Kids
DON’T MISS HALLOWEEN WEEK!
October 25th through the 31st
Get ready for a week of spooky fun with Halloween-themed programs, crafts, activities, and more for kids and teens! When kids, ages 5-12, visit the library between October 25th and 31st, they can get their very own spooky treat! While supplies last.
Reading Programs
Reading Dragons and Friends
Kids ages 5-12, from August 1, 2026, to May 9, 2027, read books to collect mythical magical monster trading cards and earn other prizes.
Kids can register online by clicking the title above or by visiting the Youth Services desk. When they visit the library, kids can also pick up a log to keep track of their minutes, or they can download a reading log to print themselves by clicking here. Have fun!
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Reading Passports
Kids ages 1-4 and their parents/caregivers can do various activities together, as assigned in the Passport, to earn small prizes for the kids and raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift card for the parents/caregivers. You can download this month’s Passport to print yourself by clicking here, or pick one up at the Youth Services desk.
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Books for Babies Subscription Service
For ages 12 months and younger
Have a newborn? Congratulations! The Youth Librarians from the Matteson Area Public Library District want to help you start your baby on a lifelong journey of reading—by delivering library books straight to your doorstep.
If you have a valid Matteson Library card and would like to receive this free service, click the title above to apply.
Youth Programs
Check out the upcoming October Events.
Registration is required. Registration opens 30 days before date of the individual events.
Special Fun
To register, click on the program's title.
Homeschool STEAM Programs
Public Libraries in the South Suburbs of Chicago have teamed up to offer monthly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs for homeschooled children ages 5-17.
Each program will provide materials and instruction for a hands-on STEAM activity that takes experimental learning to the next level. From building balloon-powered cars to learning about the science of bridges, there is something for ALL young learners!
Parents will also have the opportunity to learn about the excellent resources each library offers, such as nonfiction books and DVDs filled with STEAM activities.
Some libraries even have STEAM kits that may be checked out!
Kids are welcome to attend any or all of these fantastic programs!
To learn more, click the link above to view the brochure.
The Halloween Puppet Show
For ages 2-6 * Thursday, October 1st * 10 AM - 11 AM
Enjoy seeing a fun Halloween puppet show and making your own puppet after!
Animals Around the World
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 2 PM - 3 PM
Travel across 5 continents with live exotic animals, including Rico the two-fingered sloth! Learn how their unique traits help them survive in different habitats, see them up close, and even pet them.
S’mores Galore & So Much More!
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Join the Matteson Fire Department at the library for Fire Safety Awareness Month! Join us as we learn how to safely make tasty s’mores, enjoy crafts and stories, and take home fun free giveaways.
Spooky Storytime
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 29th * 10:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Trick-or-treat! This special storytime features thrills and chills! Your child can come in costume to enjoy stories and songs. After storytime, kids can visit desks around the library and get candy.
Trick or Treat @ the Library
All Ages * Saturday, October 31st * 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dress up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat at the library. The event goes until 7 PM or until we run out of candy, whichever comes first. Please be aware that teens and adults must remove costume masks upon entering the library.
Dinosaurs Show!
For ages 5-18 * Thursday, November 5th * 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
T-Rexplorers bring a show where kids get to explore dinosaur fossils by touching real bones, teeth, tracks, eggs, even dino poop while hearing stories from real dig sites. Space is limited.
Weekly Fun- Morning Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Wiggles & Giggles
For ages 1-3 * Tuesday, October 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th * 10 AM - 11 AM
We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Storytime Stretch
For ages 3-8 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 10 AM - 10:30 AM
Jam with us as we share stories inspired by the music around us. Each week, we will read books, sing songs, and build a musical instrument. Register today and be part of our literary chorus.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 10:30 AM - 11 AM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Weekly Fun- Afternoon Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 4 PM - 4:30 PM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Friday FUNday!
For ages 3-9 *
Friday, September 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Start your kids’ weekend with an exciting hour at the library! Each week, we’ll make a craft, play a game, or collaborate on a group art project. Don’t miss out!
Weekly Fun- Evening Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Pokémon Club
For ages 9-14 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 6 PM - 7 PM
Meet with other Pokéfans to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Champions. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you! Test your skill against other trainers to see who’s the very best.
Daily Fun
No Registration Required!
For all ages
Drop in anytime the library is open
Year-Round: Anytime Scavenger Hunts
Try one, two, or all three of our regular scavenger hunts: Easy, Medium, or Hard. You’ll search the Youth Services Department for clues that will spell a message. Tell that message to a librarian and you win a sweet or soft treat! Each Friday, the hunts’ messages change so you can do three new hunts every week of the year and win more prizes!
October: Raven Hunt
All through the month of October, weekly search the Youth Services Department for little stuffed ravens. Each raven has a letter and a number attached to it that you’ll use to spell a message. Tell a librarian the message to get a prize!
What's New?
DON’T MISS HALLOWEEN WEEK!
October 25th through the 31st
Get ready for a week of spooky fun with Halloween-themed programs, crafts, activities, and more for kids and teens! When kids, ages 5-12, visit the library between October 25th and 31st, they can get their very own spooky treat! While supplies last.
Reading Programs
Reading Dragons and Friends
Kids ages 5-12, from August 1, 2026, to May 9, 2027, read books to collect mythical magical monster trading cards and earn other prizes.
Kids can register online by clicking the title above or by visiting the Youth Services desk. When they visit the library, kids can also pick up a log to keep track of their minutes, or they can download a reading log to print themselves by clicking here. Have fun!
Â
Reading Passports
Kids ages 1-4 and their parents/caregivers can do various activities together, as assigned in the Passport, to earn small prizes for the kids and raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift card for the parents/caregivers. You can download this month’s Passport to print yourself by clicking here, or pick one up at the Youth Services desk.
Â
Books for Babies Subscription Service
For ages 12 months and younger
Have a newborn? Congratulations! The Youth Librarians from the Matteson Area Public Library District want to help you start your baby on a lifelong journey of reading—by delivering library books straight to your doorstep.
If you have a valid Matteson Library card and would like to receive this free service, click the title above to apply.
Youth Programs
Check out the upcoming October Events.
Registration is required. Registration opens 30 days before date of the individual events.
Special Fun
To register, click on the program's title.
Homeschool STEAM Programs
Public Libraries in the South Suburbs of Chicago have teamed up to offer monthly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs for homeschooled children ages 5-17.
Each program will provide materials and instruction for a hands-on STEAM activity that takes experimental learning to the next level. From building balloon-powered cars to learning about the science of bridges, there is something for ALL young learners!
Parents will also have the opportunity to learn about the excellent resources each library offers, such as nonfiction books and DVDs filled with STEAM activities.
Some libraries even have STEAM kits that may be checked out!
Kids are welcome to attend any or all of these fantastic programs!
To learn more, click the link above to view the brochure.
The Halloween Puppet Show
For ages 2-6 * Thursday, October 1st * 10 AM - 11 AM
Enjoy seeing a fun Halloween puppet show and making your own puppet after!
Animals Around the World
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 2 PM - 3 PM
Travel across 5 continents with live exotic animals, including Rico the two-fingered sloth! Learn how their unique traits help them survive in different habitats, see them up close, and even pet them.
S’mores Galore & So Much More!
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Join the Matteson Fire Department at the library for Fire Safety Awareness Month! Join us as we learn how to safely make tasty s’mores, enjoy crafts and stories, and take home fun free giveaways.
Spooky Storytime
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 29th * 10:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Trick-or-treat! This special storytime features thrills and chills! Your child can come in costume to enjoy stories and songs. After storytime, kids can visit desks around the library and get candy.
Trick or Treat @ the Library
All Ages * Saturday, October 31st * 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dress up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat at the library. The event goes until 7 PM or until we run out of candy, whichever comes first. Please be aware that teens and adults must remove costume masks upon entering the library.
Dinosaurs Show!
For ages 5-18 * Thursday, November 5th * 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
T-Rexplorers bring a show where kids get to explore dinosaur fossils by touching real bones, teeth, tracks, eggs, even dino poop while hearing stories from real dig sites. Space is limited.
Weekly Fun- Morning Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Wiggles & Giggles
For ages 1-3 * Tuesday, October 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th * 10 AM - 11 AM
We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Storytime Stretch
For ages 3-8 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 10 AM - 10:30 AM
Jam with us as we share stories inspired by the music around us. Each week, we will read books, sing songs, and build a musical instrument. Register today and be part of our literary chorus.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 10:30 AM - 11 AM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Weekly Fun- Afternoon Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 4 PM - 4:30 PM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Friday FUNday!
For ages 3-9 *
Friday, September 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Start your kids’ weekend with an exciting hour at the library! Each week, we’ll make a craft, play a game, or collaborate on a group art project. Don’t miss out!
Weekly Fun- Evening Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Pokémon Club
For ages 9-14 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 6 PM - 7 PM
Meet with other Pokéfans to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Champions. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you! Test your skill against other trainers to see who’s the very best.
Daily Fun
No Registration Required!
For all ages
Drop in anytime the library is open
Year-Round: Anytime Scavenger Hunts
Try one, two, or all three of our regular scavenger hunts: Easy, Medium, or Hard. You’ll search the Youth Services Department for clues that will spell a message. Tell that message to a librarian and you win a sweet or soft treat! Each Friday, the hunts’ messages change so you can do three new hunts every week of the year and win more prizes!
October: Raven Hunt
All through the month of October, weekly search the Youth Services Department for little stuffed ravens. Each raven has a letter and a number attached to it that you’ll use to spell a message. Tell a librarian the message to get a prize!
Events
DON’T MISS HALLOWEEN WEEK!
October 25th through the 31st
Get ready for a week of spooky fun with Halloween-themed programs, crafts, activities, and more for kids and teens! When kids, ages 5-12, visit the library between October 25th and 31st, they can get their very own spooky treat! While supplies last.
Reading Programs
Reading Dragons and Friends
Kids ages 5-12, from August 1, 2026, to May 9, 2027, read books to collect mythical magical monster trading cards and earn other prizes.
Kids can register online by clicking the title above or by visiting the Youth Services desk. When they visit the library, kids can also pick up a log to keep track of their minutes, or they can download a reading log to print themselves by clicking here. Have fun!
Â
Reading Passports
Kids ages 1-4 and their parents/caregivers can do various activities together, as assigned in the Passport, to earn small prizes for the kids and raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift card for the parents/caregivers. You can download this month’s Passport to print yourself by clicking here, or pick one up at the Youth Services desk.
Â
Books for Babies Subscription Service
For ages 12 months and younger
Have a newborn? Congratulations! The Youth Librarians from the Matteson Area Public Library District want to help you start your baby on a lifelong journey of reading—by delivering library books straight to your doorstep.
If you have a valid Matteson Library card and would like to receive this free service, click the title above to apply.
Youth Programs
Check out the upcoming October Events.
Registration is required. Registration opens 30 days before date of the individual events.
Special Fun
To register, click on the program's title.
Homeschool STEAM Programs
Public Libraries in the South Suburbs of Chicago have teamed up to offer monthly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs for homeschooled children ages 5-17.
Each program will provide materials and instruction for a hands-on STEAM activity that takes experimental learning to the next level. From building balloon-powered cars to learning about the science of bridges, there is something for ALL young learners!
Parents will also have the opportunity to learn about the excellent resources each library offers, such as nonfiction books and DVDs filled with STEAM activities.
Some libraries even have STEAM kits that may be checked out!
Kids are welcome to attend any or all of these fantastic programs!
To learn more, click the link above to view the brochure.
The Halloween Puppet Show
For ages 2-6 * Thursday, October 1st * 10 AM - 11 AM
Enjoy seeing a fun Halloween puppet show and making your own puppet after!
Animals Around the World
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 2 PM - 3 PM
Travel across 5 continents with live exotic animals, including Rico the two-fingered sloth! Learn how their unique traits help them survive in different habitats, see them up close, and even pet them.
S’mores Galore & So Much More!
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Join the Matteson Fire Department at the library for Fire Safety Awareness Month! Join us as we learn how to safely make tasty s’mores, enjoy crafts and stories, and take home fun free giveaways.
Spooky Storytime
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 29th * 10:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Trick-or-treat! This special storytime features thrills and chills! Your child can come in costume to enjoy stories and songs. After storytime, kids can visit desks around the library and get candy.
Trick or Treat @ the Library
All Ages * Saturday, October 31st * 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dress up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat at the library. The event goes until 7 PM or until we run out of candy, whichever comes first. Please be aware that teens and adults must remove costume masks upon entering the library.
Dinosaurs Show!
For ages 5-18 * Thursday, November 5th * 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
T-Rexplorers bring a show where kids get to explore dinosaur fossils by touching real bones, teeth, tracks, eggs, even dino poop while hearing stories from real dig sites. Space is limited.
Weekly Fun- Morning Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Wiggles & Giggles
For ages 1-3 * Tuesday, October 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th * 10 AM - 11 AM
We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Storytime Stretch
For ages 3-8 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 10 AM - 10:30 AM
Jam with us as we share stories inspired by the music around us. Each week, we will read books, sing songs, and build a musical instrument. Register today and be part of our literary chorus.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 10:30 AM - 11 AM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Weekly Fun- Afternoon Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 4 PM - 4:30 PM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Friday FUNday!
For ages 3-9 *
Friday, September 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Start your kids’ weekend with an exciting hour at the library! Each week, we’ll make a craft, play a game, or collaborate on a group art project. Don’t miss out!
Weekly Fun- Evening Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Pokémon Club
For ages 9-14 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 6 PM - 7 PM
Meet with other Pokéfans to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Champions. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you! Test your skill against other trainers to see who’s the very best.
Daily Fun
No Registration Required!
For all ages
Drop in anytime the library is open
Year-Round: Anytime Scavenger Hunts
Try one, two, or all three of our regular scavenger hunts: Easy, Medium, or Hard. You’ll search the Youth Services Department for clues that will spell a message. Tell that message to a librarian and you win a sweet or soft treat! Each Friday, the hunts’ messages change so you can do three new hunts every week of the year and win more prizes!
October: Raven Hunt
All through the month of October, weekly search the Youth Services Department for little stuffed ravens. Each raven has a letter and a number attached to it that you’ll use to spell a message. Tell a librarian the message to get a prize!
Reading Programs
DON’T MISS HALLOWEEN WEEK!
October 25th through the 31st
Get ready for a week of spooky fun with Halloween-themed programs, crafts, activities, and more for kids and teens! When kids, ages 5-12, visit the library between October 25th and 31st, they can get their very own spooky treat! While supplies last.
Reading Programs
Reading Dragons and Friends
Kids ages 5-12, from August 1, 2026, to May 9, 2027, read books to collect mythical magical monster trading cards and earn other prizes.
Kids can register online by clicking the title above or by visiting the Youth Services desk. When they visit the library, kids can also pick up a log to keep track of their minutes, or they can download a reading log to print themselves by clicking here. Have fun!
Â
Reading Passports
Kids ages 1-4 and their parents/caregivers can do various activities together, as assigned in the Passport, to earn small prizes for the kids and raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift card for the parents/caregivers. You can download this month’s Passport to print yourself by clicking here, or pick one up at the Youth Services desk.
Â
Books for Babies Subscription Service
For ages 12 months and younger
Have a newborn? Congratulations! The Youth Librarians from the Matteson Area Public Library District want to help you start your baby on a lifelong journey of reading—by delivering library books straight to your doorstep.
If you have a valid Matteson Library card and would like to receive this free service, click the title above to apply.
Youth Programs
Check out the upcoming October Events.
Registration is required. Registration opens 30 days before date of the individual events.
Special Fun
To register, click on the program's title.
Homeschool STEAM Programs
Public Libraries in the South Suburbs of Chicago have teamed up to offer monthly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs for homeschooled children ages 5-17.
Each program will provide materials and instruction for a hands-on STEAM activity that takes experimental learning to the next level. From building balloon-powered cars to learning about the science of bridges, there is something for ALL young learners!
Parents will also have the opportunity to learn about the excellent resources each library offers, such as nonfiction books and DVDs filled with STEAM activities.
Some libraries even have STEAM kits that may be checked out!
Kids are welcome to attend any or all of these fantastic programs!
To learn more, click the link above to view the brochure.
The Halloween Puppet Show
For ages 2-6 * Thursday, October 1st * 10 AM - 11 AM
Enjoy seeing a fun Halloween puppet show and making your own puppet after!
Animals Around the World
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 2 PM - 3 PM
Travel across 5 continents with live exotic animals, including Rico the two-fingered sloth! Learn how their unique traits help them survive in different habitats, see them up close, and even pet them.
S’mores Galore & So Much More!
For All Ages * Saturday, October 24th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Join the Matteson Fire Department at the library for Fire Safety Awareness Month! Join us as we learn how to safely make tasty s’mores, enjoy crafts and stories, and take home fun free giveaways.
Spooky Storytime
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 29th * 10:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Trick-or-treat! This special storytime features thrills and chills! Your child can come in costume to enjoy stories and songs. After storytime, kids can visit desks around the library and get candy.
Trick or Treat @ the Library
All Ages * Saturday, October 31st * 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dress up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat at the library. The event goes until 7 PM or until we run out of candy, whichever comes first. Please be aware that teens and adults must remove costume masks upon entering the library.
Dinosaurs Show!
For ages 5-18 * Thursday, November 5th * 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
T-Rexplorers bring a show where kids get to explore dinosaur fossils by touching real bones, teeth, tracks, eggs, even dino poop while hearing stories from real dig sites. Space is limited.
Weekly Fun- Morning Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Wiggles & Giggles
For ages 1-3 * Tuesday, October 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th * 10 AM - 11 AM
We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Storytime Stretch
For ages 3-8 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 10 AM - 10:30 AM
Jam with us as we share stories inspired by the music around us. Each week, we will read books, sing songs, and build a musical instrument. Register today and be part of our literary chorus.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 10:30 AM - 11 AM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Weekly Fun- Afternoon Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Excellent Engineers
For ages 2-5 * Thursday, October 8th, 15th, & 22nd * 4 PM - 4:30 PM
We’ll feature books, songs, and crafts that will inspire your little tinkerer. Gear up for bots, books, and big fun!
Friday FUNday!
For ages 3-9 *
Friday, September 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th * 3 PM - 4 PM
Start your kids’ weekend with an exciting hour at the library! Each week, we’ll make a craft, play a game, or collaborate on a group art project. Don’t miss out!
Weekly Fun- Evening Programs
To register, click on the program's title.
Pokémon Club
For ages 9-14 * Wednesday, October 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th * 6 PM - 7 PM
Meet with other Pokéfans to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Champions. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you! Test your skill against other trainers to see who’s the very best.
Daily Fun
No Registration Required!
For all ages
Drop in anytime the library is open
Year-Round: Anytime Scavenger Hunts
Try one, two, or all three of our regular scavenger hunts: Easy, Medium, or Hard. You’ll search the Youth Services Department for clues that will spell a message. Tell that message to a librarian and you win a sweet or soft treat! Each Friday, the hunts’ messages change so you can do three new hunts every week of the year and win more prizes!
October: Raven Hunt
All through the month of October, weekly search the Youth Services Department for little stuffed ravens. Each raven has a letter and a number attached to it that you’ll use to spell a message. Tell a librarian the message to get a prize!