Elmhurst Public Library

06/01/2026

is so happy that Summer Reading is finally here! Kids can pick up a reading log (featuring our favorite fox bestie) at the Help Desk. Plant a Seed, Read!

05/30/2026

Make Your Summer Count! Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to use the Library and rack up points! Whether you're reading or listening to books, visiting the Makery, enjoying the Library's many spaces, or connecting with others, it all counts!

Each activity you log on Beanstack earns you a chance to win a $100 Elmhurst City Centre gift card.

Details at elmlib.org/summer.

05/29/2026

Author Kate DiCamillo, who gave the world The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and the Mercy Watson Series, still loves Summer Reading programs at public libraries. We couldn't agree more — lose yourself in reading, preferably with a dog or cat by your side. 🐹🐱

elmlib.org/summer

I'm a year-round reader, but I still love to think of summer reading.
When I was a kid, I went to the public library's summer reading programming.
And I spent a lot of time in a tree fort in our backyard, happily lost in books.
I hope (for kids and adults) that you all have a hammock, a tree fort, a library or a quiet nook where you can give yourself over to summer reading.
P.S. Every book is better if you read with a dog (or (okay!) a cat) at your side.

Here are a few books I have been reading and recommending:

Noodles on a Bicycle, by Kyo Maclear and Illustrated by Gracey Zhang
This is a fantastic read-aloud and also features mesmerizing, kinetic art. The impossible happens right before our eyes. Plus, it begins and ends with noodles.

Fireworks written by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien
Winner of the Caldecott Medal and a love letter to summer. Radiant, beguiling, timeless.

The Peter Rabbit Library by Beatrix Potter
These books charmed me as a kid, and I find them just as beguiling as an adult.
Perfect for curling up and reading in a tree house, or on a front porch.

Birdy by N. West Moss
This novel about Birdy and her brother Mouse is a book about loving the world, and learning to let yourself be loved in return.

For adults:
Whistler by Ann Patchett
What can I say? Ann is the best there is. This book will make you believe in the world again.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
Published in 1982, I remember reading it on the beach in Florida. I revisited it early this summer for the first time, and I realized I have carried the book in my heart for all of those years. Definitely worth revisiting.

05/28/2026

Kate, a business owner in Elmhurst, has a new passion project: upcycling men's shirts and reimagining them as womenswear. She walks us through her process and reveals why working on projects in the Makery outranks tackling DIY projects at home.

05/26/2026

EPL Seed Library Success Story: Look at these beet seedlings, already growing in a community member's garden! Seeds are amazing!
elmlib.org/SeedLibrary

05/25/2026

The Library is closed today, in honor of all the men and women who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

05/23/2026

This Memorial Day honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
Explore Kanopy’s special Memorial Day Collection and share meaningful stories with your
community. Stream now: kanopy.com/category/48946

05/22/2026

"Newspapers.com is great for both genealogy and family history. Lately I've been finding articles on my great aunt, who has dementia, to help spark old memories. If your family lived in a small town this is especially fun because those newspapers will publish pretty much anything, from who was in the hospital to who ate dinner at someone else's house." — Jez

elmlib.org/newspapers

05/21/2026

Other duties as assigned: Deconstructing a sewing machine wasn't in the job description, but sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and get the job done. EPL's Makery staff are problem solvers — keeping up with maintenance and minor repairs on the many types of equipment in the makerspace.