Library Holidays
July 4
Just to let you know, we will be closed for Independence Day, but if you’re looking for a way to contemplate the country besides visiting your local library, the National Museum of American History’s website features a page on “The Star-Spangled Banner” which includes a recording of what the melody might’ve sounded like in 1854. It’s not perfect. Nothing is perfect, but the tune holds up pretty well.
Adult Programs
Growing Minds, Going Green!
Summer at CPL for Adults
Join the library for a summer’s worth of activities. Pick up one of our brochures on display, and you’ll be able to record your progress as you attend programs, read green books and win prizes. When you turn in your brochure, you’ll get a free baseball cap and be entered into a raffle for a solar powered charging bank and eco stationary set. Welcome to Summer!
Adult Book Discussion
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Wed., July 2 at 3:00 p.m.
(In-Person and Online over Zoom)
In the grand tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life, a woman finds herself stuck between life and death, trying to find meaning in all the decisions she had or had not made. We’ll be discussing the book in Bezazian’s community room, but if you want to join in over Zoom, send an email to jnowak@chipublib.org, and we'll send you a link letting you know how to join in. Copies, while they last, are available at the front desk.
How Can We Interact With Our Elected Officials?
Wed., July 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Are you frustrated with the state of your community or even your world? Come listen to our experiences interacting with our elected officials and learn how to contact them, how to form a relationship with their office, and how to lobby them effectively! Action is the antidote to despair! Presented by the Chicago chapter of the Citizen's Climate Lobby.
Bezazian Writers Collective
Mon., July 14 and 28 at 6:00 p.m.
(In-Person and Online over Zoom)
Do you like writing? Are you afraid to admit you like writing? Do you want to share your stuff with people like yourself? Or are you just dying to sound your barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world? Whatever the case, Bezazian’s writing group might be for you! Two Mondays in the month, you can stop by our community room, and we’ll see what you writers are capable of. If you can’t make it in person, send an email to jnowak@chipublib.org, and we'll send you a link letting you know how to join in over Zoom.
Stitch Circle
Sat., July 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Come enjoy open crafting time and snacks with your friends and neighbors. It’s a perfect opportunity to work on crochet, knitting, sewing, or any other personal projects you’ve been meaning to get done! This is not a class, but all skill levels and crafting questions are welcome. Recommended for adults and teens. Registration is recommended but not required.
TallGrass Writers Guild Open Mic
Sat., July 26 at 1:00 p.m.
(Online over Zoom)
TallGrass Writers Guild has supported independent authors for years through a variety of different programs, including a monthly open mic. We’ll start things off with a featured performer, and then we’ll let everyone join in on a lively open mic. If you’re interested, email jnowak@chipublib.org and we’ll send you a link.
Story Time for Adults
“After the Dance” by Leo Tolstoy
Thu., July 31 at 2:00 p.m.
(Online over Zoom)
Do you miss being read to? Can you say that a man cannot, of himself, understand what is good and evil? Tolstoy has some thoughts on the matter. For a lesson on what it means to live the good life, just send an email to jnowak@chipublib.org, and we’ll send you a Zoom link.
Family Programs
Growing Minds, Going Green!
Summer at CPL for Kids
Sign up at your local branch or online at chipublib.org/summer to keep track of your reading and activities over the summer! Children will get an Activity Guide, a free book and a grab-and-go kit while we still have them. Children who read for 20 minutes a day for 25 days and do 5 activities will earn a t-shirt and be entered into a drawing for a Dinosaur Light Up Terrarium Kit.
Wild About Nature!
Tue., July 1, 8, 15 and 29 at 4:30 p.m.
Join us as we explore different aspects of nature - from animals to plants and more! Test your nature knowledge with trivia, hear a fun story and make something nature-themed to take home. For kids 6 and up.
Story Time - Summer Series
Thursdays in July at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more! Concludes with 30 minutes of open play time. For children 0 to 5 with a caregiver.
Mammals and More with Flying Fox Conservation Fund
Sat., July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
We bring the zoo to you! Learn about some of the most unique creatures from around the world. There is something for everyone. In this interactive presentation, kids of all ages will get a chance to meet a selection of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects. For ages 3 and up.
STEM in Motion Mobile Tinker Lab with Project SYNCERE
Fri., July 18 at 2:30 p.m.
(Registration Required)
Project SYNCERE’s STEM in Motion Mobile Tinker Lab brings hands-on STEM fun to K-8 students and their families through tinker sets, LEGO® bricks, robotics and electronics. Participants navigate through various stations focused on different aspects of STEM. For kids 6 and up. You can register through our website.
World Building for Young Artists with Mudlark Theater
Tue., July 22 at 11:00 a.m.
(Registration Required)
In this workshop, young artists will dream up and build an entire world based on the theme for the day—then explore it through theater games, character creation and interactive activities. Together, we’ll design the setting: draw maps, invent realms and decide what makes this world special. Once the world is built, kids will step into the shoes of their characters, improvising scenes and exploring daily life through roleplay and storytelling. For kids 3 to 13. Registration is full at the moment, but you can use our website to join the waitlist.
Saturday Stories and Crafts
Sat., July 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Start your weekend at the library with stories and a simple craft. For children 2 to 6 with their caregivers.
Teen Programs
Grab and Go: Teen Nail Kit
Grab and Go Nail Kits are available for Teens at the circulation desk this month! Kits include: 1 nail polish, 1 sheet of nail stickers, 1 mini nail file. While supplies last. For Teens 13-19 years.
Sewing Certification & Help for Teens
Make an appointment with our Teen Librarian to get certified to use the branch sewing machine. The librarian may also be able to help you get started with cutting, hand-sewing, and other stitch needs. Ask in person at the branch, or email us at bezazian@chipublib.org to request an appointment. Open to teens ages 13-19.
Real Ones Read
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Thu., July 10, 17 and 24 at 3:00 p.m.
Cool off at the library over snacks while we read from and talk about All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir. No need to bring your own copy, we have a stash to use during the program! We'll be meeting for this book on Thursdays 7/10, 7/17, and 7/24. Supplies are limited, so registration is required. Attendance is open to Teens 13-19.
Embroidery and Embellishment for Teens
Mon., July 28 at 2:30 p.m.
Teens will learn basic and decorative embroidery stitches and have the chance to work with beads to create a design on fabric or garment. Teens will make an embroidery sampler of stitches as well as their own designed piece. Fabric will be provided, but it is encouraged to bring a piece of clothing or upcycled fabric that you might want to embellish as an option. For teens ages 13 to 19.
Seed Library
We’ve got a little binder full of seeds for marigolds, sunflowers, radishes and more. Take what you want, and if you’re the type who harvests seeds themselves, take one of our packets, fill it up and give it back, and we’ll share it with the neighborhood.
Friends of Bezazian
Join our library friends group, the Friends of Bezazian, to volunteer and learn about book sales and other ways to support the branch. If you're interested, email hello@friendsofbezazian.org.
Quote of the Month
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
— Elmer Davis