Ritter Public Library has released its Winter 2026 schedule of programs through its Connections newsletter. The lineup includes free events for children, teens and adults running throughout January and February, including storytimes, book discussions, creative workshops, educational programs and seasonal reading challenges.
The information below is compiled from the library’s Winter 2026 Connections newsletter to make the schedule easier for residents to find online.
Storytimes and Early Literacy (Birth–Age 5)
- Once Upon a Monday
Mondays at 11 a.m.
Storytime with stories, music and activities for children from birth through age five. - Wacky Wednesday with Ms. Jenna
Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Interactive stories, songs and movement for young children. - Bedtime Stories with Kendall
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Evening storytime designed for families. - Town Tales
Third Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Guest community members read stories aloud.
Book Discussions and Reading Groups (Adults)
- Brewed Awakening Book Social
Second Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. - Top 100 Book Club
Last Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. - Ritter Detective Agency
Third Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Books for discussion are available at the main desk.
Kids and Teen Programs
- Pokémon League
Second Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Games and activities for Pokémon fans in grades 2–5. - LEGO Day
First Fridays from 2:30–5 p.m.
Open LEGO building sessions. Creations may be displayed. - Design & Discover
Wednesdays, January 28 and February 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Hands-on experiments and activities for grades 4–7.
Creative, Educational and Hobby Programs (Teens & Adults)
- Creative Writing Club
Third Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Writing exercises and group discussion. - Sewing Basics
Second Mondays at 6 p.m.
Introductory sewing skills. - Bad Art Night
Tuesday, January 6 at 6 p.m.
A relaxed art night focused on creativity over perfection. - Cooking Basics
Wednesday, January 7th at 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 21 at 3 p.m. - Candle Painting
Thursday, February 26 at 4 p.m.
Create decorative painted candles
Games, Crafts and Special Events
- UNO Night
Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Game Night: Family Board Games
Tuesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. - Crafting with Angela
Third Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Monthly guided craft projects. - Candyland
Saturday, February 14 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Walk-through game experience. - Murder Mystery
Thursday, February 12 at 6 p.m., Friday, February 13 at 11 a.m.
Interactive mystery-solving event.
Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Programs
- Adult Storytime
Thursdays, January 8 and 22, and February 5 and 19 at 11 a.m.
Designed for adults with developmental disabilities. - Speed Friending
Sunday, January 24 at 3 p.m.
A relaxed social connection event.
Reading Challenges
- Kids & Teens Reading Challenge
Ongoing throughout the winter season. - Adult Winter Reading Challenge
January 1 through February 28.
Participants can track reading and earn prizes while building reading habits.
Community Outreach and Fundraisers
- Best in Snow Mitten Tree
Winter clothing donations collected for community distribution. - Chocolate Fest
Saturday, February 7
Annual fundraiser supporting library programs.
Registration, Updates and More Information
Some programs require advance registration due to space or supply limits, and dates or details may change. Residents are encouraged to refer to the library’s official Connections newsletter or visit the library’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Additional details, including the full events calendar, are available at ritterpubliclibrary.org.
Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion.