Seven libraries in Macoupin County will welcome new visitors throughout October with a program sponsored by the region’s library system.

The 6th 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.

Some 173 libraries across central and southern Illinois are taking part in the Crawl, including Gillespie, Staunton, Mount Olive, Carlinville, Brighton, Virden, and Benld. 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 over 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. A few enthusiastic individuals have actually visited every library on the Crawl in past years.

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 #IHLSLibraryCrawl2024.

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Many libraries are closed in observance of Columbus Day on October 14, so anyone planning a visit should call ahead, to check on hours of operation.

For more information on the Crawl, visit www.illinoisheartland.org or call any of the participating libraries. 

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Bald eagles, the nation’s beautiful national symbol, are becoming increasingly common around Macoupin County.

Once rare in the area, the eagles have now been seen in various locales in the area. In Carlinville last summer, numerous residents reported bald eagle sightings over the city.

Other places in the county where eagles have been spotted in recent times include areas near Medora, Chesterfield, Wilsonville, Hagaman, and Beaver Dam State Park.

Nearby, a bald eagle couple, nicknamed George and Martha in honor of the first President and his wife, has captivated visitors to Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield. 

Scott Isringhausen, an Urban Fishing Coordinator in Regions 4 and 5 with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, says that when he first began, there was only one bald eagle nest in the entire state.            

“Now there are hundreds of nests in Illinois,” he said. “Eagles are coming into places where you wouldn’t typically see them. They’re beginning to feed on things other than fish, and some are moving inland.”

Near Macoupin County, wintering bald eagles have been a major tourist attraction along the Great River Road near Alton and Grafton for the last twenty-five years. Illinois claims to have more wintering bald eagles than any other state but Alaska.

To the north in Morgan County, another popular spot for eagles is along the Illinois River at Meredosia.  Other top sites for eagles in the state include areas around Starved Rock State Park in northern Illinois, as well as Quincy, Galena, and Jonesboro.

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Tom Emery may be reached at 217-710-8392. 

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The Altar Societies of St. Joseph, Benld and Ss Simon & Jude, Gillespie are hosting a Bunco Party at Amore’ restaurant on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m.  Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and include admission, a snack, iced tea and water. A cash bar will be available. Prizes will be awarded. Tickets at the door will cost $20 if seats are still available.

All proceeds will go to the Gillespie Caring Center. The Center provides a food pantry to individuals and families in need with no restrictions or fees. Approximately 400 Macoupin County families per month receive assistance.

While there is always a great need for life’s necessities by those who are suffering the consequences of today’s economic difficulties, this need is especially emphasized as the holidays are fast approaching. We hope you will help us to raise a little extra money for the Caring Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger in our surrounding communities.

Tickets for the Bunco Party are available at the Benld Public Library. If you need more information about the purchase of tickets, you can call the library at (217) 835-4045 or contact Cindy Saracco at (217) 835-2623.