What inspires you? This year we are upgrading the library to further the library’s mission to engage, inspire and enrich while offering even more great programs, materials, online resources, and reading incentives. Take a look inside to see what’s happening!
Monday, Jan. 16 7:00pm
Olga Cardamone takes us on a virtual tour of multiple museums across the world to showcase the best known works and hidden gems of Dutch master painter Rembrandt. (Virtual in library/online)
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7:00pm
Brian Michalski guides us along Europe’s worldfamous Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland. (In person/online)
Monday, Feb. 20, 7:00pm
Go on a virtual museum visit with Olga Cardamone as we explore the master works of the artist Vincent Van Gogh. (Virtual in library/online)
Wednesday, Feb. 22 6:30pm
Claire Evans looks at what lies beneath a nostalgic dish’s contentious international history: from secret fishing grounds and Cod Wars to today. (Virtual in library/online)
The library leads this lively book discussion for seniors. (In person/online) Fridays at 10:30am
Jan. 13: The Light of Days by Judy Batalion
Feb. 10: Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
This group is open to anyone wishing to read and discuss great works of literature. (Online) Saturdays at 10:00am
Jan. 28: Cousin Bette by Honoré de Balzac
Feb. 25: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Monday, Jan. 30, 7:00pm
Paddy and Jon Lynn present a comedy/drama that centers on two longtime friends who meet in second grade and share their life experiences with one another through a series of letters. (In person/online)
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:00pm
Annette Bochenek presents the characters from classic cinema who audiences love to hate. The program will include photos, video clips, and captivating stories. (In person/online)
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7:00pm
Kick off your new year with a conversation about joy with best-selling essayist and award-winning poet Ross Gay. Brought to you by Illinois Libraries Present. (Online)
Monday, Feb. 6, 7:00pm
Monday, Feb. 13, 7:00pm
Actress Laura Rocklyn portrays Jane Austen in 1815 as she shares her thoughts and feelings about her novels and how their publication changed her life forever. (Virtual in library/online)
Earth has sustained life in many different forms for more than 3 billion years. Michelle Nichols highlights an (incomplete) list of 12 things that make our planet special. (In person/online)
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 7:00pm
Starting native plants from seed can be challenging until you know the tricks to sparking germination. (In person/online)
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7:00pm
Meet the native bees, butterflies, wasps, and other pollinators that are under serious threat from a variety of stress factors causing an unceasing decline in their populations. (In person/online)
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7:00pm
How much do you remember about history? Pop culture? Books and movies? Join us for a fun-filled night of trivia! Winner receives a prize. (Online)
Monday, Feb. 27, 6:00pm
Are you the type of person who loves to win "longest road" in Settlers of Catan? Join us for a fun-filled night of board games! We’ll have a variety of games for you to enjoy. (In person)
Registration is required for all programs unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.
Teen programs are all in person unless noted.
Games & Pizza
Fridays, Jan. 6 & Feb. 3 4:00pm
Bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of games and pizza! Register by noon that Friday so we know how much pizza to order.
Teen Advisory Board
Mondays, Jan. 9 & Feb. 6 4:15pm
Give your opinion and help brainstorm teen programs and more while eating snacks, also earning a service hour.
Friday, Jan. 20 4:00pm
Make a poured paint masterpiece! Pizza will be served.
Escape Room
Friday, Feb. 17 3:00pm
Work with a group to break out of an escape room designed by the library’s Teen Advisory Board. Prizes awarded to winners. Pizza will be served.
Saturdays, Jan. 21 & Feb. 11
Grades 9-12. Preparing for the ACT, SAT, or PSAT test for college? Take a VIRTUAL free practice test, from C2 Education at home anytime that day. (Online)
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:30pm
This workshop introduces financial strategies to reduce costs, improve admissions chances, and increase scholarship opportunities. Minimum of ten registered families required. (Online)
Kitchen Safety
Wednesday, Jan. 18 4:00pm or 6:15pm
Learn kitchen safety and cooking basics in this hands-on class. Use your culinary skills to prepare a tasty treat! This is a required intro class for any other Teen Chefs programs.
Prepare a New Recipe
Wednesday, Feb. 22 4:00pm or 6:30pm
Learn how to prepare a new recipe. You must have previously attended the Teen Chefs: Kitchen Safety class to register for this program. Registration opens Jan. 19 at 9am.
A new year brings a new Teen Reading Challenge! Fill in your Challenge Sheet and earn a ticket for every 5 books you read. The more tickets you turn in, the better your chance of winning the grand prize!
Collect four bookmarks from our monthly selections and hand them in at the Youth Services Desk for a free book!
All preschool programs are in person and require an adult.
Storytimes resume Jan. 9 and run for 3 weeks each month. Pick up a drop-in ticket at the Youth Services Desk. Siblings welcome.
Mondays, 6:30pm Age 6 and under Stories, songs, and a craft for families to enjoy together. Pajamas optional!
Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 9:30am & 10:30am Age 1-2
Jump, wiggle, dance, and sing at this high-activity storytime for your busy toddler!
Baby Bounce
Wednesdays, 9:30am & 10:30am Birth-15 months Cuddles and connection are the focus of this gentle storytime for the youngest readers.
Thursdays, 9:30am & 10:30am Age 3-5
Explore the world of reading with your active preschooler!
Build a foundation for lifelong reading by sharing stories with young children. Read any book you choose and collect prizes on your way to reading 1,000 books before starting Kindergarten!
For Fremont Library Cardholders only.
Saturday, Jan. 28, 10:00am Age 2-8
Celebrate National Puzzle Day by using puzzle pieces in nontraditional ways!
Foaming Snowman
Monday, Jan. 30, 10:00am Age 3-5
Explore the scientific properties of exothermic reactions by making and melting your own snowman.
Pick up a handy calendar reminder at the Youth Services Desk. Registration
Discover a new picture book each month as a family! Collect 4 bookmarks from the monthly selections and earn a prize book to keep. No library card necessary.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 10:00am Age 3-5
Experience the magic of the winter season at storytime! Drop-in ticket required.
Eye-Spy Bottles
Saturday, Feb. 18, 10:00am Age 3-5
Craft an eye-spy bottle and challenge yourself to uncover its mysteries.
847-566-8702
BEFORE KINDEGARTEN
The following programs are in person and require registration unless noted.
STEAM To-Go
Jan. DIY Harmonica Feb. Kaleidoscope Grades K-5
Bring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math home with you! Available on the first of the month on a first-come, first-served basis! Limit one per child while supplies last.
Together for ChildhoodJuntos Por La Niñez
Wednesdays, Jan. 4 & Feb. 1 6:00pm
Grades K-5
Bring your family for crafts, games, and prizes hosted by Together for Childhood Network Hablamos Español.
Cocoa Club Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4:30pm Grades K-2
Cuddle up with cozy stories and a craft. Attendees will build a hot cocoa kit to take home.
LEGO Challenge Thursday, Jan. 26, 4:30pm Grades K-5
Stack up your skills with brick-building fun!
Ceramic Snowman Kit
Wednesday, Feb. 1
Grades K-5
Take home everything you need to paint a ceramic snowman. Email required for registration.
Chess Nuts
Wednesdays, 4:30pm Jan. 11: Solitaire Chess Challenge Feb. 8: Classic Chess Grades 3 and up
All skill levels are welcome to play and learn the game of chess, with classic games and unique challenges.
Drama Club Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30pm Grades 3-5
Play charades, practice skits, and learn some warm-ups to train your voice, and acting skills.
Read to Rover
Wednesdays, Jan. 11 & Feb. 8 7:00pm--8:00pm Age 7 & older
Sign up for a 15-minute time slot to read to a trained therapy dog. Signed waiver required.
Stories in the Sky Tuesday, Jan. 31, 4:30pm Grades 3-5
The night sky is full of stories to tell. Discover more about our constellations through stories and hands-on activities.
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 4:30pm Age 6 and up
Learn the step-by-step method to solving the Rubik's Cube, one layer at a time.
Monday, Feb. 27, 4:00pm Grades K-5
Crafting, games, and quizzes are part of our celebration of all things Pokémon!
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4:30pm Grades K-2
Read and discuss a picture book, then make art inspired by the book.
The library offers a myriad of opportunities for youth of all ages to encourage reading, including our new “Ready to Read” program for children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade! Keep reading to learn more.
The New Year brings a new opportunity to renew daily reading habits.
Share what you love by drawing or writing on a heart for our Favorite Things Mural during the month of February. Drop in anytime.
These programs require an adult to attend and require registration unless noted.
JiggleJam with Jodi Koplin
Take and Make
Youth Services offers different crafts each month; stop at the desk to see what’s available!
Frosty is all mixed up in the Youth Area! Pick up a scavenger hunt guide and find all of the snowy pieces to win a prize. Drop in the entire month of January.
Snowflake Salt Painting
Monday, Jan. 16, 2:00pm or 4:30pm
Make beautiful snowflake patterned artwork with this unique painting technique.
Grades K-3
Explore the world of reading! Whether you read independently or have books read to you, record your books on the treasure map. Collect prizes on your way to reading 500 books! For Fremont Library Cardholders only.
Grades 4-8
Saturday, Feb. 4, 11:00am Get ready to wiggle, jiggle, and giggle at this lively, interactive music show. Puppets, shakers, and bubbles add to the fun!
Family BINGO Night Thursday, Feb. 9, 5:30pm
It's BINGO night for the whole family! Play a few rounds of bingo with prizes and enjoy light refreshments.
Think Outside the Box Friday, Feb. 24, 4:30pm Castles, robots, and other masterpieces abound in this self-directed, exploratory art program.
Challenge yourself to finish 100 books before starting high school. Choose any titles you like and collect prizes on your way to reading 100 books. For Fremont Library Cardholders only.
Collect four bookmarks from our monthly selections and bring them in for a free book! We offer separate titles for elementary and middle school students. No library card required.
Registration is required for all programs unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.
Fremont Public Library District
1170 North Midlothian Road Mundelein, IL 60060
Phone: 847-566-8702 www.fremontlibrary.org
Stop by the Reader’s Services desk to find out what adults can craft up this month!
Crafts are available on the first of each month while supplies last. Limit 2 per person, please.
Wednesdays, Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 at 10:00am
Get tips from our Genealogy Librarian (and the group) in how to use Ancestry and other tools to research your family tree. (In person)
Thursdays at 11:30am
Isabel Raci, C-IAYT, leads us through a session of guided meditation and chair yoga every week. Sign up for the link. (Online)
2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 3:15pm
Meet up with fellow writers to share your work and improve your writing. (Online)
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram & TikTok!
Photos at the Library: Fremont staff may take photos or videos of program participants for library publicity. Please notify staff if you do not wish yourself or your child to be photographed.
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid Mundelein, IL 60060-1237
Permit No. 203
Bids are out and plans are underway to upgrade our library: replacing the carpet, combining collections and creating new spaces for middle and high school students. In anticipation of this project we are not able to host the AARP Tax Aides, but we can direct you to other sites nearby. Call or go online to fremontlibrary. org/taxes in late January for alternate locations.
Pardon our noise! While the actual construction is being pushed into spring and early fall, we are still getting ready. Our shelves and collections are being shifted and prepped for their new configurations, which may cause a little more noise in the library. We will encourage use of the first floor during the loudest work upstairs. For current updates, go online to fremontlibrary.org/remodel.
In the meantime, if you don’t want the noise or it’s too cold outside, please take advantage of our Drive-up Window. You can pick up craft kits, materials, and more without leaving your vehicle! Call the library at 847-566-8702 for more information.