Ida Public Library in Belvidere, Illinois

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

Dive into the world of comics with Do Art Productions’ 2-hour interactive Comic Book Workshop! Participants, ages 12-17, explore the unique languages of comics, from expressive eyes and body posture to dynamic speech bubbles, learning how storytelling and visual cues work together to bring characters to life.

Register on our website at idapubliclibrary.org or click the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXXtt4pjvSjP9SYO7ImkxLcPmawIYYhyHzbC4sxE3PbaDCfQ/viewform

09/14/2026

We have another busy week happening at Ida! There is still room left for tonight’s True Crime Author Bob Cyphers at 6pm - you won’t want to miss it!

Visit our website at idapubliclibrary.org under the Events tab for more information.

We can’t wait to see you this week at Ida!

09/11/2026

Your true crime obsession has officially found its next event and it’s FREE!

There are a few more spots available! Join us at Ida on Monday, September 14 at 6 PM for an evening with true crime author Bob Cyphers!

A Normal, Illinois native, Bob spent 40 years investigating murders and crimes as an award-winning CBS journalist. He’ll share stories from his career, talk about his books, and give us a behind-the-scenes look at how true crime investigations really work.

Register by visiting our website under the “Events” tab or this by using this link: https://forms.gle/N5vjDUGqvd1NiLU2A

Can’t make it to Bob Cyphers but enjoy True Crime? Check out our True Crime Book Club! More information on our website.

09/11/2026

. On this somber day in our country's history, we wanted to feature Matthew McConaughey and his charitable work assisting First Responders and victims of 9/11. Matthew and his wife, Camilla, helped feed First Responders during this tragic disaster. They also participate in and help fund the Cantor Fitzgerald/BBC Partners Charity Day held every year on this auspicious date. Recall that the Cantor Fitzgerald Comapny was located on the 101st to 105th floors of the North Tower and lost 658 of their 960 employees. Their Relief Fund provided financial assistance to the grieving families, 10 years of health insurance, tuition for children of employees, and job assistance. Today, their efforts have expanded to help many other victims of disasters and emergencies with 100% of todays fundraising going towards relief assistance. Matthew and Camilla also fund many other programs to ensure high school students graduate. "Greenlights" is Matthew's 2020 memoir, detailing his life and belief in helping his fellow mankind.

09/11/2026

On September 10, 1947, students inaugurated the first driving course at Belvidere High School. The push was made after an alarming increase in automobile accidents. The test car, a cream-colored 1947 Ford, was presented to student by Ronald Manley of Manley Motors Sales Company during a school gathering at the Community Building auditorium. Safety officer, Sergeant DePue, of the State Department of Public Safety spoke to the students about the importance of safe driving. Dean Carter was the first instructor of this safe driving course.

Pictured is the addition of a new training car in 1952. This car was presented by the C. J. Wolf (left) of Wolf Chevrolet Sales, sponsored by the Chicago Motor Club. Also in the photo are Principal Virgil McAllister (right), Chicago Motor Club district manager E. H. Stassen (center), and auto instructor Bernard Knauer (seated in the vehicle).

09/10/2026

Today is the day! One of our favorite K9 Duos, Sgt Rosenkranz & K9 Officer Ares, will be here tonight for a demonstration on the lawn. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, and get ready for a great show!

This program is free and does not require registration. See you soon!

09/09/2026

We have loved having some special guests for First Responder’s Month! We had Deputy Young from the Sheriff’s Department and Belvidere Fire Department join us so far.

Family Night with the First Responders is coming up on Monday, September 28th at 6pm. Register on our website or by using the link below to join in the fun!

Can’t make it to the library? Feel free to call our Dial A Story featuring First Responders! Dial (815) 668-0668 anytime, anywhere.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfMSNPvkDuu_tZvyTKh0Zh-WYgWzOrEpGJ-ptbbS-AK0dT0g/viewform?usp=header

09/09/2026

Our Director came back from vacation to discover we have a new employee: Sparky!

He was here with an important message: know your fire safety, stay safe, and don’t forget to visit the library!

09/09/2026

Take a break from all your stress Wed night at 6 pm and come listen to reknowned researcher and author Chad Lewis as he tells us about the mysterious creatures he has investigated throughout Illinois! Chad is an expert in all types of oddities. He has been researching for over 30 years and is a regular commentator on William Shatner's "The Unexplained" tv show. This is your chance to meet him in person for Free! No library card needed. You can register using this link: https://forms.gle/keqCSkb3Q2kVLpMcA
Not sure if you can make it and hestiate to register? Just show up and sign in. We will make room for you! Ida Public Library lower level meeting room.