2026 is our 75th anniversary as a public library. We’re going to celebrate, and you’re invited! We’ll have activities throughout the year. We hope you can join in with us and continue to make the Library a valuable part of the community for another 75 years to come.
Read an outline of CAPL’s history and explore our photos on the Illinois Digital Archives.
Diamond Reading Program
January 1-December 31, 2026
Help us celebrate our 75th anniversary by joining us for our favorite activity—reading! We’re ringing in this special occasion by asking you to read up to 75 books for adults, teens, and kids, or 750 picture books for kids 0-6. Get a badge for every book you read (or a badge every ten books for ages 0-6). Earn a prize if you read 25 (250 for 0-6), 50 (500 for 0-6), and 75 (750 for 0-6) books. Interested in participating in this year-long reading challenge? Read through the full details and how to get started.
Peeps Diorama Contest
In honor of our 75th anniversary, we’re asking that the dioramas be book- or movie/show-inspired to showcase the stories you can find in the Library. Learn more about our annual Peeps Diorama Contest.
Seed Library
The first 75 orders placed for the Seed Library will include an extra packet of seeds in honor of our 75th anniversary. The Seed Library will open on Monday, March 9, for ordering.
Summer Celebration
Details to come – Summer 2026
Bookmark Contest
Details to come – Fall 2026