Library Services
The Four Star Public Library offers a wide range of services for all ages, ensuring that every community member has access to enriching and engaging resources. Beyond its extensive collection of over 19,000 books and digital materials, the library provides technology access, including public computers, Wi-Fi, and printing services to support learning and work needs.
Patrons can also explore a variety of online databases, e-books, and audiobooks, expanding their access to information anytime, anywhere. The library hosts educational and recreational programs for children, teens, and adults, from storytimes and STEM activities to book clubs, workshops, and author events. Additionally, it serves as a community hub, offering meeting spaces, cultural events, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Storytime on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. All children 0-5 in the area are welcome. No reservations needed. Participants enjoy great stories, songs, a craft, and a snack.
Rubber Ducky Club. A fun early literacy program for kids ages 0-5, where families pick up an early literacy calendar from the library, complete engaging activities, and return it to earn adorable rubber duckies. This program encourages early literacy development and family reading time in an interactive and rewarding way!
Penworthy STEAM Kits. Provide hands-on learning experiences for kids, combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in engaging, interactive activities. Each kit includes books, educational tools, and experiments that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a love for discovery. Families can take home kits for 7 days at a time.
Family Programming. Our library is committed to offering more family-focused programming to encourage shared learning and quality time together. Events like Family Reading Night and other interactive programs create fun, engaging experiences that bring families closer while fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning.
Our newest service is access to our Makerspace! Kids can enjoy access to LEGOs, a playhouse, blocks, puzzles, crafting supplies, Kids Kindle Fires, and so much more any time the library is open! Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. We only ask that you clean up after yourself.
Maker's Lab. An after-school hands-on program for area K-5th graders. The program occurs the 1st Thursday each month from 3:15-5 pm. Registration is not required.
LEGO Club. Another after-school hands-on program for area K-5th graders. This program occurs the 2nd Monday each month from 3:15-4:15 pm. Participants will build a creation around a specified "theme". There is also a time for "show & tell". Registration is not required.
High School Volunteer Day. An after-school program geared specifcaly towards teens looking for community service hours. The 4th Monday of each month from 3-5 pm, area teens can assist librarians with projects such as organizing programming materials and pulling books for displays. Students interested in receiving school credit for service hours need to bring the required paperwork with them.
Our newest service is access to our Makerspace! Kids and Teens can enjoy access to LEGOs, a playhouse, blocks, puzzles, crafting supplies, Kids Kindle Fires, and so much more any time the library is open! Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. We only ask that you clean up after yourself.
Cover 2 Cover Book Club. On the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., participants meet to socialize and discuss that month's book club pick. Genres rotate each month, and the library will supply the books for each month's discussion. Copies typically include a large print and digital/audio option. Come join other book lovers!!
MonthIy "How-To" Series. Once a month, a guest presents an in-person workshop where participants learn step-by-step how to do something, like bee keeping, becoming an election judge, or becoming a pilot. It works by having an expert guide the group through each task, offering hands-on instruction and support as everyone practices together.
ndoor Walking Class. This indoor exercise program is for adults who are ready to move! Every Monday at 6:30 pm, participants will be lead through various stretching/walking-in-place exercises via a video instructor. No experience necessary!
Crafting. For our adults who like crafting, the library provides access to a Cricut where you can make cards, cut vinyl for crafts and more! The library also provides monthly Take-It/Make-It crafts for patrons to complete at home.
Meeting/Program Room: Local community non-profit organizations can reserve the meeting space of the new addition using the form below. Either print it out and bring it into the library or you can get a form at the circulation desk to fill out.
Are you HOMEBOUND due to accident, illness or injury? Call us at 936-2131 to deliver materials to you.
Teacher Card. Educators in the Mendon/Unity school district can receive a library card specifcally for education-related materials, even if they do not live in the district. Stop by the Four Star Public Library to get signed up.
Class Visits. Our library welcomes K-5th grade classrooms twice each academic year for engaging visits hosted by a librarian, featuring lessons on library resources, reading, and literacy, along with a fun activity. Students also get the opportunity to check out books—be sure to check out the photos from their visits on our Facebook page!
Tumble Books. One resource of particular interest to local educators is TumbleBooks, which provides easy access to a vast collection of animated, interactive eBooks aligned to many common classroom topics. With read-along features, educational videos, and engaging activities, TumbleBooks supports literacy development and makes reading fun for students of all levels.
Penworthy STEAM Kits. Provide hands-on learning experiences for students, combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in engaging, interactive activities. Each kit can be checked out to a teacher card and includes books, educational tools, and experiments that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a love for discovery.
Book Drop. Not only can you return books 24/7 in the book drop outside the Four Star Public Library, we also offer a book drop within the Unity Elementary School, for student and teacher convenience. The Elementary Book Drop is checked each Friday school is in session. If you drop an item off in a book drop, it may stay on your account for a few days or more after they have been returned, however no overdue fees will ever be accumulated.
Outreach to Classrooms. Our library conducts outreach to classrooms to promote exciting programs, summer/winter reading challenges, and the importance of literacy, while also encouraging students to sign up for library cards. These visits help connect students with valuable library resources, inspiring an on-going love for reading.
Free Little Library. Located at the Ursa Christian Church, this FREE resouce was generously donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution and built by the Quincy Woodworkers Guild to provides free access to books for all ages, encouraging reading and sharing within the neighborhood. Installation is scheduled for April 2025.
Community HotSpot. Our library maintains a community Wi-Fi hotspot at the Chittenden Park shelter house, providing free internet access for residents and visitors. Simply connect to the network and use the password Library1234 to stay connected while enjoying the park.
Tech Services. The library offers a printer, scanner, and copier for public use, with printing and copying available starting at $0.15 per page. Free Wi-Fi is available, along with access to a desktop computer with Windows 10, MacBooks, and Microsoft Office. Patrons in good standing can also check out hotspots and laptops, funded by the American Rescue Act through the IL State Library. Additionally, you can Book-a-Librarian for one-on-one basic computer training or help setting up your device for our digital libraries.
Out & About. We love getting out into the community to share all the great things the library has to offer! You can find the Four Star Public Library at events like the Unity Homecoming Parade, Mendon Block Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Kindergarten Round-Up, School Registration, and more—check our Calendar to see where we’ll be next!
The Four Star Public Library is part of your CommUNITY!
.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=c216e9c850e48c933803ea98717f1489)
