IA Spring 2026 FINAL EDITION!!!

FEBRUARY 17

MARCH - MAY 2026

Project Begins February 17

FEBRUARY 17

nue s tr a bibliotec a

re inve ntada

El proyecto comienza el 17 de febrero

2

LIBRARY NEWS

Scheduled Closings

TUES., FEB. 17 - THURS., FEB. 19

CONSTRUCTION PREPARATION

SUN., APRIL 5

EASTER

SUN., MAY 10

MOTHER'S DAY

MON., MAY 25

MEMORIAL DAY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

RYAN LIVERGOOD

WNPL's Transformation: The Final Phase Begins

Over the past year, WNPL has been reimagining how our

library can better serve the community. This February marks

the beginning of the final phase of that work, with major

renovations planned for our youth areas and meaningful

upgrades throughout the building.

Beginning Tuesday, February 17, we will transform Coco’s

Cove into a dynamic, interactive play space for children, create

versatile seating areas that support both quiet focus and

collaboration, and enhance adult spaces with modern, comfortable furniture featuring

built-in power outlets.

This phase builds on the progress already made and reflects our commitment to creating a

library that meets the evolving needs of our community at every stage of life.

What to Expect During Construction

KEY/CLAVE

Please use this key for symbols used

throughout this newsletter. Thank you!

Por favor, utilice esta clave para los

símbolos utilizados a lo largo de este

boletín. ¡Gracias!

PHOTOS

• CAMERA REPRESENTS ZOOM EVENT

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TRADUCCIÓN DISPONIBLES

Photos and video footage may be taken

at library events for use in publicity.

Please notify staff if you do not wish to

be photographed.

Keep in Touch

Staying connected is more important

now than ever before.

▲Visit us often at wnpl.info

▲Subscribe to our e-newsletter

▲Follow us on social media

▲Download our mobile app

The library will be fully closed February 17-19 for initial site preparation. From February

20 through March 6, we’ll open at noon on weekdays (regular hours on weekends) while

contractors work mornings. During this time, a focused Youth Collection will be available

in Meeting Rooms A/B, and all essential services (hold pickups, computers, and collection

access) remain available during afternoon and evening hours. Some programs will move to

great partner locations like the Gurnee Park District and Warren Township Center.

From late April through June, we’ll remain open at regular hours with some collections

temporarily relocated. Staff will happily retrieve materials for you, public computers will

move to The Flex, and hold pickups continue as always near the Welcome Desk.

Coming This Summer

By June, you’ll discover a museum-quality interactive play zone for toddlers through

elementary age, new spaces targeted to serve middle school students with custom lighting

and power, enhanced adult workspace with new “Workpods” and window-side laptop

seating, and power outlets (standard, USB, and USB-C) built into most furniture

throughout the library.

Yes, there will be temporary inconveniences, but we’re carefully planning to keep essential

services accessible. The project is scheduled for completion by June, just in time for summer

reading, with a grand reopening celebration planned for Saturday, July 25.

These are more than building upgrades; they are investments in our community. Your

support helps create stronger early literacy opportunities for toddlers, more engaging

spaces for teens, and welcoming areas for adults to learn, work, and connect.

We’re writing a new chapter in our library’s story, together. Thank you for your patience and

partnership as we create something extraordinary for our community.

For more details and updates, visit wnpl.info/our-library-reimagined.

WARREN-NEWPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY ▲ WNPL.INFO ▲ (847) 244-5150

CELEBRATE WITH US

3

Please review program descriptions carefully for details and visit the library’s online events calendar at calendar.wnpl.info/events to register.

Registration begins two weeks before each program unless otherwise indicated.

Mini Canvas Art Project

K-TEEN

MON., MARCH 2 - TUES., MARCH 31

ALL DAY

Pick up a canvas from the Information

Desk, paint, and return it. Your creation

will be put in our Display Case for April.

Women's History Month Trivia

ALL AGES

MON., MARCH 2 - FRI., MARCH 6

ALL DAY

Stop at the Information Desk to grab a

quiz about female pioneers and

trailblazers. When you’re done, bring it

back to claim a prize!

Georgia O’Keeffe Inspired Painting

ADULTS

MON., MARCH 9, 10:30AM-NOON

Celebrate Women’s History Month by

learning about Georgia O’Keeffe and

creating an up-close flower painting

using her technique.

REGISTER

Charlotte's Web

ALL AGES

SAT., APRIL 18, 1-2PM

Join us at the Warren Township

Senior Center for the classic literary

tale about true friendship, presented by

Three Brothers Theatre.

REGISTRATION STARTS ONE MONTH BEFORE

THE PROGRAM

Japanese Children's Day:

Kite Flying

GRADES K-3 WITH CAREGIVER

TUES., MAY 5, 4-5PM

Celebrate Asian American, Native

Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage

Month by learning about Japanese Carp

Kites and flying your own!

REGISTER

Mini Canvas Art Display

MONTH OF APRIL

Check out the mini canvas masterpieces

created by our community!

Coming Soon! Dig into Reading

ALL AGES

MON., JUNE 1-SAT., AUG. 8

The 2026 summer reading program

will run June 1-August 8, with

preregistration opening April 6.

To register and participate,

download the Beanstack app or

visit wnpl.beanstack.org.

National Library Week – April 19-25

“Find Your Joy”

Celebrate National Library Week with us as we

embrace this year’s theme, Find Your Joy. Award

winning librarian, author, and Reading Rainbow

host Mychal Threets is serving as the Honorary

Chair, inviting people of all backgrounds to

discover what sparks joy for them at the library.

From quiet moments with a great book to

creative programs and community connections,

libraries are places where joy shows up in many

ways. It is also a great time to sign up for a library

card or encourage friends and family to get one

and start finding their joy, too.


4

CHILDREN & FAMILY



Looking for Storytimes?

We offer a robust schedule

of themed and early

literacy-based storytimes.

Check out our calendar at

https://www.wnpl.info/storytimes/

for more information.

Adventure is Loading:

A New Way to Play

Coco’s Cove is becoming

a museum-quality,

interactive play zone!

Youth Area Closure Starts: February 17

Reopening: June 2026 (Just in time for

Summer Reading!).

Visit the Temporary Youth Library and

activity space in the Meeting Rooms.

Programs (including storytime) will

take place in different locations. Check

the events calendar for latest updates

and locations.

Lego WeDo 2.0


TUESDAYS, 5-6PM

MARCH 3; APRIL 14

Build robots with Legos!

REGISTER

Library on the Go

CHILDREN

MONDAYS, 3:30–4:30PM

MARCH 9; APRIL 13; MAY 11; JUNE 8

Each month will feature crafts, robotics,

and hands-on activities that spark

curiosity. This program will be held at

the Park City Community Center.

Gold Coin Scavenger Hunt

FAMILIES

TUES., MARCH 17, ALL DAY

Find a gold coin in the library, then

bring it to the Information Desk to claim

your prize.

Kids in the Kitchen


SATURDAYS, 11AM-NOON

MARCH 21; APRIL 25; MAY 16

This program will be held at the

Warren Township Senior Center

REGISTER

April Fools’ Scavenger Hunt

ALL AGES

WED., APRIL 1, ALL DAY

There are 10 weird things about WNPL

today. Grab a checklist and see how many

you can find, then go to the Information

Desk to claim your prize!

Earth Day: Pinecone Bird Feeders


WED., APRIL 22, 4-5PM

Create a pinecone bird feeder and

support local wildlife this Earth Day.

REGISTER

Stroller Walk at Vicki

Paddock Park

BIRTH-AGE 4 WITH CAREGIVER

TUES., MAY 5, 10AM

Join us for a casual park walk and a

chance to connect with other caregivers

and their little ones.

REGISTER

Sidewalk Science


TUES., MAY 12, 4-4:45PM

Jump, trace, draw, and move as we

explore science through motion and

playful surprises.

REGISTER

What’s Coming in June:

Baby Garden: A protected space for our youngest visitors, filled

with age-appropriate toys and sensory manipulatives.

Gourmet Play Kitchen: For mini chefs to stir and serve.

Innovation Workbench: Tinker and build like an engineer.

Interactive Ball & Gear Wall: A hands-on kinetic exhibit for little scientists

to explore physics, motion, and cause-and-effects.

Spotlight Theater: Costumes and props for dramatic flair.

Ultimate Brick Hub: Brand-new building stations.

All-Aboard Express: A high-quality, premier train table.


TWEENS & TEENS

5



Paint and Pop

TEENS

WED., MARCH 18, 6-7PM

Come and paint whatever you’d like,

while sipping on sodas. Light snacks

will also be provided.

REGISTER

Tech Lab: Build. Code. Play.

GRADES 4-6

THURSDAYS, 4-5PM

MARCH 19: 3D Art

APRIL 16: Robot Racers

MAY 21: Flight Test

REGISTER

March Oreo Madness

TEENS

TUES., MARCH 31, 3:30-4:30PM

Celebrate Oreo Madness with fun

Oreo-themed activities and snacks.

REGISTER

K-Pop Idol Night

TEENS

TUES., APRIL 7, 5-6:30PM

Celebrate your favorite idols with

creative photocard decorating, epic

music videos, and a trivia contest

with prizes.

REGISTER

Spring Sweets Decorating

TEENS

WED., APRIL 15, 6-7PM

Decorate sweet treats with

spring-inspired designs.

REGISTER

Poetry Art

GRADES 4-6

THURS., APRIL 23, 4-5PM

Celebrate National Poetry Month by

turning poetry into colorful, creative art.

REGISTER

Blind Taste Test: Cola Edition

TEENS

TUES., APRIL 28, 3:30-4:30PM

Taste different soda brands and see how

many you can guess correctly.

REGISTER

Looking for more programs?

Scan to access the

events calendar!

Check out the library’s

online calendar at:

https://calendar.wnpl.info/events

Leveling Up: The Future of The Point

The ultimate hub for connection and independence is almost here.


Dedicated Gaming Zone: Your new HQ for tournaments and co-op battles.

Maker Tables: A bigger, brighter space to craft and design.

Recharge Lounge: Modern booth seating with built-in outlets for devices

and homework.


6

ADULTS




Scan to access the

events calendar!


online calendar at:


Spanglish Cafe

ADULTS

MONDAYS, 6:30-7:30PM

MARCH 2, 16; APRIL 6, 20; MAY 4, 18

Join our bilingual hangout where

English and Spanish come together

through conversation.

REGISTER

Stitch & Share

ADULTS

WED., MARCH 4; APRIL 1, 29

6-8:30PM

Join a community of crafters and share

your passion for creativity at every

skill level!

Mocktails & Masterpieces

ADULTS

TUES., MARCH 10, 6-7PM

Unwind with a refreshing mocktail in

hand as you paint your own ceramic

trinket dish.

REGISTER

Adult Improv Club

ADULTS

WED., MARCH 25; APRIL 22, 7-8PM

Monthly improvisational theatre club

for adults.

REGISTER

Glass Bottle Mandala Painting

ADULTS

MON., APRIL 13, 10:30AM-NOON

Join us to learn how to use the

mandala-style painting on a glass bottle.

REGISTER

Power Up your Experience

Adults deserve inspiring spaces, too. We’re updating the adult areas

to better meet your needs and create a more welcoming environment.


Modern Seating: A variety of comfortable options designed for long reading

sessions and focused work.

Workpods: Enjoy new private nooks and window-side laptop seating for

added privacy and convenience.

All new seating, from modern booth lounges to individual nooks, will feature

built-in power outlets and USB ports.


TECH & MAKER SERVICES 7




Check out our new 3D printer!

The Workshop has a new Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer! With a max

print size of 10x10x10 inches, we’re now able to print larger items. Feel

free to submit your files for printing at wnpl.info/the-workshop/.

Prints are $0.10 per gram of filament, including supports, and must

require 10 hours or less to complete. Requests are printed in the order

received and our designated team will handle the printing process.

Scan to access the

events calendar!


online calendar at:


Sublimation Pencil Case

ALL AGES

TUES., MARCH 10, 3-4PM

Design your own pencil case using heat

transfer markers.

REGISTER

Sewing Basics:

Scrap Fabric Bookmarks

TEENS & ADULTS

THURS., MARCH 5, 6:30-8PM

Flat Wire Bangle

TEENS & ADULTS

THURS., MARCH 26, 7-8PM

Learn how to create a bangle bracelet

with wires and beads.

REGISTER

Beginner Tapestry Crochet

TEENS

THURS., APRIL 2, 4-5:30PM

Learn how to tapestry crochet by

creating a small Jujutsu Kaisen project.

REGISTER

Spring Lilacs Book Vase

TEENS & ADULTS

THURS., APRIL 16, 7-8:30PM

Learn how to transform an old book into

a flower vase inspired by famous Spanish

architect Santiago Calatrava.

REGISTER

Japanese Woodblock Stickers

TEENS & ADULTS

SAT., APRIL 18, 3-4PM

Learn how to use the Cricut Maker 3

and laminator to create water-resistant

stickers!

REGISTER

Etched Wine Glasses

ADULTS

THURS., MAY 7, 7-8:30PM

Learn how to make your own etched

wine glasses using the Cricut and

etching cream!

Quill Tulips Bouquet

TEENS & ADULTS

THURS., MAY 14, 7-8PM

Celebrate AANHPI Month by learning

the Asian art of quilling and create a

stunning bouquet of tulips.

REGISTER


8

BOOK CLUBS

Please review program descriptions carefully for details and visit the library’s online events calendar at

calendar.wnpl.info/events to register or stay up to date as programs are added or modified.

Book Discussions Schedule

FICTION

SAT., MARCH 7, 10AM

Tom Lake

by Ann Patchett

SENIOR CENTER BOOK DISCUSSION

AT WARREN TOWNSHIP SENIOR CENTER

MON., MARCH 2, 1:30PM

The Measure

by Nikki Erlick

SAT., APRIL 4, 10AM

Vera Wong ’s Unsolicited

Advice for Murderers

by Jesse Q. Sutanto

MON., APRIL 6, 1:30PM

Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor E. Frankl

SAT., MAY 2, 10AM

The Names

by Florence Knapp

MON., MAY 4, 1:30PM

Atmosphere

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

NONFICTION

MON., MARCH 9, 1:30PM

The Mango Tree

by Annabelle Tometich

MON., APRIL 13, 1:30PM

Black in Blues

by Imani Perry

MON., MAY 11, 1:30PM

Not the End of the World

by Hannah Ritchie

TACO ‘BOUT A BOOK

AT TACOS EL NORTE IN GURNEE

TUES., MARCH 17, 7PM

The Names

by Florence Knapp

TUES., APRIL 21, 7PM

Heart the Lover

by Lily King

TUES., MAY 19, 7PM

The Dream Hotel

by Laila Lalami


BOOK CLUBS

9

Please review program descriptions carefully for details and visit the library’s online events calendar at


Book Discussions Schedule

MORNING FICTION

THURS., MARCH 26, 10AM

A Thousand Ships

by Natalie Haynes

STEPHEN KING'S CONSTANT READERS

MON., MARCH 30, 6PM

If It Bleeds

by Stephen King

THURS., APRIL 23, 10AM

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

by Shannon Chakraborty

MON., MAY 18, 6PM

Cell

by Stephen King

FLIRTY FICTION

THURS., MAY 28, 10AM

Water Moon

by Samantha Sotto Yambao

WED., MARCH 11, 6PM

The Paradise Problem

by Christina Lauren

THURS., MAY 14, 6PM

Before I Let Go

by Kennedy Ryan

NO PRESSURE BOOK CLUB

THURS., APRIL 9, 6:30PM

BOOK CLUB TO GO!

Are you looking for a new book for your

book club? Check out one of our book

club kits! We have a display of available

book club kits next to the Information

Desk with fiction and nonfiction options.

Each kit comes with a set of questions and six copies

of the chosen title for your book club to use. As new

books and options come out, we will rotate the titles

available. Please stop by the Information Desk to ask

questions or check out one of our kits!

THE GROW CHALLENGE

SPRING READING CHALLENGE

MON., MARCH 9 – FRI., APRIL 24

Challenge yourself to Gather, Read,

Observe, and Wonder this spring! Read

for 18 days and explore new-to-you

activities in this bingo-style challenge.

Earn a GROW Grab Bag when you earn four badges

in a row.

33RD ANNUAL FRIENDS OF WNPL CREATIVE

WRITING CONTEST

The Awards Ceremony will be held

at the Warren Township Senior

Center on Sunday, April 19. Visit

wnpl.info/creative-writing-contest

for more information.


10

ESPAÑOL

Por favor, revise detenidamente las descripciones de los programas para obtener más detalles y visite el calendario de eventos en línea

en calendar.wnpl.info/events para registrarse. El registro comienza dos semanas antes de cada programa, a menos que se indique lo contrario.

¿Buscas más programas?

¡Escanee para acceder al

calendario de eventos!

Consulte el calendario en

línea de la biblioteca en:


Café Spanglish

ADULTOS

LUNES, 6:30-7:30PM

MARZO 2, 16; ABRIL 6, 20; MAYO 4, 18

Únase a nuestro encuentro bilingüe

donde el inglés y el español se unen a

través de la conversación.

REGISTRARSE

La Biblioteca en Movimiento

NIÑOS

LUNES, MARZO 9, 3:30-4:30PM

Cada mes habrá manualidades, robótica

y actividades prácticas que despiertan

la curiosidad.

Brindis creativo

ADULTOS

MARTES, MARZO 10, 6-7PM

Relájese con un refrescante cóctel sin

alcohol en la mano mientras pinta su

propio plato decorativo de cerámica.

REGISTRARSE

Desayuno con un libro

ADULTOS

SÁBADOS, 10-11AM

MARZO 21: Carcoma de Layla Martínez

ABRIL 18: Todas las Mentiras de Ágata

Belmonte de Carmen Arteaga

MAYO 16: Nuestra Parte de Noche de

Mariana Enríquez

REGISTRARSE

Hora de Cuentos Bilingüe

(Inglés y Español)

EDADES 3-5 CON CUIDADOR

MARTES, 10:30-11:15AM

SESIÓN 1: Marzo 31; Abril 7, 14, 21

SESIÓN 2: Mayo 12, 19, 26; Junio 2

REGISTRO NECESARIO PARA PARTICIPAR EN LAS

SESIONES DE CUATRO SEMANAS.

Nociones Básicas de Costura

ADULTOS

JUEVES, ABRIL 23, 6-8PM

Aprenda nociones básicas de costura y

realice un proyecto pequeño.

REGISTRARSE

¡Nuevos Espacios, Nuevas Aventuras!

Mientras renovamos nuestras áreas de niños y jóvenes para ofrecer

espacios más amplios, modernos y creativos, seguimos ofreciendo

programas para adultos y familias en todo el edificio. Nuestros

servicios continúan sin interrupciones durante la construcción.


FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

11

Please review program descriptions carefully WARREN-NEWPORT for details and visit the library’s PUBLIC online events LIBRARY calendar at


iGrow & WIC Lake County Health Department

FAMILIES

WEDNESDAYS, 10AM-NOON

APRIL 1; MAY 6

Stop by the WNPL lobby to visit with iGrow & WIC Lake

County Health Department representatives and learn about

different resources available to young children ages 0-5.

Keeping Families Covered

Mobile Diaper Pantry

FAMILIES

WEDNESDAYS, 10AM-NOON


Registration with Keeping Families Covered, as well as

identification for parents and children, is required. Some

restrictions apply. For more information and to register,

visit www.keepingfamiliescovered.org.

REGISTER

NAMI Family Support Group

ADULTS

TUESDAYS, 7-8:30PM


Join National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County

for a monthly family support group for loved ones of individuals

experiencing mental health concerns.

Meet Me At Celebration Square

Book Ends

Find Friends of WNPL/Book Ends on Facebook

Email the Friends at: Friends@wnpl.info

Stop in the Friends’ used bookstore for daily bargains.

Friends of WNPL Meeting

THURS., MAY 28, 1PM

Our community partners continue to

provide essential resources throughout

the renovation. Despite construction,

these services are available and committed

to supporting people of all ages.

SAVE THE DATE

America’s 250th Celebration

THURS., JULY 2

VIKING PARK

Enjoy food trucks, live music, fireworks, and more at

this community wide celebration. Proudly contributed

by the Gurnee Park District, Village of Gurnee,

Warren-Newport Public Library, Warren Township,

and School Districts 50, 56, 121

Join over 150 of your neighbors and make

your mark today. Honor a mom, dad, grad,

bride, or groom with an engraved brick paver

while supporting your library.

Prices are $75 for 4'' x 8'', $150 for 8'' x 8'', and

$300 for 8'' x 8'' with corporate logo. Order and

pay at the Welcome Desk, by mail, or online at

www.wnpl.info/support-the-future.

Thank you and see you at The Square!


I-94

GRAND AVE.

O’PLAINE ROAD

HWY 41

Subscribe to our e-newsletter for breaking news & updates at www.wnpl.info

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U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 53

GURNEE, IL

60031

WASHINGTON

WARREN-NEWPORT

PUBLIC LIBRARY

DISTRICT

224 North O’Plaine Road

Gurnee, Illinois 60031

Phone: (847) 244-5150

LIBRARY HOURS

MON. –THURS............ 9am–9pm

FRI.................................. 9am–6pm

SAT..................................9am–5pm

SUN............................................1–5pm

Hours subject to change; visit

wnpl.info for updates

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

George Kotsinis, President

Celeste Flores, Vice President

Kerry Eagar, Secretary

Wendy Hamilton, Treasurer

Lauren Bugner

Caroline Costa Beadle

Bonnie Sutton

The WNPL board meets monthly on

the third Tuesday at 7pm. The public

is welcome.

MISSION

To enrich, empower, and enlighten the

people of the Warren-Newport Public

Library District.

INSIDE ANGLE

Published four times during the year.

Due to bulk mailing procedures, a few

residents outside the library district

receive the newsletter.

EDITOR: Karen Gilpatrick

GRAPHIC ARTIST: Valentina Guarin

NOTICE: The Warren-Newport Public Library

District follows the Illinois Firearm Concealed

Carry Act (FCCA) that prohibits persons from

carrying a firearm or a weapon of any kind

into the library or on library property. Signage

is posted at the Library consistent with the

requirements of the FCCA. Any violator of the

FCCA will be reported to law enforcement,

prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,

and have library privileges revoked.

Recent Donors to the Fund for WNPL OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2025

Anonymous

Anonymous, in honor of Christina

Zechiel and Family

Jill and Bill Ballock

Penelope Beaman

Jo Beckwith

Stephen Bohrnell

Carl E. Mellen and Company

Joyce and Donald Culling

Heidi Dahlke

Susan and Mark Egofske, in memory

of Edward and Mary Ann Hardey

Marcia Freeland

Alicia Garcia

Beth and Chris Gehring

Diane Grinton

Anne Hemingway

A New Website, Designed with You in Mind

WNPL is excited to begin the new year with the launch of our redesigned

website. The updated site includes simpler navigation, refreshed menus,

improved accessibility, and a more user friendly layout for phones, tablets,

and desktops. You can explore events, find digital resources, and access

your account with ease. Visit wnpl.info to explore the new site.

Diane Iwema

Kathleen and Michael Kettman

David Koschak

Khristine Kozlov

Maggie Lam

Cynthia and David LeMieux

Melody Love

Susan and Allen Lynch

Karen and Mark Mueller

Pat and Jack Nowak

Wallace Olson, Jr.

Gary Oltmans

Poonam Patel

Kathleen Rader

Roger Ritzman

Vicki Ronayne, in memory of Barbara

Eisenbacher

Leslie and Mark Schwenk

Renelle Shea, in memory of George

Shea

The Sinclair Family

Mae Smith

Laura and Frank Stone

Bonnie Sutton

Barbara Thoma

Laurie and John Walker

Carla Wehrheim

Nancy Westover

Joy and Norman Wideburg

Judith Williams

Christina Zechiel, in memory of Ruth

McGowen

Joan Zupec

IA Spring 2026 FINAL EDITION!!!

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