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.

Join us during the summer reading program for Toddler Time! We will be reading books, singings songs and rhymes, and doing activities.

This program is geared towards babies 0-2 years old. We will be reading board books and simpler picture books as well as doing lapsit activities that require participation from parents and caregivers, compared to Summer Storytime. Please bring your child to whichever storytime fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join us during the summer reading program for Summer Storytime! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a craft. This program is geared toward preschool through second grade. We will be reading slightly longer books and doing more complicated activities in this storytime than in Toddler Time. Please bring your child to whichever one fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join Mike to play Call of Cthulhu, King Arthur Pendragon, RuneQuest, and Castles & Crusades (Dungeons & Dragons 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 13 years or older.

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

We are so sorry but we have to postpone the program due to forecasted rain.  We are planning to do this program during Library Lawn Day on Thursday, June 8, 2-3pm.

Come join us as we plant flowers for the amphitheater outside the children's area. This program starts at 5pm, come ready to play in the dirt! This program is open to all ages. Registration is not required. 

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

Jesmyn Ward is the critically acclaimed author of fiction, nonfiction, and memoir, including bestselling Sing, Unburied, Sing, Salvage the Bones, and the memoir Men We Reaped. Her many honors include the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, a MacArthur Genius Grant, and a Strauss Living Award. In 2017, she became the first woman and first person of color to win the National Book Award for Fiction twice. The standout writer of her generation, Ward’s stories are largely set on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, where she grew up and still lives. A professor of creative writing at Tulane University, Ward’s latest book, Navigate Your Stars, is an adaptation of her 2018 commencement address at Tulane that championed the value of hard work. 

Register for this free virtual program here.

Join us outside on the north lawn next to the children's department door to play outside! Activities will change week to week, but some examples include bubbles, chalk, lawn games, and a water day near the end of the summer! (We will advertise this day a lot as it gets closer so patrons can bring a towel and wear clothes that are okay to get wet.) Popsicles will be handed out at the end of this program.

This program is open to all ages of children, but some activities will be easier for older elementary-aged children. Please call the library or ask Abbigail if you have any questions!

*Pending inclement or very hot weather, this program will be cancelled. We will advertise this on our Facebook page and website, so please check there or call the library if you have any questions on the day of the program!

Join us during the summer reading program for First Chapter Friday! During this program we will read the first chapter of a middle grade book, play games, and do an activity related to the book we have read. Some examples of activities we will do include painting, STEAM projects, and food experiments. If you have any questions about any activity in particular, please reach out to Abbigail or call the library. This program is geared towards third through fifth grade, but all ages are welcome. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

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. Chairs will be available in the community room during storytime. We welcome and encourage adults to participate in storytime with their child as much as possible. 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! 

Got a book you absolutely LOVE and want everyone to know about it? Then do it! At 11:30 am SPL will be hosting our 5 Star Reads Book Club. Feel free to drop by and recommend your favorite book or a book you recently read that you would rate 5 out of 5 stars.  It doesn't matter if it's fiction or non-fiction, biography or not, any genre you care to share. We want to know what you have read and why you loved it.

And hey, you never know, you might find your next 5 Star Read while you listen to someone else rave about theirs.

Join us during the summer reading program for Toddler Time! We will be reading books, singings songs and rhymes, and doing activities.

This program is geared towards babies 0-2 years old. We will be reading board books and simpler picture books as well as doing lapsit activities that require participation from parents and caregivers, compared to Summer Storytime. Please bring your child to whichever storytime fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join us during the summer reading program for Summer Storytime! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a craft. This program is geared toward preschool through second grade. We will be reading slightly longer books and doing more complicated activities in this storytime than in Toddler Time. Please bring your child to whichever one fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join Mike to play Call of Cthulhu, King Arthur Pendragon, RuneQuest, and Castles & Crusades (Dungeons & Dragons 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 13 years or older.

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

Join us at the library to learn about stars, constellations, Outerspace, and what these things have to do with ancient Greek mythology. We will be hosting a presentation from the Rockford Discovery Center who will be bringing their portable planetarium that we can walk inside of! This program is open to all ages. 

This program has two sessions: one at 5pm and one at 5:45pm. There is a limit of 30 people per session, so registration is available but not required to attend this program. We will call those who signed up ahead of time on Monday, June 12, to make sure they are still coming. If not, we will call anyone who has signed up on a waitlist. 

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

Because of another program, we will be meeting in the Genealogy Department for only this night.

¿No habla Espanol?

Let's remedy that and broaden your Spanish vocabulary.

2 days a week, Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Sterling Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Spanish course taught by Native Spanish Speaker Ana Lara. She has spent many years teaching children and even more teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Ana Lara is passionate about education and the Spanish language. All ages are welcome. We are fully aware that teaching children and adults requires a different approach and we are prepared for that.

If you're interested in learning a language for a minimal cost ($20), or are uncertain about your abilities to learn another language, this is the perfect time to test the waters. The registration fee of $20 is due on the first day of class, but can be paid anytime beforehand. Payment must be made at the library as it cannot be done online at this time. We accept cash, check, or card for your convenience.

To register please follow the link to our Google form.

https://forms.gle/1S32HhywvZWSNx2N7

For more info please speak with Adult Services Librarian Ben, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us outside on the north lawn next to the children's department door to play outside! Activities will change week to week, but some examples include bubbles, chalk, lawn games, and a water day near the end of the summer! (We will advertise this day a lot as it gets closer so patrons can bring a towel and wear clothes that are okay to get wet.) Popsicles will be handed out at the end of this program.

This program is open to all ages of children, but some activities will be easier for older elementary-aged children. Please call the library or ask Abbigail if you have any questions!

*Pending inclement or very hot weather, this program will be cancelled. We will advertise this on our Facebook page and website, so please check there or call the library if you have any questions on the day of the program!

¿No habla Espanol?

Let's remedy that and broaden your Spanish vocabulary.

2 days a week, Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Sterling Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Spanish course taught by Native Spanish Speaker Ana Lara. She has spent many years teaching children and even more teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Ana Lara is passionate about education and the Spanish language. All ages are welcome. We are fully aware that teaching children and adults requires a different approach and we are prepared for that.

If you're interested in learning a language for a minimal cost ($20), or are uncertain about your abilities to learn another language, this is the perfect time to test the waters. The registration fee of $20 is due on the first day of class, but can be paid anytime beforehand. Payment must be made at the library as it cannot be done online at this time. We accept cash, check, or card for your convenience.

To register please follow the link to our Google form.

https://forms.gle/1S32HhywvZWSNx2N7

For more info please speak with Adult Services Librarian Ben, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us during the summer reading program for First Chapter Friday! During this program we will read the first chapter of a middle grade book, play games, and do an activity related to the book we have read. Some examples of activities we will do include painting, STEAM projects, and food experiments. If you have any questions about any activity in particular, please reach out to Abbigail or call the library. This program is geared towards third through fifth grade, but all ages are welcome. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join us during the summer reading program for Toddler Time! We will be reading books, singings songs and rhymes, and doing activities.

This program is geared towards babies 0-2 years old. We will be reading board books and simpler picture books as well as doing lapsit activities that require participation from parents and caregivers, compared to Summer Storytime. Please bring your child to whichever storytime fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join us during the summer reading program for Summer Storytime! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a craft. This program is geared toward preschool through second grade. We will be reading slightly longer books and doing more complicated activities in this storytime than in Toddler Time. Please bring your child to whichever one fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join Mike to play Call of Cthulhu, King Arthur Pendragon, RuneQuest, and Castles & Crusades (Dungeons & Dragons 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 13 years or older.

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

Join Beth to make your own book safe! You can hide small items in plain sight in this cool item.

The library will provide old books for you to use, or you can bring your own in.  We will be using utility knives to cut the pages of the book, so be prepared to BE CAREFUL.  Because of this, only 6th - 12th graders are allowed.

While not literally after dark (because it is summer, yay!), please join us for this special edition of Lego Club this evening at 5pm. We will enjoy free play with Legos with our families. 

This program is a drop-in program (drop in whenever you can), so registration is not required. This program is open to all ages. 

Join us for a special evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer, the award-winning author of "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants." In this insightful and inspiring talk, Robin will share her unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humans and nature and the importance of recognizing and respecting the gifts of the earth. She will delve into her own experiences as a botanist, indigenous science professor, and environmental advocate, and offer insights into her journey of learning to listen to the voice of the natural world. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most important voices in the movement toward a more sustainable and equitable future and to be inspired to make positive changes in your own life and community.  

 Register for this free virtual program here.

¿No habla Espanol?

Let's remedy that and broaden your Spanish vocabulary.

2 days a week, Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Sterling Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Spanish course taught by Native Spanish Speaker Ana Lara. She has spent many years teaching children and even more teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Ana Lara is passionate about education and the Spanish language. All ages are welcome. We are fully aware that teaching children and adults requires a different approach and we are prepared for that.

If you're interested in learning a language for a minimal cost ($20), or are uncertain about your abilities to learn another language, this is the perfect time to test the waters. The registration fee of $20 is due on the first day of class, but can be paid anytime beforehand. Payment must be made at the library as it cannot be done online at this time. We accept cash, check, or card for your convenience.

To register please follow the link to our Google form.

https://forms.gle/1S32HhywvZWSNx2N7

For more info please speak with Adult Services Librarian Ben, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us outside on the north lawn next to the children's department door to play outside! Activities will change week to week, but some examples include bubbles, chalk, lawn games, and a water day near the end of the summer! (We will advertise this day a lot as it gets closer so patrons can bring a towel and wear clothes that are okay to get wet.) Popsicles will be handed out at the end of this program.

This program is open to all ages of children, but some activities will be easier for older elementary-aged children. Please call the library or ask Abbigail if you have any questions!

*Pending inclement or very hot weather, this program will be cancelled. We will advertise this on our Facebook page and website, so please check there or call the library if you have any questions on the day of the program!

¿No habla Espanol?

Let's remedy that and broaden your Spanish vocabulary.

2 days a week, Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Sterling Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Spanish course taught by Native Spanish Speaker Ana Lara. She has spent many years teaching children and even more teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Ana Lara is passionate about education and the Spanish language. All ages are welcome. We are fully aware that teaching children and adults requires a different approach and we are prepared for that.

If you're interested in learning a language for a minimal cost ($20), or are uncertain about your abilities to learn another language, this is the perfect time to test the waters. The registration fee of $20 is due on the first day of class, but can be paid anytime beforehand. Payment must be made at the library as it cannot be done online at this time. We accept cash, check, or card for your convenience.

To register please follow the link to our Google form.

https://forms.gle/1S32HhywvZWSNx2N7

For more info please speak with Adult Services Librarian Ben, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us during the summer reading program for First Chapter Friday! During this program we will read the first chapter of a middle grade book, play games, and do an activity related to the book we have read. Some examples of activities we will do include painting, STEAM projects, and food experiments. If you have any questions about any activity in particular, please reach out to Abbigail or call the library. This program is geared towards third through fifth grade, but all ages are welcome. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

The Library will be closed for Staff Training.

Join us during the summer reading program for Toddler Time! We will be reading books, singings songs and rhymes, and doing activities.

This program is geared towards babies 0-2 years old. We will be reading board books and simpler picture books as well as doing lapsit activities that require participation from parents and caregivers, compared to Summer Storytime. Please bring your child to whichever storytime fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join us during the summer reading program for Summer Storytime! We will be reading books, singing songs, doing activities, and creating a craft. This program is geared toward preschool through second grade. We will be reading slightly longer books and doing more complicated activities in this storytime than in Toddler Time. Please bring your child to whichever one fits their personality and needs best. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.

Join Mike to play Call of Cthulhu, King Arthur Pendragon, RuneQuest, and Castles & Crusades (Dungeons & Dragons 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 13 years or older.

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

Stop by the library to meet and read to therapy dogs! We will also have a vet visit the library to discuss what their job is like and to do check-ups for our stuffed animal friends. This event is for stuffed animal checkups, not live pets!

This program will take place downstairs in the children's department. This program is open to all ages. Registration is not required.

Join us at the library to discuss children's books with other adults who enjoy children's books! This meeting will be held monthly on the last Tuesday of each month.

For our June meeting we will be reading this year's Caldecott winner and honor books. Stop by the adult desk to pick up your set of five books.

Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds

Berry Song by Michaela Goade

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Hot Dog by Doug Salati

Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy

¿No habla Espanol?

Let's remedy that and broaden your Spanish vocabulary.

2 days a week, Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Sterling Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Spanish course taught by Native Spanish Speaker Ana Lara. She has spent many years teaching children and even more teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Ana Lara is passionate about education and the Spanish language. All ages are welcome. We are fully aware that teaching children and adults requires a different approach and we are prepared for that.

If you're interested in learning a language for a minimal cost ($20), or are uncertain about your abilities to learn another language, this is the perfect time to test the waters. The registration fee of $20 is due on the first day of class, but can be paid anytime beforehand. Payment must be made at the library as it cannot be done online at this time. We accept cash, check, or card for your convenience.

To register please follow the link to our Google form.

https://forms.gle/1S32HhywvZWSNx2N7

For more info please speak with Adult Services Librarian Ben, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us outside on the north lawn next to the children's department door to play outside! Activities will change week to week, but some examples include bubbles, chalk, lawn games, and a water day near the end of the summer! (We will advertise this day a lot as it gets closer so patrons can bring a towel and wear clothes that are okay to get wet.) Popsicles will be handed out at the end of this program.

This program is open to all ages of children, but some activities will be easier for older elementary-aged children. Please call the library or ask Abbigail if you have any questions!

*Pending inclement or very hot weather, this program will be cancelled. We will advertise this on our Facebook page and website, so please check there or call the library if you have any questions on the day of the program!

¿No habla Espanol?

Let's remedy that and broaden your Spanish vocabulary.

2 days a week, Thursday and Friday, from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Sterling Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Spanish course taught by Native Spanish Speaker Ana Lara. She has spent many years teaching children and even more teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Ana Lara is passionate about education and the Spanish language. All ages are welcome. We are fully aware that teaching children and adults requires a different approach and we are prepared for that.

If you're interested in learning a language for a minimal cost ($20), or are uncertain about your abilities to learn another language, this is the perfect time to test the waters. The registration fee of $20 is due on the first day of class, but can be paid anytime beforehand. Payment must be made at the library as it cannot be done online at this time. We accept cash, check, or card for your convenience.

To register please follow the link to our Google form.

https://forms.gle/1S32HhywvZWSNx2N7

For more info please speak with Adult Services Librarian Ben, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us during the summer reading program for First Chapter Friday! During this program we will read the first chapter of a middle grade book, play games, and do an activity related to the book we have read. Some examples of activities we will do include painting, STEAM projects, and food experiments. If you have any questions about any activity in particular, please reach out to Abbigail or call the library. This program is geared towards third through fifth grade, but all ages are welcome. 

*Children do not need to be participating in the summer reading program to attend this program. Registration is not required.