Mattoon Public Library

06/01/2026

MPL's Summer Reading Kick-Off is happening TOMORROW (Tuesday)!

The Children's Museum of Illinois Mobile Museum will here in the morning-- and they are bringing GIANT FOAM DINOSAUR BONES for children to assemble and explore!!

Designed for youth and toddlers, this hands-on STEM exhibit allows kids to creatively build, assemble, and interact with prehistoric skeletons.

10 - 11:30AM in the lower basement of the library.
We are excited and can't wait to see everyone there!

Registration is encouraged, but not required. Sign up online or over the phone 217-234-2621
https://mattoon-il.whofi.com/calendar/event/409707?method=embed

06/01/2026

Access to Hoopla is FREE with a Mattoon Public Library card.

With Hoopla, your library card lets you instantly read, listen, and watch your favorite titles.

To get started, you just need the barcode on the back of your library card and your library PIN (the last four digits of your telephone number).

https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/summer-reading-for-kids/214933?_branch_match_id=1589645867766085410&fbclid=IwY2xjawSJsXVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1aHQ0SW9GVEdLZ3FuU3dqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpOZSlJXB2fZNJRdqj0ADwuFinciugIlAwVKPFATO0-FMcVTITMzPmM5RjAT_aem_lwFNRS8ip-xrSWzpD8nTPw&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXB206DMAAA0L%2FxbQNBEjRZTJFVQMu1AuOFQLmVFejKSHEPfrvnDPc7X98UZVgWzqpjxfmR0fmqTEVgaiT3d71%2B72rCaHNy5UXbx0om3pqnrHXiDWiQ1ZG7I2BRMrHrGcPnyonUJHv9TM%2FNd6HD7UdvbkT31IssBuJYXZVFERrdX2QjA2HyEtiuRHZvoB5YDg%2BKhHm5pXWF78XNbVSBLTdIZ0K33mVApl8hBDhQDxCRFLsYPcIJGfEIcFm1U8kk9OPEpPywiyR7cNuccSif%2FkTbtULQuS9rsci1FaePQSxT%2Bw9H6SgN%2FgAAAA%3D%3D

05/31/2026

🚨 Summer Reading Starts TODAY! 🚨

(And it's not too late to sign up!!)-- https://mattoonlibrary.beanstack.com/reader365

Week one of the Summer Reading Challenge is officially underway and runs through Saturday, June 6.
https://mattoonlibrary.org/summer-programs/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSJKoRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFZXJTTFhNMFhKNnlXTXowc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjWG34MVcQt51nEyjLsMpRUcleRv7lG1M5QEJhF7qXuskbDl6sVhU_oR6eNT_aem_V0TNO3H9ZO3nIel5VhK8Mw

This week's reading goals are:

Ages 0–6: Read or be read to- 20 minutes
Ages 7–11: Read 30 minutes
Ages 12–17: Read 60 minutes
https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/2026-cslp-summer-reading-unearth-a-story-or-kids/134995?fbclid=IwY2xjawSJKzVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFZXJTTFhNMFhKNnlXTXowc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqqv-gmMsEBWN7KDUIEKGPLssbb7FrFTakvHU7q7ga5167LWrkYCNgMu9ysY_aem_myJnh60Zfp1l2YEB0mxiJQ

Adults (18+) can participate, too! Adults can earn Grand Prize Entries throughout the summer by reading and logging books.

What counts as reading?

- Books & Picture Books
- Audiobooks
- eBooks
- Graphic Novels, Manga & Comic Books
- Newspapers & Magazines
- Nonfiction
- Being Read To By A Parent, Caregiver, Sibling, or Grandparent

Participants can earn prizes throughout the summer, including restaurant coupons/ gift cards, books, treasure chest prizes, prize machine tokens, and grand prize entries.

Not signed up yet? There's still time!

This year’s summer reading theme invites you to dig into a good book, uncover hidden histories, and explore the past! The slogan underscores the joy of discovery that reading brings. It also emphas…

05/29/2026

Are you ready for Summer Reading? Because we're so ready!
Miss Jo and Miss Lou Ann are looking at all the new picture books that'll go out on Monday. 😎📚

05/28/2026

Before you recycle an old Kindle or tablet, consider giving it a second life.

Old devices can still be incredibly useful!

Use one as a:

Light board for art and tracing
Digital picture frame
Digital clock
White noise machine
Kitchen recipe screen
Second screen while gaming or working
Dedicated eBook or audiobook device
Kids’ learning tablet
Family calendar hub
and more

Technology doesn’t always need to be brand new to be useful. Repurposing older devices is a simple way to save money and reduce unnecessary waste!

05/28/2026

How does Summer Reading work at MPL?

It’s easy!

1️⃣ Anyone may sign up for FREE
2️⃣ Read during the week
3️⃣ Log your reading
4️⃣ Earn prizes

This year we are using Beanstack to track reading challenges and prizes.

No smartphone? No problem. We can help you sign up at the library using our public computers.

Families can track multiple readers on one account.

Reading challenges begin Sunday, May 31.

Need help signing up for Summer Reading or Beanstack? Stop by the library - we’re happy to help!

¿Necesita ayuda para registrarse para Lectura de Verano o Beanstack? ¡Visítenos en la biblioteca! Estamos felices de ayudarle.

05/28/2026

Reminder! Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ staff will be here from 3-6pm today.

Mark your calendars: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ staff will be at the Mattoon Public Library on Thursday, May 28, 2026 to help reunite citizens with missing money property through the I-Cash program. The event will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Mattoon Public Library.

05/27/2026

We’re currently seeking donations of unopened, non-perishable food items that have not expired for our Blessings Box. 💛

Suggested donations:

• Granola bars
• Peanut butter
• Mac & cheese cups
• Ramen noodles
• Canned soup/pasta
• Crackers
• Shelf-stable snacks

Donations may be dropped off at the front desk during regular library hours. Thank you for helping support our community 💛

05/27/2026

Unearth a Story with Mattoon Public Library this summer!

Our 2026 Summer Reading Program officially kicks off Tuesday, June 2 from 10am–11:30am in the Lower Basement Community Room - but reading challenges begin May 31!

Summer Reading is FREE and open to:

✅ children
✅ teens
✅ adults
✅ families

Participants can log reading, attend programs, and earn prizes throughout the summer.

Never participated before? Don’t worry - library staff can help you get signed up and explain everything.

No smartphone required!

Visit us at the library or learn more at:
🌐 mattoonlibrary.org