Ottawa, IL - The Middle of Everywhere

Girls Who Code
2026-02-07 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For teens & kids: This month, we’ll inspect the front and back end of websites, have the chance to workshop personal projects, and take home a snack.
*This event is for children in Grades 3-5 and children and teens in Grades 6-12*

MANGA CLUB
2026-02-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For teens: Hey manga and anime fans! We’re getting together to talk about our favorite manga (and the anime series they’ve inspired). This month, we’re talking The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity!

THE LOOP GROUP
2026-02-07 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-01-31 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-01-24 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.

ODA's Sweet Stroll
2026-02-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Ottawa
Indulge your sweet tooth and create lasting memories at the Downtown Ottawa Sweet Stroll! Join the Ottawa Downtown Association on Saturday, February 7, from 11 am-2 pm for an afternoon of delicious fun the whole family will love.
Stroll through charming downtown Ottawa and visit a variety of local businesses, each offering a unique confection or cookie for you to collect.
Your ticket includes:

Delightful confections and cookies from all participating businesses
One keepsake ceramic mug
Kids crafts
Photo ops

Want extra mugs to share or collect? No problem—additional mugs are available for just $5 each.
Bring your family and friends to experience a cozy, sweet-filled adventure that showcases the heart of our community. Don’t miss out—tickets are limited, so secure yours today!
We can’t wait to see you on the Sweet Stroll!
Please note:

The Sweet Stroll is a rain-or-shine event, so dress accordingly and embrace the cozy vibes, no matter the weather!
No refunds can be issued, but we’re confident the sweet treats and warm memories will be worth it
Check-in location TBD!

parkrun
2026-02-07 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-31 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-24 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Harbor Ottawa, 2 Great Loop, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Heritage Harbor parkrun, Ottawa is a FREE weekly 5k event for participants of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 8:00 AM, May – September, & 9:00 AM, October – April, in Heritage Harbor. It offers an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. We want to encourage people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE! Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar – please come and join us! Maybe swap stories about your parkrun that day, chat to other parkrunners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an part of this community. So whether you’re a complete novice looking to get yourself started or a regular wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us. Please register before you first come along. Only ever register with parkrun once and don’t forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time. You can visit the event website link to register.

Blood Pressure and Glucose Checks
2026-02-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Fir adults, stop in for a free health screening from OSF OnCall Connect. Get your test results within 2 minutes. Please drink water prior to testing. Fasting is not required. Available screenings: blood pressure, oxygen levels, blood glucose, and cholesterol.
*This event is located in Study Room 2*

Language of Flowers
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For adults, step into the romantic world of Victorian floriography with Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh from Backyard Patch Herbs! Learn how flowers were used to send secret messages. Decode the meanings of different blooms and learn the creation of a symbolic tussie-mussie/small bouquet. Handouts will be provided.

Mosaic Heart Pin
2026-02-04 16:30 - 17:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For kids: I’m stuck on you! Join Miss Robin to create an adorable mosaic heart pin for Valentine’s Day.

SHAKE, RATTLE, READ!
2026-02-04 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-01-28 10:00 - 10:45 | 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
on our website. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.

READY, SET, READ!
2026-02-03 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-01-27 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.

Story Time @ the Woodland
2026-02-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For kids: Join the library at Nell’s Woodland for a nature-themed story time. Enjoy stories, music, and a craft followed by a short hike through the park, weather permitting. Be sure to dress for the weather! Registration is required. Please register in person at the library or call (815) 434-0509.

Dark Chocolate: Monthly Kit
2026-02-02 09:00 - 21:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Available the week of February 2: This month’s kit will contain recipes and a sample of dark chocolate. Kits will be available as supplies last and are limited to one per patron.

ESCAPE THE STUDY ROOM GAME (02/01-02/15)
2026-02-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For all ages: Cupid only has 45 minutes to set up a dance party worthy of the gods. Help solve the riddles in time and win a prize! Reserve a room or walk in with a team of up to four to take on the challenge.

2026 Penguin Plunge
2026-01-31 11:00 - 15:00 | Skydive Chicago, 3215 E. 1969th Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
This event through Make-A-Wish® celebrates the wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. It’s a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, donors and friends. Interested in our interview with the people behind the Penguin Plunge? Check out our blog post!

Those who participate can help bring the life-changing impact of a wish to children in our community who are battling life-threatening medical conditions.

Register using this link or the listed event website link.

Registration Fees: $100 to plunge
T-Shirt information: An event t-shirt will be given to all participants
Age Restrictions: Anyone 10 and under will be asked to run into the pond or plunge in the baby penguin pool.
Event Schedule: Registration: 11:00 AM | Start: 1:00 PM
Event Start Time: 1:00 pm
Event End Time: 3:00 pm
Parking Info: There will be plowed parking lots

Exploreum Misfits
2026-01-30 17:30 - 20:30 | Misfits, 230 W Madison St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Exploreum Misfits: Pour Decisions for a Great Cause
A Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser

Ready to make some pour decisions for an amazing cause?

Join us at Misfits for a high-energy night as local favorites step behind the bar as our Exploreum Misfits — mixing drinks, serving smiles, and shaking things up to support the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum.

Meet Your Exploreum Misfits Teams:

Team One• Brent Roalson & Tony Grunstad

Team Two• Marla Pearson & Rich Crum

Team Three• John Williams & Jay LeSeure

Why you should come:• Celebrity bartending teams competing for bragging rights• A lively, anything-but-ordinary Misfits atmosphere• All tips collected during the event benefit the Exploreum• The satisfaction of knowing your generosity helps build a hands-on children’s museum for our community

Come thirsty. Bring friends. Tip your favorite team generously.

Let’s raise the bar — and make some excellent pour decisions together.

Location: Misfits, Ottawa Tips benefit the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum

KID’S BOOK CLUB (Grades K-3)
2026-01-29 16:30 - 17:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
At this month’s club, we will be discussing The Sun is Kind of a Big
Deal by Nick Seluk and making a 3-D paper sundial. Copies of the book will
be available for checkout in the Children’s Department.

LEGO CLUB
2026-01-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Make a future-themed creation
with library LEGO pieces and have your build displayed afterwards in the Children’s Department.

SILENT BOOK CLUB
2026-01-27 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Need a place to study after school 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.

Homeschool Art
2026-01-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
We will be working with watercolors! Learn different techniques and use what you’ve learned to create your own unique artwork.
Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting messy.

Reddick Library Puzzle Tournament
2026-01-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us at the library for our puzzle tournament. Groups of 1-5 puzzlers will have 1 hour to complete a 500 piece puzzle for a chance to win gift card prizes! One additional bin for sorting pieces will be provided; no outside supplies are allowed. To register for this tournament, please call the library at (815) 434-0509 or stop by the Circulation Desk. This event is for ages 12 and up.

PUZZLE TOURNAMENT
2026-01-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

CRAFTER HOURS: LOVE BUGS
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Make an adorable love bug for Valentine’s Day. Registration is required as spots are
limited due to the availability of supplies. To register for this class, please call the library
at (815) 434-0509 or stop by the Circulation Desk.

GALAXY JARS (Grades 3-6)
2026-01-22 16:30 - 17:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join Miss Robin to make a spaced out galaxy in a jar.

VOTER REGISTRATION
2026-01-21 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.
