Telling the stories around us.
October 1-31
Grab a Passport to the Past from your JCL location and explore the history of your county, your city, or even your family!
Complete the prompts on each page of your passport and collect stamps from library staff. After earning one stamp per page, you can submit your information into two prize drawings. You'll be entered to win an ancestry DNA kit or a family tree activity kit. This activity is for adults.
Take a Snapshot of the Past and explore the historical sights of Jefferson County!
Snap a photograph of your kid/teen at a local historical site OR here at our Polaroid Post at the library. Send it in to lmaddock@jeffcolib.org with the child's name, primary library location, parent/guardian contact info (name, email and phone number). Names will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Polaroid camera, as well as a branch drawing for a family tree activity kit! This activity is for ages 0-18.
Kick it all off at Family History Day!
Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10:30 AM to 4 PM at JCL-Northwest
Join the Genealogy & Local History Department for a day full of special speakers, information tables, attendance prizes, and antique appraisals. While you're here, take a tour of our newly redesigned research room and receive one-on-one assistance from our knowledgeable staff! This event is for adults.
Find all the info and register here.
Discover the stories around us through the many activities at JCL.
In addition to the highlights below, you'll find a full calendar of opportunities here.
All events require registration unless otherwise noted.
JCL-Arnold
Wednesday, Oct. 9
4:30 PM. Ages 6-14.
Learn about this St. Louis artist and create a project based on his artwork "Untitled (Twisted Wires)"!
Monday, October 28
4:30 PM. Virtual. Ages 3+.
During St. Louis story time, make a St. Louis Gerber Sandwich at home with instructions from Ms. Amy!
Wednesday, Oct. 9
6 PM. Adults.
Explore facts about the Lemp beer empire, the Lemp family, and the St. Louis mansion they're said to haunt, presented by Ken Rahmoeller of Monster Paranormal.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
6 PM. Adults.
Learn basic interviewing and recording techniques to collect meaningful stories from families, friends, and community members, taught by a professional journalist.
JCL-Cedar Hill
Thursday, Oct. 17
6 PM. All ages.
Hear family-friendly stories and paranormal examples depicting why we don't have to be afraid of spirits.
Thursday, Oct. 24
5:30 PM. All ages.
Get an up-close look at replica skulls, fossils, and teeth! Learn about the animals and people who once lived in our area.
Monday, Oct. 21
6 PM. Adults.
Share your favorite local recipes, tell your stories, and hear from others in your community.
Local Author Showcase
Saturday, Oct. 26
10 AM. All ages.
Meet local authors, talk about their work, and enter a chance to win books and other prizes! Held at JCL-Northwest, and presented by JCL-Cedar Hill and JCL-Northwest.
No registration required.
JCL-Northwest
Learning About Civil War History
Friday, Oct. 4
3 PM. All ages.
Get an up-close look at some of the more than 700 artifacts connected to General and President Ulysses S. Grant, presented by historian and curator Nick Sacco from the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in South St. Louis County.
Family History Journal Craft
Tuesday, Oct. 8
11 AM. Adults.
Get started recording yoru family heritage, or create a memento for a loved one.
Local Author Showcase
Saturday, Oct. 26
10 AM. All ages.
Meet local authors, talk about their work, and enter a chance to win books and other prizes! Held at JCL-Northwest, and presented by JCL-Cedar Hill and JCL-Northwest.
No registration required.
JCL-Windsor
Local History Story Times
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 8, & 15
10 AM. Ages 1-6.
Oct. 1 - The World's Fair with Fairy Floss
Wednesday, Oct. 23
6 PM. All ages.
Learn about the world of the paranormal from Ken Rahmoeller. Expect demonstrations, and if we're lucky, a spirit may be around.
Thursday, Oct. 10
6 PM. All ages.
Discuss ancient art, and then try your hand at creating your own! Presented by a speaker from Mastodon State Historic Site.
Mack Marsden Murder Mystery Book Club
Thursday, Oct. 17
6 PM. Adults.
Read about a fascinating case in local history and discuss it with us and the author, Joe Johnston, who will join via video call.
Jump into the pages of the past with these local historical reads.
Coming soon!