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Image for event: Messy Mad Scientist

Registration opens:
June 07th, 2026

Messy Mad Scientist

Pop Rocks Expander
2026-06-17 18:00:00 2026-06-17 19:00:00 America/Chicago Messy Mad Scientist Did you ever think you could use candy to blow up a balloon? Well, you can! Come find out how. Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside

Wednesday, June 17
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-06-17 18:00:00 2026-06-17 19:00:00 America/Chicago Messy Mad Scientist Did you ever think you could use candy to blow up a balloon? Well, you can! Come find out how. Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside

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, May 18 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, May 19 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, May 20 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, May 21 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, May 22 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 23 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 24 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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One-on-Ones
Mon, May 18, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Need tech help? Book a 45 minute appointment!
Register
Monday Morning Book Discussion
Mon, May 18, 10:15am - 11:30am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
Join us for the Monthly Monday Morning Book Discussion!
Yoga
Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Meet Your Past - Matteson Museum Sessions
Tue, May 19, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Museum
Learn to start your family tree at the Matteson Historical Museum 813 School Ave.
Memory Café
Tue, May 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join Pathlights for our Memory Café. Music with Prospect Music Therapy will be here. Registration is required.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Tue, May 19, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
The first 15 minutes are open to the public.
Illinois Libraries Present - Babel-On with R.F. Kuang.
Tue, May 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
A conversation with author R.F. Kuang.
Bid Whist
Wed, May 20, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Yapping Yarnies - Baskets
Thu, May 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
April showers bring May flowers, but do you have a basket to carry those flowers in? Join us as we create a variety of fun and functional baskets.
Murder May(hem) Mystery
Sat, May 23, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A murder has occurred! Team up with your fellow sleuths to crack the cold case! Pizza and fun await! Registration required.
Bid Whist
Wed, May 27, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Africana Book Club
Wed, May 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
The book for this month is Third Girl From the Left by Martha Southgate.
Movie Night @ the Library - The Tomorrow's War
Thu, May 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Grab your snacks and get comfy for Movie Night @ the Library!
Wealth Wellness Workshops: Empowering Your Financial Future - Saving and Investing: Building Wealth for the Future.
Sat, May 30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Join our 8-session 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, May 30, 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
Mon, Jun 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
Yoga
Mon, Jun 01, 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, Jun 02, 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
Line Dancing
Tue, Jun 02, 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!
Summer Reading for Adults
Wed, Jun 03, 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, Jun 03, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Canva For Beginners
Wed, Jun 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Learn how to use templates, text, images, and simple design principles in Canva.
Summer Reading for Adults
Thu, Jun 04, 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
Movie Night @ the Library - Toy Story
Thu, Jun 04, 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.
Registration opens Monday, May 18 2026 at 9:00am
Yapping Yarnies - Summer Fun!
Thu, Jun 04, 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!
Summer Reading for Adults
Fri, Jun 05, 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, Jun 06, 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, Jun 06, 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.
BodySmart Gardening
Sat, Jun 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Learn how to protect yourself from injury while gardening. BodySmart Gardening involves the tools we use and how we use those tools. Also, a lucky attendee will win an ergonomic garden hand trowel.
Summer Reading for Adults
Sun, Jun 07, 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, Jun 08, 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
Mon, Jun 08, 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.
Yoga
Mon, Jun 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Unicorn Munchie Making Adventure
Mon, Jun 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Bring a little sparkle to snack time with our Unicorn Munchie-Making Party! This colorful, hands-on cooking event invites kids to craft whimsical treats using simple, kid-friendly recipes.
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 6:00pm
Lego Robotics
Mon, Jun 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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!
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 6:00pm
Summer Reading for Adults
Tue, Jun 09, 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, Jun 09, 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, May 31 2026 at 10:00am
Love and Care Caregiver Support Group
Tue, Jun 09, 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
Teen Paint Socials
Tue, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
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.
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 6:00pm
Line Dancing
Tue, Jun 09, 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!
Summer Reading for Adults
Wed, Jun 10, 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, Jun 10, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Pokémon Club
Wed, Jun 10, 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.
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 2:00pm
Reading Dragons Day
Wed, Jun 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Calling all Reading Dragons participants! Celebrate the start of summer by playing Reading Dragons with the cards you earned this school year. Cards will be available to borrow if needed.
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 4:00pm
Magic: The Gathering Club
Wed, Jun 10, 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.
Messy Mad Scientist - Mentos and Diet Coke
Wed, Jun 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
We're going to make a variety of soda pop geysers! Which will shoot higher? Come and see!
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 6:00pm
Summer Reading for Adults
Thu, Jun 11, 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
Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Thu, Jun 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Explore Dino Academy with Dr. Sarah Tops in this prehistoric adventure! Colorful dinosaur puppets stomp and roar as you discover amazing dinosaur facts through science, storytelling, and imagination.
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 10:00am
Bee-Smart
Thu, Jun 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Craft a bee with no worries about being stung!
Registration opens Sunday, May 31 2026 at 4:00pm
Aspiring Writers Meet-up
Thu, Jun 11, 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Do you like to write? Be it a poem, short story, or a novel, come meet other authors, give and receive constructive criticism of your work to help your writing reach the next level! Can Join via zoom
The Constitution & The People
Thu, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Join us for a conversation about the US Constitution and The People it represents.
Summer Reading for Adults
Fri, Jun 12, 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, Jun 13, 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
The Enchanted Maker’s Garden - Enchanted Maker’s Garden: crafts & magic for all ages
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 6:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Step into The Enchanted Maker’s Garden, where creativity blooms! All ages can craft dragon eyes, design fairy dust necklaces, and make a hero cape to take home.
Video Game Truck
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Get to play video games outside!
Cosplay Workshop
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Get cosplay-ready! Learn how to craft custom costume props using foam in this hands-on workshop. We’ll cover basic techniques to help bring your character to life.
Maid Cafe - Enjoy snacks and play games at the Shooting Star Maid Cafe.
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Your favorite maids are back for another year! Enjoy delicious snacks and play fun games with the Shooting Star Maid Cafe! Snacks are free, and time slot registration will be available on the day of.
Punch & Judy Puppet Show - Punch & Judy family-friendly puppet show full of fun.
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Punch and Judy are back with big laughs and silly surprises! Join Puppetfolk Productions for a fast-paced, family-friendly puppet show full of fun, mischief, and classic comedy.
MAPLD FanFest Summer Reading Kick-Off
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Fan and comic convention at Matteson Library! Meet superheroes, win prizes, enjoy games, a cooking demo, a Maid Cafe, and more! Theme: “Plant a Story, Grow a Fantasy.” Free for all!
Fairy Garden Party - Chef Millicent: fairy tea, jam & clotted cream fun
Sat, Jun 13, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Join Chef Millicent as we embark on a fantastical culinary experience. Learn how to brew tea, create luscious strawberry jam and clotted cream as we pretend to live like fairies.
Punch & Judy Puppet Show - Punch & Judy family-friendly puppet show full of fun.
Sat, Jun 13, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Punch and Judy are back with big laughs and silly surprises! Join Puppetfolk Productions for a fast-paced, family-friendly puppet show full of fun, mischief, and classic comedy.
Big Bubble Blast - Big Bubble Blast: chase, pop, and foam-filled fun!
Sat, Jun 13, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Big Bubble Blast: a laugh-filled show for all ages! Chase giant bubbles, clouds of tiny bubbles, and wild clusters—plus foam beards, towers, hats, and more bubbly fun!
Petting Zoo - A Zoo To You: pet llamas, goats & more at the library!
Sat, Jun 13, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
A Zoo To You is coming to the library! All ages can pet and feed llamas, goats, a baby cow, and more. Enjoy a hands-on animal experience full of smiles, curiosity, and fun.
Cosplay Workshop
Sat, Jun 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A
Get cosplay-ready! Learn how to craft custom costume props using foam in this hands-on workshop. We’ll cover basic techniques to help bring your character to life.
DIY Mini Gnome Garden - Mini Gnome Garden: create a tiny magical world!
Sat, Jun 13, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Create a Mini Gnome Garden! Ages 13+ can design a whimsical tiny landscape with gnomes and natural elements. All supplies provided—just bring creativity and build a magical garden to take home!
DIY Mini Gnome Garden - Mini Gnome Garden: create a tiny magical world!
Sat, Jun 13, 4:30pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Create a Mini Gnome Garden! Ages 13+ can design a whimsical tiny landscape with gnomes and natural elements. All supplies provided—just bring creativity and build a magical garden to take home!
Potion Tasting Station - Potion tasting: choose, mix, and boost your magic!
Sat, Jun 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Cool off at the Potion Tasting Station! Choose Courage, Wisdom, or Strength, then customize your drink with two mystical add-ons to boost its magical power in this fun, flavorful experience!
Fairy Garden Party - Chef Millicent: fairy tea, jam & clotted cream fun
Sat, Jun 13, 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Join Chef Millicent as we embark on a fantastical culinary experience. Learn how to brew tea, create luscious strawberry jam and clotted cream as we pretend to live like fairies.
Cosplay/Costume Contest - All skill levels welcome—handmade or store-bought!
Sat, Jun 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District
Calling all anime, comic, and cosplay fans! Join the MAPLD Cosplay Contest. Compete in Kids, Teens, Adults, or Group for 1st place prizes!
Register
Summer Reading for Adults
Sun, Jun 14, 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, Jun 15, 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, Jun 15, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Need tech help? Book a 45 minute appointment!
America 250: Craft Celebration
Mon, Jun 15, 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.
Yoga
Mon, Jun 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
Improve flexibility and enhance relaxation with an hour of yoga.
Mad Hatter Garden Party
Mon, Jun 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Pop into our Mad Hatter’s Garden Party with wobbling teapots and growth potions. Craft dazzling hats, race in eccentric musical chairs, and nibble tiny teacup cakes.
Registration opens Sunday, June 7 2026 at 6:00pm
Everyday AI
Mon, Jun 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
Simple ways technology tools can make everyday tasks easier.
Registration opens Sunday, June 7 2026 at 6:00pm
Summer Reading for Adults
Tue, Jun 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
Play Factory
Tue, Jun 16, 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, June 7 2026 at 10:00am
Memory Café
Tue, Jun 16, 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.
Cricut Studio: Custom Hat Designing
Tue, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room B
Get creative with Cricut! Teens will learn to design and cut custom graphics, apply vinyl to a hat, and explore design basics—then head home with a one-of-a-kind hat.
Registration opens Sunday, June 7 2026 at 6:00pm
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Tue, Jun 16, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room D
The first 15 minutes are open to the public.
Summer Reading for Adults
Wed, Jun 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
Bid Whist
Wed, Jun 17, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room A/B
A fast-paced card game!
Where in the World?
Wed, Jun 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Room C
The 2026 World Cup is in the U.S.! Put your world geography knowledge to the test with the online game GeoGuessr and sample some international snacks.
Registration opens Sunday, June 7 2026 at 4:00pm
Messy Mad Scientist - Pop Rocks Expander
Wed, Jun 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Matteson Area Public Library District - Outside
Did you ever think you could use candy to blow up a balloon? Well, you can! Come find out how.
Registration opens Sunday, June 7 2026 at 6:00pm
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