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Walking Chicago's Coast

A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes
2026-04-21 19:00:00 2026-04-21 20:00:00 America/Chicago Walking Chicago's Coast Celebrate Earth Month and National Parks Week with an inspiring local story, "Walking Chicago’s Coast: A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes"! Online via Zoom -

Tuesday, April 21
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-21 19:00:00 2026-04-21 20:00:00 America/Chicago Walking Chicago's Coast Celebrate Earth Month and National Parks Week with an inspiring local story, "Walking Chicago’s Coast: A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes"! Online via Zoom -

Celebrate Earth Month and National Parks Week with an inspiring local story, "Walking Chicago’s Coast: A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes"!

Author Michael McColly will share stories from his walk along the shoreline, from Rogers Park to Indiana Dunes National Park, and the inspiration behind this remarkable journey. Through his stunning photography, he will explore Chicago’s ever-changing landscape, its layered history still present in the waters of the coast, and the challenges of environmental degradation and inequality that shape life in the metropolis.

Along the way, McColly reflects on the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Michigan, a vast body of water so immense it can be seen from the moon, and the two remarkable parks that bookend the journey: Chicago’s urban lakefront, built on landfill, and Indiana’s Dunes, shaped by thousands of years of natural forces.

Michael McColly's essays have appeared in The New York Times, the Boston Review, and The Sun magazine. He is the author of the Lambda Literary Award-winning memoir, The After-Death Room, which chronicles his journey reporting on AIDS activism in Africa, Asia, and the United States.

Earth Month and National Parks Week (April 18–26). 

This event was made possible through a collaboration between Northern Illinois public libraries.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Programs |

TAGS: | IndianaDunes | hiking | Chicago |

St. Charles Public Library
Phone: 630-584-0076 x1
Fax: 630-584-9262
Hours
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St. Charles Public Library
scpld.org

MON-THU 9 A.M.-9 P.M.
FRI 9 A.M.-8 P.M.
SAT 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
SUN 12 P.M.-5 P.M.
 

 
Address
One South 6th Avenue
St. Charles, IL 60174
Tel: 630-584-0076 x1
About the branch

The award-winning St. Charles Public Library District is located in the scenic Fox River Valley, 35 miles west of Chicago. The Library serves a district population of 55,092 residents and has a staff of 101. The St. Charles Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Upcoming Events

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My First Storytime (0-23 months with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 07, 9:30am - 10:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging story time session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
Art Club: Crayon Transfer Drawings (Grades K-5)
Tue, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Drop in and learn in this independent program just for kids. Using the crayon transfer technique, reveal colorful designs on paper. Let's create beautiful art together!
Craft Night: Open Crafting (Grades 6-8)
Tue, Apr 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Helen Gale Room
Join us for a drop in craft program!
Decorative Wood Sign - 5 Min Make
Tue, Apr 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
STC Creative
Choose a pre-cut vinyl quote and transfer it onto a blank wooden sign.
My First Storytime (0-23 months with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 07, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging story time session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
My First Storytime (0-23 Months with Caregiver)
Wed, Apr 08, 9:30am - 10:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging storytime session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Wed, Apr 08, 9:30am - 10:45am
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
Stories at the Nature Center (Families)
Wed, Apr 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children are invited to hear stories at the Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Wed, Apr 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Wed, Apr 08, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Wed, Apr 08, 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
Ukulele Strum & Sing
Wed, Apr 08, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie Community Room,Miller Haase Community Room
Join the St. Charles Ukulele Strummers! Come play and sing along with us! Bring your own ukulele (soprano, concert, or tenor)
1:17 Again (Grades 9-12)
Wed, Apr 08, 1:17pm - 3:00pm
The Loft
Visit The Loft after an early release Wednesday to craft, game, or chill after school. 
LEGO Club (Grades K-5)
Wed, Apr 08, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Helen Gale Room
Drop by the library and build with LEGO. Each Wednesday we will have a different LEGO challenge you can try, or build whatever you want!
Library Board Meeting
Wed, Apr 08, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Huntley Community Room
Library Board Meeting
Family Storytime (All Ages with Caregiver)
Thu, Apr 09, 10:00am - 10:30am
Miller Haase Community Room
This program is filled with stories, music and movement! Each week focuses on a new theme. Space is limited.
Tech Help Drop-in - Computer Instruction
Thu, Apr 09, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Computer Lab
Get help using your device to access eBooks, social media, email, and more. Bring your questions and your device.
Library Lounge (Grades 6-8)
Thu, Apr 09, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Helen Gale Room
Middle Schooler only space to study after school!
Budgeting & Savings Basics - Financial Fitness 2026
Thu, Apr 09, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online via Zoom
Ryan Decker breaks down the basics of personal finance: budgeting, introductory saving, and investment strategies. Register
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Fri, Apr 10, 9:30am - 10:45am
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
Pattern Practice (Toddler Ages 2-3 with Caregiver)
Fri, Apr 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Helen Gale Room
Let’s explore very beginning numeracy skills together! Drop in and practice sorting and patterns with us.
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Fri, Apr 10, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Fri, Apr 10, 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
DIY Soap Making (Grades 6-12)
Fri, Apr 10, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Primrose Farm
Enjoy a spring afternoon at Primrose Farm.Register
The Book was Better Film Club (Grades 9-12) - The Maze Runner
Fri, Apr 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
The Loft
Join other fans of books made into movies. Watch, snack, and talk books!
Good Luck in the Real World - Poetry Reading
Fri, Apr 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Carnegie Community Room
Join us for a stirring night of poetry as local author Adrienne Novy celebrates the release of her latest collection, "good luck in the real world".  With a special feature, Matt Johnson. 
Rising Readers (Grades K-2)
Fri, Apr 10, 9:00pm - 9:05pm
Help your child fall in love with reading, one story at a time! This is a subscription box for kids who are reading on their own. Each month’s box will have a themed book and goodies!
Registration is now closed
Bookish Box (Grades 3-5)
Fri, Apr 10, 9:00pm - 9:05pm
Lobby
Looking for a way to find your next favorite read? Sign up for our monthly Bookish Box. Each month’s box will have a themed book and goodies!
Registration is now closed
Lit Loot (Grades 6-8)
Fri, Apr 10, 9:05pm - 9:15pm
Keep the loot! Return the book! Help us be green! Please return your Lit Loot box, with items removed, to the Youth Services desk for a sticker.
Registration is now closed
St. Charles Writers Group
Sat, Apr 11, 9:15am - 12:15pm
Huntley Community Room
The St. Charles Writers Group is a workshop for novice or experienced writers that meets twice a month.
Embroidered Cards - Craft of the Month
Sat, Apr 11, 10:00am - 11:30am
STC Creative
Embellish cards with embroidery
This event is full
Annual Poetry Reading
Sat, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Huntley Community Room
Join us as we celebrate National Poetry Month with a poetry reading by talented local poets.
Introduction to AI - Computer Instruction
Sun, Apr 12, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Computer Lab
Learn what Artificial Intelligence is, how it works, and what key terms like machine learning and large language models mean, along with the benefits and limitations of using AI.
This event is full
Sunday Concert: Lakeshore Rush
Sun, Apr 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Carnegie Community Room
Lakeshore Rush is comprised of extraordinary musicians from Chicago who delight audiences of all ages with riveting contemporary and classical standards and forgotten masterpieces.
Family Storytime (All Ages with Caregiver)
Mon, Apr 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Miller Haase Community Room
This program is filled with stories, music and movement! Each week focuses on a new theme. Space is limited.
Vinyl Listening Party (Grades 9-12) - Rap
Mon, Apr 13, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
The Loft
Each month listen to a different musical genre!  Hang in the Loft as you listen to the Library's vinyl collection. 
Maker Monday – Painted Flowerpots (Grades K-5)
Mon, Apr 13, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Helen Gale Room
Stop by the library to paint a flowerpot! Registration required.
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
Buying a Home -- The Basics - Financial Fitness 2026
Mon, Apr 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online via Zoom
Owning a home takes a lot of time, money, and energy, so not only is it important to be educated about the process, but also about home ownership. Register
My First Storytime (0-23 months with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 14, 9:30am - 10:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging story time session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
Tech Help Drop-in - Computer Instruction
Tue, Apr 14, 10:00am - 11:30am
Computer Lab
Get help using your device to access eBooks, social media, email, and more. Bring your questions and your device.
Second Tuesday Book Discussion - Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
Tue, Apr 14, 10:00am - 11:30am
Carnegie Community Room
The Library offers two book discussion sessions on the second Tuesday of each month: Mornings at 10:00 a.m. and Evenings at 7:00 p.m. Registering allows you to show up to either session.
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
Flappers, Floozies and Feminists - Chicago Women and the Roaring Twenties
Tue, Apr 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Carnegie Community Room
This program, presented by historian Laurie Russell, examines how Chicago women were the epitome of the Roaring Twenties.
This event is full
One-to-One Resume Review - with a Career Coach from workNet Batavia
Tue, Apr 14, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Study Room 5
Meet with a workNet Batavia Career Coach for a one-to-one review of your resume.
American Mahjong - Open Play
Tue, Apr 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Join us for a weekly mahjong meetup.
One-to-One Resume Review - with a Career Coach from workNet Batavia
Tue, Apr 14, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Study Room 5
Meet with a workNet Batavia Career Coach for a one-to-one review of your resume.
One-to-One Resume Review - with a Career Coach from workNet Batavia
Tue, Apr 14, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Study Room 5
Meet with a workNet Batavia Career Coach for a one-to-one review of your resume.
This event is full
Embroidered Cards - Craft of the Month
Tue, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
STC Creative
Embellish cards with embroidery
This event is full
My First Storytime (0-23 months with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging story time session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
Second Tuesday Book Discussion - Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
Tue, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Bisbee Conference Room
The Library offers two book discussion sessions on the second Tuesday of each month: Mornings at 10:00 a.m. and Evenings at 7:00 p.m. Registering allows you to show up to either session.
My First Storytime (0-23 Months with Caregiver)
Wed, Apr 15, 9:30am - 10:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging storytime session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Wed, Apr 15, 9:30am - 10:45am
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Wed, Apr 15, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
AARP Tax Preparation Appointments
Wed, Apr 15, 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Trained AARP volunteers will be offering free tax preparation appointments for anyone with individual Federal and State of Illinois returns.
This event is full
Ukulele Strum & Sing
Wed, Apr 15, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Join the St. Charles Ukulele Strummers! Come play and sing along with us! Bring your own ukulele (soprano, concert, or tenor)
Mystery Pop-Up (Grades 6-8)
Wed, Apr 15, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
DQ
Find the middle school librarian out in the wild of St. Charles!
LEGO Club (Grades K-5)
Wed, Apr 15, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Helen Gale Room
Drop by the library and build with LEGO. Each Wednesday we will have a different LEGO challenge you can try, or build whatever you want!
Board Game Night
Wed, Apr 15, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Carnegie Community Room
Join us to play games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and other modern games.
Family Storytime (All Ages with Caregiver)
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 10:30am
Miller Haase Community Room
This program is filled with stories, music and movement! Each week focuses on a new theme. Space is limited.
Introduction to AI - Computer Instruction
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 11:30am
Computer Lab
Learn what Artificial Intelligence is, how it works, and what key terms like machine learning and large language models mean, along with the benefits and limitations of using AI.
This event is full
Barnyard Books (Families)
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 10:30am
Join us at Primrose Farm for Storytime. After the program, walk the trails and explore the farm. This program is in partnership with the St. Charles Park DistrictRegister
Pajama-rama (Families)
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 7:00pm
Helen Gale Room,Youth Services
It’s time to get comfy! Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed friend, and join us for crafts, games, and relaxation. Don’t miss this cozy celebration!
Homeschool Hangout (K-8)
Thu, Apr 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Miller Haase Community Room
We’re excited to welcome homeschooling families for a monthly adventure in learning! This is our final session for children in grades K–8.
Genealogy Research at the Library - Afternoons
Thu, Apr 16, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Computer Lab
Do you need a few quiet hours to work on your family tree? Are you looking for help breaking down a brick wall?
Homeschool Club: Computer Smarts (grades 4-8)
Thu, Apr 16, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Homeschoolers come expand your computer knowledge in this fun, hands-on activity.
Tiny Words Bracelets (Grades 9-12) 
Thu, Apr 16, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
The Loft
Words matter! Use tiny letter beads to make poetry bracelets for all your friends. 
Forever Young Adult Book Club - I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
Thu, Apr 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Study Room 5
A club for adults to read and discuss popular YA titles.
Cristina Henríquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection - Illinois Libraries Present
Thu, Apr 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join critically acclaimed, bestselling author Cristina Henríquez for a compelling conversation about her work. Register
Great Decisions - U.S. China Relations
Thu, Apr 16, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Bisbee Conference Room
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs.
Friends Book Sale ($5 early entry 1pm-2:30pm)
Fri, Apr 17, 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Huntley Community Room
Book Sale
Paint a Poem (Grades K-2)
Fri, Apr 17, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Transform poetry into art! Hear a poem and create a painting that captures its mood and meaning.
Play and Learn for Preschoolers (Families)
Fri, Apr 17, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Helen Gale Room,Youth Services Desk
Spark your preschooler's curiosity at Preschool Play and Learn Night! This is a special time for children ages 3 to 5 and their grown-ups to connect, learn, and grow through play.
Friends Book Sale
Sat, Apr 18, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Huntley Community Room
Book Sale
Reading with Rover- DROP IN (Families)
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Youth Services
Drop in and discover the joy of reading with one of the dogs from Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club!
Reading with Rover (Families)
Sat, Apr 18, 11:30am - 11:45am
Miller Haase Community Room
Discover the joy of reading with one of the dogs from Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club!
Reading with Rover (Families)
Sat, Apr 18, 11:45am - 12:00pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Discover the joy of reading with one of the dogs from Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club!
Reading with Rover (Families)
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00pm - 12:15pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Discover the joy of reading with one of the dogs from Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club!
Reading with Rover (Families)
Sat, Apr 18, 12:15pm - 12:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Discover the joy of reading with one of the dogs from Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club!
Friends Book Sale
Sun, Apr 19, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Huntley Community Room
Book Sale
The Maker Table - DIY Craft
Sun, Apr 19, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
STC Creative
Paint a variety of plant and garden stakes
Family Storytime (All Ages with Caregiver)
Mon, Apr 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Miller Haase Community Room
This program is filled with stories, music and movement! Each week focuses on a new theme. Space is limited.
Decorative Wood Sign - 5 Min Make
Mon, Apr 20, 10:00am - 11:30am
STC Creative
Choose a pre-cut vinyl quote and transfer it onto a blank wooden sign.
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
Sense of Humor Book Club - Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
Mon, Apr 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Study Room 5
Join us for a fun book club that revolves around the topic of comedy. Each month we will read a comedian's biography and talk about their stories and writings.
My First Storytime (0-23 months with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 21, 9:30am - 10:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging story time session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
2 & 3 Year Old Storytime (with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Miller Haase Community Room
Interactive storytime for children and their parents/caregivers! Please only register your child.
Art Club: Torn Paper Collage (Grades K-5)
Tue, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Drop in and learn in this independent program just for kids. Design a collage using torn paper. All abilities and interest levels welcome. Let's create beautiful art together!
My First Storytime (0-23 months with Caregiver)
Tue, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Miller Haase Community Room
Connect with your baby for an interactive and engaging story time session full of songs, rhymes and stories! Please register baby only. 
Nico Lang Author Event
Tue, Apr 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Huntley Community Room ,Library Online via Zoom
Discussion with Nico Lang, author of American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in A Turbulent Era.
Retirement Reality with Jill Schlesinger - Financial Fitness 2026
Tue, Apr 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online via Zoom
CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger, CFP, walks you through the specific steps necessary to get where you want to go, whether you are just starting off in your career or ready to wind down. Register
Walking Chicago's Coast - A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes
Tue, Apr 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Celebrate Earth Month and National Parks Week with an inspiring local story, "Walking Chicago’s Coast: A 63-Mile Journey to the Indiana Dunes"! Register
See all events