We are joining libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.
In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, throughout September all new library cardholders will be entered into a raffle to win a local gift card
To get a library card in-person, bring:
Proof of residency
Current photo I.D.
Getting Your Library Card Just Got Easier
Starting in September, Brookfield residents can apply for a free library card online at www.support.swanlibraries.net/get-a-card .
Enjoy immediate access to digital collections once your address is verified, then pickup a physical card at the Library. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This streamlined application provides quick access to books, movies, digital resources, and more. One card, endless possibilities!
Chills and Thrills With Brookfield Reads
Read the Book, Discuss with Neighbors, and Meet the 2025 Brookfield Reads Author
Brookfield Reads Book Discussion: UnderaDarkSkyby Lori Rader-Day Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m.
In this suspenseful mystery, a grieving widow’s peaceful retreat takes a deadly turn. Read the book, then join fellow readers for a lively discussion before the finale author event.
Brookfield Reads Finale with Author Lori Rader-Day Wednesday, October 29, 7 p.m.
Meet Lori Rader-Day, author of UnderaDarkSky , at the Brookfield Reads finale. Hear about her writing process, ask questions, and get signed copies of her books.
See inside for more chilling and thrilling Brookfield Reads events!
For the complete line-up of events, or to learn more about the book, visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/brookfieldreads.
Join the Fight Against Censorship October
5-11
As efforts to ban books escalate in libraries and schools, defending the right to read is more important than ever. For the third consecutive year, Library partners will hand out banned books at the Prairie Avenue Train Station every morning and evening from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10. We invite Brookfielders and everyone who opposes censorship to join us in this effort by simply showing up to assist in distributing banned books.
Youth Classes & Events
Storytime at New Book Joy
Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m.—11 a.m.
Join us at New Book Joy, one of the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park, for a special storytime and craft in the courtyard.
Fall Storytimes
Join us for a wide variety of early literacy classes this Fall! Storytimes will take place from September 15 – October 31
Registrationencouraged
Bouncing Babies
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Birthto24monthswithcaregiver
Storytime Stars
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
AllAgeswithcaregiver
Tiny Tots Storytime
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
AllAgeswithcaregiver
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Toddler Tales
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Chills and Thrills With Brookfield Reads
Spooky Sensory Playtime
Wednesday, October 29, 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy spooky-inspired sensory stations with all things kooky to touch and see. With examples including an eyeball stew station and digging for skeletons in a kinetic sand station, it will be a fright-tastic time!
Not So Spooky Storytime
Thursday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
Come to a very spooktacular storytime and stay after for a little treat.
Early Literacy
Pajama Dance Party
Friday, September 19, 10:30 a.m.
Put on your coolest PJs and join us at the library for a dance party.
All Ages
Legotastic Saturday Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.
Build as far as your imagination will take you at this drop-in event.
Geek Lab: Ghost Rockets
Friday, October 10, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 24, 4:30 p.m.
Craft ghost rockets, then head outside to launch them into the sky.
Spooktacular Dance Party
Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
Calling all spooky scary skeletons! Come shimmy your bones down this Halloween to a very fun dance party.
Reading Buddies with the Teen Advisory Group
Wednesday, October 29, 4 p.m.
Join the teens from the LSF Brookfield Library Teen Advisory Group for not-too-creepy stories and crafts.
Forest Preserve Storytime
Thursday, October 16, 10:30 a.m.
Join our friends from the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a special storytime all about the outdoors.
Bubble Bash
Saturday, September 27, 11 a.m.
Join us near the plaza to celebrate all things bubbles under the sun.
Take & Make Friday Crafts Fridays in September & October
Pick up a free craft kit at the Youth Services Desk every Friday.
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.
Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
Grades K-5
Fandom Friday
Friday, September 5, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 3, 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate a different fandom at each class with fun crafts, trivia, and more. We will be celebrating Star Wars in September and Hello Kitty & Friends in October.
Join us in the classroom for kid-friendly editions of our maker lab projects.
Slime Club: Monster Slime
Friday, September 12, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 26, 4:30 p.m.
Every other month, let’s make some slime! This month’s theme will be monster slime.
Comic Creation Club
Wednesday, September 17, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15, 4:30 p.m.
Write, draw and create your own comic strips in this monthly art club for kids.
Art Explorers
Thursday, September 18, 5 p.m.
Thursday, October 16, 5 p.m.
Art Explorers is an art-based program that encourages kids to engage with unique art materials and concepts. The goal is to get creative and have fun!
Zumba for Kids
Wednesday, September 24, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 4:30 p.m.
Let’s dance! Move and groove at this afterschool dance party.
READ to the Dogs
Tuesday, September 30, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Practice your reading skills with dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society.
Wonderful Weaving
Monday, October 6, 4:30 p.m.
Use recycled materials and a cardboard loom to discover the magic of fiber arts.
Back to School Resources
Back to School Coping Skills
Wednesday, September 3, 6:30 p.m.
Join Miss Karina from Ellie Mental Health to make DIY fidgets and explore back-toschool stress tips. Adults are welcome to attend the simultaneous session covering coping skills for parents and guardians.
Research Databases for Kids
Learn about world cultures, the 50 states, access online craft workshops, reference materials, and more.
Tumblebooks.com
Explore talking picture books, graphic novels, language learning materials, puzzles, games, and more.
LOTE4Kids
Access fun educational activity sheets and thousands of children’s eBooks and eAudiobooks in various world languages, including American Sign Language.
Little Pim & Mango
Students of all ages can learn a second language with the fun and interactive lessons on Mango and Little Pim.
Teacher Resources
Teachers who live or work in Brookfield can get a special library card with perks like extended due dates on checkouts and free access to printable educational resources through Scholastic Teachables and LOTE4Kids.
Adult Classes & Events
Chills and
Thrills
With Brookfield Reads
Brookfield Reads Book Discussion:
UnderaDarkSkyby Lori Rader-Day
Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m.
In this suspenseful mystery, a grieving widow’s peaceful retreat takes a deadly turn. Read UnderaDarkSkyby Lori Rader-Day, then join fellow readers for a lively discussion before the finale author event.
Brookfield Reads Finale: Meet Author Lori Rader-Day
Wednesday, October 29, 7 p.m.
Lori Rader-Day, author of UnderaDarkSky,joins us for the Brookfield Reads finale. Meet the author, ask questions, and get a signed copy of UnderaDarkSky .
True Crime Club: The Disappearance of Molly Zelko
Wednesday, October 1, 7 p.m.
In 1957, the editor of a newspaper devoted to battling local gangsters in Joliet vanished under suspicious circumstances. Presented by Greg Peerbolte, executive director of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and retired newspaperman Lonny Cain.
CSI: Cemetery Search & Investigation
Tuesday, October 7, 7 p.m.
Film Discussion Series
View and discuss critically acclaimed foreign and independent films.
Aloners (South Korea)
Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 p.m.
CandyMountain (Canada)
Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.
Movies with Marty
Join film enthusiast Marty Blank for a screening of his favorite movies.
Nobody’sFool
Curious what those symbols on your greatgrandfather's headstone mean? Learn about the American cemetery and how to find your ancestors' burial places.
Skywatching with Your Eyes
Monday, October 27, 7 p.m.
Astronomer and educator Michelle Nichols will give us an overview of celestial observations you can do with just your eyes, including Moon phases, eclipses, planets, stars, and much more.
Genealogy Club – New time!
The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair
Tuesday, September 9, 7 p.m.
Discover the historical and technological impact of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, which brought famous figures and diverse cultures into the Chicago area. Presented by Michelle Gibbons.
Saturday, September 27, 1 p.m.
Halloween Movie
Matinee: Island ofLostSouls(1932) and Cat& the Canary(1939)
Saturday, October 18, 1 p.m.
Hook & Needle Guild
Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
September 3, 17
October 1, 15, 29
For all levels of knitters, crochet enthusiasts, embroidery gurus and quilters. New faces welcome; tea will be served.
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.
Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified. By participating in Library classes and events, a participant consents to use by the Library of the participant’s image in photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings in Library newsletters, the website, and/or Library public affair materials. The Library will not name persons in photographs without their or their parent’s consent.
Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
Brookfield Writers’ Group
Mondays at 7 p.m.
September 15 | October 6, 20
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.
Successfully Navigating College Admissions
Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 p.m.
Stand Out for College explores current college admissions trends and how to navigate them. Presented via Zoom.
Medicare Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 9, 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a free lunch, learn about Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans, and understand the Annual Enrollment Period. Registration required.
Mortgage Protection
Thursday, September 11, 6:30 p.m.
Learn about Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPI) and how it compares to a standard term life insurance policy.
Walk & Talk
Tuesdays at 9 a.m. in Sept. & Oct.
Meets at the Salt Creek Trail at 26th Street and Harrison Avenue in La Grange Park.
Finding the Clues:
Then and Now with Steve Burns
Tuesday, September 16, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Get a closer look at Steve Burns’ journey, from the early fame of Blue’s Clues to his personal growth and creative evolution. *This event is intended for an adult audience.
The History of The Rolling Stones
Monday, September 22, 7 p.m.
Music historian Gary Wenstrup returns for a look at one of rock 'n' roll's most legendary bands.
It’s
Alive! The Birth of the Universal Studios Monsters
Tuesday, October 21, 7 p.m.
William Pack presents a look at some of the most iconic monsters in movie history.
Chair Yoga
Mondays at 11 a.m. on Zoom
September 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 20, 27
Perform yoga while sitting at home.
Device Drop-In
Monday, September 8, 22 at 11 a.m.
Monday, October 6, 20 at 11 a.m.
Get all your tech questions answered.
A "Wicked" Conversation with Marissa Bode
Tuesday, October 21, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Bode will share personal stories and insights from her time on stage, the challenges and rewards of being part of an iconic production, and what the future holds for her career.
Even More One-Hit Wonders
Monday, October 13, 7 p.m.
Ian Tiele returns to discuss the unforgettable one-hit wonders of the past.
Paint & Sip Watercolor Pumpkins
For Seniors
Cards & Conversation
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
September 2, 16, 30
October 7, 21
Brain Bootcamp
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
September 9, 23
October 14, 28
Stay mentally fit while having fun.
Session 1: Wednesday, October 22, 7 p.m. Session 2: Thursday, October 23, 7 p.m.
Join local artist Carla Riseman for a fallthemed paint and sip class. Registration is required, walk-ins welcome to observe. RegistrationbeginsWednesday, October1;pleaseregisterfor onlyonesession.
Sponsored by the Friends + Foundation for the Brookfield Library and the AgeOptions Grant
Hump Day Stretch
Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
September 10, 17 | October 1, 15
Refresh with a 45-minute stretch class.
Chair Zumba
Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
September 12, 26 | October 10, 24
Improve strength and energy in this seated exercise dance class.
Book Clubs & Film Discussions
Evening Cookbook Club
GoodEats4: TheFinalYears by Alton Brown
Monday, September 8, 7 p.m.
RetroRecipes fromthe ‘50s& ‘60s
Monday, October 6, 7 p.m.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club
Murderbot: ExitStrategy by Martha Wells
Wednesday, September 3, 7 p.m.
1984 by George Orwell
Wednesday, October 1, 7 p.m.
Non-Fiction Book Club
ThePossibilityofLife: Science,Imagination, andOurQuestfor KinshipintheCosmos by Jaime Green
Thursday, September 11, 7 p.m. MeetsattheLibrary
Knife:MeditationsAfter anAttemptedMurder by Salman Rushdie
FromHeretothe GreatUnknown by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough
Monday, September 15, 7 p.m.
UnderaDarkSky by Lori Rader-Day
Monday, October 20, 7 p.m.
Books & Bites Cookbook Club
TheComplete Mediterranean Cookbookby America’s Test Kitchen
Tuesday, September 16, 12 p.m.
GoodFood,GoodLife by Curtis Stone
Tuesday, October 21, 12 p.m.
Poetry Appreciation Group
Marie Howe: New & Selected Poems
Wednesday, September 17, 7 p.m.
The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire
Wednesday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Books & Brews Book Club
SoldiersandKings by Jason De León
Thursday, September 25, 7 p.m.
MeetsatSebastian’sAleHouse
MagpieMurders by Anthony Horowitz
Thursday, October 30, 7 p.m.
MeetsatSebastian’sAleHouse
100 Years of Crime Book Club
AndThenThere WereNone by Agatha Christie
Thursday, September 18, 6:30 p.m. at Cantata’s Wye Valley Apartments The Library is partnering with Cantata to celebrate their centennial. Join us at the Wye Valley Apartments on the Cantata campus to discuss this classic tale of mystery and suspense by Agatha Christie. Enjoy light refreshments and wine while discussing the book. Copies of AndThen ThereWereNonewill be available for pick-up at the Library Holds Shelf.
Teen Bandits
Banned Book Club
1984,theGraphicNovel
Story by George Orwell Tuesday, October 7 at 4 p.m. Pick either of two graphic novel adaptations of 1984to discuss. MeetsattheLibrary.
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.
Fall Blend Essential Oils
Session 1: Monday, September 8, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, September 8, 7 p.m.
Create an autumnal essential oil blend.
Registrationrequired,walk-insmayobserve.
Teaching Tech: Scanning
Tuesday, September 9, 7 p.m.
Learn how to use the media scanner inside the Editing Studio as well as the miniscanners available for checkout.
Pumpkin Gathering Wall Décor
Session 1: Monday, September 15, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, September 15, 7 p.m.
Add some spice to your fall décor.
Maker Machines: Cricut Maker/Venture
Tuesday, September 16, 7 p.m.
Learn about these popular precision cutters as well as the accompanying software.
Cool Weather Leaves
Thursday, September 18, 6:30 p.m.
Make colorful prints with real Autumn leaves.
Papel Picado Banners
Tuesday, September 23, 7 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making your own Papel Picado Banners!
Maker Studio 101
Tuesday, September 2, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7, 7 p.m.
Ghostie Garlands
Session 1: Monday, October 6, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, October 6, 7 p.m.
Make spooky decorations made of cloth .
Teaching Tech: Burning Discs
Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m.
Learn how to burn files onto CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays in the Editing Studio and at home.
Five-Fingered Ghosts
Thursday, October 16, 6:30 p.m.
Turn a cotton glove into a quintet of spooks.
Boho Candy Corn
Session 1: Monday, October 20, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, October 20, 7 p.m.
DIY some boho fall flair for your home with these hand-sewn candy corn softies.
Registrationrequired,walk-insmayobserve.
Teen & Young Adult
Teen Crafts:
Decorate a Magazine Holder
Wednesday, September 3, 4 p.m.
Spooky Slime
Wednesday, October 1, 4 p.m.
Yarn Doll Ghosts
Wednesday, October 8, 4 p.m.
Teen Cooking
Mini S’mores Campfire Pies
Wednesday, September 17, 4 p.m.
Graveyard Dirt Cups
Wednesday, October 15, 4 p.m.
Teen Advisory Group
Decorate the Teen Space for Halloween
Wednesday, September 24, 4 p.m.
Spooky Storytime
Wednesday, October 29, 4 p.m.
Earn volunteer hours by putting on a spooky storytime with crafts for kids. Meets in the 1st floor Classroom.
Teen Take & Make:
Tin Book Nooks
KitsavailablebeginningFriday,September12
Moon Phase Garland
KitsavailablebeginningFriday,October10
Complete the Maker Studio orientation by attending this introductory class.
3D Print & Design Club
Thursday, September 4, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 2, 6:30 p.m.
Open to all ages (under 12 with an adult).
Sunday Crafternoons
Sundays, 2-4 p.m.
September 14, 28 & October 12, 26
Relax with crafts in the Maker Studio. Work on your own project or try one of ours.
Take & Make: Mexican Pan Flute
Friday, September 26, 5 p.m. on Facebook
SuppliesavailablestartingFriday,September19
Take & Make: DIY Bat Wreaths Friday, October 24, 5 p.m. on Facebook
SuppliesavailablestartingFriday,October17
Wednesday, October 22, 4 p.m.
Learn About Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, September 10, 4p.m.
Learn about D&D game mechanics and make your own character sheet.
Teen D&D
Fridays at 4:30 p.m.
September 5, 19
October 3, 17
Get Your Game On
Friday, September 19, 6:15 p.m.
Friday, October 17, 6:15 p.m.
Halloween Monster Trivia Game
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. (September-May)
Library Closings
Closed Labor Day, Monday, September 1
Mini Book Nook Prices
September & October:
Library Trustees
Jennifer Paliatka, President Michelle Parker, Vice-President
Linda Kampschroeder, Secretary Edgar Mihelic, Treasurer
David Jakubiak Phil Weglarz Natalie DeJonghe
Support the Friends + Foundation by ordering chrysanthemums in the inaugural Mums Sale. Purchase mums in six vibrant colors. Each plant comes in a 9-inch pot with a lush 16–20 inch crown, perfect for adding seasonal color to any home! Mums are $15 each and must be preordered and prepaid by Wednesday, September 17
Scan to Buy Mums Online
Orders can be placed in-person at the Check Out Desk by check payable to The Friends + Foundation for the Brookfield Library, or online by scanning the QR code below or visiting friends-mum-sale.cheddarup.com.
Pickup will be at the Library on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Simply drive up and give your name, and the Friends will load your order into your car. All proceeds go to the purchase of a new play kitchen with a loft for kids to enjoy at the Library.
Proceeds go towards a new kids playset!
The Library is riding the rails during Library Card Sign-Up Month! Look for a new ad featuring all public libraries located along the BNSF Metra route this September.
