Centralia Regional Library District

Family Fun
2025-10-28 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-09 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Get ready for some Family Fun!
Each Family Fun night we have a different themed craft and activity for everyone of all ages to do. Other games and activities will be available too, so bring the whole family for an hour of fun!
This event takes place in our 2nd floor Youth Area, accessible by elevator and stairs.

Book Bites
2025-10-27 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Get a taste for reading with Centralia Regional Library’s book club for ages 7-11!
In this interactive club, kids will sit down at a place mat where they will be treated to the first chapter of a book on their plate. If they like the book, they may check it out and take it home. If they want to sample another book, they will trade places with another attendee to read the first chapter of their book, until everyone goes home with a book they like!
This book club is a fun way to get into reading for even the most stubborn of readers. There is no registration required to join, but a library card is needed to check a book out.
Book Bites will meet the 4th Monday of each month at 4pm, unless of a holiday or other closure. It will be in the 2nd floor Teen Room, accessible by elevator and stairs.

Books for Treats
2025-10-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
This event is Trick or Treat without the tricks and with Books for Treats™! Youth ages birth through 6th grade will be able to pick out their own “treat” from tables of books marked by age groups. They will also receive a bag for their “treats” courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Costumes are encouraged but not required and all youth under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Books for Treats™ is an annual event sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Become a Friend today!

Beyond the Screen: A "Wicked" Conversation with Marissa Bode
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, IL, United States
Prepare for a magical evening as Illinois Libraries Present welcomes actress Marissa Bode. Bode made her feature film debut as Nessarose in Academy Award-winning blockbuster, Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Join us to explore Bode’s early inspirations and performances, leading up to her portrayal of Nessarose in Wicked. As the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good approaches, we’ll reflect on what makes the story so meaningful to Bode and audiences around the world. Bode will also share personal stories and insights from her time on stage, the challenges and rewards of being part of an iconic production, and what the future holds for her career.
Amanda Finn will join Bode in conversation. Finn is a queer theater, lifestyle, and travel journalist based in Chicago. Their work has appeared in the Chicago Reader, American Theatre Magazine, Yahoo, Huffington Post, and more.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed.
If a patron needs accommodations not listed, the member library should email illinoislibrariespresent@ila.org.
Register for Free
If you cannot attend the live event, go ahead and register as you’ll receive a link to view the recording for a limited time.

Book Club
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Join the Centralia Regional Library District’s Book Club for adults!
For this meeting, we are reading The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
If you are interested in joining us by becoming a Book Club member, please fill out our member form, especially if you would like for us to place a hold on the book for you. You do not need to have a library card or live in Centralia to join.
Join the Facebook Group!

Miss Rita's Story Time
2025-10-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Raise your children to be lifelong readers by bringing them to story time at the Library!
This Story Time is held in the Monken Activity Room on the Library’s 2nd floor (elevator accessible).

Friends of the Library Fall Sale
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
The Friends of the Library fall sale is Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the library’s Monken Activity Room. There will be books (including children’s books), DVDs, and more. In addition to regular items, we will have 300+ large print fiction and westerns!
Admission is free, but you can fill a bag for just $8! Bags will be supplied by the Friends. All proceeds benefit the library and its services. Cash only, please; no bills larger than $20.
There will be a pre-sale for Friends of Library paid membership* (not regular library card holders) from 9:00-10:00 am. To inquire membership status, email director@centralia.lib.il.us or call 618.532.5222 ext 221.
The Monken Activity Room is on the second floor of the library and is accessible by both elevator and stairs.
*2025 membership dues are still being accepted. Click HERE for membership application.
Friends of the Library are encouraged to help set up for the sale at 1pm on Friday, October 17.

Board Meeting
2025-10-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
The Centralia Regional Library District Board of Trustees meets the third Wednesday of every month.
Meetings are held in Monken Activity Room, 2nd floor, at the Main Library at 4:00 pm on the date designated and are open to the public. Accessible by elevator or stairs.
A link to the meeting agenda will be posted on this page and a paper copy at the Main Library.

Crochet Club
2025-10-13 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-09-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Join Centralia Regional Library District’s social Crochet Club!
Whether you’re new to the craft or a professional, bring your own project to work on as we chat and swap tips and ideas with each other. We will have extra yarn and hooks for those without. Please note that this is not a formal class.
No age restrictions or registration required to join–just come on in!
Crochet Club meets in the second floor Monken Activity Room on the second Monday of every month, unless otherwise noted. The Activity Room is accessible by elevator or stairs.

LEGO Club
2025-10-13 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Show off your love of LEGO and LEGO building skills in Centralia Regional Library’s LEGO Club for ages 7-11!
This fun, interactive club meets in the 2nd floor Youth Area every 2nd Monday of the month at 4pm, unless of a holiday or other closure. The 2nd floor is accessible by elevator and stairs.

Chess Club
2025-10-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Whether you’re wanting to learn or just wanting to play, come join our Chess Club at Centralia Regional Library!
This club meets in the 2nd floor Monken Activity Room of the Library on the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 2-4pm. The Activity Room is accessible by elevator and stairs. No registration is required and all ages are welcome!

State Representative Blaine Wilhour Traveling Office
2025-10-08 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
110th District Legislative Assistant Lori Bear of Blaine Wilhour’s office will be in the Library’s back lobby once a month to help anyone with State issues, such as DCFS, FOID, fishing licenses, property taxes, etc.
Share your ideas, voice your concerns, and receive assistance with state government programs and issues.
An appointment is not necessary but if you would like to make an appointment, call 618-665-4109 or connect online at https://repwilhour.com/

Teen Reading Club
2025-10-04 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Join Centralia Regional Library’s reading club for ages 12-17!
This club is a laid-back, bring-your-own-reading-content type, with snacks and activities/games. There is no required reading, but a theme with a matching book display in the Teen Room will be selected each month for guidance. It’s alright if you don’t read a book–all reading is welcome here, so tell us any kind of story you’ve read. It can be from a game, a movie, a news article, fanfiction–whatever!
And the more meetings you attend, the more entries you’ll get into a prize giveaway at the end of the year!
Currently, meetings are from 2PM to 3:30PM on the first Saturday each month in the 2nd floor Teen Room (elevator accessible).

7th Annual Library Crawl
2025-10-01 - 2025-10-31 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
The Annual Library Crawl is a unique event organized by the public libraries of Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) as a fun way to introduce patrons to the libraries of the IHLS service area and the benefits of a library card. Patrons visit area libraries throughout the month of the crawl and get a passport stamp at each library they visit. Getting five stamps means you’ve completed the crawl!
To get your stamp at Centralia Regional Library District, just come on up to the front desk and ask about the crawl. You’ll also get a gift, while supplies last. You can print your own passport at home or come into the library to get a copy. (To print at home, print as PORTRAIT, DOUBLE SIDED, FLIP ON SHORT EDGE. Then take the stack and fold it in half.)
When you finish the Crawl (getting at least five stamps), be sure to return your passport to our library by 6PM on October 31 to be entered into a giveaway at the end of the event!
All participating libraries are listed in the alphabetical city/town guide (to print at home, print as LANDSCAPE, DOUBLE SIDED, FLIP ON SHORT EDGE; then take the stack and fold in half) and the Library Crawl Guidebook. Here is the Google Map to help navigate your way!
Remember, you can use your library card along the way to check out items at the libraries you visit! Then simply return them to us, your home library. Our statewide courier service will take care of the rest. This awesome service brings items back and forth making our collections available to all patrons.
See how many other IHLS libraries you can visit this month and share the joy–take pictures along the way and post them with #IHLSLibraryCrawl2025 on social media. Be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram (@centralialibrary) when you’re here and come back to tell us all about your journey!
Happy crawling!

Book Signing by Local Author Queen K. Hatchett
2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Local author Queen K. Hatchett returns to the Library with an all-new book, Categories of Women in the Bible (And Their Stories)!
This new book is about how the stories of women in the Bible have been the subject of intense analysis, dissection, and discussion, sometimes leading to misinterpretations. In many cases, the times in which these women lived offered them little or no autonomy. This book provides impactful narratives about biblical women and their journeys of pain, struggle, rejection, courage, victory, and fulfillment. Readers will also learn how Jesus, with his unwavering support, love, and compassion, offered many women reassurance, affirmation, and comfort —a message that still resonates today.
Bring your copies of her books to sign or support this local author by buying a book at the signing!
Queen Kirkwood-Hatchett discovered her gift to write as a young adult, recovering from childhood trauma. Her first publication, “From the Heart” (Hodale Press), opened many doors for her. She has self-published her other works, “A General Study of the Books of the Bible, Transitioning from Promise to Fulfillment”, and memoir “Survival of the Inner Man.” as well as “Categories of Women in the Bible (And Their Stories)”. She holds a MS in Criminal Justice (Capella University) and a MA in in Theological Studies with a Graduate Certificate in Worship (Liberty University). Above all, her relationship with Jesus Christ has helped to bring her to a place of healing.

Afternoon at the Movies
2025-09-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
It’s Back to School and back to Afternoon at the Movies, brought to you by the Friends of the Library!

All ages are welcome to join us and admission is free! There will be refreshments.

Doors open 10 minutes to the start of the movie at 2pm on September 20, in our 2nd floor Monken Activity Room (accessible by elevator).

Click here for the movie we’re watching!

Finding the Clues: Then and Now with Steve Burns
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, IL, United States
Join Illinois Libraries Present for a nostalgic and intimate hour-long conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Steve Burns, best known as ‘Steve’ from the beloved Nickelodeon show Blue’s Clues.
Beyond the iconic blue paw print and memorable striped green shirt, Burns has built a unique career in entertainment, encompassing acting, directing, music, and, new this fall, a podcast which “listens back” – Alive with Steve Burns.
This special interview offers a closer look at Burn’s journey, from the early fame of Blue’s Clues to his personal growth and creative evolution. Arionne Nettles, a Chicago based storyteller and cultural reporter, will join Steve in conversation.
This event is intended for adults.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed.
If a patron needs accommodations not listed, the member library should email illinoislibrariespresent@ila.org.
Register for Free
If you cannot attend the live event, go ahead and register as you’ll receive a link to view the recording for a limited time.

Book Club
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Join the Centralia Regional Library District’s Book Club for adults!
For this meeting, we are reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
If you are interested in joining us by becoming a Book Club member, please fill out our member form, especially if you would like for us to place a hold on the book for you. You do not need to have a library card or live in Centralia to join.
Join the Facebook Group!

Latine Heritage Month Educational Scavenger Hunt
2025-09-01 - 2025-09-30 | Centralia Regional Library District, 515 East Broadway, Centralia, IL, 62801, United States
Learn some history, win a prize! Each worksheet is different, so you can hunt several times if you want to learn even more (prizes are only given for the first completed worksheet and those who did the scavenger hunt before will get a new prize this time). This scavenger hunt can be done at any time during the month in the Youth Department on the Library’s second floor (accessible by elevator and stairs). Get the whole family involved!
