Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Picture of the Winter Reading Challenge Banner with a mouse and Benny the Beanstack Bean reading in front of a fire place

Winter Reading Program 2026 - Read with Benny & Friends

All Day 12/19 - 2/28
Mokena Public Library
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High, High School, Adults, Family, Neurodiversity, Everyone
Event Details:

As we near the start of the new year with fresh resolutions, we remind readers that, while the journey of reading is fun and rewarding for all ages, it is even more enjoyable when you share that journey with a friend or loved one.

Colorful Notions Painting Contest

Colorful Notions Painting Contest

01/02/2026 @ 9:00am to 01/15/2026 @ 8:30pm
Mokena Public Library
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Start 2026 artistically with our "Colorful Notions" Painting Contest!

We invite you to explore the transformative nature of a new year and to push your creative boundaries!

The theme for the contest, "Colorful Notions," presents ar

picture of various board games

(Gr. K-8th) Board Games & Chess

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Program Room at Mokena Public Library
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
Program Type: After School, Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

Looking for something fun to do with your friends afterschool? Then stop by the Mokena Library to play a variety of board games. Have a favorite game? Feel free to bring it with and introduce your friends to something new!

Picture of a colorful BINGO sheet with a star on the free space

(Gr. K-5th) Morning BINGO

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Program Room at Mokena Public Library
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th
Program Type: Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a fun-filled Children's BINGO program at the library! 

Northern Lights created with oil pastels

(Gr. K-5th): Fun with Pastels!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Program Room at Mokena Public Library
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th
Program Type: After School, Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Calling all artists! Join us for some exploration with chalk pastels. We will provide you with the pastels and other art supplies to create a scene inspired by the northern lights!

Picture of moon and stars for Pajama Storytime

Pajama Storytime: Polar Bear Pajama Party!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Program Room at Mokena Public Library
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Family
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytime
Registration Required
Filters
Age Group

Winter Reading Program 2026 - Read with Benny & Friends

All Day 12/19–2/28
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High, High School, Adults, Family, Neurodiversity, Everyone
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High, High School, Adults, Family, Neurodiversity, Everyone
Event Details:

As we near the start of the new year with fresh resolutions, we remind readers that, while the journey of reading is fun and rewarding for all ages, it is even more enjoyable when you share that journey with a friend or loved one.

(Gr. K-8th) Board Games & Chess

3:30pm–4:30pm
Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
After School, Games
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
Program Type: After School, Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

Looking for something fun to do with your friends afterschool? Then stop by the Mokena Library to play a variety of board games. Have a favorite game? Feel free to bring it with and introduce your friends to something new!

Disclaimer(s)

Attendance Policy for Children's Programs

We highly recommend registering with an email address. This is the only way you will get a confirmation email, be able to cancel and receive any updates, including cancellation of the program. Please arrive on time for the program. If you are unable to attend the program, please cancel at least 2 hours before the program begins, by emailing youthservices@mokenalibrary.org or calling the Mokena Library at 708-479-9663 and canceling with a librarian. You can also cancel through your confirmation email. After 3 times of being marked absent without cancellation notice, we will be moving future registrations to the waitlist for two weeks. This is to accommodate as many patrons as possible due to limited space and popularity of our programs.

Snacks Provided during Children's Programs

We will provide each child with a snack and drink during this fun after school program. If your child has any food allergies, please provide that information into the text box while registering for the program. We want to accommodate everyone and will have a healthy alternative snack for them. 

Jr. High: Munchkin Deluxe

4:00pm–6:00pm
Junior High
After School, Games
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High
Program Type: After School, Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

For Grades 6 - 8: Limit 6

(Gr. 4th-8th): After School Trivia

3:00pm–4:45pm
Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
After School, Educational, Games
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
Program Type: After School, Educational, Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

For 4th - 8th Grade: Limit 30

Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.)

4:00pm–5:30pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Join us for Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.), an open drop-in/drop-out session for all participants in the Mokena Library Pokémon TCG League. 

Grades 6 - 12: After Hours Teen Movie Night - Clue: The Movie

6:00pm–8:30pm
Junior High, High School
Movie
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Spine Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Movie
Registration Required
Event Details:

For Grades 6 - 12 Only

(Gr. 4th - 8th ) 3D Wooden Lucky Cat & Chinese Snacks

3:30pm–4:30pm
Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
After School, Arts & Crafts, Educational
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High
Program Type: After School, Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

For 4th - 8th Grade: Limit 20

Jr. High: Pre-colored Zentangle Art

3:30pm–5:00pm
Junior High
After School, Arts & Crafts
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Upstairs Program Room
Age Group: Junior High
Program Type: After School, Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grades 6 - 8

Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.)

4:00pm–5:30pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Upstairs Program Room
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Join us for Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.), an open drop-in/drop-out session for all participants in the Mokena Library Pokémon TCG League. 

Sensory Take & Make: Dinosaur Toy Building Block

01/20/2026 @ 9:00am–01/24/2026 @ 5:00pm
Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High, Neurodiversity
Arts & Crafts, Sensory, Take & Make Crafts
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Age Group: Grades K - 2nd, Grades 3rd - 5th, Junior High, Neurodiversity
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Sensory, Take & Make Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

These dinosaurs’ building blocks are easy to use and assemble. Help inspire children’s brains to think, develop multiple skills such as hand-eye coordination, spatial structure and logical thinking.

Jr. High Book Club (Book Discussion) - Cinder by Marissa Meyer

4:00pm–6:00pm
Junior High
After School, Book Club
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Upstairs Program Room
Age Group: Junior High
Program Type: After School, Book Club
Event Details:

GRADES 6 - 8: PARTICIPANTS MUST BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A BOOK & TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BOOK DISCUSSION

Jr. High Book Club (Book Pick-Up Begins) - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

All Day
Junior High
Book Club
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Age Group: Junior High
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

GRADES 6 - 8: PARTICIPANTS MUST BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A BOOK & TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BOOK DISCUSSION

6th - 12th Grade: Pokémon TCG: Build & Battle Tournament

5:00pm–10:00pm
Junior High, High School
After School, Games
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: After School, Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

For Grades 6 - 12: Limit 12 | * Special Note: This is a 5 hour-long program *

Disclaimer(s)

Waiver Required

This program will require a signed waiver to participate. 

Please print out or visit the library to pick one up.

Turn in completed waiver to the library prior to program start. 

Waivers can be found here.

Jr. High: Wooden 3D Puzzle Rose

3:30pm–5:00pm
Junior High
After School, Arts & Crafts
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Upstairs Program Room
Age Group: Junior High
Program Type: After School, Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

For 6th - 8th Grade: Limit 12

Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.)

4:00pm–5:30pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Join us for Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.), an open drop-in/drop-out session for all participants in the Mokena Library Pokémon TCG League. 

Grades 6 - 12: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Season 6 - Grand Tournament

5:45pm–11:00pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

For 6th - 12th Graders - Roster is currently full

Special Maker Monday: Accessibility Aids

4:00pm–5:00pm
Junior High, High School, Adults, Family, Neurodiversity, Everyone
STEAM, Technology Class
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School, Adults, Family, Neurodiversity, Everyone
Program Type: STEAM, Technology Class
Registration Required
Event Details:

For ages 10 & Older: Limit 14

Jr. High: Valentine's Day Paper Bouquet Craft

3:30pm–4:45pm
Junior High
After School, Arts & Crafts
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Upstairs Program Room
Age Group: Junior High
Program Type: After School, Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

For grades 6 - 8

Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.)

4:00pm–5:30pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Join us for Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.), an open drop-in/drop-out session for all participants in the Mokena Library Pokémon TCG League. 

Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.)

4:00pm–5:30pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Join us for Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.), an open drop-in/drop-out session for all participants in the Mokena Library Pokémon TCG League. 

Grades 6 - 12: After Hours Teen Movie Night - The Princess Bride

6:00pm–8:30pm
Junior High, High School
Movie
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Spine Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Movie
Registration Required
Event Details:

For Grades 6 - 12 Only

Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.)

4:00pm–5:30pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Join us for Pokémon TCG: Battle | Learn | Trade (B.L.T.), an open drop-in/drop-out session for all participants in the Mokena Library Pokémon TCG League. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Variety Tournament

5:45pm–11:00pm
Junior High, High School
Games
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: YA Area
Age Group: Junior High, High School
Program Type: Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

For grades 6 - 12: Limit 16

DIY Weighted Sock Bunny Plushie

2:30pm–3:30pm
Junior High, High School, Adults, Neurodiversity
Arts & Crafts, Sensory, Workshop
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Mokena Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Junior High, High School, Adults, Neurodiversity
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Sensory, Workshop
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a calming, creativity-centered workshop where participants craft their own weighted lavender-scented sock bunny plushie.