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Image for event: Messy Mad Scientist
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Messy Mad Scientist

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Did you ever think you could use candy to blow up a balloon? Well, you can! Come find out how.

Explore awesome, hands-on, outdoor experiments and witness science in action! From wild chemistry reactions to amazing physics tricks, get ready for surprising moments that make you shout, “Cool!”

AGE GROUP: | 9 years old | 8 years old | 7 years old | 12 years old | 11 years old | 10 years old |

EVENT TYPE: | STEAM |

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, Jul 13 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Jul 14 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Jul 15 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Jul 16 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Jul 17 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jul 18 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 19 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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Summer Reading for Adults
Thu, Jul 16, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Color My World- Storyacting with Paddy Lynn
Thu, Jul 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fully participatory show! Children act out popular storybooks with make-shift props and a little on-the-spot coaching. The audience joins in with sound effects and special effects.
Registration is now closed
Yapping Yarnies - Summer Fun!
Thu, Jul 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Summer is filled with sun and fun, picnics and beach days. So let’s knit and crochet some fun summer gear!
Movie Night @ the Library - Moana
Thu, Jul 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Grab your snacks and get comfy for Movie Night @ the Library! Join us for a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy. From animated adventures to exciting stories, there’s something for everyone.
Summer Reading for Adults
Fri, Jul 17, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Friday Game Night
Fri, Jul 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Come have fun with board games, snacks, and friends!
Summer Reading for Adults
Sat, Jul 18, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Community of Care Walk - Community of Care Walk
Sat, Jul 18, 8:00am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Come walk, run, jog, or bike to bring focus to the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities.
American Red Cross Babysitter Training
Sat, Jul 18, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
In this blended course, youth learn the basics of child care, safety, and emergency response. It includes a 2-hour online module and an in-person skills session.
Registration is now closed
Let’s Eat Cake!
Sat, Jul 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Ages 11–17—love cake? Bring a store-bought cake to share. Join a cake-tasting hangout with snacks, cake-themed games, and voting for the best cake.
Library Closed
Sun, Jul 19, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
The Library is Closed on Sundays during the Summer
Summer Reading for Adults
Sun, Jul 19, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Summer Reading for Adults
Mon, Jul 20, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
One-on-Ones
Mon, Jul 20, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Need tech help? Book a 45 minute appointment!
Register
America 250: Craft Celebration - Stars, Stripes and Scoops
Mon, Jul 20, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Drop in between 10 AM and 8 PM for a patriotic craft! Ages 3–8. New project each week. First-come, first-served while supplies last.
Lego Robotics
Mon, Jul 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Build it, code it, control it. Kids create robots, then program or drive them through fun challenges while exploring engineering, teamwork, and creativity!
Can You Find the Pilfered Quill?
Mon, Jul 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Race the clock in The Case of the Pilfered Quill! An escape room-style adventure where clues and ciphers lead to a missing pen. Solve puzzles, unlock secrets in this fast-paced, ink-redibly fun event!
Yoga
Mon, Jul 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Summer Reading for Adults
Tue, Jul 21, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Play Factory
Tue, Jul 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Morning too hot or too rainy for the park? Come to the library for an hour of indoor play fun! Activities will include a water-play station, a sand-play table, Duplos, and much more!
Memory Café
Tue, Jul 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights for our Memory Café, a social gathering for people living with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment and their care partners. Registration is required.
Teen Paint Socials (Repeat)
Tue, Jul 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
This is a repeat of the June 9th program. Grab a brush and join the fun! Ages 13+ can follow a seasonal or character painting step by step, or create their own design and leave with a masterpiece.
Summer Reading for Adults
Wed, Jul 22, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Bid Whist
Wed, Jul 22, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Pokémon Club
Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Meet with other Pokéfans to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you! Test your mettle against other trainers to see who’s the very best.
This event is full
Lego Mystery Afternoon
Wed, Jul 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Bring the whole family to the library to build your own LEGO creation based on a secret prompt using just the LEGO pieces in your mystery bag!
Africana Book Club
Wed, Jul 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
The book for this month is Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat.
Messy Mad Scientist - Stacking Liquids Density Column
Wed, Jul 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
New venue Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
It takes a steady hand to make different liquids sit on top of each other instead of mixing into a mess of fluids. Can we pull it off? Come and find out.
Summer Reading for Adults
Thu, Jul 23, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Under the Stars
Thu, Jul 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Join Spark the Firefly and her friends for a summer night in Firefly Grove. Gather around the campfire to sing songs, listen to stories, and watch the stars.
Fantastic Frogs
Thu, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Leap into fun with Fantastic Frogs, where kids enjoy a frog-themed story and create a fun, froggy craft to take home!
Summer Reading for Adults
Fri, Jul 24, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Summer Reading for Adults
Sat, Jul 25, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Wealth Wellness Workshops: Empowering Your Financial Future - Money Management Tools: Mastering the Apps That Work for You
Sat, Jul 25, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Join our 8-session Financial Wellness Series to learn budgeting, credit, saving, investing, and real-world money skills for lifelong financial stability. Today's topic is: Money Management Tools.
Mock Constitutional Convention
Sat, Jul 25, 10:30am - 2:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
The question, "So, if the Constitution were written today, what would you include?" was asked. Now is the time to put our words into action.
Dungeon's and Dragon's: One Shot!
Sat, Jul 25, 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.
Summer Reading for Adults
Sun, Jul 26, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Library Closed
Sun, Jul 26, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
The Library is Closed on Sundays during the Summer
Summer Reading for Adults
Mon, Jul 27, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
America 250: Craft Celebration - A-tisket, A-tasket, A Red, White, & Blue Basket
Mon, Jul 27, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Drop in between 10 AM and 8 PM for a patriotic craft! Ages 3–8. New project each week. First-come, first-served while supplies last.
Monday Morning Book Discussion - The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley
Mon, Jul 27, 10:15am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Join us for the Monthly Monday Morning Book Discussion!
Croquet on the Lawn
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Sunlit croquet on the lawn: mallets click, balls glide through hoops, laughter floats on the breeze. Snack breaks and playful rivalry in this fun mini golf-like game without the hazards.
Registration opens Sunday, July 19 2026 at 6:00pm
Yoga
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Summer Reading for Adults
Tue, Jul 28, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Play Factory
Tue, Jul 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Morning too hot or too rainy for the park? Come to the library for an hour of indoor play fun! Activities will include a water-play station, a sand-play table, Duplos, and much more!
Registration opens Sunday, July 19 2026 at 10:00am
Summer Reading for Adults
Wed, Jul 29, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Bid Whist
Wed, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
DIY Mushroom Mug Rugs
Wed, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Are you looking for a new hobby? Come and make a punch needle mug rug at the library! Don't know what punch needle is? We'll show you how!
Registration opens Sunday, July 19 2026 at 4:00pm
The Business Owner's Mindset
Wed, Jul 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Explore the realities of entrepreneurship, practical steps for getting started, and strategies for developing confidence and resilience along the journey.
Summer Reading for Adults
Thu, Jul 30, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Worms on the Menu
Thu, Jul 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Let’s find out what you know about worms and which ones you can eat!
Registration opens Sunday, July 19 2026 at 4:00pm
Summer Reading for Adults
Fri, Jul 31, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Summer Reading for Adults
Sat, Aug 01, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
Are you reading books this summer? Then stop by the Public Services desk and pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win some AMAZING prizes throughout the summer!
Register
Zumba with Kne You DBA Fitness Fun
Sat, Aug 01, 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.
Library Closed
Sun, Aug 02, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
The Library is Closed on Sundays during the Summer
Yoga
Mon, Aug 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Line Dancing
Tue, Aug 04, 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, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Yapping Yarnies in the Summer! - Summer Fun!
Thu, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Summer is filled with sun and fun, picnics and beach days. So let’s knit and crochet some fun summer gear!
Bling Compact
Sat, Aug 08, 10:00am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Start the fall off with a little bit of bling! Join us and create a snazzy-looking, bling compact of your own. *Register Required*
Library Closed
Sun, Aug 09, All day
Matteson Area Public Library District
The Library is Closed on Sundays during the Summer
Yoga
Mon, Aug 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Love and Care Caregiver Support Group
Tue, Aug 11, 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, Aug 11, 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, Aug 12, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Magic: The Gathering Club
Wed, Aug 12, 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.
Aspiring Writers Meet-up
Thu, Aug 13, 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Join other writers and share your passion for writing.
Yapping Yarnies in the Summer! - Summer Fun!
Thu, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Summer is filled with sun and fun, picnics and beach days. So let’s knit and crochet some fun summer gear!
Meet Your Past - Personalized Genealogy Sessions
Sat, Aug 15, 9:30am - 10:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Providing Genealogy assistance one on one, in an hour, by appointment.
See all events