September – November 2025

Multiple Ages:

Creepy Doll Contest

Have a doll you’d like to display?
Call  618-452-6238 ext 730 to reserve your spot by Wednesday, October 1st!

Only 13 spots available
One doll per reservation
Dolls will be displayed behind glass for safekeeping
ID tags will be attached to dolls
Voting will take place on location SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave
Doll pickup will take place after November 1st

First place winner will be announced on Halloween!

Annual IHLS Library Crawl!

October 1st through 31st
Check out some of our neighboring libraries this Fall

The crawl passports will be available September 30th at both libraries.
Visit 5 libraries by October 31st and you will be entered into a drawing for a QuikTrip gift card!
Passports must be turned in by November 3rd.

Dia de los Muertos
Community Ofrenda | Ofrenda Comunitario 

October 30 – November 3 | 30 de octubre al 1 de noviembre
2001 Delmar Ave Training and Events Room
Share images and offerings for lost loved ones.
Images may be printed out at either location to be shared, images will not be returned

Family Read Night Scavenger Hunt 

Thursday, November 20

Available during library hours at both locations in the Children’s Departments.

Find and Identify the hidden pictures and win a small prize.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Therapy Dog on Duty

Third Wednesday of each month
12-1 PM at SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave

November 19

Pawsitivity Counts presented by NAMI Southwest Illinois will be on hand with a trained therapy dog. All ages, including adults, are welcome to take advantage of the love of a friendly dog!

Feeling sad? Stressed? Lonely? Pet a dog!

Chestnut Health Systems Mobile Unit at SMRLD
Every 4th Wednesday of the Month from 1-3 PM at 2001 Delmar Ave
Health care for babies, kids, and adults
Need help with substance use or mental health concerns? They can make a referral.
To meet with a provider, please schedule an appointment by calling 618-512-1863 or emailing [email protected]

Youth Services Department Presents:

S.T.E.A.M. Take Home Kits

Science Technology Engineering Arts Math

September: Leaf Rubbings
October: Ghost Slime
November: Marble Mazes
For Grades 2-6
Pick up a kit with supplies and instructions at either library location while supplies last.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Kids Mini Canvas Painting

Open to Grade 2-8

Monday, November 10
2-4 PM

SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave

Let’s Paint

Register Now! Call 618-452-6238

Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers

Friday, November 14

10 AM at SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave

Questions? Email [email protected]or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Saturday Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers

Saturday, November 15

10 AM at SMRLD
2001 Delmar Ave

Stories, Songs, & Slightly Messier Playtime

Questions? Email [email protected]or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Sit, Stay, Read with Got Your Six Therapy Dogs

Every 3rd Thursday:

November 20
6:30-7:30 PM
SMRLD,2145 Johnson Rd

For children, grades K-8, come practice reading or just talk with a trained therapy dog!

Questions? Email [email protected]or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Story Time

Enjoy stories, music, and crafts!

Mondays at 10 AM
SMRLD, 2145 Johnson Rd
Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Legos

Come Build with Us!

Every Tuesday
4 – 7 PM
In the Children’s Department, 2001 Delmar Ave

Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Register at Either Library Location or

Online at  https://smrld.beanstack.com

Keep Book Log

Every 100 Books  – Visit either library location and receive a sticker.

500 Books – Your child will receive a free book.

1000 Books –  Your child will receive a free book and a backpack.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Reading Dragons

Join our new Reading Challenge

Open to Children and Teens

Starting June 2025

Read to earn Cards. Collect, trade & Play the Game!

Learn more at https://www.smrld.org/reading-dragons/

Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720

Kid’s Digital Library

Find books, audiobooks, and more on our Online Resources Page! Resources are available at home and at the library.

Additional resources are available on our Resources & Services Page.

Parents & Educators

Parent/Teacher Collection: SMRLD maintains a collection of resources for parents and teachers as part of our parent-teacher collection.  The Parent-Teacher collection includes resources for serving youth with special needs, curriculum development, and much much more. This collection is housed in the children’s department at the Delmar Avenue location.

Useful Links

Accelerated Reader Bookfinder: Allows you to search for books with corresponding Renaissance Accelerated Reader 360® quiz.

Lexile Framework for Reading: Lexile measures help your child grow and improve his or her reading skills. Find books according to Lexile numbers, find the Lexile number of a book and track the growth of your child’s reading skills.

Need Help with Research & Homework? Access Online Resources Here!