2026 is flying by, and it is hard to believe we are already heading into March. It is also amazing that we are at the halfway point of the 2026 Library Lovers Expedition.
Now in its fifth year, the expedition has added a fun mystery element to solve as you travel throughout the county. Using clues at each location, can you solve the Case of the Missing Manuscript? There is still more than a month left to explore 15 of McHenry County’s coolest libraries. For every library you visit and check in at, you will receive a memento. Visit 12 of the 15 libraries and you will be eligible to win a prize basket. Visit all 15 and you could win the Grand Prize Basket. Baskets are on display at various libraries you will encounter along your expedition.
While you are out exploring, remember that AAPLD has two locations. If you usually visit the Harnish Main Library, stop by our Eastgate Branch to see the beautifully renovated space, complete with study rooms, flexible spaces, plenty of seating, and a play area for kids. If Eastgate is your usual stop, we would love to welcome you to Harnish, where you can snap a photo at our LLE photo op near the Checkout Desk, explore our Makerspace, visit the quiet reading room, use public computers, or relax in one of our study rooms. You are invited to explore both locations, but for the expedition, you only need to visit one to register or check in. Of course, our staff at both locations are ready to help you register or check in.
We hope you will visit us and our fellow libraries as you create your own McHenry County mystery adventure. Here are a few things to know before you begin:
Participating libraries are:
- Algonquin Area Public Library District
- Barrington Area Library
- Cary Area Public Library
- Crystal Lake Public Library
- Fox Lake District Library
- Fox River Grove Memorial Library
- Harvard-Diggins Library
- Huntley Area Public Library
- Johnsburg Public Library
- Marengo-Union Library District
- McHenry Public Library District
- Nippersink Public Library District
- River East Public Library District
- Wauconda Area Public Library
- Woodstock Public Library
Be sure to check each location’s hours before you go, as they vary.
You may register at any participating location. Several libraries are just 10 to 15 minutes apart, so grouping your visits can make for a fun day trip.
You do not need to be a McHenry County resident or have a library card to participate. The expedition is open to everyone.
Have questions? Find Library Lovers Expedition on Facebook , send a message, comment on a post, or ask a staff member at any participating library.
More than 2,100 people have already started their expedition. What are you waiting for? We cannot wait to see you!