Adult Services
2025 Adult Summer Reading Program
June 2 – August 30
The 2025 Adult Summer Reading Program starts June 2nd and will
be going until August 30th. Participants can pick up a Bingo Card from either
the Information or Circulation Desks, or print it from home [pdf].
You will need to read books or complete activities that fill the prompt
in each box in order to fill in that space. Everyone will get 5 chances
to get a prize as they fill in their cards and get bingos.
For each bingo, patrons can come to the Information Desk and
get a scratch off ticket that will determine whether they will receive
a prize that day, or a chance at the Grand Prize at the end of the summer.
Once you have filled all the squares and gotten a blackout,
your bingo card itself will be used as an entry for the Grand Prize as well.
Learn About Libby
Tuesday, July 22nd at 6 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
A staff member of the Willmar Public Library will present on how to access our online collection, Libby!
Participants will learn how to download the app, access and search the Pioneerland Library System’s online collection
for ebooks and e-audiobooks, and much more! Bring your phone or tablet along to the presentation.
If you read on a Kindle, bring that too.
It is recommended that patrons have a library card before attending this program if they haven’t got one already.
Just bring an official proof of address (ID, license, or official mail) to the Circulation Desk to sign up for a card!
WPL Book Club
Thursday, July 24th (please note date change) at noon
in the Multipurpose Room
Join us to discuss Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule by Jennifer Chiaverini!
Food and drink will be provided.
August’s book will be Vox by Christina Dalcher.
September’s book will be The Daughters of Kobani by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon.
October’s book will be They Called Us Enemy by George Takei.
Crafter Dark
Wednesday, July 30th at 6 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
Bring whatever craft you are working on and socialize with other crafters!
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Author Talk with Barbara J. Mack
Saturday, August 2nd at 10 am
in the Multipurpose Room
Join us to hear Minnesota author Barbara Mack discuss her book The Hand I’ve Been Dealt: A Life Lived with Epilepsy.
Through her whimsical stories of family life and heartbreaking years’ worth of medical challenges,
Barbara’s story educates and inspires others to better cope with the hand they’ve been dealt.
Through sharing her story, she hopes to shine light on epilepsy awareness and
an understanding of living with a diagnosis for oneself or a family member.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event!
Please pre-register to give us an idea of a headcount by following this link.
Little Art Session
Tuesday, August 5th from 10 to 11:30 am
in the Multipurpose Room
The crafts made at this session will go into the Little Galleries spread throughout Willmar!
The event is free and all supplies are provided to create a little paining, sculpture, or macramé art piece.
August’s themes are school supplies, books, tents, and shopping!
Classic Movie Night
Tuesday, August 5th at 5:30 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be provided!
Cozy Book Club
Tuesday, August 12th in the Multipurpose Room
5:30-6 pm: Social (half)hour
6-6:45 pm: Curl up with your book
6:45 – 7:30 pm: Discussion
During Cozy Book Club, participants can come and go at any time! Curated for those who want low-stress socialization,
all are encouraged to bring the book they are currently reading and even a blanket, cushion, or pillow!
If a patron just wants to come to read with others and not talk before or after, we welcome them to.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Learn About the Library
August 13th from 1 to 5 pm and 20th from 5 to 8 pm
Reserve a thirty minute time slot to get a tour of the library, a lesson on how to use the catalog,
and an overview on all the things that the Willmar Public Library has to offer!
You can register as an individual or in a group, though we do ask that there be no more than five people per group.
To register for a tour, please follow this link.
Movie Matinee:
The Woman in the Yard
Friday, August 15th at 2 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be provided!
WPL Junk Journal Club
Tuesday, August 19th at 2 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
In this meeting, we will be making Journal Covers and “faux” paper dyeing!
WPL Book Club
Thursday, August 21st at noon
in the Multipurpose Room
Join us to discuss Vox by Christina Dalcher!
Food and drink will be provided.
September’s book will be The Daughters of Kobani by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon.
October’s book will be They Called Us Enemy by George Takei.
November’s book will be The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki.
The View from Split Rock:
Author Talk with Lee Radzak
Saturday, August 23rd at 10 am
*Rescheduled Date from June*
in the Multipurpose Room
Join us for a program of history, stories, and beautiful photography about Minnesota’s most iconic landmark.
Lee Radzak worked for the Minnesota Historical Society for 43 years.
From 1982 until 2019, he served as Site Manager at Split Rock Lighthouse,
longer than any of the lighthouse keepers stationed at Split Rock when it was an operating lighthouse.
Lee is the author of the book The View from Split Rock: A Lighthouse Keeper’s Life along with Curt Brown.
There will be copies of the book available for purchase, while supplies last, and it can be found on Amazon.
The Friends of the Willmar Public Library will be providing refreshments.
Pick up your free ticket at the Information Desk at the Willmar Public Library!
Class on Cross Stitching
Tuesday, August 26th at 2 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
Get a tutorial on cross stitching, along with a cross stitch kit you will take home with you.
Due to limited supplies, we ask that patrons pre-register through this link.
Crafternoon
Wednesday, August 27th at 2 pm
in the Multipurpose Room
Bring whatever craft you are working on and socialize with other crafters!
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Ask the Experts!
Have a question or comment/feedback for a seed librarian? You are always welcome to stop by the information desk, or fill out our online form and we will contact you!
You can also visit the University of Minnesota Extension site, which has many helpful topics from the Master Gardeners. Happy Gardening!
Library of Things Checkouts
Books not your thing? Remember, you can use your library card to check out any items available in our catalog including: board games, yard games, fitness kits, audiovisual kits, active mind kits, and more!
Willmar Public Library Makerspace
Register here to use our Makerspace equipment. Equipment must be used in the library and consumable materials are not supplied. Makerspace users must agree to the Makerspace Policy and complete training on safety and equipment use. Reservations required.
Seed Library
Access the Seed Library in the Willmar Public Library during regular hours.
Book A Librarian
Set up an hour long, one-on-one appointment with a librarian for help with computer skills, tablets, research and more! Appointments can be made in person, via phone (320-235-3162) or through our online form.
Personalized Reading Recommendation Service
Stuck in a reading rut? Looking for a great read? Or a gift idea for a friend or family member? Ask a librarian! Fill out this form and tell us a little bit about your tastes, or the tastes of the person you have in mind. A member of our team of avid readers will create a hand-picked list of books and authors you might enjoy. The more you can tell us, the better our suggestions will be!
