Lincoln Library, The Public Library of Springfield, IL

05/28/2026

Calling all middle school and high school writers! The “3 Hot Days in August” Essay Contest invites students entering grades 6–8 and 9–12 to explore the lasting impact of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot and its aftermath.
This year’s theme, 'The Aftermath", encourages students to reflect on questions like: How did the riot change Springfield socially, politically, or physically? What impact did it have on Black residents, neighborhoods, and institutions? How does the legacy of 1908 still shape our community today?
We invite students to thoughtfully engage with this important moment in history through historical research, personal reflection, or creative storytelling.

More info here: https://www.uis.edu/sangamon-experience/sangamon-experience-programs/education-resources

🔥 History. Voice. Impact. 🔥

The “3 Hot Days in August” Essay Contest invites students to explore the legacy of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot and why remembering history still matters today.
📝 Theme: The Aftermath
📅 Deadline: July 17, 2026
🎓 Open to grades 6–12
💰 Cash prizes for top essays

Tell your story. Share your perspective. Make history part of the future.
📲 Submit your essay here: https://forms.uofi.uis.edu/sec/1700918905

05/28/2026

Kick off Summer Reading with Plant a Seed, Read! Join us on the Library Plaza on June 1st for a Planting Party! We’re working with dirt AND paint, so dress for a mess!
More info here: https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/event/summer-reading-kickoff-35407

05/27/2026

Plant a Seed - Read! Sign up for Summer Reading at Lincoln Library today! https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/attend/summer-reading

05/27/2026

Have you signed up for Summer Reading 2026, yet? If not, what are you waiting for? More info here: https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/attend/summer-reading

05/25/2026

We may be closed, but don't let that stop you from finding your next great summer read: https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/download-stream

05/24/2026

Come see us at Lincoln Library this week!

05/20/2026

Stop being obsessed, Harry… (but honestly, keep going).

05/19/2026

Just a reminder that we will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. Online streaming serices will be availble: https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/download-stream

05/18/2026

Just in time for Pride month, the Gale Archives of Sexuality and Gender now have more issues of the digitized Prairie Flame newspaper!

Search and browse image editions of the Prairie Flame, a newspaper that reported "news of interest to the Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered people of downstate Illinois and those who support them in their quest for equality."

Published in Springfield, issues run from 1996-2008. Gale Archives of Sexuality and Gender is a featured database on the SVC page. Check it out:
https://galeapps.gale.com/apps/auth?userGroupName=lincoln_main&origURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.gale.com%2Fps%2FaboutJournal.do%3FactionString%3DDO_DISPLAY_ABOUT_PAGE%26searchType%3DPublicationSearchForm%26docId%3DGALE%257C3BXM%26inPS%3Dtrue%26u%3Dlincoln_main%26p%3DAHSI&prodId=AHSI

05/18/2026

Hey, Summer Reading fans, we have great news: Reader Zone is officially OPEN for the season!
You can now:
✅ Sign in to your existing account from last summer
✅ Create a new account if you didn't participate last year
✅ Start joining reading challenges and logging books

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Most participants already have an account from last year, so you likely will not need to create a new one. If you cannot remember your password, try using: levelup!

If that password does not work, you will need to contact Reader Zone directly at [email protected] for assistance. Lincoln Library staff are unable to reset Reader Zone passwords.

Happy reading, everyone! More info here: https://www.lincolnlibrary.info/attend/summer-reading