Give your creativity free reign this summer with the popular Summer Writing Workshop Series, 2026! A partnership between Algonquin Area Public Library and the Algonquin Area Writers Group, these fun, free workshops offer writers the chance to learn from industry professionals, published authors, and experienced writing instructors. Is there 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-- it's time to bring it to life!
This year's schedule and speaker line-up includes:
Thursday, July 9 | 7-8:30 pm. - Know Your "Why" When You Write with author Zee Lacson
Thursday, July 16| 7-8:30 pm.- There Are Only Seven Stories in the World with author Sara Fujimura
Thursday, July 23| 7-8:30 pm.- Show, Don't Tell with author Bryn Donovan
Thursday, July 30| 7-8:30 pm. - Developing Your Story with author Nick Medina
Registration is required, but flexible. Choose the sessions that interest you most, or sign up for the entire series. Adults and teens, 14 and up, are welcome. All workshops are held at the Main Library on Harnish Drive. Space is limited, so register today!
Jane Hamilton is the author of eight novels, including The Book of Ruth, and A Map of The World, which were both Oprah's Book Club selections. A Map of the World was also adapted for a film starring Sigourney Weaver. Hamilton's latest novel, The Phoebe Variations, is a coming of age story set in the 1970s, and was published in September, 2025. It was selected as an Oprah Daily Best Book of Fall, an Indie Next Pick, and a Library Reads. She is a recipient of the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award, among other recognitions.
Elizabeth Berg has published thirty-one books, including novels, novellas, non-fiction, short story and essay collections. Her best-known works include Open House (an Oprah's Book Club selection), Talk Before Sleep, and The Story of Arthur Truluv. Her latest novel, Life, A Love Story tells the story of a 92-year-old woman who creates a legacy through the objects she plans to leave to her dearest friend, while rediscovering the joys of life. It was published in March, 2026.
Take a look at the 
Choose from over 130 varieties of vegetable, fruit, flower and herb seeds! Options include:
Although we call it a "Seed Library," no library card is required and you don't need to return seeds from your harvest. However, we'd love to see photos of your garden and crops! Email them to us at 
AAPLD welcomes award-winning landscape photographer Cory Anne Cosman to the Art Wall at the Main Library. Cory's work captures the essence of nature. She loves traveling to National Parks, and her adventures have taken her to the Badlands of South Dakota, the Rocky Mountains, Moab, Utah, Bryce Canyon, Haleakala, Waimea Canyon, and Death Valley.
2023); the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake's Fourth Fridays Art Event (2024 and 2025), Woodstock Public Library Artist Showcase (2025), and Kishwaukee Brewing Co., Woodstock (2025). In 2022, she was the 3rd place winner of the Land Conservancy's Amateur Photography Contest, and in 2024, she received the People's Choice Award from the Fourth Fridays Art Event at the Dole Mansion.