Staunton Library to participate in library crawl

By Tom Emery

The Staunton Public Library is one of eight libraries in Macoupin County to welcome new visitors with a program sponsored by the region's library system.

The 5th Annual Library Crawl invites patrons to explore new libraries throughout the Illinois Heartland Library System, which composes the southern half of the state. The Crawl also demonstrates the benefits of a library card, which allows users to check out materials from the libraries they visit.

Staunton is one of 158 libraries across central and southern Illinois, including Carlinville, Gillespie, Mount Olive, Virden, Brighton, Bunker Hill, and Benld, that are taking part in the Crawl. The event runs from October 1 through October 31.

The first Library Crawl was introduced in 2019 by the Bethalto Public Library, which continues to coordinate the event. The idea was designed to encourage library users to explore the resources of other libraries that are available to request and check out with a valid library card.

Twenty-eight libraries participated in that first year, a number that has now increased nearly six-fold.

Patrons may pick up a passport for the Crawl at any participating library, and try to visit at least five libraries during the event.

At each new library, visitors may stop at the main circulation desk to have their passports stamped. To complete the Crawl, patrons may simply return their passports to their home library.

Some libraries also offer special treats for visitors on the Crawl. After any visit to a participating library, patrons are invited to take pictures to post on social media, under the hashtag #IHLSLibraryCrawl2023.

Many libraries are closed in observance of Columbus Day on October 9, so anyone planning a visit should call ahead, to check on hours of operation. Visitors must also adhere to any COVID-19 protocols that remain in place at individual libraries.

For more information on the Crawl and the participating libraries, visit http://www.illinoisheartland.org or call the Staunton Public Library at 618-635-3852.