Adults
Mary Hartwell Catherwood, the first fiction writer of note associated with Illinois, was the most well-known author at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. She was the first American woman to write popular romantic historical novels, producing more than 30 books plus many short stories. She founded Hoopeston Public Library Mary Hartwell Catherwood Book Club, which is still in existence. The Mary Hartwell Catherwood Reading Group meets the first Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the library. This group is open to the public. If interested, please contact the library.
Adult crafts
Our Coffee, Crafts & Conversation group meets every Wednesday morning and is open to anyone who crochets, knits or does other types of portable handcrafts. Bring your project and enjoy free coffee and fellowship with this fun group.
If you’re interested in other types of crafts, HPL also offers a monthly free craft program for all adults. The projects range from painting to floral arts, beadwork, seasonal decorations and more. All the projects are staff directed and usually all materials are provided free of charge.
Adult Enrichment programs
HPL partners with the University of Illinois Extension and the U of I Master Gardeners to offer a variety of adult special interest programs throughout the year. Extension educators conduct cooking demonstrations as well as other informative programs on nutrition, health, wellness and home management.
The Master Gardeners offer several different programs seasonally, including gardening workshops, hands-on plant demonstrations and more.