Decatur Library

We are a public library proudly serving 73,000 residents with an annual circulation of 300,000 items and are members of the Illinois Heartland Library System.

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Trick-or-treat at the Library! Come ANYTIME during regular library hours, Wednesday, October 28 thru Saturday, October 31. AND join us for Halloween Story Time 10/29 at 10am!!

https://t.co/6kBqnP4Qmo

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

The Library will be CLOSE Monday 10/26 for Staff In-Service Day

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Inside pictures are rare in our collection, so this is a treat. Operated by the Greanias family for over 30 years, it had just been updated (1959, same year photo was taken.) Unfortunately, the next year a massive fire broke out damaging several businesses in the Square.

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

We had so much fun at our final "Read with PawPrint Ministries" night for 2026! Our PawPrint friends will be joining us on Sat., Dec. 5, from 2:30 - 4:00 pm for our "Pre-Parade Party with PawPrint's Pups!" event!
https://t.co/Gqqza3y04H

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Explore how Black composers like Scott Joplin, W.C. Handy, and Ernest Hogan shaped ragtime, blues, and jazz while navigating racism in entertainment. St. Louis duo Cherry & Jerry bring America’s first pop music to life. For all ages!
Weds, 11/4
6pm to 7pm
https://t.co/fbOBk2rmzQ

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

This picture (date unknown) shows the Orlando Powers home on Decatur and Union. The three-story, sixteen roomed house was built in 1857. By 1945, it was the Decatur Unity Center. In January of 1956, it suffered a huge fire and a new church was built in its place.

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Oct. 24 10:00am to 11:30am
Join chess instructor, Mr. Ben Steele, for Youth Chess Club! Kids ages 6-14 can learn some new skills and get a chance to play chess with other kids! Mr. Steele will start each class by teaching kids the fundamentals of chess.

https://t.co/UE5RXYwYkN

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Check out the up-coming art classes for Kids!!
https://t.co/O6ONCGU2jg

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Improv 101 will meet in the Children's Auditorium!
Tuesday, October 20 6:00pm-7:30pm

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

"Yes, and..." just like that READiculous, JR is half-way through the sessions! Last Tuesday we did improv exercises, played games, and groups starting performing their books for the class! For more information about READiculous visit https://t.co/bnWI9az4UM

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Whether you’re a jump-scare devotee or a psychological horror purist, there’s
something here to unsettle you. Kanopy’s Crypt Collection horror film and TV collection
is now available…free to borrow and impossible to forget.
Start watching: https://t.co/qwHKgz5nJ3

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Free Yoga for all experience levels! Tuesdays 12:00pm-1:00pm

https://t.co/YUbwfGlfSI

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Trick-or-treat at the Library! Come ANYTIME during regular library hours, Wednesday, October 28 thru Saturday, October 31. AND join us for Halloween Story Time 10/29 at 10am!!

https://t.co/6kBqnP4Qmo

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Fiber Arts Club
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00pm–7:00pm
Bring your latest fiber arts project - knitting, crochet, sewing, weaving, etc. - and join us to work on them together!
https://t.co/3oL3vg7Bbf

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Oct. 24 10:00am to 11:30am
Join chess instructor, Mr. Ben Steele, for Youth Chess Club! Kids ages 6-14 can learn some new skills and get a chance to play chess with other kids! Mr. Steele will start each class by teaching kids the fundamentals of chess.

https://t.co/UE5RXYwYkN

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Need to get in the spooky mood?
Check out the Scary Good Reads we have on display here:
https://t.co/ttQE3Ip04Q

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

1910 picture shows Swisher Lumber located at 901 E. Grand. Started back when it was still called Herkimer St, they provided all your lumber and roofing needs. In 1926, they had an order for 8 portable cottages to be sent to Russia! H&R pics from 3/8/31 show the fire they endured.

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Preschoolers enjoyed the "Spooky Mansion Watercolor Resist" art class with Ms. Connie last week! To register for November or December classes visit https://t.co/shjkOD3EGf
Many thanks to the Friends of the DPL for sponsoring these events and others!

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Interested in flower arrangements? Kids will make a Tussie-mussie (small bouquets of hand-held flowers, greenery and/or herbs that originated in Victorian times).
All materials provided.
This program is for youth ages 8-14.
Registration ends October 17th.
https://t.co/0SvoSLiN0s

[Decatur Library @LibraryDecatur]

Ever get the temptation to take a bite out of your favorite slime? Well now you can! This month we’re making 100% edible slime!!
10/17, 1pm-3pm, register here:
https://t.co/EPDKhJjmIB