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Register 30 Seats Remaining

Illinois Libraries Present

Cristina Henriquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection.
2026-04-16 19:00:00 2026-04-16 20:00:00 America/Chicago Illinois Libraries Present A conversation with author Cristina Henriquez. Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C

Thursday, April 16
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-16 19:00:00 2026-04-16 20:00:00 America/Chicago Illinois Libraries Present A conversation with author Cristina Henriquez. Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C

A conversation with author Cristina Henriquez.

Join critically acclaimed, bestselling author Cristina Henriquez for a compelling conversation about her work. Henriquez's newest book, The Great Divide, is a moving exploration of the people who lived, loved, and labored during the construction of the Panama Canal. Named a New York Times' Editors' Choice selection and TIME Magazine "100 Must-Read Books of 2024," Carmen Alvarez will join Henriquez as moderator.

Carmen Alvarez is an advocate for libraries and Latinx representation in the publishing industry. She has a social media presence surpassing 180k followers across platforms.

Watch from the comfort of home or join the party at the library and be part of the discussion. Refreshments provided.

Use this link to register:
https://bit.ly/ILPCristinaHenriquez

Register by 5 p.m. on April 16th.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special |

Matteson Area Public Library District
Phone: 708-748-4431
Hours
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Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 9:00PM

Mon, Mar 16 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Mar 17 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Mar 18 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Mar 19 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Mar 20 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Mar 21 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Mar 22 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the Library

MAPLD is located on the corner of School Ave and 207th Street. Just a few blocks from both Cicero Ave and Lincoln Highway.

Upcoming Events

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Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Mar 17, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a storytime for children ages 12 to 36 months. We’ll explore early literacy through songs, fingerplays, and engaging stories. Come ready to sing, wiggle, and giggle together!
Meet Your Past - Matteson Museum Sessions
Tue, Mar 17, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Learn to start your family tree at the Matteson Historical Museum located at 813 School Ave.
Memory Café
Tue, Mar 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights for our Memory Café. Kim Bennett will be here for Chair Dancing this month. Registration Required.
The Stitch Squad: Hand Sewing for Teens - This Month’s Project: Sew A Softie
Tue, Mar 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Green Room
Get stitching! Learn basic hand-sewing skills and make a simple project to take home. No experience needed—just come ready to create. Must attend all five sessions.
Registration is now closed
Junior Puppeteers - Learn How to Make a Gooney Bird Marionette
Tue, Mar 17, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Kids will build a puppet and learn puppetry basics in this hands-on, 4-week series. Each session builds on the last, leading to a final performance. Attendance at all four classes is required.
Please contact the library to register for this event.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Tue, Mar 17, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
The first 15 minutes are open to the public.
Bid Whist
Wed, Mar 18, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Shine Studio - This Month’s Project: Diamond Art Stickers
Wed, Mar 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Looking for a new hobby? Come to our Diamond Painting program to try a different way of coloring by number!
AI: ChatGPT and Beyond
Wed, Mar 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Learn about the future of Artificial Intelligence and how it will affect your workplace and society.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Thu, Mar 19, 9:15am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Out of This World Stories - Into the Stars
Thu, Mar 19, 10:00am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Our books this week will explore the moon and planets. Then the kids will make their own solar system.
Movie Night @ the Library - The Wild Robot
Thu, Mar 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Enjoy a family-friendly film, free popcorn, and fun for all ages. Bring the whole family for a cozy evening together!
Yapping Yarnies - Blankets
Thu, Mar 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Granny Squares aren't the only way to make a blanket. Join us for more cozy blanket patterns. We will be looking at rainbow patterns, corner-to-corner patterns, and more.
Illinois Libraries Present - Beyond the Page with Percival Everett.
Thu, Mar 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
A conversation with author Percival Everett.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Fri, Mar 20, 9:15am - 2:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Weaver's Guild Crafting - Woven Tartan Scarf
Sat, Mar 21, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Lean into your inner crafter by creating projects presented by the Weaver’s Guild Crafting. Join the Weaver's Guild Crafting as they create and teach a unique craft each month.
Teen Video Game Party!
Sat, Mar 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Level up your afternoon! Join our Teen Video Game Party—race in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for a $50 Uber Eats gift card, play VR games, and enjoy tasty food! Ages 13–18. Register now!
Monday Morning Book Discussion - Tastes Like War by Grace Cho.
Mon, Mar 23, 10:15am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Join us for the Monthly Monday Morning Book Discussion.
Meet Your Past - Personalized Genealogy Sessions
Mon, Mar 23, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Need help researching your family tree? Make an appointment with our resident genealogist, Colleen.
Monday Makers - Hello Spring Sign
Mon, Mar 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Welcome Spring with this cute sign.
L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club - The Homework Machine
Mon, Mar 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Explore friendship and fun in the March L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club as we read The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman! Books available for checkout at our first meeting. Don’t miss out!
Registration is now closed
Yoga
Mon, Mar 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Mar 24, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a storytime for children ages 12 to 36 months. We’ll explore early literacy through songs, fingerplays, and engaging stories. Come ready to sing, wiggle, and giggle together!
The Stitch Squad: Hand Sewing for Teens - This Month’s Project: Sew A Softie
Tue, Mar 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Green Room
Get stitching! Learn basic hand-sewing skills and make a simple project to take home. No experience needed—just come ready to create. Must attend all five sessions.
Registration is now closed
Junior Puppeteers - Learn How to Make a Gooney Bird Marionette
Tue, Mar 24, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Kids will build a puppet and learn puppetry basics in this hands-on, 4-week series. Each session builds on the last, leading to a final performance. Attendance at all four classes is required.
Please contact the library to register for this event.
Bid Whist
Wed, Mar 25, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Africana Book Club
Wed, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
The book for this month is: Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble.
Shine Studio - This Month’s Project: Diamond Art Stickers
Wed, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Looking for a new hobby? Come to our Diamond Painting program to try a different way of coloring by number!
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Thu, Mar 26, 9:15am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Out of This World Stories - Re-entry!
Thu, Mar 26, 10:00am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Our books this week feature exciting returns from space. Then the kids will make a constellation viewer
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Fri, Mar 27, 9:15am - 2:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Password Safety
Fri, Mar 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Create and manage safer passwords.
Wealth Wellness Workshops: Empowering Your Financial Future - Budgeting Basics: Take Control of Your Money
Sat, Mar 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join our 8-sesson Financial Wellness Series to learn budgeting, credit, saving, investing, and real-world money skills for lifelong financial stability.
Dungeon's and Dragon's: One Shot!
Sat, Mar 28, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Attention adventurers! Join us for our monthly one-shot campaigns and meet other like-minded individuals. Open to all, no matter your experience level. Free snacks, drinks, and dice provided.
Pout-Pout Fish Movie Release Party
Sat, Mar 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Come have fun with us to celebrate the release of the Pout-Pout Fish Movie.
Meet Your Past - Personalized Genealogy Sessions
Mon, Mar 30, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Need help researching your family tree? Make an appointment with our resident genealogist, Colleen.
L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club - The Homework Machine
Mon, Mar 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Explore friendship and fun in the March L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club as we read The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman! Books available for checkout at our first meeting. Don’t miss out!
Registration is now closed
Monday Makers - Make Your Own Kite
Mon, Mar 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Time to make a kite to welcome back windy Spring weather.
Yoga
Mon, Mar 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Mar 31, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a storytime for children ages 12 to 36 months. We’ll explore early literacy through songs, fingerplays, and engaging stories. Come ready to sing, wiggle, and giggle together!
The Stitch Squad: Hand Sewing for Teens - This Month’s Project: Sew A Softie
Tue, Mar 31, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Green Room
Get stitching! Learn basic hand-sewing skills and make a simple project to take home. No experience needed—just come ready to create. Must attend all five sessions.
Registration is now closed
Junior Puppeteers - Learn How to Make a Gooney Bird Marionette
Tue, Mar 31, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Kids will build a puppet and learn puppetry basics in this hands-on, 4-week series. Each session builds on the last, leading to a final performance. Attendance at all four classes is required.
Please contact the library to register for this event.
Shine Studio - This Week’s Project: Diamond Art Dragon Bookmarks
Wed, Apr 01, 9:00am - 10:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Looking for a new hobby? Come to our Diamond Painting program to try a different way of coloring by number!
Bid Whist
Wed, Apr 01, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Thu, Apr 02, 9:15am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Music Makers - Do-it-yourself Drums
Thu, Apr 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
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. This week, we will build a drum.
Yapping Yarnies - Hats
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
The cold days of winter might be ending, but hats are for every season. Join us and learn to create beautiful spring hats.
Movie Night @ the Library - The Lion King
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Enjoy a family-friendly film, free popcorn, and fun for all ages. Bring the whole family for a cozy evening together!
The Wiz on Broadway Bus Trip
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
James M. Nederlander Theatre
The Wiz on Broadway in Chicago Bus Trip
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Fri, Apr 03, 9:15am - 2:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Zumba with Kne You DBA Fitness Fun
Sat, Apr 04, 9:30am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Join us for Zumba with Kne You DBA Fitness Fun with Sheena on the first Saturday of the month.
Closed in observance of Easter Sunday.
Sun, Apr 05, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Closed in observance of Easter Sunday.
Yoga
Mon, Apr 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Monday Makers - Happy Spring Rain Cloud
Mon, Apr 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Make this cloud with sparkling raindrops to remind you that some rainy days can be pretty and fun!
Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Apr 07, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a giggle-filled storytime for busy little bodies ages 12–36 months. We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Line Dancing
Tue, Apr 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Soul Slider Cynthia Morse is here to teach you the newest slides, hustles, and steps!
Bid Whist
Wed, Apr 08, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Magic: The Gathering Club
Wed, Apr 08, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Come play Magic: The Gathering at the library! We will play Commander or draft.
Shine Studio - This Week’s Project: Diamond Art Dragon Bookmarks
Wed, Apr 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Looking for a new hobby? Come to our Diamond Painting program to try a different way of coloring by number!
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Thu, Apr 09, 9:15am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Story Garden: A Puppet Show
Thu, Apr 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Join Spark the Firefly for spring stories and songs! Hop like a bunny, watch seeds grow, and splash in pond fun. Puppets, music, and interactive movement for the whole family!
Aspiring Writers Meet-up
Thu, Apr 09, 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Join other writers and share your passion for writing.
Movie Night @ the Library - The Legend of Tarzan
Thu, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Grab your snacks and get comfy for Movie Night @ the Library!
Registration opens Sunday, March 29 2026 at 6:00pm
Yapping Yarnies - Hats
Thu, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
The cold days of winter might be ending, but hats are for every season. Join us and learn to create beautiful spring hats.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Fri, Apr 10, 9:15am - 2:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Schedule an appointment with an AARP Tax-Aide.
Intro to Computers Part 1
Fri, Apr 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Are you ready for the digital revolution? Join us to learn how to use your computer.
Paint-n-Sip
Sat, Apr 11, 10:00am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Celebrate spring as you paint a beautiful wooden door hanger.
Monday Makers - Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
See how long it takes you to plug in all the pieces of these fun puzzles!
L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club - The Homework Machine
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Explore friendship and fun in the March L.I.T. Girls’ Book Club as we read The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman! Books available for checkout at our first meeting. Don’t miss out!
Registration is now closed
Yoga
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Wiggles and Giggles
Tue, Apr 14, 10:00am - 10:45am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Wiggles and Giggles is a giggle-filled storytime for busy little bodies ages 12–36 months. We’ll sing, wiggle, clap, & laugh through stories, songs, and fingerplays. Expect lots of movement & smiles!
Love and Care Caregiver Support Group
Tue, Apr 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights at our monthly support group for caregivers. This is a time for you to talk with other family caregivers in similar situations. Registration is required
Line Dancing
Tue, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Soul Slider Cynthia Morse is here to teach you the newest slides, hustles, and steps!
Bid Whist
Wed, Apr 15, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Shine Studio - This Week’s Project: Donut Magnets
Wed, Apr 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Looking for a new hobby? Come to our Diamond Painting program to try a different way of coloring by number!
Music Makers - Build-a-box Guitar
Thu, Apr 16, 10:00am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
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. This week we will build a tissue box guitar.
Registration opens Tuesday, March 17 2026 at 10:00am
Yapping Yarnies - Hats
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
The cold days of winter might be ending, but hats are for every season. Join us and learn to create beautiful spring hats.
Movie Night @ the Library - The Incredibles
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Enjoy a family-friendly film, free popcorn, and fun for all ages. Bring the whole family for a cozy evening together!
Registration opens Tuesday, March 17 2026 at 6:00pm
Illinois Libraries Present - Cristina Henriquez: Voice, Culture, and Human Connection.
Thu, Apr 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
A conversation with author Cristina Henriquez.
See all events