Experience STEAM Fest 2025
Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
STEAM Fest is back just in time for kids to sharpen their skills before the new school year begins. This hands-on event invites learners of all ages to dive into the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math with interactive and engaging activities, including art and design projects, immersive virtual reality games, Maker Studio demonstrations and more.
Featured STEAM Event: Dan Gogh’s Magic & Art Show
Saturday, August 23, 1 p.m.
Artist-Magician Dan Gogh uses comedy, magic and art to unleash kids’ creativity. Prepare to be amazed, inspired and entertained in this free show!
Make Music Outdoors! New Instruments Now in Library Park
A new set of outdoor musical instruments is now available in Library Park, offering a fun and creative way for community members of all ages to engage in interactive play. The installation features percussive instruments shaped like a blue flower, a bee and a beetle.
This project was made possible by the Friends + Foundation for the Brookfield Library. Proceeds from the Friends + Foundation National Library Week Raffle funded the purchase and installation of the instruments, supporting the Library’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces and encourage hands-on learning and creativity.
Join Youth Services on Tuesday, July 15 to craft DIY instruments from recycled materials at the outdoor instrument station! See page 2 for details.
Youth Classes & Events
Storytimes
Join us for a variety of early literacy classes. Storytimes will take place from July 14 – August 28. Registrationencouraged
Bouncing Babies
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Birthto24monthswithcaregiver
Storytime Stars
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
MeetsatEhlertPark
Allageswithcaregiver
Tiny Tots Storytime
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Silly Storytime
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Early Literacy
Bugs in Nature
Sensory Playtime
Wednesday, August 27, 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy bug-inspired sensory stations with colorful items to touch and see. Kids can splash at a frog pond water table, dig through a “worms in dirt” bin made with black beans and more. This sensory playtime celebrates the creepy crawlies of the outdoors!
Enter the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge!
There’s still time to sign up for the Color Our World Summer Reading Challenge . Kids in Pre-K to 5th Grade can complete the Challenge by reading in 30-minute increments for 6 hours total. Upon reaching 6 hours, kids earn 1 prize ticket for the Grand Prize Raffle. Complete bonus activities to earn extra prize tickets.
Everyone who completes the challenge by Saturday, August 9 will win a prize, and kids can check-in at the Youth Services Desk every week to earn a participation prize. Register in-person at the Library, at the Library’s booth every Saturday at the Brookfield Farmers Market, by phone at (708) 485-6917 x 140, or online by visiting www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/readingclub.
Free Meals & Movies!
Weekdays June 9—August 15, 12 p.m. (No lunch on July 4)
All youth 18 and younger can come enjoy a free lunch and fun film in the Library Classroom. Free meals provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Baby and Me Playtime
Friday, July 25, 11 a.m.
Friday, August 29, 11 a.m.
Connect with other caregivers and babies in the Classroom.
Mer-mazing Storytime
Thursday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.
Calling all mermaids! Join us for a very special under the sea storytime and stay for music and dancing.
Grades K-3:
DIY Musical Instruments
Tuesday, July 15, 3 p.m.
Join us in the Pollinator Garden near the Library’s new outdoor instrument station to craft some DIY musical instruments from recycled materials.
Register for classes and events online at www .lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917, in person at the Library, or with the LSF Brookfield Library app.
Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
Grades K-5:
Yoga for Kids
Wednesday, July 9, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6, 4:30 p.m.
Yoga instructor Marianne Mohrhusen teaches relaxing afternoon stretching.
Drive-in Movie
Thursday, August 7, 5 p.m.
Decorate a cardboard car and then sit inside it to watch PaddingtoninPeru .
Grades 3-5:
Fandom Friday
Friday, July 11, 2:30 p.m.
Friday, July 25, 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Harry Potter on July 11 and Taylor Swift on July 25 with crafts, trivia and more fandom fun.
Imagination Station
Tuesday, July 22, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19, 4:30 p.m.
Write your own stories in this creative club.
Art Explorers:
Shadow Drawing
Thursday, July 17, 4:30 p.m.
Join us outside and search for shadows to trace and sketch.
Slime Club: At the Beach
Friday, July 18, 4:30 p.m.
Every other month, let’s make some slime! This month’s slime will be beach-themed.
Zumba for Kids
Wednesday, July 23, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 4:30 p.m.
Let’s dance! Move and groove at this after-school dance party.
Tie Dye Draw-String Bags
Friday, July 25, 4 p.m.
Personalize and tie-dye your own draw-string bag with vibrant dyes and fun patterns.
Book vs. Movie: DogMan
Friday, August 1, 2:30-3 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2:30-4 p.m.
Compare your favorite books and movies with this combo book and movie club! Join us at the first meeting to talk about the book and return to watch the movie.
READ to the Dogs
Tuesday, July 29, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 26, 7 p.m.
Practice your reading skills with dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society.
Geek Lab: Miniature Catapults
Friday, August 8, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, August 29, 4:30 p.m.
Craft miniature working catapults out of popsicle sticks.
Art Explorers: Scratch and Draw
Thursday, August 21, 4:30 p.m.
Make your own rainbow scratch art out of crayons and popsicle sticks!
All Ages
Legotastic Saturday
Saturday, July 5, 10 a.m.
Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m.
Build as far as your imagination will take you at this drop-in event.
Cycle Brookfield Criterium ‘25
Bike Decorating
Wednesday, July 16, 4:30 p.m.
Decorate your bike for the Family Fun Ride during the Chicago Grit bike race in Brookfield. Supplies provided.
Take & Make Friday Crafts Fridays in July & August
Pick up a free craft kit at the Youth Services Desk every Friday.
Hook & Needle Guild
Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
July 2, 16, 30 | August 6, 20
Classes & Events
For all levels of knitters, crochet enthusiasts, embroidery gurus and quilters. New faces welcome; tea will be served.
@ the Library
Film Discussion Series
View and discuss critically acclaimed foreign and independent films.
CloselyWatchedTrains (Czechoslovakia)
Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
A small-town train apprentice looking for love in German-occupied Czechoslovakia meets a female resistance fighter who recruits him to the cause.
Movies with Marty
Join film enthusiast Marty Blank for a screening of his favorite movies.
Hitchcock Double Feature: Saboteur& AlfredHitchcockHour: “Thanatos Palace Hotel”
Saturday, August 16, 1-4 p.m.
In Saboteur , a worker accused of burning his factory during WWII races across the U.S. to prove his innocence.
The Thanatos Palace Hotel offers a unique service to lodgers: assisted suicide.
Take a Meditation Vacation Thursday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Need a break from the stress of daily life? Join Umesh Bhatia for a calming meditation presentation and discover techniques to refresh your mind & relax your body.
Paint & Sip Acrylic Fireworks
Session 1: Tuesday, July 22, 7 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday, July 23, 7 p.m.
Local artist Carla
Riseman returns for a paint and sip class with mocktails. Registration required, walk-ins welcome to observe. Registrationbegins July1;pleaseregisterforonlyonesession.
Genealogy Club
Calling the Spirits: Researching the Rise of Spiritualism
Tuesday, July 8, 4 p.m.
Learn about the 19th century rise of Spiritualism—a movement based on the belief that the living could communicate directly with the deceased. Presented by genealogist Debra Dudek.
Compete for Prizes in The Library League
Register by Wednesday, August 20
Register for the Library’s Fantasy Football League by August 20 to take part in the Live Draft Party on Monday, August 25 at 7 p.m . Build a team, enjoy pizza, and meet the competition. Space is limited to 20 teams; register early to reserve a spot.
Brookfield Writers’ Group
Mondays at 7 p.m.
July 7, 21 | August 4, 18
Calling all writers! Meet fellow scribes of all ages, genres and experience levels to get and give feedback. Contact Paul McKenna at pjmack16@hotmail.com to learn more.
How Does DNA Fit into Your Family Story?
Tuesday, August 12, 4 p.m.
Explore how to use DNA test results in 2025 to deepen your sense of identity, connect with relatives, and discover answers about your genetic past.
Wednesday, August 20, 7 p.m.
Sarah Johnson was killed 35 years ago. The man imprisoned for her death maintains his innocence. Listen to the BearBrookSeason Two:ATrueCrimeStorypodcast for free at home and join True Crime Club for an inperson discussion about this gripping case.
Register for classes and events online at www.lsfbr ookfieldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917, in person at the Library, or with the LSF Brookfield Library app.
Register for classes and events online at www .lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917, in person at the Library, or with the LSF Brookfield Library app.
Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
How to Make Hot Sauce
Monday, July 28, 6:30 p.m.
Pepper grower and homemade hot sauce maker
Kristen Lovett will share tips and techniques for making your own hot sauce at home. Plus, a few lucky participants will take home a bottle of her fiery creation!
Retirement Planning
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 p.m.
Reaching your 50s is a major milestone—in life and in financial planning. But how much has the average 50-year-old actually saved in their 401(k), and how does your balance compare? The answer may surprise you.
Advance Care Planning
Monday, August 11, 7 p.m.
Learn about the different types of advance directives in healthcare and how to plan to ensure your wishes are heard and followed. Presented by The HAP Foundation.
Teen Bandits Banned Book Club
AllteensmeetatThe LoftatEightCorners.
OutofDarkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
Wednesday, July 9, 4 p.m.
ThisOneSummer by Mariko Tamaki
Wednesday, August 13, 4 p.m.
Teen Cooking: Cake Pops
Wednesday, July 2, 4 p.m.
Make a sweet and colorful treat to eat.
Teen Art Class with Carla Riseman
Wednesday, August 6, 4 p.m.
Learn how to paint with stencils, acrylics and collage from a local artist.
Living Benefits
Thursday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.
Living benefits are life insurance features which can be used while still alive. Learn how living benefits work, how they can help, and how to check if your policy includes them.
Turning 65
Thursday, August 21, 6 p.m.
Turning 65 soon? Learn about Medicare options and additional changes that can affect finances and well-being as you age.
Teen & Young Adult
Battle of the Books
Wednesday, July 30, 11 a.m.—1 p.m.
MeetsatLaGrangeParkPublicLibrary
Join the 6th annual Battle of the Books with friends! Read books and compete as a team in a trivia contest against other library teens.
Red Cross Babysitting Training
Wednesday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Get certified by the American Red Cross in this all-day babysitting class. $60 covers certification and materials. Ages 10 and up. Advance registration required.
Teen Movie: TheWildRobot
Wednesday, July 23, 3:30 p.m.
Watch TheWildRobot with free popcorn.
Trail Mix and Watch PBS Nature
Wednesday, August 20, 3:30 p.m.
Make tasty trail mix and enjoy animal fun while watching PBS Nature.
Teen Advisory Group: Back to School Pizza Party
Wednesday, August 27, 4 p.m.
Kickoff the school year with a pizza party! Share ideas to improve the Library with TAG and earn volunteer hours.
Teen D &D
Fridays at 4:30 p.m.
July 11, 25
August 8, 22
Get Your Game On
Friday, July 18, 6:15 p.m.
Friday, August 22, 6:15 p.m.
Gamers Paradise
Friday, July 25, 4 p.m.
Friday, August 29, 4 p.m.
Scan for Teen Classes & Events
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Wednesday, July 2, 7 p.m.
TheMountain intheSea by Ray Nayler
Wednesday, August 6, 7 p.m.
Non-Fiction Book Club
BarbieandRuth:The StoryoftheWorld's MostFamousDolland theWomanWho CreatedHer by Robin Gerber
Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m.
MeetsattheLibrary
Unmasked:MyLife SolvingAmerica'sCold Casesby Paul Holes
Thursday, August 14, 7 p.m. MeetsatHopDistrict CommunityBrewingCo.
Poetry
Appreciation Group
Playlistforthe
Apocalypseby Rita Dove
Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m.
ThentheWar & SelectedPoems by Carl Phillips
Wednesday, August 20, 7 p.m.
Book Clubs
CopiesofallbookclubselectionsareavailableattheLibrary.Contact Adult&TeenServicestolearnmoreaboutaspecificbookclub.
Girls Night Out Book Club
Remarkably BrightCreatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Monday, July 21, 7 p.m.
OtherBirds by Sarah Addison Allen
Monday, August 18, 7 p.m.
Books & Brews
Book Club
MeetsatJoe’sSaloon on47thSt.
LulaDean'sLittle LibraryofBannedBooks by Kirsten Miller
Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m.
TheAlmostNearly PerfectPeople by Michael Booth
Thursday, August 21, 7 p.m.
Books & Bites Cookbook Club
TheOfficialDownton AbbeyCookbook by Annie Gray
Tuesday, July 15, 12 p.m.
PlantOverProcessed by Andrea Hannemann
Tuesday, August 19, 12 p.m.
Evening Cookbook Club
Islas:ACelebration ofTropicalCooking by Von Diaz
Monday, July 7, 7 p.m.
TheWorldCentral KitchenCookbook by José Andrés
Monday, August 4, 7 p.m.
NEW! 100 Years of Crime Book Club
MeetsatWyeValleyApartmentsatCantata.. Book
Discussion & Author Visit: Murderin theParkby
Jeanne M. Dams
Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.
Set in Oak Park in the 1920’s, this mystery by local author Jeanne M. Dams follows widow Elizabeth Farichild as she investigates a mysterious death.
Read the book and join the author at Cantata for an in-person discussion. Light refreshments will be served. The 100 Years of Crime Book Club meets every other month in partnership with Cantata as they celebrate their centennial.
Fiber Owlets
Session 1: Monday, July 7, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, July 7, 7 p.m.
Make a cuddly owl from fabric in this beginner-friendly hand-sewing class.
Maker Studio Classes
Maker classes are open to all ages; youth under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register for classes and events at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org, by phone at (708) 485-6917 x 130, or with the LSF Brookfield Library app.
Spoon Fairies
Session 1: Monday, August 4, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, August 4, 7 p.m.
Maker Studio 101
Tuesday, July 1, 7 p.m.
Maker Machines: Silhouette Cameo
Tuesday, July 8, 7 p.m.
Learn how to use the Silhouette Cameo precision-cutter to make decals, posters and more in this beginner-friendly class.
Maker Materials
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Learn how the 3D Printer, Glowforge and Carvey interact with different materials.
Cloth Keychains
Session 1: Monday, July 21, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Make a personalized keychain with cloth, colorful ribbons and charms.
Hump Day Stretch
This class will be taking a break in July and August and will return in September.
Chair Yoga
Mondays at 11 a.m. on Zoom
July: 7, 14, 21, 28
August: 4, 11, 18, 25
Learn the basics of yoga without getting down on the floor. For home viewing only.
Cards & Conversation
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
July: 1, 15, 29
August: 5, 19
Play card games while socializing.
Make a summery fairy from a wooden spoon in this kidfriendly Maker Studio class. All ages welcome; under 12 with caregiver.
Cloth Sunflowers
Session 1: Monday, August 18, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, August 18, 7 p.m.
Add a touch of DIY charm to your home décor with these rustic cloth sunflowers.
Maker Machines: Glowforge
Tuesday, August 19, 7 p.m.
Meet the Glowforge laser-cutter and learn what materials it can cut and engrave.
For Seniors
Brain Bootcamp
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
July: 8, 22
August: 12, 26
Stay mentally fit with trivia, brain games, puzzles, conversation and more.
Walk & Talk
Tuesdays at 9 a.m.
July: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August: 5, 12, 19, 26
Join us weekly for a stroll and a chat. Meet at the Salt Creek Trail in the Twenty-Sixth Street Woods at 26th Street and Harrison Avenue in LaGrange Park. Register to be notified if start locations change.
Tuesday, August 12, 7 p.m.
Complete the Maker Studio orientation by attending this introductory class.
3D Print & Design Club
Thursday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
Open to all ages (under 12 with an adult).
Virtual Take & Makes
3D Paper Planets
Friday, July 25, 5 p.m. on Facebook
SuppliesavailablebeginningFriday,July11
Origami Pen Holders
Friday, August 29, 5 p.m. on Facebook
SuppliesavailablebeginningFriday,August15
Maker Textures
Thursday, August 21, 6:30 p.m.
Learn how the 3D Printer, Glowforge and Carvey produce different textures.
Sponsored by the Friends + Foundation for the Brookfield Library and the AgeOptions Grant
Device Drop-In
Mondays at 11 a.m.
July: 7, 21 August: 4, 18
Have questions about your phone, tablet, or laptop ? Need help with websites or library apps? Stop by and get one-on-one help from a librarian. No registration needed.
Chair Zumba
Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
July: 11, 25
August: 8, 22
Improve strength and energy in this popular seated exercise dance class with certified Zumba instructor Marianne Mohrhusen.
3541 Park Avenue
Brookfield, IL 60513
www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org
(708) 485-6917
Get Help– Ask a Librarian
By phone at (708) 485-6917
Email reference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org
Text (708) 248-8433
Chat online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org
Library Hours
Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.—9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.—6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.—6 p.m. (Sept.-May)
Library Closings
The Library is closed on Sundays.
Closed Independence Dayon Friday, July 4.
Mini Book Nook Prices
We will gratefully accept donations every day of books of all genres, games, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and magazines. Just drop them off at the Circulation Desk!
for July & August:
Cool Off at the Library
Need AC this summer? The Library is a Cook County designated cooling center! We're open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Share this information with vulnerable friends, family, or neighbors who may be affected by the high summer temps.
Postal Customer
Brookfield, IL 60513
Library Trustees
Jennifer Paliatka, President Michelle Parker, Vice-President
Linda Kampschroeder, Secretary Edgar Mihelic, Treasurer
David Jakubiak Phil Weglarz Natalie DeJonghe
Save the Date
Representative Rashid Post-Legislative Session
Town Hall
Saturday, July 12 |12—2 p.m. Meeting Rooms 1 & 2
Join Illinois State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid to discuss post-session legislative updates, the Illinois budget, and information important to the 21st District. He will also share his efforts to fight back against current attacks on civil rights and will take questions.
Asamblea comunitaria post-sesión con el Representante Rashid en la biblioteca
sábado 12 de julio |12—2 p.m. en salas de reuniones 1 y 2
Únase al Representante Estatal de Illinois Abdelnasser Rashid para conversar sobre actualizaciones legislativas tras la sesión, el presupuesto de Illinois y temas importantes para el Distrito 21. También compartirá sus esfuerzos para resistir los ataques contra los derechos civiles y responderá preguntas del público.