Algonquin Library Adult Services

Spice Club – November 2026 – Star Anise

November 2, 2026

Known for its eye-catching eight-pointed shape, star anise is the dried fruit of a small evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China. Despite its similar sweet, licorice-like flavor, it is not related to European anise or fennel. Used in cooking and traditional medicine for thousands of years, star anise is a key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder and […]

(Not) Lost In Translation

October 31, 2026

Find books in Spanish, Polish and Ukrainian in our growing World Language Collection! We have translated works from favorite English-language authors, plus books by top Spanish, Polish and Ukrainian authors. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us! Your library card lets you access materials from over 30 area libraries, which can be shipped to AALPD for convenient pick-up. We […]

VOTE! (at your library) [2026 Election]

October 21, 2026

Did you know that AAPLD’s Main Library on Harnish Drive is a McHenry County early voting site? Beginning Oct. 19, our downstairs program room will be an early voting polling place for voters registered in McHenry County, regardless of their home precinct. Early voting polling place hours are: Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23: 8:30 am – 4 pm […]

Meet October’s Artist of the Month

October 14, 2026

A tragic loss in her teens has brought a uniquely personal perspective to Pamela Sage’s work as a portrait photographer. “My dad died when I was only 15. He wasn’t in most of my childhood photographs, not because he wasn’t there, but because he was the person behind the camera. I don’t want other families to someday realize that someone important […]

Spice Club – October 2026 – Pumpkin Pie Spice

October 2, 2026

Despite its name, pumpkin pie spice contains no pumpkin! It is a blend traditionally made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, although recipes vary. It was created as a way to combine the spices commonly used in pumpkin pie. The blend has been part of American cooking for generations. Early American pumpkin recipes used spices such as ginger, nutmeg, […]

Join 100 Books After Retirement

September 17, 2026

Congratulations, you’re retired! Whether it was a week ago, a year ago, or even longer, take advantage of this new chapter by making reading a part of your life. Our newest challenge, 100 Books After Retirement, makes it easy and fun to work your way through a lengthy to-be-read list, or build a reading habit, even if you never had […]

Meet September’s Artist of the Month!

September 5, 2026

In 2010, Deanne Mroz had a successful career in advertising, when a contest win started her on a brand new path. After being chosen as the Grand Prize Winner in the Amazon Kindle Commercial Contest, she took her prize winnings (Amazon gift cards) and spent them on a brand new DSLR camera, so she could learn photography. After taking photography […]

Spice Club – September 2026 – Tajín

September 1, 2026

Tajín is a popular Mexican seasoning made with a blend of mild chile peppers, lime, and sea salt. It has a bright, tangy flavor with mild heat and is designed to enhance food rather than overwhelm it. Tajín is especially popular sprinkled over fresh fruits and vegetables. Try it on watermelon, mango, pineapple, cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, or corn. It can […]

Join The Club! Find a group that fuels your passion at AAPLD

August 25, 2026

Kids going back to school? Newly retired? Ready to discover (or rediscover) a new interest? Check out AAPLD’s roster of in-house and community-sponsored clubs, conveniently located at your friendly, neighborhood library. It’s a great way to meet others who share your interest, as well as expand your skills. Registration is required, but everyone is welcome. Algonquin Area Writers Group- Local […]

Spice Club – August 2026 – Cajun Blackening

August 3, 2026

Cajun Blackening Blend is a bold, flavorful seasoning from the culinary traditions of southern Louisiana. Cajun Blackening Blend is a versatile seasoning for fish, shrimp, chicken, steak, pork, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and even tofu. It is typically used to coat food before cooking over very high heat, creating a dark, flavorful crust. Despite its name, “blackened” does not mean burned. […]