just for
KIDS
2026 Bookmark Contest
Design a bookmark to be featured at the library!
- One Winner and one Honorable Mention will be chosen from each grade: kindergarten through eighth.
- Winners receive 40 copies of their bookmark (printed on the winner’s choice of color cardstock), a certificate, and a prize.
- Winning bookmarks will be displayed and distributed at the Kids Room desk.
- Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate and a prize.
How It Works
- Designs must:
- Be original
- Have a theme about books or reading
- Not include copyrighted characters (Examples: Disney, Pokémon, Star Wars)
- Students must be in grades K-8 and have a Downers Grove Public Library card OR attend a school in Downers Grove.
- Only one entry per student.
- Entries will be accepted January 2 – February 13, 2026.
- Completed entries can be dropped off at the Kids Room desk.
- Judges will select winners based on originality, artwork, and theme.
- Winners will be notified February 23, 2026.
- All bookmark entries become the property of DGPL and cannot be returned.
Homework Help
The library is here to help with the school year:
- Homework Help Databases: find free live tutoring from 2-11 p.m.; interactive virtual book readings; grade-appropriate articles on science, social studies, and more!
- Returns: Return District 58 library materials to DGPL. We’ll get them back to your school librarians!
- We have Children's librarians just for you! Email kidsdesk@dglibrary.org with questions about finding resources, programming, or the library.
- Books related to specific assignments may be on the Homework Shelf. Ask a Kids Room staff member for help finding resources.
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Looking for a tutor? The Kids Room has a directory of local tutors who specialize in many grades and subject areas. Stop by the Kids Room Desk or contact us at kidsdesk@dglibrary.org to request a copy.
Disclaimer: The Downers Grove Public Library does not endorse or sponsor any tutor or business on this list. This list is for information purposes only and should be used at the patron's discretion. All communication, fee negotiation, scheduling, etc. must occur between tutor and patrons.
Kids events
Infants, Toddlers,
& Preschoolers
Grade Schoolers
1,000 Books before kindergarten
The Downers Grove Public Library challenges you to participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program!
Reading aloud with a child is one of the most important things a caregiver can do to help prepare them for Kindergarten. Reading aloud introduces children to new words and concepts, helps them learn about letters and sounds, and teaches them how print and stories work. It’s also a great way to bond with children and to encourage a love of reading!
Visit the Kids Room Desk to register.
How It Works
Patrons who sign up for the program receive a log to keep track of how many books are read, a suggested reading list to get started, and a book bag. Here’s how it works:
- Every time a book is read, color in one of the circles.
- After 100 books, bring the log back to the library for a new log, more books, and a small prize.
- After 500 books, readers get a bigger prize.
- At 1,000 books, both the child and parent will get a final grand prize.
F.A.Q.
Who can participate? Is there a fee?
The program is free and open to any child who has not yet entered kindergarten.
What books count toward the goal?
All books count, including
- books read at storytime, daycare, or school
- books read over multiple times
- picture books and books with no words
Is there a deadline?
This program is designed for readers to take as much or as little time as long as it's completed by Kindergarten.
How long will it take?
1 book per day, every day = Less than 3 years
3 books per day, every day = Under a year
SCOUt visits
Request a visit for your scout group to learn about how the library works!
kids books
Grades 2-6: Cozy Fantasy Graphic Novels
Picture Books:
Purr-fect Reads
Middle School:
Gothic Graveyard
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KPop Demon Hunters
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Book Flix
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Tumble Book Library
Explore hundreds of animated talking picture books that teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love.
For more information or questions email kidsdesk@dglibrary.org,
or call 630-960-1200 ext. 4279.