Sat. 4 Jun, 2022

Natural Garden Remedies

Sat. 4 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Kick off your gardening season making a hand scrub, bug spray, garden stone marker, seed tape and seed starter.  $5 fee for all.  Drop in workshop from 10am - noon on Saturday, June 4 at the Sterling Public Library. Presented by Whiteside County Master Gardeners.

 

Mon. 6 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: Preschool

Mon. 6 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week one of the summer reading program to learn about gardening! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a craft about gardening. This program is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.  

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Role-Playing Game Club

Mon. 6 Jun, 2022 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join Mike to play Pathfinder 1st Edition. They will meet each Monday from 3:30-7:30 in the Sterling Public Library's conference room.  This is open to anyone 12 years or older.

Pathfinder is a rich and complex fantasy Role-Playing Game that uses the same d20 ruleset at the core of Dungeons & Dragons. Players take on the role of heroic adventurers, often explorers and scholars employed by the Pathfinder Society, who travel the world solving problems, unravelling mysteries and collecting treasure.

Feel free to email Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Tue. 7 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: K-2nd grade

Tue. 7 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week one of the summer reading program to learn about gardening! During this program we will read books about gardening, learn about urban gardens, and create a tissue paper flower craft. This program is geared toward kindergarten through second graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary.  

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Summer Reading: 3rd - 5th grade

Tue. 7 Jun, 2022 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Join us during week one of the summer reading program to learn about gardening! During this program we will read books about gardening, learn about urban gardens, and create homemade seed bombs to make and share with family and friends. This program is geared toward third through fifth graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary. 

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Summer Reading: 6th - 8th grade

Tue. 7 Jun, 2022 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Is art your favorite class? Do you find yourself doodling without thinking about it? Whether you have lots of art experience or none, sixth through eighth graders are invited to come to the library and learn about different drawing and collage techniques. We will explore different techniques, look at examples, and have free time to practice our new skills. All materials are provided, but participants should feel free to bring specific materials they would like to work with.  

*Participants do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Library Board Meeting

Tue. 7 Jun, 2022 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

To see meeting agenda and meeting details for library (and City of Sterling) board meetings, click here.

Sat. 11 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading Program Kick-Off

Sat. 11 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Come join Whiteside County Master Gardeners and plant flowers for the amphitheater outside of the children’s area.  Learn why flowers are important and what they need to survive.  This program starts at 10AM, come ready to play in the dirt!

Other activities to celebrate the beginning of the summer reading program will include indoor library mini-golf, a scavenger hunt, and more! 

This event is for all children and their families.

library courtyard 2017 003

Pride Month Storytime with PFLAG Sauk Valley

Sat. 11 Jun, 2022 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Celebrate Pride Month at the library with picture book stories and crafts! This storytime will be led by PFLAG Sauk Valley, and it is open to children and families of all ages.

PFLAG Sauk Valley is a local chapter of PFLAG National. Their mission is to promote advocacy, educate and support the LGBTQ+ community, their allies, and their families. Please visit their website at https://www.pflagsaukvalley.org/ for more information.

Mon. 13 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: Preschool

Mon. 13 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week two of the summer reading program for the theme of camping! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a craft about camping. This program is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.  

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Role-Playing Game Club

Mon. 13 Jun, 2022 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join Mike to play Pathfinder 1st Edition. They will meet each Monday from 3:30-7:30 in the Sterling Public Library's conference room.  This is open to anyone 12 years or older.

Pathfinder is a rich and complex fantasy Role-Playing Game that uses the same d20 ruleset at the core of Dungeons & Dragons. Players take on the role of heroic adventurers, often explorers and scholars employed by the Pathfinder Society, who travel the world solving problems, unravelling mysteries and collecting treasure.

Feel free to email Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Tue. 14 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: K-2nd grade

Tue. 14 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week two of the summer reading program for the theme of camping! During this program we will read books and learn about camping and create a craft using items found in nature. This program is geared toward kindergarten through second graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary.  

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Summer Reading: 3rd - 5th grade

Tue. 14 Jun, 2022 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Join us during week two of the summer reading program for the theme of camping! During this program we will read books about camping and hiking and create a nature suncatcher. This program is geared toward third through fifth graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary. 

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Teen Game Night

Tue. 14 Jun, 2022 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

All 6th - 12 graders are welcome to join us for games, snacks, and discussion.  No registration required, just show up to the conference room!

Sat. 18 Jun, 2022

Local Author Storytime with Judy Schmidt

Sat. 18 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Join us for storytime to listen to stories written by local author Judy Schmidt. She will be reading her two children's books, No Pets Allowed and Let's Go 'Round the Alpha-Bug Town. There will also be a craft at the end of storytime, and her books will be available for purchase. 

Judy Schmidt has been writing stories since she was a child, and when she became an adult she wrote for Sauk Valley News, Freeport Journal Standard, Rockford Register Star, and more. She has written two picture books, and she is currently working on two chapter books, for kids ages 10 to 14, called Halfway Home and The Kane Kids First Great Adventure as well as a series of short stories for adults called Eerie Encounters

Mon. 20 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: Preschool

Mon. 20 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week three of the summer reading program to learn about bugs! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a caterpillar craft. This program is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.  

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Role-Playing Game Club

Mon. 20 Jun, 2022 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join Mike to play Pathfinder 1st Edition. They will meet each Monday from 3:30-7:30 in the Sterling Public Library's conference room.  This is open to anyone 12 years or older.

Pathfinder is a rich and complex fantasy Role-Playing Game that uses the same d20 ruleset at the core of Dungeons & Dragons. Players take on the role of heroic adventurers, often explorers and scholars employed by the Pathfinder Society, who travel the world solving problems, unravelling mysteries and collecting treasure.

Feel free to email Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Tue. 21 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: K-2nd grade

Tue. 21 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week three of the summer reading program to learn about bugs! During this program we will read books about bugs, learn about beneficial insects and metamorphosis, and create a bumblebee craft. This program is geared toward kindergarten through second graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary.    

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Summer Reading: 3rd - 5th grade

Tue. 21 Jun, 2022 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Join us during week three of the summer reading program to learn about bugs! During this program we will read books about bugs, learn about beneficial insects, and create homemade bug hotels. This program is geared toward third through fifth graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary.

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Summer Reading: 6th - 8th grade

Tue. 21 Jun, 2022 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Do you have something that needs to be said? Do you love writing stories, poems, or secrets in your journal? No matter what you love, hate, or have experienced, there could be a zine for that! Sixth through eighth graders are invited to learn what a zine is, how to make one, and why they are the coolest. We will look at examples of other artists’ zines, learn how to make zines, and have time to create our own.

*Participants do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Wed. 22 Jun, 2022

Illinois Libraries Present Chef Kwame Onwuachi

Wed. 22 Jun, 2022 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

An Evening with Chef Kwame Onwuachi

Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. CST | Zoom

A James-Beard award-winning chef, Onwuachi opened five restaurants before turning thirty. He was a 2015 Top Chef contestant and can currently be seen judging Food Network's Chopped. In 2021, Onwuachi became the youngest Executive Producer at Food & Wine magazine. He will present on his exciting career in food, as chronicled in his bestselling memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef. 

Click the link below to register for this free program:
https://bit.ly/June22_KwameOnwuachi

Sat. 25 Jun, 2022

Intro to Theatre Workshop 4th-5th grade

Sat. 25 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Come learn about the basics of theatre in a fun and energetic environment! Participants will be led through a variety of drama games, acting and movement exercises, and hands-on creative activities to aid them in learning about the basics of theatre, performing, and building self-confidence. From the history of theatre to auditions and improvisation, everyone will be able to find something they enjoy in this introductory workshop. 

Kayla Lansing is a theatre professional and drama therapist currently living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She received her BA in theatre from St. Ambrose University and her MA in drama therapy from Kansas State University. Kayla has experience with a wide variety of different theatre styles and types, including classical, musical theatre, improvisation, and puppetry. Kayla has spent the last six years teaching theatre camps, workshops, and classes on the side while earning her college degrees and becoming a full-time therapist. Some of Kayla’s favorite performances include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Parade, The Tempest, Cabaret, and Stop Kiss. 

*Registration is not required for this event, but there is a cap at 30 students per workshop. If you would like to register to save your spot you can call the library at 815-625-1370 or stop by the children’s desk. 

Intro to Theatre Workshop 6th-8th grade

Sat. 25 Jun, 2022 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Come learn about the basics of theatre in a fun and energetic environment! Participants will be led through a variety of drama games, acting and movement exercises, and hands-on creative activities to aid them in learning about the basics of theatre, performing, and building self-confidence. From the history of theatre to auditions and improvisation, everyone will be able to find something they enjoy in this introductory workshop. 

Kayla Lansing is a theatre professional and drama therapist currently living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She received her BA in theatre from St. Ambrose University and her MA in drama therapy from Kansas State University. Kayla has experience with a wide variety of different theatre styles and types, including classical, musical theatre, improvisation, and puppetry. Kayla has spent the last six years teaching theatre camps, workshops, and classes on the side while earning her college degrees and becoming a full-time therapist. Some of Kayla’s favorite performances include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Parade, The Tempest, Cabaret, and Stop Kiss. 

*Registration is not required for this event, but there is a cap at 30 students per workshop. If you would like to register to save your spot you can call the library at 815-625-1370 or stop by the children’s desk. 

Mon. 27 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: Preschool

Mon. 27 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week four of the summer reading program to learn about bears! During this program we will read books and do a craft about bears. This program is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. 

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Role-Playing Game Club

Mon. 27 Jun, 2022 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join Mike to play Pathfinder 1st Edition. They will meet each Monday from 3:30-7:30 in the Sterling Public Library's conference room.  This is open to anyone 12 years or older.

Pathfinder is a rich and complex fantasy Role-Playing Game that uses the same d20 ruleset at the core of Dungeons & Dragons. Players take on the role of heroic adventurers, often explorers and scholars employed by the Pathfinder Society, who travel the world solving problems, unravelling mysteries and collecting treasure.

Feel free to email Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Tue. 28 Jun, 2022

Summer Reading: K-2nd grade

Tue. 28 Jun, 2022 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Join us during week four of the summer reading program to learn about bears! During this program we will read books and learn about bears and create a binoculars craft. This program is geared toward kindergarten through second graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary.   

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Summer Reading: 3rd - 5th grade

Tue. 28 Jun, 2022 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Join us during week four of the summer reading program to learn about bears! During this program we will read books and learn about bears. We will also be learning about how Eric Carle created his famous art style and create our own versions of that style. This program is geared toward third through fifth graders, but the library can accommodate different ages if necessary. 

*Children do not need to register or be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. 

Thu. 30 Jun, 2022

Illinois Libraries Present Jennifer Zauner

Thu. 30 Jun, 2022 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

An Evening with Michelle Zauner

Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m. CST | Zoom

Fresh off a tour with her band Japanese Breakfast, Michelle will join an ILP conversation exploring the intersection of food, culture, family, identity, and loss, lovingly chronicled in her bestselling memoir, Crying in H Mart.

Click the link below to register for this free program:
https://bit.ly/May18_MichelleZauner