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Winter Reading Adventure

Clipart image of a Rory the fox using a telescope in a winter landscape looking at the Northern Lights and constellations.

Sunday, December 1, 2024 - Friday, January 31, 2025

Have fun this winter by playing bingo with us! When you get bingo, come in to collect a cheerful prize.

binoculars.

How to participate

  1. Register online OR pick up a log at any APLD location starting Sunday, December 1. If you've never used Beanstack before, you can create an account at any time.

  2. Have fun this winter by playing bingo with us! When you get bingo, come in to collect a cheerful prize. BINGO is achieved by completing 5 activities in a row!

  3. For an extra challenge, see if you can complete ALL 25 activities and fill your BINGO card! A Grand Prize drawing winner will be chosen from each age category. The Grand Prize for ages 0-11 is a Toniebox®, and the Grand Prize for both Teens & Adults is an Amazon Fire Tablet (previously known as a Kindle Fire)! The Grand Prize winners will be randomly selected after the program ends on January 31, 2025 and winners will be contacted directly.

Register Here

snowy owl.

Log your activities

Log your activities on the Beanstack Tracker app. Download the app for easier access!

  • Google Play

  • App Store

Download the paper log!

hot cocoa.

Pick up your prizes!

After you have achieved BINGO or Full Card BINGO via Beanstack or your paper log,  come into any of the 4 library locations to collect your prize!


One winning BINGO prize and Full Card BINGO Grand Prize drawing per participant.

purple mittens.

Need help registering?

Need help registering and logging your activities? Below are videos that can help, whether it’s using the Beanstack website or the Beanstack Tracker. For additional assistance, feel free to contact us.

Using the website


Using the App


Special Programs and Events

Winter Reading Adventure
Popsicle Stick Snowman - Ages 3+ years with a caregiver
Thu, Dec 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
New venue Eola Road Branch - Children's Program Room
Get into the winter spirit by decorating and designing your very own snowman face. Ages 3+ years with a caregiver.
Furoshiki: A Japanese Gift-Wrapping Art
Thu, Dec 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eola Road Branch - Meeting Room 108
Want to make your holiday gifts stand out? Furoshiki uses cloth to wrap gifts in special shapes! Learn the cultural context and try a wrapping design with College of DuPage Professor Shingo Satsutani.
This event is full
First Friday: Winter Reading Adventure Kick-Off Party - fiesta de inicio de la aventura de lectura de invierno
Fri, Dec 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Santori Library - John C. Dunham Atrium
We're celebrating the launch of winter reading with hot cocoa cookies & more! ¡Estamos celebrando el lanzamiento de la lectura de invierno con galletas de chocolate caliente y más!
Winter Reading Adventure Party
Sat, Dec 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Eola Road Branch
We're celebrating the start of our Winter Reading Adventure with a variety of activities, music, a treat, and more! Be among the first to officially start your winter reading!
Snowflake Salt Art/ Copos de Nieve- Arte con Sal - Ages 3 to 6/ Edades 3 a 6 años
Sun, Dec 08, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
Let’s create a fun art activity using salt! Ages 3 to 6. ** ¡Vamos a crear una divertida actividad de arte con sal! Edades 3 a 6 años. **
Making Holiday Earrings
Mon, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Santori Library - Makerspace Room 119
Create a pair of earrings designed to look like a love letter in celebration of the holidays! Then, keep them yourself or gift to a friend or family member.
This event is full
Preparing Your Car for Cold Weather
Tue, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Eola Road Branch - Meeting Room 108,Zoom Room - Eola Adult Services Department
'Tis the season for cold, snowy, & icy streets- Get your vehicle ready for winter! Eduardo Torres shares step-by-step guidance on essential car maintenance, safety tips, and driving with confidence.
Gingerbread House Picture Frame - Ages 4-7
Thu, Dec 12, 10:00am - 10:30am
New venue Eola Road Branch - Children's Program Room
Decorate your own gingerbread house frame with foam stickers! Ages 4-7. **
Movable Penguin Craft - Ages 5+ with a caregiver
Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
New venue Eola Road Branch - Children's Program Room
Let's make a paper penguin craft with moveable flippers and feet! For ages 5+ with a caregiver. **
Homeschool Huddle: Holiday Festival
Fri, Dec 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125
Celebrate the holidays with a craft, snacks, music, and festive activities for the whole family.
APLD at Alive Aurora: Snow Globes
Fri, Dec 13, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Alive Center Aurora, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506
Come join us at the Alive Center during their free after-school drop-in hours! This month, we're making our own snow globes- keep your own creation or gift it to a loved one.
2nd Annual Winter Resource Fair
Sat, Dec 14, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined,John C. Dunham Atrium
Come enjoy our 2nd Annual Winter Resource Fair. Attendees will be able to receive new coats (youth sizes only, while supplies last) and other winter accessories. Please register online.
Posada Celebration - Celebración de posada
Sat, Dec 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Branch - Meeting Room
Celebrate this traditional Mexican holiday at the West Branch Library. We’ll enjoy stories, food and share a piñata! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
DIY Scrappy Fabric Decoupage Ornaments
Sat, Dec 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
Create a beautiful boho holiday ornament to take home! Ages 6-11 with caregiver.
Winter S.T.E.A.M.
Sun, Dec 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Enjoy an afternoon of winter S.T.E.A.M. activities with the West Suburban Chicago Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Ages 6-11 with a caregiver.
Movie Showing: The Polar Express
Mon, Dec 16, 5:00pm - 7:45pm
West Branch - Meeting Room
Drop in for a movie, and we'll serve hot cocoa! All ages are welcome, children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Movie: The Polar Express (2004, Rated G).
Cocoa & Cram
Tue, Dec 17, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Eola Road Branch, Teen Room
Hang out, study for finals, AND enjoy a sugary boost of piping hot cocoa!
Painting Mini Wooden Sleds
Tue, Dec 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Santori Library - Makerspace Room 119
Let's get creative and paint unique, mini, wooden sleds! Be inspired by the holidays or paint from your imagination, then keep it or gift it to a loved one. All materials will be provided.
This event is full
Wobbly Melted Snowman Craft - Ages 7+ with a caregiver
Wed, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
New venue Eola Road Branch - Children's Program Room
Make your own paper melted snowman craft that might be just a bit wobbly! For ages 7+ with a caregiver.**
Glass Jar to Votive Holder
Wed, Dec 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Decorate a glass jar into a votive holder with flat marbles and other provided materials. Registration opens on Monday, November 18th at 9 a.m. Ages 6-11 with a caregiver.
Light-Up Holiday Card - Ages 8-11
Thu, Dec 19, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
Make a light-up card for someone special and learn about circuits at the same time. Ages 8-11. **
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Fri, Dec 20, 2:00pm - 11:55pm
Virtual via YouTube
Watch an acclaimed production of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope centering on four sisters growing up in 19th-century Massachusetts. Park Theatre in London, 2022.
Register
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Sat, Dec 21, All day
Virtual via YouTube
Watch an acclaimed production of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope centering on four sisters growing up in 19th-century Massachusetts. Park Theatre in London, 2022.
Register
Ice Fairy Storytime
Sat, Dec 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eola Road Branch - Children's Department
The Ice Fairy will visit our library for this magical winter storytime! We'll read stories, sing songs, and stay to take photos with the Ice Fairy. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!
Sun, Dec 22, All day
Virtual via YouTube
Watch an acclaimed production of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope centering on four sisters growing up in 19th-century Massachusetts. Park Theatre in London, 2022.
Register
The Art Box
Sun, Dec 22, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
Create some interesting art projects and show off your creativity. In December, we will make fun holiday ornaments. Ages 6-11 with a caregiver.
Teen Cookie Creations
Mon, Dec 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Santori Library - Teen Program Room 224
Enjoy a sweet start to winter break- Come decorate cookies and drink hot chocolate! Allergen information will be available. Grades 6 - 12.
Mark Hayward's Family Comedy Show
Fri, Dec 27, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
World Yo-Yo Champion, Spin Top Champion, and juggler Mark Hayward is coming to the library! Enjoy yo-yo tricks and humor. For children of all ages with a caregiver. **
Community Blood Drive
Sat, Dec 28, 10:00am - 2:30pm
Eola Road Branch, Parking Lot
The Versiti Blood Center's Blood Drive Bus will be visiting the Library, and donated blood will benefit area hospitals. Can you help?! All donors must show a photo ID prior to donating.
Register
Getting Excited About Science
Sat, Dec 28, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Eola Community Center, Community Rooms 110 & 111, 555 S. Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60504
This action-packed science show features liquid nitrogen, smoke bubbles and more. Lots of fun coupled with sound science. For children of all ages with a caregiver. **
Noon Year's Eve Party
Mon, Dec 30, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Get an early start on the New Year with a dance party with the band Scribble Monster and a balloon drop at noon! Ages 0-5 with a caregiver. **
Winter Bingo and Hot Chocolate
Mon, Dec 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Get out of the cold and enjoy some hot chocolate, play Bingo, and win some prizes! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Winter Bingo and Hot Chocolate
Tue, Dec 31, 10:00am - 11:00am
West Branch - Meeting Room
Get out of the cold and enjoy some hot chocolate, play Bingo, and win some prizes! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Kids Music Concert with Little Miss Ann
Thu, Jan 02, 10:00am - 10:45am
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Jump, clap, sing, and dance with Little Miss Ann at a fun, energetic, and interactive concert. For children of all ages and their caregivers. **
Snowman Squishy Bag
Thu, Jan 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
New venue Eola Road Branch - Children's Program Room
Act out a story about a snowman that melts then create your own melted snowman sensory bag! Ages 2-7 with caregiver. **
¡Celebración del Día de los Reyes Magos! - Three Kings Day Celebration!
Sun, Jan 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Santori Library - John C. Dunham Atrium
¡Ven a celebrar el día de los Reyes Magos con nosotros! Para niños de todas las edades y sus cuidadores. Come and celebrate Three Kings Day with us! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Reflexiones de Año Nuevo: Collage de propósitos & recuerdos - New Year Reflections: Resolutions & Memories Collage
Tue, Jan 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Embárcate en un viaje de autorreflexión con un collage personalizado para el nuevo año. Embark on a journey of self-reflection with a personalized collage for the new year.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 10 2024 at 9:00am
DIY Snow Globe Craft - Ages 6+ with a caregiver
Thu, Jan 09, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Eola Road Branch - Meeting Room 108
Create your own snow globe with paper and a plastic cup! For ages 6+ with a caregiver. **
APLD at Alive Aurora: Cricut Cut Paper Lanterns
Fri, Jan 10, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Alive Center Aurora, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506
Come join us at the Alive Center during their free after-school drop-in hours! This month we will be making paper lanterns using a Cricut cutting machine.
Winter Sensory Play - Ages 3-6 with a caregiver
Sun, Jan 12, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
We'll have "snow" much fun sharing a range of winter themed activities. Dress for mess! Ages 3-6 with a caregiver.
Snow Globe Craft Kit
Mon, Jan 13, All day
Eola Road Branch, Reference Desk
Register to reserve your craft kit, take it home, and enjoy making your own wintery snow globe! Kits may be picked up at the Reference Desk from Jan. 13 to 18. Grades 6 - 12
Registration opens Monday, December 16 2024 at 9:00am
PajamaRama!
Sun, Jan 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
Wear your cool pajamas for a pajama party. We'll read a book, make a craft and snack on cookies and chocolate milk. Ages 6-11 with a caregiver.
All About Science
Mon, Jan 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Science experts Diana & Pat will lead us in fun science activities with a "Wondrous Winter Wonderland" theme! Ages 6-11.
All About Science
Mon, Jan 20, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Science experts Diana & Pat will lead us in fun science activities with a "Wondrous Winter Wonderland" theme! Ages 6-11.
Chill & Create: Teen Craft Lounge
Mon, Jan 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Santori Library - Teen Program Room 224
Drop in and get creative with a variety of craft supplies and equipment including our button maker and vinyl cutter and/or help with our sticker mural celebrating MLK Jr. Day! All materials provided.
Weather & Storm Chasing 101
Wed, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Learn about extreme weather, including how to prepare for severe storms, local climatology, and weather forecasting, hear stories from veteran storm chasers, Q&A, and more with the Storm Science team.
Lunar New Year Story & Craft - Ages 3+ with a caregiver
Thu, Jan 23, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Eola Road Branch - Meeting Room 108
Learn about this important celebration through the book "Lunar New Year" by Mary Man-Kong before creating your own dragon craft! Ages 3+ with a caregiver. **
DIY Snowflake Coasters
Tue, Jan 28, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Santori Library - Meeting Room 125/126 Combined
Come get creative and decorate your own set of 4 coasters with snowflake designs! We will use stencils, acrylic paint, wooden coasters, and acrylic sealer. All materials will be provided.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 31 2024 at 9:00am
Lunar New Year!
Wed, Jan 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Branch - Meeting Room
Celebrate the year of the snake with a story and craft. Ages 6-11.
See all events