will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing practice
Preschool Explorers: ABC
Sat, Jan 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ottawa Street Branch - Burnham Room 201 (2nd Level)
(Ages 2-5 with adult) Children will hear stories, enjoy music, and explore the topic with hands-on activities.
Registration opens Saturday, December 27 2025 at 9:00am
See all events