Library Voter Registration
Adults, 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. This event is located in Study Room 2.
Adults, 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. This event is located in Study Room 2.
With Abraham Lincoln in Song, Vallillo takes the audience on a musical journey, making history come alive with his excellent blending of music and storytelling. -Phil Funkenbusch, Director of Theaters, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum The life of Abraham Lincoln spanned a period of change, growth and struggle in our young nation, and the music […]
Ottawa's Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well […]
For adults: Customize your own book with glitter and gems. Bring your own book or bedazzle one of ours. Registration is required as spots are limited due to the availability of supplies. To register for this class, visit our events page, stop by the Circulation desk, or call the Library at (815) 434-0509.
Enjoy a free showing of the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum's documentaries at The Roxy in Ottawa. Catch "Forgotten Valor: The Life and Death of General W.H.L. Wallace" & "John Hossack: No Apologies" on Thursday, August 20th, at 7pm.
Ottawa's Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well […]
🥂 Tickets Are Now on Sale! Experience one of the most elegant events of Lincoln-Douglas Debate Days as we invite you to A Toast to Lincoln & Douglas at the historic Valley View. Spend the evening enjoying: 🍷 An open bar featuring beer, wine & seltzers 🍽️ Delicious appetizers from Valentino's Pasta • Wine 🏛️ […]
Arts' culture and entertainment come alive in downtown Ottawa, IL every Third Friday of the month May - September!
As part of Debate Days: Categories: Longest Beard Best Styled Beard Most Legendary Looks Like He Lives in the Woods Award Crowd Favorite Contestants, spectators, & beard envy welcome! Best Beard Contest Sign-Up
Hosted by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together local growers, makers, and artisans in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Illinois. Location: Jackson Street, south side of Washington Square Park(Barricades will block access at LaSalle Street and Columbus Street) Market Hours: Saturdays from 8 […]
Ottawa's Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well […]
For all ages: Our caterpillars have transformed into beautiful butterflies. It’s time to let them go free! After the release, celebrate with crafts and snacks.
The Youth Service Bureau is observing its 50th anniversary this year, so this calls for a celebration! Enjoy a free ice cream treat at the Old Time Fair in Washington Park.
A day of old-fashioned fun for the whole family! Free games & activities! Enjoy classic festival fun like a watermelon eating contest, rubber duck pond, ring toss, fishbowl toss, egg race, and more. Face painter will be available from 11 am to 3 pm.
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.
The Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum will hold their ice cream social in Washington Park on August 22, from 6 to 7 pm. $5 a ticket. Includes lemonade, ice cream, and cake.
Ottawa's Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well […]
JOIN THE 2026 DEBATE DAYS PARADE! Application form below! Get ready to wave the flags, crank up the patriotic music, and celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in true Ottawa style! The 2026 Debate Days Parade returns to Downtown Ottawa on: 📅 Sunday, August 23, 2026 🕐 1:00 PM 📍 Downtown Ottawa, IL – LaSalle Street This […]
For grades 7-12, Discover the adventure your Dungeon Master has crafted for you. Can you endure? Will you achieve your objectives?
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.
For grades 7-12: 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.
All Ages, Use library LEGO pieces and display your build in the Children’s Department. This month’s theme is water.
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.
GRADES 3-6: Do you like to play Skee Ball, the duck game, or ring toss? Design and build your favorite carnival games out of cardboard.
Hosted by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together local growers, makers, and artisans in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Illinois. Location: Jackson Street, south side of Washington Square Park(Barricades will block access at LaSalle Street and Columbus Street) Market Hours: Saturdays from 8 […]
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.
All ages: Our own resident artist, Natalie, will be joining us to create tiny art on mini canvases! Funding for this event was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.
For all ages: You are new night guards at the museum and only have 45 minutes to fix the mixed-up displays before opening. Can you and your team solve the riddles in time to win a prize? Reserve a Study Room or drop in and request one, and see if you are successful. This event […]
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.
For all ages: You are new night guards at the museum and only have 45 minutes to fix the mixed-up displays before opening. Can you and your team solve the riddles in time to win a prize? Reserve a Study Room or drop in and request one, and see if you are successful. This event […]