Chillicothe Public Library has been awarded a Community Arts Grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to support their “Live at the Library” concert series. The library’s free monthly afternoon concerts provide the opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy quality live music locally. By highlighting a variety of musical styles and musicians from the area as well as from further afield, they foster a rich environment for cultural engagement and connection. The $8,550 grant will help support concerts from July 2025 through February 2026.

The library has been hosting music events sporadically since at least 2013, but grants such as this one have enabled the concert series to become a regular element of library programming. Audiences and bands alike enjoy the friendly, light-filled setting of the library, which offers a unique venue to interact with musicians and concertgoers.

Coming up this summer and fall, Chillicothe Public Library will host concerts by the River Valley Big Band (July 19 at Shore Acres), emily the band (August 23), Still Shine (September 13), and Medusa (October 4).

More information about upcoming concerts can be found at chillicothepubliclibrary.org/concerts, or by calling 309-274-2719. Chillicothe Public Library is located at 430 N. Bradley Ave., Chillicothe, IL 61523.