March 2026 – Algonquin Library Adult Services

Want to make a difference in your community?

Whether it's working with kids and families in need, offering a helping hand to a senior, or protecting the beauty of our local environment, don't miss AAPLD's Volunteer Fair on Saturday April 18 from 1:00- 3:00 pm at the Main Library on Harnish Drive.

Representatives from over a dozen organizations will be on hand to provide information about how you can be part of their mission to build a stronger community. Adults and teens are welcome! If you're new to the area, a student looking for summer volunteer hours, a retiree, or a parent looking for an activity to share with your teen, you won't want to miss this fun, and easy way to get connected.

Learn more about....

Alzheimer's Association of Illinois
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of McHenry County
Boy Scouts of America
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
Friendly Visiting/Senior Services
Friends of Dundee Natural Areas
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
Habitat for Humanity
Kids in Need of McHenry County
Illinois Master Gardeners
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
McHenry County Conservation District
McHenry County Animal Control and Rescue

Register here if you'd like a reminder about the event. Otherwise, just drop in. We'll offer refreshments, and gift basket raffle drawing. We'll see you there!

Read, White, & Blue -Voices of America is AAPLD's special reading challenge to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday. Open to AAPLD cardholders 18 and over, the challenge invites you to read books from 13 all-American categories between now and July 31, 2026. Visit Adult Services at the Main Library or Eastgate Branch to sign up.

Did you know that many upcoming AAPLD book club reads fit Read, White, & Blue categories? Click on the book title to register for the meeting when the book will be discussed. If you attended a book club meeting in March, your book may also fit a Read, White & Blue category. Ask your group leader if you're not sure.

Whether you're a book club enthusiast, or simply book club curious, AAPLD's variety of book clubs make it easy to find one that fits your schedule and what you love to read. Register today!

Stranger Than Fiction, 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Eastgate: Historical Figures (Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker).

Spinecrackers, 1st Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m., Main Library: Regions and Geography (Where The Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe), Historical Turning Points (The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater), Historical Figures (The Girl From Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig).

Forever Young, 2nd Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Eastgate: American Dream (Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay) and The Pursuit of Happiness (A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis).

Unicorns and Spaceships, 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 6:30 p.m. Eastgate: We The People (When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill)

Friends of Fiction, 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m., Main Library: The Pursuit of Happiness (Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid).

Happily Ever After, 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 p.m., Main Library: Regions and Geography (This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan), American History (Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid)

Nail Biters, 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Eastgate: American History (The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton), Regions and Geography (With A Vengeance by Riley Sager and Guess Again by Charlie Donlea)

The Next Chapter, 3rd Friday of the month, 2:00 p.m., Main Library: American History (Rules of Civility by Amor Towles), National Parks/Natural Wonders (The Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena), Historical Figures (Being Henry by Henry Winkler).

Oh, The Horror, last Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. Virtual: Schools, Libraries, and Museums (Chlorine by Jade Song), Regions and Geography (The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller)

Each month, the club meets to share techniques, inspiration and their latest work, and photographers of all experience levels are welcome. Whether using a smartphone, digital or analog camera, or all of these, our members prove that great photography is about vision, creativity and community.

Most months, the club gathers at an off-site location for a photography field trip. Upcoming meet-ups are:

Sunday, April 19, 2:00 p.m.- Coroco Coffee Shop, 101 S. 1st Street, St. Charles, IL

Sunday, May 3, 1:00 p.m.- Anderson Japanese Garden, 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL

Sunday, June 7, 2:00 p.m.- Algonquin Area Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, IL. We will be planning upcoming photography field trips.

Sunday, July 12, 11:00 a.m.- The Farmer's Market at the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL

Click each date to register. To learn more, contact Kelly Kuningas at kelly.kuningas@aapld.org

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a fragrant herb from the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. It has small, aromatic leaves on woody stems and produces tiny purple or pink flowers. Thyme grows well in sunny, well-drained soil and is commonly grown in herb gardens. It has been used for thousands of years in cooking, traditional medicine, and cultural practices.

Culinary Uses: Thyme is widely used in Mediterranean, French, and Italian cuisine. Its warm, earthy flavor pairs well with roasted vegetables, soups, stews, poultry, fish, and meat. It is often included in herb blends such as bouquet garni and Herbes de Provence. Thyme can be used fresh or dried and holds its flavor well during long cooking times. It is also commonly used to flavor marinades and salad dressings.

Health Benefits: It contains antioxidants and compounds such as thymol, which has antibacterial properties. Thyme has traditionally been used in herbal remedies to support respiratory health and soothe coughs. Thyme also provides vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A and may help support digestion.

Cultural Facts: Thyme has a rich cultural history across many civilizations. In ancient Greece, it symbolized courage and was burned as incense in temples. Romans used thyme to purify rooms and flavor cheeses and liqueurs. During the Middle Ages, people believed thyme could bring strength and protection, and it was sometimes embroidered on scarves given to knights going into battle. In European folklore, thyme was also associated with fairies, and people believed fairies gathered around patches of wild thyme. Today, thyme continues to symbolize bravery, strength, and resilience in many traditions.

ALLERGEN WARNING: AAPLD is not responsible for any reactions or sensitivities to any spice. Please be aware that spices may contain or come into contact with common allergens like dairy, eggs, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, or wheat. Stay safe! Cook with caution.

This year, our nation marks its 250th birthday! Celebrate America's people, history, natural wonders, and more with "Read, White, & Blue- Voices of America," a special reading challenge for AAPLD cardholders.

Between March 1 and July 31, 2026, read one book from each of the thirteen categories listed below. Why thirteen? For the original thirteen colonies and the thirteen stripes on the flag! Choose fiction or non-fiction books for adults or teens. Complete the categories in any order you like. Log your thirteen reads, and win a prize that commemorates our nation's birthday!

Summer Reading Bonus: During June and July, books read for Read, White & Blue also count towards Summer Reading and qualify you for both sets of prizes!

Register in person, pick up a reading log and a special sign-up prize at the Main Library on Harnish Drive, or at the Eastgate Branch, beginning Sunday, March 1. Or register by phone at 847-458-6060, and pick up the log and sign-up prize at either location.

Turn in your log as soon as you complete the program, but no later than July 31, 2026. Prizes will be available for pick up at both libraries beginning Monday, August 17. AAPLD cardholders only.

Read, White & Blue Categories: