Metro East Star

Business Builder Series: Presenting, Networking & Leading with Impact
2026-05-19 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for an interactive, hands-on workshop designed to help you build confidence, strengthen relationships, and elevate the way you communicate in professional settings.

Whether you’re presenting to top clients or your Board, introducing yourself at a networking event, or leading productive team meetings, this workshop will give you practical tools you can use immediately.

This is not your typical sit-and-listen event—this is a working workshop experience. Participants will break into small groups and rotate through focused sessions led by experienced speakers and facilitators, allowing you to practice in a safe, supportive environment.

Workshop Tracks Include:

Presenting to clients, leadership, or large audiences

Networking with confidence and making meaningful connections

Facilitating team growth through effective meetings and leadership

If you’ve ever thought:

“My hands sweat before I speak.”

“I’m not sure what to say when introducing myself.”

“I want to feel more confident presenting in front of others.”

This workshop was built for you.

Walk away feeling more comfortable, prepared, and confident—whether you’re speaking to a room of two or two hundred.
Venue: Tri-Township Library
209 S Main St Troy IL 62294

Job Search Training Session Series
2026-05-19 12:00 - 13:30
Job Search Training Session Series presented by expert, Frank Alaniz Job Searching for the Experienced Worker – Tuesday, March 17 Linkedin for the Experienced Worker – Tuesday, April 21 Resume Assistance for the Recent Graduate – Tuesday, May 19 12-1:30 PM Library Training and Events Room, 2001 Delmar Ave, In person and via Zoom. Come in person and receive a five minute review of your resume Registration is required. Please call 618-452-6238 or go to https://tinyurl.com/smrldjobs2025 to register.
Venue: Niedringhaus Building
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Legos
2026-05-19 16:00 - 19:00
Legos Come Build with Us! Every Tuesday 4 – 7 PM In the Children’s Department, 2001 Delmar Ave Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Niedringhaus Building
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Babel-On with R.F. Kuang - ILP
2026-05-19 19:00 - 20:00
Babel-On with R.F. Kuang – ILP Wednesday, May 20 | 7-8 PM CST ZOOM REGISTRATION LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_33AHQc0oQlWIMx8gsqrDHg#/registration R.F. Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable, Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture. Her most recent novel, Katabasis, follows two graduate students as they descend into hell after the death of their professor, and the screen rights options to the novel were sold to Amazon MGM Studios for an upcoming TV series before its publication. Kuang’s other bestselling titles include Yellowface, Babel, and The Poppy War trilogy, and she is the recipient of the Nebula Award for Best Novel, the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fiction, and the American Book Award. Kelly Jensen, an anti-censorship advocate, a senior editor at Book Riot, and writer who has compiled such anthologies as Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World and (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, will be joining Kuang in conversation. This event is intended for adults. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed.
Venue: Online
Granite City IL 62040

Teen Unwind
2026-05-20 17:30 - 19:30
Teen Unwind Open to Teens, Grades 7-12 Every Wednesday 5:30 PM SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave Snacks, Crafts, Games
Venue: Niedringhaus Building
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Story Time
2026-05-21 14:00 - 15:00
Enjoy stories, music, and crafts! Mondays at 10 AM SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave & Thursdays at 2 PM SMRLD, 2145 Johnson Rd Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Johnson Road Branch
2145 Johnson Road Granite City IL 62040

Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers
2026-05-22 10:00 - 11:00
Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers Fridays, March 13 & 27 Fridays, April 10 & 24 Fridays, May 8 & 22 10 AM at SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Niedringhaus Building
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

2026 Summer Reading Kick-Off
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00
Get ready to Unearth a Story at our Summer Reading Kick-off! We’re celebrating the best season of the year with a morning of prehistoric proportions at Tri-Township Park (Pavilion #10).From 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, the park will be crawling with:?? Bounce Houses for jumping explorers.?? Bubbles & Balloons?? Dino-themed Fun to help you dig into summer.The Best Part: Show us your Summer Reading Challenge registration to snag FREE ice cream for breakfast!Pro-Tip: Beat the lines! Pre-register on the Beanstack app before you arrive, or visit our staff at the park for on-site sign-up help. Let’s get reading!
Venue: Tri-Township Park – Pavilion 10
1 Titans Wy, Troy, IL 62294 Troy IL 62294

The 2026 WSIE Music Series presents Jeremiah Johnson on Saturday, May 23rd, 7:00pm
2026-05-23 19:00 - 21:00
Jeremiah Johnson on Saturday, May 23rd, 7:00pm at The Presshouse/Herald Square outdoor amphitheater.

***A suggested donation of $10 per entrant to benefit WSIE 88.7 The Sound.***

SHOW: 7:00pm

Jeremiah Johnson, a 2022 Blues Music Award nominee for “Best Blues Rock Album” with ‘Unemployed Highly Annoyed,’ has been hailed as one of the “75 Modern Blues & Blues Rock Artists You Must Hear 2021” by Rock & Blues Muse. A world-class Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter, Johnson masterfully blends the sounds of the south, Mississippi River blues, and a dash of country flair. His emotionally charged southern rock, fueled by the common man’s passion for life and its myriad struggles, delivers songs with deep meaning, a compelling voice, and exceptional musicianship.

The Music Series continues on the 4th Saturday of the month, May to September, from 7-9pm at Herald Square Amphitheater in Collinsville. These are all outdoor, non-ticketed FREE shows with a suggested donation to benefit WSIE 88.7 The Sound, St. Louis’ nonprofit NPR Music Station.

June 27: The Yacht Rockers – “Classic Yacht Rock Hits”

July 25: The Hard Bop Messengers – “Summer of Love Music”

August 22: Dawn Weber & Good Company – “Sounds of Swunk: A Blend of Swing and Funk”

September 26: Mississippi Moon – “A Tribute to The Doobie Brothers”

Venue: Herald Square Outdoor Amphitheater
115 East Clay Collinsville IL 62234

All-New 2026 Spectacular Circus - Highland, IL
2026-05-28 19:00 - 21:00
Get ready for 3 Rings of magic! The Carden Circus is bringing its all-new 2026 Spectacular Show to HIGHLAND at MADISON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS for 1 performance on MAY 28TH.

Relive the wonder of your own childhood circus memories while making brand-new ones with your kids that will last a lifetime. This is the perfect family outing you’ve been waiting for.

Animals! Acrobats! Magical illusions! Stunts that will thrill the entire family!! Classic Circus with an ALL-NEW, SPECTACULAR twist!

Don’t miss it — these shows are in HIGHLAND for a limited time only, and tickets are going fast!

Arrive one hour early for free pre-show fun the whole family will love: animal rides, giant inflatables, ride the Circus train, fabulous face painting, and hands-on activities for every age.

Grab your tickets now before they sell out.

More info at https://spectacularcircus.com/
Venue: Madison County Fairgrounds
2025 Park Hill Dr Highland IL 62249

Solar Job Fair
2026-05-29 09:00 - 13:00
Ameren Illinois Market Development Initiative is hosting a Solar Job Fair this spring! Across the state of Illinois, job seekers and employers are struggling to connect. Creating those connections in the solar industry will develop a stronger workforce ecosystem. The goal of this event is to support communities in Southern Illinois in gaining access to opportunities in the solar industry. The Job Fair will connect solar companies and job seekers and share information on funding initiatives and advancement opportunities for the solar industry in Illinois. At the Solar Job Fair you will find: ?? Resume Support by Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics ?? Informational Workshops and Panels hosted hourly during the event ?? Opportunity for Networking for both job seekers and employers Event Details: ?? Date: May 29th, 2026 ? Time: 9am-1pm ?? Location: Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation 101 Jackie Joyner Kersee Circle East St. Louis, IL 62204 ? Registration: Eventbrite link The Solar Job Fair is sure to be a major event with a major impact on the region; we can’t wait to see you there!
Venue: Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center
101 Jackie Joyner Kersee Cir East St. Louis IL 62204

Story Time
2026-06-01 10:00 - 11:00
Enjoy stories, music, and crafts! Mondays at 10 AM SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave & Thursdays at 2 PM SMRLD, 2145 Johnson Rd Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Niedringhaus Building
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Legos
2026-06-02 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-09 16:00 - 19:00
Legos Come Build with Us! Every Tuesday 4 – 7 PM In the Children’s Department, 2001 Delmar Ave Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Clean Energy Open House
2026-06-02 17:00 - 19:00
As part of its commitment to advancing clean energy in the region, the City of East St. Louis will host an Open House to share information about clean energy practices and resources that are available to residents. The event will include presentations, complimentary refreshments, children’s activities, and door prizes. The Open House, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at City Hall.
Venue: City of East St. Louis City Hall
301 River Park Drive East St. Louis IL 62201

Teen Unwind
2026-06-03 17:30 - 19:30
Teen Unwind Open to Teens, Grades 7-12 Every Wednesday 5:30 PM SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave Snacks, Crafts, Games
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Story Time
2026-06-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-08 10:00 - 11:00
Enjoy stories, music, and crafts! Mondays at 10 AM SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave & Thursdays at 2 PM SMRLD, 2145 Johnson Rd Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Motherhood Support Group
2026-06-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-05 18:00 - 19:00
Motherhood Support Groups 1st Friday of Month: June 5, July 3, and August 7 In-person: SMRLD, 2001 Delmar Ave at 10 AM Virtual: Zoom at 6 PM to register visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l1Y1DGQLQEGTUBP8gjL8OQ#/registration Join our community of current or expecting moms to share experiences, receive information and resources and feel supported in your motherhood journey! Refreshments Provided Resources & Giveaways Guest Speakers Children Welcome – Activities Available Certified Doulas Available As a partnership with the Madison County Alliance for Children and Families, an Alliance member or library staff will be available to facilitate discussion. **This program is not a replacement for mental health services. Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Metro East Literacy Project Summer Book Giveaway
2026-06-05 14:00 - 14:30
Metro East Literacy Project Summer Book Giveaway Friday, June 5 | 2PM | @ The Mill Metro East Literacy Project will be giving away free books before the Animal Tales Summer Reading Performance! Build your summer library with 25 free books* *First come, first served
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Summer Reading Performer Series
2026-06-05 14:00 - 15:00
Summer Reading Performer Series Fridays 2PM at The Mill, 1311 E 20th St Across the street from our 2001 Delmar Ave location 6/5 Animal Tales: Meet and learn about a variety of live animals from around the world! 6/12 Nitro Joe Science: Join us for a fun, educational, interactive, science show with Nitro Joe! 6/26 Marko Polo: Marko Polo is an award-winning kids musician! His live shows delight young audiences with interactive songs that will move your body and your mind. 7/10 Misfit Marionnettes Presents: The Farm Review 7/17 World Bird Sanctuary: All About Eagles 7/24 Happy Faces Entertainment Stories A Grow Grow: Plant a letter, Grow a word, Harvest a story, Enjoy an adventure. Become a farmer to new and unique stories. Using the audience’s imagination, we will grow words into adventures. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Photographs may be taken at all events and activities to be used for publicity purposes.
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Earn-A Bike Class!
2026-06-06 13:00 - 15:00
Earn-A Bike Class! 1 PM Saturdays June 6 to July 18 (no class on 4th of July) at 2001 Delmar Ave This free, six-week-long, hands-on St. Louis BWorks class is for students ages 8 to 17 years old who can already ride a bike on their own. Over the course of six two-hours sessions with our dedicated instructors, students hone basic bike maintenance and safety skills. They earn a refurbished bike of their choosing plus a lock, lights, and helmet upon successful completion of the course. Consistent, engaged attendance each week is required in order to take home a bike to keep. Space is limited! Register at https://form.jotform.com/260900563699163 and send any questions to evie@bworks.org
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Nintendo Switch
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00
Nintendo Switch Every Saturday, 1-4 PM Teen Room, 2001 Delmar Ave Grades 7-12 Questions? Email ys@smrld.org or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

Route 66 Centennial Grand Finale Celebration
2026-06-06 16:00 - 22:00
Not driving in the Illinois Route 66 Heritage Jeep Run? You can still be part of the celebration!

On June 6, Downtown Granite City will be the official finish-line destination for the Illinois Route 66 Heritage Jeep Run: 100 Miles of History — and the community is invited to help welcome hundreds of Jeeps as they arrive along the Mother Road during this once-in-a-lifetime Route 66 Centennial celebration.

Come line the streets, enjoy the food trucks, listen to the music, see the neon come alive, and help us celebrate the drivers completing this historic journey across Illinois.

Case 44 will be playing in the Civic Park for an evening of great music as we celebrate the evening away!

There’s something special about watching a moment like this roll into town — and once you see the excitement, the energy, and the community behind it, you’ll understand why so many Jeepers chose to be part of the run itself.

Even if you’re welcoming from downtown this year, you’re still part of the story.

Come help us welcome history home.
Venue: Downtown Granite City
1301 Niedringhaus Ave Granite City IL 62040

Rte 66 Centenial Celebration - Granite City
2026-06-06 17:00 - 23:00
The Rte 66 Jeep Run Centennial Celebration in Granite City begins at 5 PM! The community celebration will feature live music from Case 44 and DJ NoE, food vendors, family-friendly fun, and a vibrant evening atmosphere centered in Civic Park and the Neon Sign Park district. Streets surrounding the celebration area will be safely barricaded for pedestrian travel between activity zones, creating a fun, walkable experience as the community celebrates 100 years togeter.
Venue: Downtown Granite City
2900 Civic Park Dr Granite City IL 62040

Live Music "My Friend Mike" at Bobby's Frozen Custard
2026-06-07 19:30 - 21:30
Join us for Live Music at Bobby’s and Let the Good Times Roll! My Friend Mike takes the stage for our Summer Concert Series, and it’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss! This is a FREE EVENT, and it’s OPEN TO ALL AGES! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music and some amazing Bobby’s Frozen Custard. WEATHER PERMITTING All bands are subject to change NO ALCOHOL AND NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK!
Venue: Bobby’s Frozen Custard
2525 N Center St Maryville IL 62062

Board of Trustees Meeting
2026-06-09 18:00 - 20:00
Board of Trustees Meetings Schedule
Venue: Six Mile Regional Library District
2001 Delmar Avenue Granite City IL 62040

UPDATE -- A Place of Grace Mission Madness Retreat: Hoyleton Youth & Family Services
2026-06-10 09:00 - 12:00
A Place of Grace volunteers with five local agencies to support the work they are doing in the riverbend community. Join us for a time of service combined with fun and fellowship:
6/10/26 Hoyleton Youth & Family Services6/24/26 Uni-Pres Kindercottage
beginning at 9 a.m.
On June 10th, please meet in the back parking lot at Von Dell Gallery & Studios, 102 E Ferguson, Wood River, and use the back entrance. Hoyleton doesn’t have work for us to do at the executive offices or at the transitional living houses, so we will work on journals for their residential children and youth at the gallery instead. We will lock the back door at 9 a.m. Please arrive ahead of start time, and bring a pair of scissors. 🙂
A Place of Grace is offering-based. Your offerings help support the time, care, and resources that make these retreats possible and allow us to continue offering them in this community and beyond.
Venue: Hoyleton Youth & Family Services
8 Executive Drive Fairview Heights IL 62208

Hot Rod Power Tour 2026
2026-06-10 09:00 - 17:00
It’s been years in the making, and now it’s official; the 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour will cruise along legendary Route 66 as the world’s largest rolling automotive festival helps celebrate 100 years of America’s most famous roadway. The Power Tour runs June 8–12, 2026, starting in Illinois and ending in Oklahoma, following one of the most nostalgic and culturally important stretches of pavement in American history. Along with the 1,000 miles of driving and high-octane events, spectators can enjoy autocross and live entertainment. America’s largest traveling car show brings more than 6,000 cars and trucks of all years, makes, and models to this incredible event.
Venue: World Wide Technology Raceway
700 Raceway Blvd Madison IL 62060
