The Galesburg Public Library offers a variety of programs for adults, including book and movie discussions, craft and coloring programs, and author events. We also offer programs that are for all ages. If you have a question about or a suggestion for a program, please email us at reference@galesburglibrary.org or call us at (309) 343-6118.
Attendance at library programs and events and participating in library-related activities constitutes consent to be photographed for Galesburg Public Library publicity purposes. If you do not wish to have your picture taken, let a staff member know at the event.
The board of trustees meets monthly on the first Thursday at 4:30 pm in the Sanderson Room at the library. The meetings are open to the public. Board meeting minutes and agenda are available online and at the library.
DECEMBER’S SELECTION: And Put Away Childish Things by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Harry has a famous grandmother who wrote beloved children’s books set in the delightful world of Underhill. For Harry, the family history seems to be nothing but an impediment … or worse. What if Underhill is real and has been waiting decades for a promised child to visit? And what if it isn’t delightful at all?
The discussion will take place at a private home (260 E Fremont St). Bring a drink and a dish to share if you like. Copies of the book can be checked out at the library.
DECEMBER’S SELECTION: Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commutingby Clare Pooley
Nobody ever talks to strangers on the train. It’s a rule. But what would happen if they did? Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley explores what happens when an eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common except their commute discover that a chance encounter can blossom into much more.
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. The Tuesday/Thursday book club discusses the same book. You do not need to attend both sessions. Newcomers welcome!
The Galesburg Community Arts Center and the Galesburg Public Library are collaborating with Illinois Humanities on an NEA Big Read in 2023-2024. More than 15 libraries, nonprofits, and community groups across Illinois are hosting free book groups for Reconsidering the American Dream.*
The 2023-2024 NEA Big Read program through Illinois Humanities features two titles about the American dream, class, and inequality: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. Galesburg has 10 copies of these two titles to give away, and additional copies will be available for checkout. We will discuss Heartland in December and January and Infinite Country in February and March. Please email reference@galesburglibrary.org for free copies of the books (while supplies last). Copies will be available for checkout on the book club shelves about one month before each discussion.
The first discussion of Heartland will be on December 13 at 6:00 PM at the Galesburg Community Arts Center.
DECEMBER’S SELECTION: Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commutingby Clare Pooley
Nobody ever talks to strangers on the train. It’s a rule. But what would happen if they did? Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley explores what happens when an eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common except their commute discover that a chance encounter can blossom into much more.
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. The Tuesday/Thursday book club discusses the same book. You do not need to attend both sessions. Newcomers welcome!
The movie group meets in the late afternoon or early evening once a month on the third Tuesday to watch a new movie at the AMC (usually). The group sees movies based on books or otherwise connected to literature whenever possible.
A discussion at Culver’s or Perkin’s on Henderson Street follows (or, occasionally, precedes) the movie viewing. Movie titles and times are announced about one week in advance, when the theater posts its upcoming schedule.
Send an email to reference@galesburglibrary.org to be added to the Movie Club’s email distribution list. Newcomers are always welcome! If you let library staff know in advance that you are attending for the first time, we’ll keep an eye out for you. Both the movie and the restaurant are pay-your-own-way.
