March - May 2024 Newsletter

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ADULT Events

Fremont Remembers WWII: D-Day Tell Your World War II Story!

As the World recognizes the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, the library invites our patrons to share their family stories of WWII. Whether you have a relative who was a service member, a victim of a concentration or internment camp, or someone who worked on the home front, tell us the story! You can either visit the library’s website and click on “World War II Memories” to submit your story, or complete a story page at the library and hand it in at the Help Desk. In May, we will share the stories on our website as well as display them in the library.

May Books of the Month

Read up on World War II with one of our selections for May. The Eagle’s Claw by Jeff Shaara and The First Wave by Alex Kershaw will be available for checkout at the library while supplies last. Peruse the displays on both floors of the library offering other great WWII reads throughout the month.

Honoring Two Local Heroes

In May, visit the special displays in the library’s vestibule telling the WWII service stories of two men connected to Fremont by their families. Cpl Arthur P. Renkosiak was the father of Library Trustee Sharon Smogor. He served in the Marine Corp’s 3rd Division, 5th Tank Battalion. Art brought back a U.S. flag that was flown at Iwo Jima and saw that it was hoisted in many other locations in the years before he passed away in 1999. Frank Fabianski is a veteran who served as a Cryptographer in the Signal Company of the 104th “Timberwolf” Infantry Division in Europe, and he was the lone living representative at a remembrance event in Belgium in 2023. Frank’s daughter Paulette is a Fremont patron. (In person)

Genealogy Interest Group Wednesdays at 10:00am March 6, April 3 & May 1

Get tips from our Genealogy Librarian (and the group) on researching your family tree. The May group discussion will focus on using the Fold3 Military database to locate details about World War II service members. (In person)

The Men of Omaha Beach Wednesday, May 22, 7:00pm

Remembering D-Day, Robert Mueller shares stories of the men who fought the day of that harrowing invasion.

(In person/online) 2

The Irish in America

Monday, March 11, 7:00pm

Using primary sources, John Lyons will explore how the Irish went from being treated with contempt to an acclaimed group contributing to every facet of American life. (Virtual in library/online)

Illinois Libraries Present: The Many Lives of Kal Penn Tuesday, May 7, 7:00pm

Illinois Libraries Present invites Kal Penn to discuss his experiences as an actor, writer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. (Online)

Registration is required for all events unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.

? What Are You Thinking?

Illinois Libraries Present: Dr. Temple Grandin Wednesday, April 3, 7:00pm

Dr. Temple Grandin presents The Hidden Gifts of Visual Thinkers.

Grandin is one of the world’s most accomplished and well-known adults with autism at the forefront of research and activism efforts.

(Online)

ADULT Events

The Yin and Yang of Mindfulness The Science of Memory Monday, April 15, 7:00pm

Delve into the different types of memory! Join William Pack in interactive activities demonstrating how we remember and forget.

(In person)

Monday, May 13, 7:00pm

Meet cultural educator Yvonne Wolf and learn the basic principles of Daoism, the visible vs. invisible energies, and the balance of yin and yang.

(In person)

Women’s History Month

Illinois Libraries Present: Ruth E. Carter Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm

Join us for a special event with Ruth E. Carter, the first Black person to win an Oscar (let alone two!) for Best Costume Design. (Online)

Alice's Ordinary People: Screening and Q&A

Wednesday, March 13, 7:00pm

Watch a screening of Alice's Ordinary People to learn about Alice Tregay's five decades of fearless activism with an introduction and Q&A session led by the director, Craig Dudnick. (In person)

Tea with Florence

Wednesday March 27, 7:00pm

Come meet master storyteller Megan Wells as she brings life to the founder of the modern nursing profession, Florence Nightingale.

(In person/online)

“Virtual in library” events are broadcast on a screen – the performer is not physically present.

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ADULT Events Make Every Day Earth Day Wild Ones: The Dark Sky Tuesday, March 5, 7:00pm

Join Adam Kreuzer as he discusses the consequences of outdoor light pollution and what we can do to preserve our natural night skies. (In person/online)

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Night

Wednesday, April 3, 6:00pm

Decorate a pair of eclipse glasses and enjoy snacks - just in time for the solar eclipse on April 8!

Ages 18 and up. (In person)

Periodic Cicadas with the Dunn Museum

Wild Ones: Wildflower Meadow Lawns Tuesday, April 2, 7:00pm

Learn how to convert areas of your lawn to a native wildflower meadow from seed with Sarah Michehl, Community Ecologist with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. (In person/online)

Wild Ones: The Carrot The Good, the Bad and the Toxic Tuesday, May 7, 7:00pm

Jim Vanderpoel of Citizens for Conservation discusses the fascinating plant family Apiaceae, whose members range from delicious to downright toxic!

(In person/online)

Explore with Us! The Rule of Rum

Monday, March 18, 7:00pm

Food historian Cynthia Clampitt shares how rum originated and its influence on piracy and colonial America. (In person/online)

Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival Wednesday, April 24, 7:00pm

Welcome spring with educator Yvonne Wolf by celebrating the cherry blossom festival with a papercutting cherry blossom craft. (In person)

Conquering the Camino Wednesday, May 29, 7:00pm

Soak up the sprawling coastal beauty of the 174-mile Portuguese Camino de Santiago as globetrotter Brian Michalski helps us navigate its many challenges and rewards.

(Virtual in library/online) 4

Monday, April 29, 7:00pm

Join educators from the Bess Bower Dunn Museum to discover the unusual life cycle of the 17-year periodic cicada.

A new generation of this amazing insect is emerging this spring! (In person/online)

Read With Us! Senior Connections

Fridays at 10:30am March 8: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden April 12: Think Again by Adam Grant May 10: Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

The library leads this lively book discussion for seniors.

(In person/online)

Booktok Talks

Saturdays at 11:00am March 16: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller April 20: What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher May 11: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Hey, 20s-30s readers! Join our new book club at AREA Coffee to discuss some of the hottest books on the internet while enjoying coffee and pastries, provided by the library. (AREA Coffee: 18 E Park St, Mundelein, IL)

Great Books

Saturdays at 10:00am March 23: The Round House by Louise Erdrich April 20: The Found and the Lost

by Ursula K. Le Guin May 18: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

by Tennessee Williams This group is open to anyone wishing to read and discuss great works of literature. (Online)

Registration is required for all events unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.

ADULT Events Where No TV Show Has Gone Before: The Making of Star Trek Wednesday, May 1, 7:00pm

Author and Trekkie Susan Gibberman discusses the creation of Star Trek, its iconic props, and plots! (In person/online)

Dungeons & Dragons at the Library Thursday, May 2, 6:00pm

Come to the library for an epic Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

Whether you’re an experienced player or someone who wants to learn, there’s plenty of room for you at our table. (In person)

Playing by the Rules: A History of Board Games Wednesday, May 8, 7:00pm

Discover the history of board games, from the original creators of family favorites through the current monopoly of Hasbro, the center of most game making. (In person/online)

Game Nights

Mondays at 6:00pm March 25, April 22 & May 20

Do you want to search for gems during the Renaissance, build train lines to various cities, or collect cats? Come and play Splendor, Ticket to Ride, Cat Lady and more. (In person)

A Long Time Ago: The Cultural History of Wednesday, May 15, 6:30pm

Travel to 1977 with CLC instructors Maria Jose Tenuto and John Tenuto as they explore how our culture was influenced by the original Star Wars trilogy.

(Virtual in library/online)

“Virtual in library” events are broadcast on a screen – the performer is not physically present.

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Games & Pizza

Teen Chefs - Kitchen Safety

Bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of games and pizza! Register by noon that Friday so we know how much pizza to order.

Learn kitchen safety and cooking basics through this hands-on class. Use your culinary skills to prepare a tasty treat!

Fridays, March 1 & May 3 4:15pm

Wednesday, March 27 2:30pm or 6:00pm

Teen Advisory Board

Teen Chefs

Give your opinion and brainstorm teen programs and more while eating snacks and earning a service hour.

Learn how to prepare a new recipe!

Note: You must have previously attended the Teen Chefs: Kitchen Safety class to register for this program.

Mondays at 4:15pm March 4, April 1 & May 6

Teen Chat & Sip

Friday, April 5, 4:15pm

Wednesday, April 24 4:00pm or 6:30pm

Exam Cram

Join us for this “unbook club” style program. We will chat about what you’re reading, watching, and listening to while sipping on a tasty beverage!

Register by 2pm so we have enough drinks.

Tuesday, May 21, 4:00-8:00pm Wed. May 22 & Thurs. May 23 1:00-8:00pm

Grades 9-12. Need a place to study for finals? Drop into our Teen Area, where snacks and stress-relieving activities will be provided. Bring your friends!

BACK TO KINDERGARTEEN Friday, March 15, 4:15pm Join us for an afternoon of being a "kindergarteen", and relive your childhood! We will play with our parachute, finger paint, play games like musical chairs, eat snacks, and more!

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Registration is required unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events. All events are just for teens, grades 6-12.

Taylor Swift's Literary Lyrics

Friday, April 19, 4:30pm

Taylor Swift's songs cover the full emotional spectrum, but did you know many also contain literary references? Explore them with us! Friendship bracelets and eras outfits welcome!

SLC Volunteer Training Want to volunteer at the Summer Library Club table this summer?

Are you a teen 13+?

We would love your help this summer!

Attend one mandatory training session to learn how to work the table and more.

Go to fremontlibrary.org/teens to choose a training session.

Young Adult Book of the Month: Grades 9-12

March: The Karma Map by Nisha Sharma April: Ain't Burned All the Bright

by Jason Reynolds & Jason Griffin May: She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

CANDY ART

Friday, May 17, 4:15pm

Create your own candy masterpiece!

We'll use candy to craft our edible and non-edible artwork. Pizza will be served.

Read and collect 4 bookmarks from our monthly selections and get a free book when you show your Fremont library card!

Registration is required unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events. All events are just for teens, grades 6-12.

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KIDS Events

PRESCHOOL

WEEKLY STORYTIMES! March 4-21 and April 1-25

An adult must accompany the child, and siblings of all ages are welcome.

Get a drop-in ticket from the Kids Help Desk. Weekly storytimes take a break in May while we gear up for Summer!

Family Storytime

Baby Bounce

Age 6 and under Stories and songs for families to enjoy together. Pajamas optional!

Birth-15 months Cuddles and connection are the focus of this gentle storytime for the youngest readers.

Mondays at 6:30pm

Wednesdays, 9:30am & 10:30am

Toddler Time

Preschool Storytime

Ages 1-2 Jump, wiggle, dance, and sing at this highactivity storytime for your busy toddler!

Ages 3-5 Explore the world of reading! Books, felt stories, rhymes, songs, and more delight your active preschooler.

Tuesdays, 9:30am & 10:30am

Solar Eclipse Storytime

Thursdays, 9:30am & 10:30am

SPRING IN FOR Monday, April 8, 10:00am Age 6 and under STORYTIME! What is a solar eclipse?

Little ones learn more about this phenomenon with stories and songs.

Dinosaur Storytime Tuesday, May 14 9:30am or 10:30am Age 6 and under Stomp and roar at the library in this storytime all about dinosaurs.

Drop-in ticket required.

Baby Bounce Playdate Wednesday, May 8 9:30-11:00am

Birth-15 months Babies and their grown-ups are invited for socializing, play and reading! Drop-in ticket required.

Fairy Storytime

Saturday, May 11, 10:00am

Pokémon Storytime Thursday, May 23, 10:00am

Age 6 and under Can you catch ‘em all? Sing and play at a storytime all about Pokémon. Drop-in ticket required.

Age 6 and under Sparkle and shine during this magical storytime all about fairies! Drop-in ticket required.

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Registration is required for all events unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.

Decorate a Peeps House Saturday, March 9 10:00am

All ages

Decorate a graham

cracker house for Peeps.

Craft Camp: Rainbow Art Thursday, March 14, 5:30pm

All ages Each craft camp features a different style and technique for making art. Come and create!

SPRING BREAK AT THE LIBRARY!

KIDS Events

“I Survived” STEAM Stations

Saturday, March 23, 10:00am or 11:30am Grades K-5 Can you survive? Explore the adventurous world of the I Survived books series.

Art of Inflation: with Balloon Dude Dale Monday, March 25, 6:00pm

All ages Balloon twisting, tricks, and jokes make this show an evening the family will never forget!

Register each person attending.

MARCH IN!

Little Parade

Tuesday, March 26, 10:30am

All ages Bring your dancing shoes for a family-friendly concert performed by Little Parade! Drop in.

Drama Club

Tuesday, March 26, 5:30pm

Family Dance Party Wednesday, March 20, 5:30pm

All ages Dance like nobody’s watching!

Join us for crafts, games, light refreshments and dancing! Register each person attending.

W E I R D Weird Science - Drain Disasters Wednesday, March 6, 5:30pm

Grades 3-5 Think outside the box to rescue lost items from a storm drain.

Grades 3-5 Play charades, practice skits, and learn some warm-ups to train your voice and acting skills.

Dinosaur Discoveries: with T-Rexplorers

Thursday, March 28, 5:30pm

Grades K-5 Dig into all things dinosaur during this interactive program with authentic dinosaur bones! Arrive early for a meet and greet with Ranger the T-Rex. Register all attending.

Libraries "Rock"

Friday, March 29, 3:00pm

All ages Show the library some love by decorating a library-themed rock! Take them home or leave them at the library for others to find. Drop in.

All events are in person and adults are required to attend most events.

Registration is required for all events unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.

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KIDS Events

AMAZING APRIL Registration opens March 15.

Firefly Family Theatre Presents: Grow Saturday, April 6, 10:30am

All ages It's spring, and Spark the Firefly is ready to plant a garden! Music, poetry, and interactive movement make this an unforgettable show.

Wacky Willy Wonka Party Thursday, April 18, 5:00pm

All ages Sail the chocolate river to this event filled with candy tasting, crafts, and games based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

LEGO Party

Tuesday, April 23, 6:30pm

Raising a Reader Celebration Concert: Being Bilingual Rocks!

The Floor is Lava!

Sunday, April 14, 3:00pm

Saturday, April 27, 10:00am or 3:00pm

Poetry Writing Workshop

Cicadas: with the Dunn Museum

Grades 3-5 If you want to write a poem / Register, don't stay at home! / For poetry, prompts, and inspiration / The library is your destination.

Grades K-5 Discover the unusual life cycle of the 17-year periodic cicada. A new generation of this amazing insect is emerging this spring!

All ages Sing, dance, learn Spanish/English, and play musical games in a joyful, unique blend of cultures, sound and language.

All families welcome. Cante, baile, aprenda español/inglés y juegue juegos musicales en una mezcla alegre y única de culturas, sonidos e idiomas. Todas las familias son bienvenidas.

Tuesday, April 16, 5:00pm

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All ages Challenge yourself to brick-building crafts, games, and more! Register each person attending.

All ages Try to cross the "lava" floor without falling in!

Drop in.

Monday, April 29, 5:00pm

Registration is required for all events unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.

School-age

KIDS Events

Read to Rover

Wednesdays 7:00, 7:15, 7:30 or 7:45pm March 13, April 10 & May 8

Ages 7 & older Sign up to read to a trained therapy dog. A signed waiver is required. One time slot per child.

“Flatland” with Improv Playhouse Saturday, May 4 11:00am

All ages “Flatland” is an immersive full-cast performance of a stage play for the whole family! Register all attending.

Chess Nuts

Wednesdays at 4:30pm Grades 3 and up

March 13: Classic Chess April 10: Doubles Chess May 8: Sci-Fi Chess

Homeschool Learn & Grow Together

Friday, March 22, 2:00pm

Grades K-5 Join Miss Avocado as we explore our wonderful world! Work at stations to uncover new perspectives about a topic.

Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo Monday, May 6 6:30pm

MARVELOUS

All ages

MAY

Registration opens April 15.

Encounter living animals, familiar and exotic! Register all attending.

Paper Airplane Contest Thursday, May 9, 6:00pm

Grades K-5 Fold the perfect paper airplane. Test it for distance, speed, and accuracy! Contest winners will receive small prizes.

Saving Earth

Together: with Science Heroes

Tuesday, May 14, 6:00pm

All ages Experience a thrilling blend of science experiments, storytelling, and hands on entertainment with Science Heroes.

Register each person attending.

Pool Noodle Pandemonium Monday, May 20, 5:30pm

All ages Discover how to use pool noodles in splashy new ways!

Children’s Artwork Showcase Wednesday, May 29, 4:00-6:00pm All ages Use the supplies provided to create a masterpiece that we will display in the library for everyone to enjoy. Drop in.

All events are in person and adults are required to attend most events.

Registration is required for all events unless noted. Go online to fremontlibrary.org/events or call 847-566-8702.

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Fremont Public Library District 1170 North Midlothian Road Mundelein, IL 60060

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Mundelein, IL 60060-1237 Permit No. 203

Phone: 847-566-8702 www.fremontlibrary.org

Library Hours:

Monday–Thursday 9am to 9pm Friday 9am to 6pm Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday 1pm to 5pm

***ECRWSS*** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

March 19 - Open 6am for Primary Election Day

Library Closed

Sunday, March 31 - Easter Friday, April 26 - Staff Training Sunday & Monday, May 26 & 27 – Memorial Day

Free English Classes for Adults

Mundelein High School offers free English classes at the library for adult English language learners on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am-12:30pm. Register in person at the library before a class or call MHS at 847-949-2200 x1400 or 1403.

Fremont Writers Group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 3:15pm

Join fellow writers to share and improve your writing. (Online)

Guided Meditation & Chair Yoga

First three Thursdays at 11:30am

Seek calm, take time to relax and focus in the comfort of your own home. (Online)

Mindful Movement & Guided Meditation

Last Thursdays at 11:30am March 28, April 25 & May 30

Learn to calm your mind and body with guided meditation in this drop-in program. Register if you would like an email reminder. (In person)

Solar Eclipse 2024 The total solar eclipse visits Illinois on April 8, 2024.

The Moon touches the edge of the Sun at 12:51pm, reaches its deepest point at 2:07pm, and leaves the Sun at 3:21pm. The library is handing out viewers to safely look at the eclipse. Limited to one per family, the viewers are available at the First Floor Help Desk while supplies last. You also have a chance to get solar eclipse glasses at the Solar Eclipse Storytime on April 8, or at the Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Night on April 3.

Look inside for more information.

AARP Tax Help Thursday afternoons Friday mornings

AARP Tax Aides provide free tax preparation for seniors and low-income individuals by appointment.

Go to fremontlibrary.org/taxes to register.