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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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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

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.**

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.

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. **

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. **

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

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. **

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. **

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.

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.

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. **

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. **

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.

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.

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. **

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. **

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

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.