Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-05-06 10:00 - 10:45 (America/Chicago) | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play
after the craft if you have time. Find each week’s theme on the events
calendar. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.

DIY No Sew Beverage Cozy
2026-05-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Come join us to make an easy, no-sew felt cozy to hold onto your
hot drinks!

Family Story Time: Star Wars
2026-05-07 17:15 - 18:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us in a galaxy far, far away for a Star Wars-themed story time! Stay
after for a craft and play time if you can. Dressing up is welcome but not
required. This is an all-ages event.

Tech Time
2026-05-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Having issues with technology? Join us for hands-on help from our
knowledgeable staff! Whether you’re facing issues with the internet, your
phone, or tech accessories, we’re here to help at this drop-in program.

Starved Rock Marathon
2026-05-09 07:00 - 10:00 | Downtown Ottawa
The 2026 Starved Rock Country Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, and 5k are a “must-do” event for runners in central Illinois and beyond. These races blend challenging courses with awe-inspiring scenery, making them an annual favorite in the running community

The Starved Rock Country Marathon kicks off in the heart of downtown Ottawa, a vibrant and historic riverside community. From the starting line, runners embark on a scenic journey along the Illinois River, winding through lush landscapes and tranquil views. The course leads participants through the breathtaking trails of Starved Rock State Park, where towering sandstone bluffs, challenging elevation changes, and natural rock formations create a uniquely inspiring backdrop. This picturesque route combines small-town charm with the untamed beauty of nature, making it a truly unforgettable race experience.

Rusty Halo Mini Market
2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00 | Rusty Halo, 3277 E. 18th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
More details TBA! Parking available in the little town. All vendors will be inside the main Rusty Halo building. Enjoy a unique shopping experience setting in a 1920’s town.

Muffins with Mom
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Munch on muffins, get crafty, and play games with your favorite mom
to celebrate Mother’s Day! This is an all-ages event.

The Loop Group
2026-05-09 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-05-16 13:30 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-05-12 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-19 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play
after the craft if you have time. Find each week’s theme on the events
calendar on our website. This event is for children ages 3-5 years.

Community Garden: Tomato Planting
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us for an update on our salad garden progress! We’ll check on our
leafy greens and add some tomatoes to the garden. This event will take
place in our Community Garden located on Fulton Street and is open
to all ages.

Wednesday Evening Book Group
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger will be discussed at this patron-led book
group.

Bike STEM (Grades 3-6)
2026-05-14 16:30 - 17:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Your bike is missing and your friends are off on adventures!
Your challenge is to build a miniature bicycle that works.

D&D at the Library
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Calling all bards, druids, wizards, and everything in-between! Whether you are
new or are looking to meet fellow players, join us for some Dungeons & Dragons
game play and basics. This event is presented in collaboration with Goblin
Gaming LLC.

Ottawa's Third Friday Maker's Market
2026-05-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Madison Street
Arts’ culture and entertainment come alive in downtown Ottawa, IL every Third Friday of the month May – September!

Escape the Study Room: Mission to the Moon
2026-05-16 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-17 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-18 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-19 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
It’s T-45 before launching to the Moon. Can you and your crew solve the
riddles before liftoff? Walk in or reserve a room in advance to play the
game and win a prize!

Kites in Flight 2026
2026-05-16 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Peck Park, 1498 State St., Ottawa, IL, 61350
Kites in Flight 2026
Look to the skies and celebrate a beloved community tradition at Kites in Flight, returning for its 6th year at Peck Park in Ottawa, Illinois!
Hosted by the Ottawa Visitor Center and The Exploreum Children’s Museum, Kites in Flight is a two-day, family-friendly outdoor festival filled with color, creativity, and high-flying fun. Join us May 16 & 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM both days, for an unforgettable spring weekend.
One of the event’s highlights is the return of Chicago Kite, whose professional kite flyers transform the sky into a breathtaking display of motion and color. Kite flying and kite demonstrations are free for everyone to enjoy, making this a perfect event for all ages.
In addition to kite flying, the festival features a variety of kids and family activities, live entertainment, food vendors, craft vendors, and community partners throughout the park. Access to these additional activities is available through a $5 daily wristband, helping support expanded programming and the continued growth of the event.
Whether you’re flying a kite, watching the pros soar overhead, enjoying local food and shopping, or simply relaxing outdoors with family and friends, Kites in Flight offers something for everyone.
Come be part of a six-year tradition that brings our community together — and help us make Kites in Flight 2026 our best year yet!
Vendor Application
If you’d like to be a vendor, you can use this QR code to find the form. Questions? Contact the office at (815) 434-2737

Teen Movie Theater
2026-05-17 13:30 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us for popcorn and a movie! This month, we’re watching Easy A (PG-13).

Homeschool Art
2026-05-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
We will be learning the art of decoupage and collage to create
unique pieces of art! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Mystery Monday Book Club: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
2026-05-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
New members are always welcome to join this librarian-led book club. Copies of
the book will be available for check out from the library.
Book summary: When friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a
custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town and puts close friends,
Mia and Elena, on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena
is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at
an unexpected and devastating cost.

Dungeons & Dragons
2026-05-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Discover the adventure your Dungeon Master has crafted for you. Will you
endure? Will you achieve your objectives?

Artist’s Workshop
2026-05-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Looking for a space to sit down and create? 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.

Library Helpers
2026-05-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Hey, library lovers! We’re looking for anyone interested in helping the
library improve our Teen Services and assist with behind-the-scenes tasks.
Come by for a chat about helping our library services!

Voter Registration
2026-05-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Register to vote during this drop-in event. Requirements include being 18
years or older as of Election Day (11/3/26), a photo ID, and an
additional proof of address.
