Caraway seeds are the dried fruits of the Carum carvi plant, which belongs to the parsley family. Native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa, these crescent-shaped brown seeds are commonly used as a spice. They have a warm, slightly sweet flavor with hints of anise, fennel, and citrus, offering a pungent, earthy taste with a touch of peppery licorice. […]
To our amazing Algonquin community of gardeners, thank you for making our 2025 Seed Library season a sprouting success! It seems that you liked the new style put together by our team this season, and we hope your garden is thriving and full of life. From the moment the first packets went out to the final few picked up, your […]
AAPLD welcomes local artist Laura Ortoleva, whose work will be displayed on the Art Wall at the Main Library during May. A resident of Algonquin Township, Laura is an award winning political cartoonist, editorial illustrator and fine artist, whose work has been exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, and at the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign. Laura’s art is […]
May’s Library Reads selections are here, full of great suggestions for your summer to-be-read list! For AAPLD cardholders who’ve signed up for the 2025 Reading Marathon 26 book challenge, we’ve highlighted books that fit our Reading Marathon categories. Chosen by librarians across the country as their favorite new releases for the month of May, these books will keep you reading long […]
Cardamom is an aromatic spice from the ginger family with a warm, sweet, and citrusy flavor. It is widely used in cooking, baking, beverages, and traditional medicine. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, but also cultivated in Guatemala, Nepal, and Tanzania, with Guatemala as the top producer. Culinary Uses: enhances chai, coffee, spiced hot chocolate, and cocktails; […]
In April, AAPLD is delighted to display entries in The Land Conservancy of McHenry County’s Amateur Photo Contest. Each year amateur photographers are invited to participate in this annual contest highlighting the inspiring nature of The Land Conservancy’s preservation work. The goal is to share the beautiful and immense natural diversity found throughout McHenry County. The photos were taken at […]
April showers bring May flowers, plus a bouquet of great new Library Reads! For AAPLD cardholders who’ve signed up for the 2025 Reading Marathon 26 book challenge, we’ve highlighted books that fit our Reading Marathon categories. Chosen by librarians across the country as their favorite new releases for the month of April, these books will keep you reading long into […]
Got a book idea rattling around in your head? Maybe there’s a story you’re just dying to read, but no one has written it…yet! Mystery, memoir, romance, thriller, or maybe, all of the above– give your creativity free reign this summer with the popular Summer Writing Workshop Series! A partnership between Algonquin Area Public Library and the Algonquin Area Writers […]
Spend an evening with author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela, Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00 pm, at the Luecht Auditorium at McHenry County College, for a fun and fascinating talk about our favorite (and not-so-favorite!) birds. Challenge what you think you know about common birds such as the European Starling, and the American Crow, for a new perspective and […]
How’s your Reading Marathon Challenge going? For AAPLD cardholders who’ve signed up for the 26 book challenge, we’re always ready with suggestions. Starting this month, through November 2025, our Library Reads posts will highlight books that fit our Reading Marathon categories. Chosen by librarians across the country as their favorite new releases, these books will keep you reading long into […]
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