Skip to main content

Accessible Newsletter

Branch Out: Lansing Public Library Newsletter (August-October 2026)

Cover Highlights 
  • September is Library Card Sign-up month
  • Banned books week oct 4-10
  • Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us

 

Library card sign-up month 

Use your library card in September and you could win a $500 Visa Gift Card! 

New to the library? 

Sign up for a new Lansing Library card during the month of September and you’ll automatically be entered into our raffle. Whether you register online or in person, you’re in!  

Already have a library card? 

Keep your account active and earn a raffle entry just by using it! Any physical checkout during the month counts as activity and enters you into the drawing. 

Extra Perks 

For the month of September, Lansing Public Library cardholders can receive up to 25 pages of free printed or copied pages per visit. Send print jobs from a public computer or your mobile device using your library card, or show your card at the BAV desk (upstairs!) for free copies. For more library card benefits, please refer to page 4.

Kdulche Café Outreach Event 

Thu, Sep 24 | 12-3pm | Drop-in 

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with the Lansing Library! Join us at Kdulche Café (3521 Ridge Rd.) to get a free agua fresca - just show your Lansing Library card.

Banned Books Week 

Banned Books Week

October 4-10, 2026.

Let Books Be

Library on the Go 

Our book bike is back on the move! Visit this mini mobile library at various spots around town to browse materials or register for a new library card. 

Fox Pointe Farmer’s Market 18138 Henry St 

Every Tues | Aug - Sep 22 | 9:30AM* 

*August 4th hours are 5-8pm for National Night Out 

Strikes and Bites 2524 Ridge Road 

Mon: Aug 24, Sep 28, Oct 26 | 6-7pm

LPL on Location 

Come check us out at locations around town! We’ll provide popular new books and the ability to create library cards. Kdulche Café 3521 Ridge Road Thu: Sep 3, 24 & Oct 1, 22 | 12-1pm

Ford Hangar Centennial 

Save the Date Sat, Sep 19 | 11am-4pm Join the village in celebrating the Ford Hangar Centennial. Keep an eye on the Village of Lansing website for more details.

Stay connected with the Lansing Garden Club 

Stay connected with the Lansing Garden Club on Facebook for gardening tips, local updates, and future events. The club meets every third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm in the Community Room at the library. New members are always welcome! 

Community Roots 

Your library card can save you money! Show your card to any of the businesses listed and take advantage of various discounts! If you are a local business owner interested in participating in the community roots program, contact our outreach department at: eventsdesk@lansingpl.org

Kdulche Cafe; Strikes and Bites; Fine Tune Auto Service; Ted’s Pet and Feed; HVAC Masters; Lynnie Ques Airport Bar and Grill; Mugs and Magick

Every great story begins with a library card; Your story starts here 

Borrow Books & More

Books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, magazines, and more! Plus, access materials from 100+ SWAN libraries through interlibrary loans. 

Digital Collections

Enjoy eBooks and audiobooks on Libby, stream movies and TV on Kanopy, and borrow music, comics, movies, TV and more on Hoopla - all free! 

LIBRARY OF THINGS 

Borrow more than books! Check out unique items and equipment for home, life, and learning. Try before you buy! 

MUSEUM ADVENTURE PASSES 

Reserve free or discounted passes to local museums and cultural attractions with your adult library card. 

FINE-FREE BORROWING 

We don’t charge overdue fines on most items. You’ll only be charged if an item is lost or damaged. 

COMPUTER & WI-FI ACCESS 

Free access to wi-fi (including the parking lot!), public use computers and laptops available to check out. 

FREE TECHNOLOGY HELP 

Get one-on-one tech help and assistance with computers, phones, tablets, email, and more. 

FREE PROGRAMS & EVENTS 

Attend hundreds of free events all year long - from storytimes and crafts to concerts, books clubs, wellness classes, trivia, and more! 

SPECIAL LIBRARY SERVICES 

  • Exam proctoring
  • Notary service
  • License plate sticker renewals
  • Homebound delivery (Library@Home)
  • Personalized reading recommendations

GOOD NEWS! LIBRARY CARDS DO NOT EXPIRE! 

To keep your card active, simply check out a book or a Library of Things item at least once every 5 years. 

Program Spotlight 

Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour Sat: Aug 15, Sep 19 & Oct 17 | 9:30-10:30am | Drop-in 

People with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the use of the Library and its services in a safe and welcoming environment.

Las personas con sensibilidad sensorial pueden disfrutar de la biblioteca y sus servicios en un ambiente seguro y acogedor. 

 

We’ll provide optional sensory supports on both levels of the library (youth and adult departments) - including noise-canceling headphones, lap-sized weighted blankets, tactile fidget items and more - for anyone who might need them. Browse our Library of Things collection of accessibility items! Accessibility items are available for use at any time, please ask staff for assistance. 

 

Blood Drive Mon, Aug 10 | 12:30pm | Register 

Summer is one of the most challenging times for blood banks. Blood donations drop by about 20% while the need for blood rises due to increased travel, accidents, and emergencies. Join Versiti Blood Center at the library to help ensure lifesaving blood is available when our community needs it most. As a thank you for donating, you’ll receive a complimentary car wash voucher from a nearby partner. Appointments are required. Before your donation, please eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. 1 in 5 summer blood donors is missing. You can help fill the empty drop. Register for the blood drive here

 

Library@Nite: Viva La Cultura! Fri, Oct 9 | 6:30pm | Drop-in Join us for our first Library@Nite concert of the season as we celebrate the close of Hispanic Heritage Month! Enjoy delicious Latin American-inspired food and drinks while dancing and singing along to the lively sounds of the Latin jazz band, Los Tamalas. It’s an evening of music, culture, and community you won’t want to miss! Doors open at 6pm - concert starts at 6:30pm.

Youth and Teen Events: Birth - PreK 

Family Storytime Every Wed | 10am | Register 

Enjoy books, movement, songs, and more! Kids will learn important things like motor and literacy skills, finishing with a make & take craft for your child. Ages 2-5. No sessions Aug 5 & 26. 

Move with Sol  

Wed: Aug 5, Sep 2, Oct 7 | 11am | Register 

Let’s burn some energy!  Follow along as we have fun exercising to kid-friendly YouTube dance videos. 

Music and Movement 

 

Every Tues: Sep & Oct | 11am | Register 

Reading to babies is an important foundation for early literacy skills! There will be books, movement, songs, and more. Ages 0-24 months. 

Grandparent’s Tea 

Sat, Sep 12 | 2pm | Register 

Little ones, dress to impress and enjoy a tea party with your grandma and grandpa. 

Halloween Playdough Fun 

Sat, Oct 10 | 2pm | Register 

Try out our playdough toys while mixing colors with playdough made from scratch. 

Youth and Teen Events: Grades K-5 

Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing 

Wed, Aug 12 | 12pm | Register 

Come and use the Youth Department’s new tabletop telescope to get a closer look at this year’s partial solar eclipse. Afterward, stay for a fun craft! 

Splash Zone! 

Mon, Aug 17 | 2pm | Register

 Beat the August heat in the Splash Zone! We’ll be playing high-energy water games like Drip, Drip, Drop and Sponge Relay that will get you soaked. Don’t forget your towel - you’re bound to get wet! This event will be outdoors, please wear sunblock. 

Mola Art 

Tue, Sep 15 | 6pm | Register 

Discover the colorful world of Mola art! Children will create layered-paper artwork inspired by the traditional textile designs of the Guna people of Panama and Colombia. 

LEGO Build & Play

 Sat, Sep 19 & Oct 27 | 1pm | Register 

Are you a master lego builder, lego artist, or just a novice? All are welcome here. Join us once a month to create masterpieces and make new lego-loving friends! 

Secret Code Handwriting 

Thu, Sep 24 | 6pm | Register Supercharge your notetaking skills with joined up handwriting. Halloween Pony Bead Keychains 

Wed, Oct 7 | 6pm | Register 

Craft 1990’s style Halloween-themed beaded keychains at the library with us! 

Frankendolls Thu, Oct 22 | 6pm | Register 

Make your own weird creations from a mixture of doll parts and action figures.

Youth and Teen Events: Grades 6-12 

Library Jeopardy 

Thu, Aug 27 | 3:30pm | Register 

Need a refresher on library rules? Stop by the Community Room to compete for a sweet treat! Teen Volunteer Orientation 

Thu, Sep 3 & Oct 1 | 4pm | Register 

Need volunteer hours? Want to help the library out during special events and programs? Come to TVO to apply and learn the basics about volunteering. All teen volunteers must complete Teen Volunteer Orientation in order to be eligible to volunteer with the Lansing Public Library. International Tasters Club 

Mon: Sep 10 & Oct 22 | 4pm | Register 

Explore the world through your taste buds as we taste-test a selection of yummy snacks from different countries and learn fun facts about their origins. 

Bad Art Night 

Mon, Sep 14 | 6pm | Register

If you love creating art but think you’re not very good at it, this is the art event for you! Come to Teen Island to use our art supplies and make the most cringe and delightfully awful art that you can think of. Then stay and participate and a Bad Art Exhibit where we will vote for the best worst art. The top three winners will receive a prize. 

Anime Club 

Thu: Sep 17 & Oct 15 | 4pm | Register 

Explore Japanese art and culture! We will be testing snacks, paper marbling, reviewing anime, and more

Fidget Creation Stations 

Tue, Sep 22 | 4pm | Register 

Focus. Calm. Resourcefulness. Discover tools that support all three at our Fidget Creation Stations! Using simple household materials, teens and tweens can craft sensory-friendly fidgets that support self-regulation. All are welcome to create, explore, and take something helpful home. 

Flavors of Mexico: A Sweet Trivia Challenge 

Mon, Sep 28 | 4pm | Register Test your knowledge of Mexico’s culture, food, and fun facts in this exciting trivia night! From famous landmarks like Chichén Itzá to traditions like Día de los Muertos, you’ll compete for delicious Mexican treats and bragging rights. 

Popcorn Party 

Wed, Oct 14 | 4pm | Register 

Practice reading out loud with the popcorn reading game!  Snack will be provided in the form of a popcorn bar. 

Balloon Car Grand Prix 

Tue, Oct 20 | 4pm | Register 

Ready, set, build! Teens will design, test, and race balloon-powered cars using everyday materials in this hands-on, engineering challenge where creativity, speed, and crashes are all part of the fun. 

Ramen Bar 

Wed, Oct 28 | 4pm | Register 

Learn about East Asia’s noodle dishes with instant ramen and fun toppings! We will be sharing books and recipes.

Family Events 

Family programs are designed for children and accompanying adults

Family Bingo/Lotería 

Wed: Aug 26, Sep 23, Oct 28 | 5:30pm | Register 

Head to the library for a fun night of family BINGO/LOTERÍA (Mexican BINGO) and a chance to win a tasty treat! ¡Diríjase a la biblioteca para una noche divertida de BINGO/LOTERÍA familiar y la oportunidad de ganarse algo delicioso! 

Gross or Great? Candy Taste Test 

Thu, Oct 1 | 6pm | Register Black jelly beans, circus peanuts, peanut butter kisses... are you brave enough to try popular candies from the past?  

Latin Dance Lesson 

Tue, Oct 13 | 6pm | Register 

Experience the joy of Latin dance with your family! Learn salsa, bachata, cumbia, and more while exploring Latin culture through fun, interactive movement. No experience necessary. 

Boo at the Zoo Field Trip 

Sat, Oct 24 | 9:30am-4:30pm | Register 

Join us for a fun-filled field trip to Brookfield Zoo for Boo at the Zoo! Families will enjoy a festive Halloween experience featuring themed activities, seasonal decorations, and trick-or-treat fun throughout the zoo. Costumes are encouraged! $15 per person, ages 2 and under are free. Lunch not included. 

Calm-O-Ween 

Sat, Oct 31 | 2pm | Register 

Join us for a fun, inclusive, and sensory-friendly Halloween program designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Enjoy trick-or-treating, crafts, games, and a quiet zone in a low-stimulation environment with dimmed lights, reduced noise, and flexible participation. Costumes are welcome but not required!

Trick-or-Treat with us at Fox pointe this halloween!

Sat, Oct 31 | 2pm

Adult Events 

Coffee Break Café 

Every Tues | 10:30am | Drop-in 

Coffee Break Café is Lansing Public Library’s Micro Café that produces freshly made coffee  right in front of you. Join us in conversation or grab a delicious cup of coffee on the go!  Space is limited to 40. Not in session Oct 27 or Nov 3 due to election. 

Tai-Chi & Gentle Meditation 

Every Tues | 1pm | Drop-in

 Instructor, Brian Thompson, from BNEW4LIFE, teaches Tai-Chi & Meditation to help stay focused, alert, and pain-free! Space is limited to 40. Not in session Oct 27 or Nov 3 due to election. 

Spice Club 

Mon: Aug 3, Sep 7, Oct 5 | Register 

Spice up your cooking! Register each month to receive a sample of a new spice along with the spice’s history and delicious recipes.  

Expeditioners: Weekend Travels 

Mon: Aug 3 & Oct 5  | 6pm | Register 

Do you enjoy traveling and short road trips? We’ll explore cities that are a six-ish hour drive away from home. Learn about where to stay, what to do each season, and fun stops along the way to destinations like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Louisville, and more! 

Myths & Munchies 

Mon: Aug 10, Sep 14, Oct 12  | 6pm | Register

Enjoy campfire treats as we sit around a courtyard tabletop fire discussing realms of the paranormal! Have you heard of the Mandela Effect, explored lost lands, know if Paul is (really) dead, or encountered a cryptid? We’ll discuss a different topic each month. 

Digital Skills Challenge 

Wed: Aug 12, 26 & Sep 9 | 12pm | Register

 LPL Cardholder Exclusive Test your digital skills with quick computer knowledge assessments from NorthStar Digital Literacy. Complete 3 or more assessments to earn a small prize! 

Trivial Matters! 

Wed: Aug 12, Sep 9, Oct 7 | 6pm | Register 

Grab your squad or just yourself and join us each month as we challenge your brain with different themes and subjects. Snacks will be provided. 

 Senior Walk’n’Talk 

Fri: Aug 14 & Sep 11 |  10:30am  | Register 

Enjoy a stroll through downtown and check out some shops! This is a walk-at-your-ownpace event and we’ll meet at the front gate of Fox Pointe. Dress for the weather! 

Time Management for Busy People 

Mon, Aug 17 | 6pm | Register 

Learn all about how to effectively manage time. 

 

Library Lawn Games Sat: Aug 22 & Sep 19 | 1pm | Register 

Are you aware of all the lawn games we have in our Library of Things? Axe throwing, Cornhole, Croquet, and more. Come explore and play! 

Senior Bingo!

Fri: Sep 4 & Oct 2 | 11am | Drop-in 

This is the perfect opportunity for you to socialize and win some prizes! 

Traditional Mexican Tacos with Chef Violetia 

Sat, Sep 5 | 2pm | Register Do you love tacos as much as we do? Chef Violetia will be joining us and demonstrating how traditional Mexican tacos are made! Samples provided.  Cosmovision of the Andean Civilization 

Mon, Sep 14 | 1pm | Register Curious about ancient cultures? Join historian Oscar Oviedo Veasco for a virtual lecture exploring the beliefs and customs of the pre-Incan peoples of the Peruvian Andes. The library will stream the lecture in the Community Room.

Hispanic Jar-cuterie 

Mon, Sep 21 | 6pm | Register 

If you like meat and cheese trays, then this program is for you! Join us for our twist on the traditional charcuterie board as we make our own “jar-cuteries” with Hispanic flavors! 

Desueño Dance: Salsa 101 

Thu, Sep 24 | 6pm | Register 

Desueño Dance will teach basic steps and movements that will allow you to dance to various Salsa songs!

 It’s Alive! The Birth of the Universal Monster 

Sat, Oct 3 | 3pm | Register 

Founded by Carl Laemmie, Universal wasn’t an early Hollywood powerhouse, but it found success by embracing horror. This is the story of its monsters and their enduring legacy. Audiobook Walking Club

 Fri, Oct 9 & 16 | 10:30am | Register LPL Cardholder Exclusive 

Walking improves your mental and physical well-being. During the stroll, we will begin a new story by listening to an audiobook of your choice. This program requires the Libby app installed on your device. 

Chocolate & Coffee 

Wed, Oct 14 | 6pm | Register 

Experience the world of gourmet chocolates. We have curated a selection of specialty chocolates from top chocolatiers nationwide for you to sample, along with a coffee sampler. It is a wonderful chance to socialize or enjoy with a friend!

Book Discussions 

Book Banter | 1st Thursday | 6pm | drop in

Aug 6: We’ll Prescribe You a Cat

Sep 3: A Fall of Marigolds

Oct 1: The House on Mango Street

 

Criminally Good | 2nd Friday | 10am | Drop in

Aug 14: The word is murder

Sep 11: Velvet was the night

Oct 9: Too old for this 

Lansing Library Cinema 

Lansing Library Cinema provides free movies, drinks, and treats! Come see newly released flicks, retro reels, and movies made from books with us on our 84in 4k TV.

Lansing Library Cinema: No Other Choice Fri, Aug 28 | 11am | Drop-in

Retro Reels:  La Bamba Fri, Sep 25 | 11am | Drop-in

Book2Screen: Project Hail Mary Fri, Oct 23 | 11am | Drop-in

Crip Camp Sat, Oct 10 | 12pm | Drop-in Join us for a special screening of Crip Camp, the award-winning documentary that traces the roots of the disability rights movement to a groundbreaking summer camp in the 1970s. 

Halloween Horror Night: Scream 7 Fri, Oct 30 | 7pm | Register Horror lovers unite! Join us after hours for a scary good time - food is provided! Movie will start at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Rated R for strong violence, disturbing images, and language. You must be 21+ to attend this event.

Craft masters 

Craft Masters is the umbrella term for all LPL Adult Craft classes! 

90’s Popculture Sticker Canvas 

Wed, Aug 5 | 6pm  | Register 

The 90’s are a beloved era for many of us. In this program, we’ll have hundreds of 90’s pop culture stickers to make a 12x12 sticker collage. 

Crafty Connections 

Fri: Aug 21, Sep 18, Oct 16 | 1pm | Drop-in 

Thu: Aug 27 & Oct 22 | 6pm | Drop-in

 Explore a wide assortment of materials and tools in this relaxed, self-guided program - no instructions, just inspiration. Space is limited to 25. Each month’s daytime and evening sessions feature the same materials. 

Wine Bottle Painting 

Thu, Sep 16 | 6pm  | Register Turn your empty wine bottle into art! Internationally displayed gallery artist, Lorrisa Julianus, will guide you. Bring your own bottle, painting supplies included.

Director’s corner 

Hello Lansing Residents, I just wanted to give you a quick update on the library’s new renovation project. Over the past several years the library has been saving money to pay for updates to the upper level bathrooms, the elevator, server relocation, and the new fire alarm panel. All of these updates are necessary to improve services for library patrons and ensure their safety. The bathrooms and the elevator are original to the building and are now over fifty years old. Due to the elevator’s age, parts are becoming scarce and repairs are more difficult. When this building was constructed the Americans with Disabilities Act was not yet the law, so neither the bathrooms nor the elevator are compliant. This renovation will ensure the library can serve patrons with differing needs. Starting in December, the project will take about nine months from start to finish, and we ask for your patience during this messy but important renovation. Please look for updates on the library’s Facebook page and website. Board of Trustees Election The library will have several open seats for the April 2027 election. Starting August 15, 2026, interested candidates should check the library’s website or contact the library director at lisak@lansingpl.org for more information. 

Find a Program 

Find your next program! Want a physical calendar? Stop into the library to grab a monthly calendar print out on either level. Check out our new format! 

Don’t forget! Registration opens on the first of the month for the next month’s programs. For example: All October programs that require registration, will open online September 1 for you to register!

Stay Connected 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! We post library updates, program information, and fun behind the scenes videos. Did you know the we also have a weekly e-newsletter? A short, informative email to your inbox every Sunday to let you know what’s coming up plus free monthly wallpaper downloads - exclusive to the newsletter subscribers! Make sure you’re signed up for the newsletter here

Library Hours 

Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: CLOSED LIBRARY CLOSINGS/SPECIAL HOURS August 7: Closed | Staff In-Service September 7: Closed | Labor Day Sat, Sep 5: Study rooms and public computers shutdown an hour early at 4pm. 

Library Director & Board of Trustees 

DIRECTOR Lisa Korajczyk LIBRARY BOARD Sharon Novak, President Jeri Villa, Vice President Steven Carr, Secretary Mozella Brown, Treasurer Yvette Farmer, Trustee Afenya Montgomery, Trustee Christian Olthoff, Trustee Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm in the Community Room.

Disability Accommodations 

 Any person needing accommodations for a disability in order to access the benefits of the Library’s services, programs, or activities under the American with Disabilities Act should contact Director Lisa Korajczyk by phone      708-474-2447 or in writing, not less than five (5) business days prior to the event. 

Contact Info 

2750 Indiana Avenue Lansing, IL 60438 Phone: 708-474-2447 lansingpl.org Please visit the Library or our website for updates to program information. Visit our website to subscribe to our eNewsletter. 

Image Release 

IMAGE RELEASE: All program registrants and participants must permit to the taking and use of their image in future library publications, both printed and electronic.

Friends of Lansing Public Library 

Friends Meeting Mon, Sep 14 6:30pm | Brick Room Please come check us out at our meetings. We’re a fun bunch! ALL ARE WELCOME. Book Sale 2nd Saturday of Each Month Aug 8 | Sep 12 | Oct 10 9:30am-1:30pm The Book Sale is cash only. Raffle baskets $5/1 ticket or $10/3 tickets Keep an eye out for in-house signage about the basket themes! Seeking volunteers to join us in our fundraising efforts!

Lansing Historical Society 

The Digital Divide: A Migration Story Mon, Sep 28 | 6pm 

Traces how the Great Migration and other historical movements across Illinois shaped today. Provided by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. 

Revolutionary Activity in IlliMichiana: Let Us Not Forget 

Mon, Oct 19 | 6pm This presentation will explore the overlooked events of the American Revolution in the Midwest including George Rogers Clark’s campaign, local skirmishes and the path to statehood for the region. Private tours may also be arranged by calling 708-474-2447x176.

Get Your Library Card 

Still need to get your library card? You can apply online!

Scan the code or visit: lansingpl.org/library-card-registration

Once approved, you will receive your FULL ACCESS card via email and can instantly unlock all of the benefits your library card offers. Want a physical card? Stop into the library!