Embark on the 2026 Library Lovers Expedition

February 1-March 31
All Ages
Your mission in 2026 is to explore 15 libraries in the McHenry County area!

Everyone is welcome, whether you have a library card or not. Register at any of the libraries, and you’ll receive a brochure/map with a brag tag. Then hit the road and visit the participating libraries (in any order) to see what fun they have to offer! You can check out books and materials (you may have to fill out paperwork to do so; please check each library’s circulation policies).

Collect a different brag tag at each library. Go to 12 of the 15 libraries and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 15 gift baskets, each valued at $50. The baskets are filled with gift cards from local businesses. Visit ALL 15 libraries, and you’ll have the chance to win the Grand Prize basket valued at $150! Winners will be drawn from among the sorted entries and notified by phone or email after April 8.

When you visit Crystal Lake Public Library, check out our immense collection of books, audiobooks, movies, music, games and more. Be sure to play the mini golf hole in Youth Services and make crafts at the Creation Station. Upstairs in Adult Services, participants can enjoy a trivia scavenger hunt.

New This Year – The Case of the Missing Manuscript!
To mark the Library Lovers Expedition’s 5th anniversary, we’ve added an expedition mystery! We know our patrons love a good mystery so put on your detective hats and get ready to solve “The Case of the Missing Manuscript.”

How to Play:
• Instructions about the expedition mystery are included in the Library Lovers Expedition brochure, which you will receive when you register.
• Collect a new clue at each of the 15 libraries. Gather them all to solve the mystery.
• Submit your answer to be entered into a drawing for a mystery prize basket.

Participating Libraries:

1. Algonquin Area Public Library
2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
Branch: 115 Eastgate Drive, Algonquin
aapld.org | 847-458-6060

2. Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington
balibrary.org | 847-382-1300

3. Cary Area Public Library
1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary
caryarealibrary.org | 847-639-4210

4. Crystal Lake Public Library
126 W. Paddock St., Crystal Lake
clpl.org | 815-459-1687

5. Fox Lake District Library
255 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake
fllib.org | 847-587-0198

6. Fox River Grove Memorial Library
407 Lincoln Ave., Fox River Grove
frgml.org | 847-639-2274

7. Harvard Diggins Library
900 E. McKinley St., Harvard
harvard-diggins.org | 815-943-4671

8. Huntley Area Public Library
11000 Ruth Road, Huntley
huntleylibrary.org | 847-669-5386

9. Johnsburg Public Library
3000 N. Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg
johnsburglibrary.org | 815-344-0077

10. Marengo-Union Library District
19714 East Grant Hwy., Marengo
muld.org | 815-568-8236

11. McHenry Public Library District
809 Front St., McHenry
mchenrylibrary.org | 815-385-0036

12. Nippersink Public Library District
5418 Hill Road, Richmond
nippersinklibrary.org | 815-678-4014

13. River East Public Library
813 W. IL Route 120, McHenry
rivereastlibrary.org | 815-385-6303

14. Wauconda Area Public Library
801 N. Main St., Wauconda
wauclib.org | 847-526-6225

15. Woodstock Public Library
414 W. Judd St., Woodstock
woodstockpubliclibrary.org | 815-338-0542