Ottawa natives Walt Willey (of 'All My Children' Fame & the acclaimed 'Wild Bill' one-man show), along with fellow artist Keith Johnson, will present a retrospective collection of works. Join us for a grand opening reception and Meet & Greet on Sunday, October 18 at The Abbey in Ottawa, Illinois. The show will run through […]
New members are always welcome to join this librarian-led book club. Copies of the book will be available for checkout from the library. Book Summary: A year into Martha & Alan’s marriage, Martha notices a blood streak on the back of one of Alan’s shirts he’d worn to a conference as a traveling salesman. Is […]
Find out what quest your Dungeon Master has created for you. Will you survive? Will you accomplish your goals?
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play after the craft if you have the time! Find each week's theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is for children ages 3-5 years.
Join us for a dedicated time to spend with other artists and work on new or existing projects. This monthly adult program is in collaboration with the Ottawa Art League.
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play after the craft if you have the time! Find each week's theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.
The photographer, Daniel Overturf, will discuss the people and places explored in Illinois Trails and Traces. His personal anecdotes about meeting people across the state provide the unpublished backstory to the portraits and places he photographed. A photographer since 1974 and a 30+ year college educator, Overturf will also provide insights to his craft and […]
Travel the world through stories at this monthly book club. This month we will be discussing, Gustavo, The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z Drago, learning interesting facts about Mexico, and painting Sugar Skull rocks. Copies of the book will be available for check out in the Children’s Department.
Join this new educational session where OSF Sleep Center Mission Partners will discuss: • How poor or insufficient sleep can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. • Building healthier sleep habits and improve your nightly routine. • Better understanding of why rest is essential for a healthy mind, body, and daily life. […]
For 5th - 8th grade, Get ready to party! DJ & music, light snacks Party room w/ activities E-sports tournament Costume contest Wear a costume & win a prize! (No masks, please) Register for a chance to win a squishy Needoh! Lots of fun, games, & prizes, and more! Don't miss out, join the […]
Decorate the cover of a pocket notepad using recycled paper, making it a stylish and useful place to jot down your notes. Registration is required as spots are limited due to the availability of supplies. To register for this class, visit our events page, scan the QR code, call the library at (815) 434-0509, or […]
Join fellow fiber artists for some craft time and conversation. Limited assistance and supplies may be available. All experience levels are welcome.
This year’s Victorian Haunting: Escape from the Asylum invites you into a chilling, immersive night where the line between guest and participant disappears. An escapee has slipped into the city—and they’ve left a trail behind. As you wander through shadowy streets, historic spaces, and eerie encounters, you’ll piece together clues, follow whispers, and uncover fragments […]
Due to some rainy weather in August, Ottawa's Third Friday Makers Market is joining A Victorian Haunting this year! There will be live music, vendors, art, and more to enjoy. More details TBA
David is renowned for his engaging performance style, charming personality, and an ability to cross multiple musical genres. David has played the leading roles in some of Broadway’s famous musicals, including The Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera), Valjean (Les Miserables), & Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd). For more information visit the Ottawa Concert Association […]
Join us for a Halloween hangout with a scary movie, creepy crafts, and spooky games. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
We will be painting ghosts and black cats! Funding for this event was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play after the craft if you have the time! Find each week's theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is for children ages 3-5 years.
Need a place to study or somewhere to hang out with friends? Bring schoolwork, a project, or a book to read for fun! There’s no pressure here- just friends, snacks, and time to get something done at the library.
Make a creepy-themed creation with library LEGO pieces and have your build displayed in the Children’s Department.
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play after the craft if you have the time! Find each week's theme on the Events Calendar on our website. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.
Join us for a story and Halloween fun. We’ll have activities and create a snack. Costumes are welcome but not required.
Join us for some spooky Halloween trivia. Groups of 1-4 people will answer as many questions correctly as they can for a chance to win prizes. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required. Registration is required. To register, visit our events page, scan the QR code, call the library at (815) 434- 0509, or stop […]
Join us for Trunk or Treat at the Y! The south end back parking lot will be transformed into a fun & festive Trunk or Treat experience for the whole family. Bring the kiddos dressed in their favorite costumes & enjoy a safe, fun evening of Trick-or-Treating
Drop in any time during open hours to trick-or-treat and make a spooktacular craft.
Join fellow fiber artists for some craft time and conversation. Limited assistance and supplies may be available. All experience levels are welcome.
Ottawa's Trick or Treating hours are from 6 pm to 8 pm on Halloween night. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
More info TBA!
🎄✨ SHOP, SIP, SAVOR & SPARKLE WEEKEND! ✨🎄 📅 November 6–7, 2026 📍 Downtown Ottawa, Illinois Where Holiday Memories Are Made! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Ottawa! Join us for a festive weekend of Christmas Open Houses, holiday shopping, delicious dining, and a little extra Christmas magic! 🛍️ CHRISTMAS OPEN […]
Grab a glass and hit the Harbor! Spend the afternoon sipping your way through Heritage Harbor with wine tastings, local art, tasty bites, shopping and fun surprises along the way. What to Expect: • Local artists sharing one-of-a-kind work • Wine and spirits to sample along the way • Tasty bites and a market to […]
