Start the Year with Purpose
January at Evanston Public Library is all about new beginnings and fresh starts. It's a time to set goals, try something new, and invest in yourself. Explore resources and events that support personal growth, from career and skill-building tools to mindfulness, organization tips, and hobbies that spark curiosity and confidence for the year ahead.
Explore Your Roots
HeritageQuest Online
HeritageQuest Online is a genealogy resource offering access to a wide range of records, including census data, and local histories.
Art + Reflection
Art on Display for MLK Day
On display: City of Hope: Resurrection City & The 1968 Poor People's Campaign. Third floor of the Main Library until 2/28.
Open the Year with Intention
Technology Detox
Technology Detox
Looking to rethink your relationship with technology in the New Year? Here are some books that may help.
New Year's Fiction
New Year's Fiction
Celebrate the first month of the year with some New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and New Year's Resolution themed fiction!
ADHD Survive/Thrive
The ADHD Adult Survive & Thrive Shelf
These books serve up ADHD-friendly advice to help you take better care of yourself.
Financial Planning
Financial Planning for Everyone
Financial planning can start at any point in life. Here are a few titles to get you started!
Start a New Hobby for National Hobby Month
Solve a Puzzle
Puzzle Swaps
Swap, share, and discover new-to-you puzzles at our puzzle swaps.
Join a Book Club
Book Clubs
Discover our library's book clubs! Join fellow readers for lively discussions and explore a variety of genres. Find your club today!
Explore a New Genre
Asian Entertainment Appreciation Group
This is where you can go all out on your love of Squid Game, The Untamed, Alice in Borderland, Blackpink, Jeff Satur, Zhou Shen and more!
Practice a New Language
Language Cafe
Join us for language conversation practice and intercultural exchange.
Currently for Kids
Winter Wonderland List
New & Noteworthy Children's Books January 2026
Check out these great new books for children! Book descriptions and age/grade recommendations are from the publishers' websites.
Dance list
Dance!
There are many reasons people dance. This mix of fiction and nonfiction includes great kids books on dance!
Upcoming Events
Footloose the Musical: Preview Performance
Jan 11th | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Northwestern's Dolphin Show is bringing a free preview of Footloose: The Musical to EPL! Then stay for a themed storytime and craft!
Anytime Activities
Kids Books to Inspire Goals and Celebrate Growth
The new year season is a great time for children to embrace setting goals and trying new things. These books will help them on their way!
Light List
Books to Celebrate a Season of Light
These picture books capture the wonder of light and how much it is intertwined with our hopes, wishes, and ambitions.
Warm Up Your Winter with a Book or Movie
Cozy Reads
Hibernation Mode Activated List
Hibernation mode activated - I'll see you in April!
It's time to get cosy/cozy. Embrace your indoor kid and the snowy, sleepy season ahead.
Slay Ride
Slay Ride: Holiday Horror Books
The weather outside is frightful, but these books are so delightful (...and also frightful).
The Fire is So Delightful
Short Winter & Holiday Books
Short Winter & Holiday Books - To Hit Your Reading Goal
Finding yourself just shy of your reading goals as year ends? These books can help you catch up and have you drinking in the winter vibes.
Long Movies Long Nights
Long Movies for Long Nights
Embrace winter’s cold, dark nights and settle in with one of these acclaimed films--all running at least 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Dreaming in Black and White
Dreaming in Black and White
Dream sequences in movies. It is the darkest time of year--ideal for hibernating and dreaming...zzzz
Slay Ride: Holiday Horror Movies
Slay Ride: Holiday Horror Movies
Your fear may grow three sizes when you watch these frightening holiday haunts.
Cookbooks Perfect for Winter
Winter Cooking
This Year's Greatest Hits
2025 Books for Adults
101 Kids
101 Favorite Picture Books
Nov 04, 2025
Check out the list our staff made of their 101 favorite picture books!
