For information about our 2023 Summer Reading Program, please visit this page on our website!
Storytime Survey for Fall 2023
Starting this fall, we will go back to doing Preschool Storytime one day per week, and we would like your input in choosing the day that is best for as many patrons as possible. We are also considering doing Saturday Storytime more than once per month. Please click on this link or ask at the children's desk to fill out a survey. Thank you so much for your support and input!
Regular Yearlong Programs:
SPL Picture Book Bundles - Similarly to SPL Subscription Book Boxes, staff will choose up to 8 picture books each month to support your child's reading needs and interests. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and any other patron with a library card are welcome to use this service for their unique needs. To sign up, simply fill out this survey.
Books will be selected once each month, a notification will be sent to you, and the books will be available for pick up for 3 days. Books will be checked out for the regular amount of time (two weeks). If you would like to receive a Picture Book Bundle monthly, please return your canvas bag to the library with your name on it. If you have any questions please contact the Children's Librarian, Abbigail, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the library.
Anyone with a library card from Sterling Public Library, Rock Falls Public Library, Dixon Public Library, Milledgeville Public Library, and the local schools may participate in this program, but we ask that the bundles are picked up at and the bags are returned to the Sterling Public Library.
Preschool Storytime – Join Ms. Abbigail for storytime every Monday morning from 10-10:45am. We will sing songs and rhymes, read books, play games, and make a craft. These storytimes are geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. We will have chairs available for the adults accompanying children, and adults are welcome and encouraged to participate in the songs and rhymes with their children.
Saturday Storytime - Starting in September 2022, we will have a Saturday Storytime at the library from 10-10:30am on the second Saturday of each month. This storytime will be geared towards children preschool through first grade, but all ages are welcome. During this storytime, we will read books, sing songs and rhymes, and play games. As of right now this storytime will not include a craft, but that may change in the future. We are excited to have this storytime available for patrons who work or have other obligations during the week, and we look forward to sharing a fun Saturday morning with you and your family!
From the Stacks – Children's Librarian, Abbigail, recommends middle grade and picture books in short videos. Check out our YouTube page. You can also find all of Abbigail's videos on this page. Teen Librarian, Beth also makes videos about children's books.
Lego Club – Our library volunteer Don runs our Lego club on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10-10:45am. These are duplicate programs; you may register for either date, but not both. It is for school aged children, and registration is required. You can register by calling the library or stopping by the children’s desk. Participants get to create whatever they like, and at the end of each Lego Club meeting, participants display their creations in the display case in the children’s area until the next meeting. The Lego Club schedule for Fall 2022 is now available on the Programming Calendar.
Past Programs
In addition to our regular programs, we try to have various special programs throughout the year. Some of our past programs include reading with therapy dogs from QC CAN, upcycling crafts for Earth Day, Star Wars bingo for Superhero and Star Wars Day, a birthday party for the Sterling Public Library, live animals from Hoo Haven, take home craft bags, virtual author visits, reading scary stories to older kids in October, stuffed animal sleepovers, and more.
If you ever have any questions about programs or suggestions for new programs, please reach out to Abbigail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the library at 815-625-1370. We love to hear your recommendations and provide events that the public would enjoy. Thank you!