Scott Norrick will be presenting "America 250: Researching your Revolutionary Ancestors." Do you think you may have a Revolutionary ancestor in your family tree? Could they have been a minuteman? A spy? A signer of the Declaration? A participant in the Boston Tea Party? Come join us and find out! Scott's areas of expertise […]
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.
🧩 Could YOUR team put together a custom Ottawa puzzle faster than everyone else? 📅 Saturday, August 15 🕙 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. 👥 Teams of 2. Cost is $50 per team. 🏆 $100 Prize 📍 Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum And while you're there... Bring a puzzle. Take a puzzle. Because apparently […]
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 […]
✨ Quilt Trunk Show & Mrs. Lincoln & Douglas Tea 📅 Sunday, August 16 🕑 2:00 PM 📍Reddick Mansion Explore beautiful quilts, hear the stories stitched into every piece, and enjoy an afternoon tea inspired by the Lincoln-Douglas era. Tickets for the Quilt Raffle are $10 each or 6 for $50, available at the OVC, […]
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 […]
Adults, 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 production for the cooking competition Bake Week begins at the gothic estate of the show’s host and founder, celebrity chef Betsy Martin, everything seems normal, but as […]
For all ages: Join us at the library to meet officers from the Ottawa Police Department’s LINKED program. Families can enjoy a sensory friendly Touch-a-Truck with the Ottawa Police and Ottawa Fire Departments (no lights, no sirens), along with light refreshments, kids’ crafts and activities, and a Quiet Room.
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 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.
Adults, Looking for a place to sit and create? Join us for some dedicated time to work on your art and spend time with other artists. This new monthly adult program is in collaboration with the Ottawa Art League.
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 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.
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 […]
