Multiple Ages:

Winter Reindeer Party

Thursday, December 11

5:30 – 7:30 PM
at SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave

See and Learn About Real Reindeer from Show Me Reindeer!
Enjoy Hot Cocoa & Cookies!

Photographs may be taken at all events and activities and used for publicity purposes.

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

Winter Reading Dragons

Join our Reading Challenge Open to Children and Teens

Read to earn Cards. Collect, trade & Play the Game! Get special cards at select library events!

Register on the Beanstack app. Challenge starts December 1, 2025!

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

Do you live in 62040 and need tax help?

Free Tax Preparation – By Appointment Only

February 10 – April 15, 2026

2001 Delmar Ave

Registration Opens January 14

Call 618-452-6238 Ext 730 for appointments or more information

The program is designed to help individuals and families with an annual income of less than $68,000.

Moms Meet Up

1st Friday of Month
Starting February 6
11 AM
SMRLD,  2001 Delmar Ave

A new moms support group. Share your feelings and concerns with other moms in a supportive environment.

As a partnership with the Madison County Alliance for Children and Families, an Alliance member or library staff will be available to facilitate discussion.

Toys for little ones will be available.
**This program is not a replacement for mental health services.

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

December 17, January 21, & February 18

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

Tuesday, December 16 from 1-3PM – Rescheduled from Dec 24
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

December: Flying Reindeer
January: Newspaper Structures
February: Tangrams
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

Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers

Fridays, December 12 & 26
Fridays, January 9 & 23
Fridays, February 13 & 27

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, December 20
Saturday, January 17
Saturday, February 21

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:

December 18, January 15, and February 19
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

Winter Reading Dragon Party

Saturday, January 24
3 PM
SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave

Open to kids, grades K-6
Enjoy dragon themed games, crafts, and snacks. Plus get special Reading Dragon Cards!

Lunar New Year Crafts & Games

Tuesday, February 17
4:30 PM
SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave

Make a Year of the Horse Craft, Learn a Lion Dance, Chopstick Games, Red Envelopes & Snacks

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, 2001 Delmar Ave
&
Thursdays at 2 PM
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

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!