Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Little House on the Prairie Hearth-Warming Craft Party

Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at Ida Branch
Library Branch: Ida Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: All Ages, Preschool, Children, Tweens, Teens, Family, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a nostalgic afternoon making crafts and sampling snacks inspired by Ma, Pa, Laura and whole Ingalls family.

Taylor Swift escape room

Taylor Swift Escape Room

Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Community Room at Bedford Branch
Library Branch: Bedford Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Children, Tweens, Teens, Family, Adults
Program Type: General
Registration Required
Event Details:

Taylor loves leaving clues for her fans to solve. Can you solve all the Taylor themed clues in this escape room in time to make it to the getaway car? This escape room accommodates up to eight people per session.

Coffee House Series: Billy King & Emily Slomovits

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Community Room at South Rockwood Branch
Library Branch: South Rockwood Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Music
Event Details:

Forget the bustling crowds and distant stages of large venues.  The Monroe County Library System's new Coffeehouse series offers an enchanting atmosphere where every lyric resonates with intimacy.

Mindful art

Mindful Art for Tweens and Teens

Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Library Branch: Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Age Group: Tweens, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, General
Registration Required
Event Details:

Come learn some mindful art techniques at the library!  We'll cover at least two mindful art practices and have time to work on projects.  Calm music and peaceful environment await!

Event Flyer

Fun Friday

Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Blue Bush Branch
Library Branch: Blue Bush Branch
Age Group: Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Event Details:

These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading. Then we will pick up the pace with a dance party.

Event Flyer

Weekend Parent & Child Play Group

Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Downstairs Programming Area at Dundee Branch
Library Branch: Dundee Branch
Room: Downstairs Programming Area
Age Group: All Ages, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Event Details:

Join us for a morning of playing and socializing. We will be offering a time for young children and their caregiver to interact through play, songs, books and art. Each session will end with a gathering time.

sticker palooza dundee

StickerPalooza

Monday, November 24, 2025 at 9:30am - 11:00am
Downstairs Programming Area at Dundee Branch
Library Branch: Dundee Branch
Room: Downstairs Programming Area
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytime & Playgroups
Event Details:

Spend the morning playing with STICKERS!!!

A variety of activities will be available involving stickers! Dot stickers, sticker collages, sticker pictures and more! I promise your kiddo will have LOADS of STICKER FUN!! 

Thanks for giving!

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, November 28, 2025 at 11:00am - 4:00pm
Programming Room at Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: General, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

To make an appointment, call 1 800 RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code ELLISLIBRARY. 

Filters
Age Group
Library Branch

Baby Bop

9:15am–10:00am
Babies & Toddlers
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enrich your child’s imagination and development with storytimes presented by the Monroe County Library System. These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Join is for "Baby Bop," a playgroup and storytime for our youngest patrons.  

You can play and socialize with other little ones while enjoying music, bouncing, sensory activities, and board books.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Preschool Storytime from A - Z

11:00am–12:00pm
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enrich your child’s imagination and development with storytimes presented by the Monroe County Library System. These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Throughout the year in preschool storytime, we’ll embark on an alphabet journey, exploring letters from A to Z, featuring a new letter each week.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Homeschool Book Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Chapter Book Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Event Details:

Homeschool children ages 7-12 are invited to participate.  

Titles to be decided.  

Please only register for the first week.  It will get you signed up for the entire session.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Elf Training Academy

4:00pm–5:00pm
Preschool, Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Preschool, Children, Tweens
Program Type: General
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

Holiday Tree Craft for Teens

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Chapter Book Area
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

A HOLIDAY TREE CRAFT FOR TEENS 

(13 -19 years of age only) 

Literacy on the Lawn

11:00am–11:45am
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Literacy on the Lawn will be held on the library lawn for those 3-5 years old but will start inside the library in the children's area.
 

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Please Dress for Weather

Portions of this event will be enjoyed outdoors. Please come dressed for the weather.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Beginning Watercolor Painting for Adults

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

This class is designed for beginning painters. I'm a self-taught artist excited to share what I've learned with you!

Family PJ Storytime & Hot Cocoa Bar

6:30pm–7:15pm
All Ages, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Children, Tweens, Family
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: All Ages, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Children, Tweens, Family
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Small Fries Friday

10:30am–11:30am
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Educational, General, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us each week for a sampling of learning and literacy fun, specifically designed for children ages 3–6.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Podcast - Brian Burchette

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Podcast Studio
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Organizations using the Library

Wiggle Worms: Toddler Storytime

9:30am–10:15am
Babies & Toddlers
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enrich your child’s imagination and development with storytimes presented by the Monroe County Library System. These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Get your wiggles out at this lively storytime program, perfect for your active toddler.   

They'll be dancing, movement, stories, and other age-appropriate activities.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Wiggle Worms: Toddler Storytime

10:30am–11:15am
Babies & Toddlers
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enrich your child’s imagination and development with storytimes presented by the Monroe County Library System. These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Get your wiggles out at this lively storytime program, perfect for your active toddler.   

They'll be dancing, movement, stories, and other age-appropriate activities.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Holidays Around the World

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, General
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

A HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD PROGRAM: learn customs, design crafts, and taste some treats

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Baby Bop

9:15am–10:00am
Babies & Toddlers
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enrich your child’s imagination and development with storytimes presented by the Monroe County Library System. These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Join is for "Baby Bop," a playgroup and storytime for our youngest patrons.  

You can play and socialize with other little ones while enjoying music, bouncing, sensory activities, and board books.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Preschool Storytime from A - Z

11:00am–12:00pm
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enrich your child’s imagination and development with storytimes presented by the Monroe County Library System. These are fun, literacy rich, interactive programs which strengthen reading skills and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Throughout the year in preschool storytime, we’ll embark on an alphabet journey, exploring letters from A to Z, featuring a new letter each week.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Homeschool Book Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Chapter Book Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Event Details:

Homeschool children ages 7-12 are invited to participate.  

Titles to be decided.  

Please only register for the first week.  It will get you signed up for the entire session.  

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Homeschool Art Club

2:15pm–3:15pm
Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Chapter Book Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Homeschool Art Club is designed for kids ages 7 to 12 as a space to explore and create through a wide variety of art mediums. Come dressed to express yourself. 

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Santa's Workshop

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

A GIFT FROM SANTA'S WORKSHOP: Design a handmade gift for someone special

(Kindergarten and up)

I Love a Mystery Book Club

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Club

Merry Mayhem Lego Mania

1:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Tweens, Family
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens, Family
Program Type: General
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

MERRY MAYHEM LEGO MANIA (1/2 Day of School Edition): Create holiday lego creations

(ALL AGES)

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Literacy on the Lawn

11:00am–11:45am
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Literacy on the Lawn will be held on the library lawn for those 3-5 years old but will start inside the library in the children's area.
 

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Please Dress for Weather

Portions of this event will be enjoyed outdoors. Please come dressed for the weather.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Waterloo Library Visit

1:00pm–2:30pm
Children
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Age Group: Children
Program Type: General

Holiday Bingo & Cookie Decorating

6:30pm–7:30pm
Children, Family
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Children, Family
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, General
Registration Required
Event Details:

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Ellis Library & Reference Center

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Monroe County Civil War Roundtable

7:00pm–9:00pm
All Ages
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: History
Event Details:

Civil War Show and Tell