Events
At Tardigrade's Bookshelf, we host a variety of events throughout the year, including weekly gatherings, special events, and collaborative projects with mission-aligned businesses and organizations. Rooted in our love for science and discovery, our activities aim to spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and celebrate the joy of learning. We strive to create a welcoming space where the community can come together in a positive, engaging, and thoughtful way—blending reason, creativity, and fun!
There are more events hosted in the events space by our building roommates, The Velvet Fox! The Velvet Fox specializes in micro weddings, community and private events. Be sure to check out what events are on their side of the building, too!
Monthly Events
At our bookbar, we embrace our neurodivergence - and that means we like keeping things predictable. Our repeating events follow a simple pattern, so you never have to guess what’s happening when.
Tuesdays are for the arts.
Wednesdays & Thursdays are for book clubs.
Saturday Mornings are for getting your reading time in.
Sunday is for experimenting.
Come as you are and join us for the things you love, on the days you’ll always remember.
Dictionary of Events
Crappy Cinema Club
Enjoy the love of ridiculous movies with company. Each month we turn off the music and randomly choose a movie to have on the bookbar televisions. Think Mystery Science Theater 3000!
Project Pursuit
Work on any handy project with company. Knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, embroiderers, drawers, . . . whatever craft you picked up during quarantine that is compact, bring it.
Lab Day
Join us while we test out bold flavors and unexpected creations for upcoming bookbar menus! Your ticket includes multiple rounds of experimental mocktails and coffee drinks—some might be genius, some might be... a work in progress. Either way, you get to sip, savor, and experience the madness.
The Breakfast Club
This may be odd to some, but for others. . . Heaven! Every Saturday morning will be silent reading time with gentle background lyric-less music. Bring whatever you’re reading and just read. No lengthy discussion, just enjoy the chill. We’ll break mid way for five minutes and you can tell your reading neighbor at the barstool next to you what you’re reading. Parallel play for grown-ups. . that’s what this is.
Bookless Bookclub
Do you like to read stuff but can’t bring yourself to read something that you were TOLD to read? We understand your authority aversion and we’ve got you. In this not-bookclub you show up and chat books, any books.
Share what you’re reading and find new reads on the Bookless Bookclub Discord
Foxy Writers Club
Brainstorm, Critique, and Connect.
Join our hop-in writing group for local writers looking to share ideas, get feedback, and get to know other local writers. All styles and genres welcome: novel, poetry, lyrics, short stories, and anything in between.
Hop in on the Foxy Writers Discord
TanDem Music Night
Each 4th Tuesday of the month, Tardigrade’s Bookbar turns into a cozy hub for music lovers. TanDem Music Night is led by local musicians Debbie and Tammy, who bring together players, writers, and listeners for an ever-changing evening of creativity and connection.
Each month, the format rotates—so no two nights are the same:
🎤 Jam Sessions
🎸 Song Circles
🎙 Open Mics
📝 Lyric Writing Nights
🎭 Casual Performance Evenings
If you’re strumming, singing, scribbling, or simply soaking it all in, TanDem Music Night is about sharing the joy of music in community.
Fox Valley Science Society
The Fox Valley Science Society is our community initiative committed to making science accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. We host regular talks, events, and discussions led by scientists, researchers, and passionate experts across a wide range of fields—from space exploration to environmental science, neuroscience, and more. We offer a uniquely nerdy and welcoming space for community members to connect, learn, and explore the world through a scientific lens.
First Wednesday of the month at 6pm. $5 per ticket. Complementary tickets for members. Space for up to 50 guests.
View Speaker Bios and purchase tickets
Bookstore Boudoir at Tardigrade’s Bookshelf — by Painting with Light
Yes, that glow really could be at our bar! We’re teaming up with Painting with Light to turn our space into a cozy, art-filled studio for a special Boudoir Mini session. These intimate portraits celebrate confidence, curiosity, and the beauty of being unapologetically yourself.
Come as you are (or as your boldest self) — the books, the light, and the moment are waiting.
