New Year’s Resolutions
NEW Readalong Books
The new Readalong collection combines the written word with audio recordings to capture children’s attention and make literacy development fun.
TheAnxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
TheAnxious Generation(616.89
Explore the Financial Fit Database
Take control of your finances with the help of Financial Fit, a free Library database with short, easy-to-understand tutorials on budgeting, borrowing, saving, and more.
Friendly Feathers for Kids:
HAI ) examines the collapse of youth mental health in the era of social media and the plan for a healthier, freer childhood.
NEW PressReader Database
Break through the paywalls and get your news for free with thousands of periodicals, newspapers, and magazines. Now available on the Boundless app.
Pigeons & The Great Lakes Rescue Saturday, January 11, 1 p.m.
Join friends and friendly birds from the Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue and learn about their mission. Bird lovers 12 and younger and their caregivers are invited to join us for this fun and educational experience.
Unplug with a Digital Detox
Reap the benefits of a digital detox by reducing the amount of time spent on devices. Digital detoxes reduce stress, improve self-image, and increase happiness and productivity. Recommended reads to help you unplug: DigitalMinimalismby Cal Newport (303.4833 NEW ), Extremely Onlineby Taylor Lorenz (302.231 LOR ), and HowtoBreakUpwithYourPhone by Catherine Price (158.1 PRI )
Life After the Election with WGN-TV
Political Analyst Paul Lisnek
Tuesday, January 28, 7 p.m.
Award-winning TV host and political analyst Paul Lisnek shares his thoughts on the 2024 election and what to expect over the next four years via Zoom.
Native Plants Seed Exchange Saturday, February 22, 1—3 p.m. Find and share native plant seeds to increase Brookfield's biodiversity. Please also consider donating seeds to the Seed Library on the 2nd Floor of the Library.
Join a Buy Nothing Group
Save money and practice more sustainable consumption by joining the Buy Nothing movement. Learn more and join a group at BuyNothingProject.org.
Youth Classes & Events
Friendly Feathers for Kids: Pigeons and the Great Lakes Rescue
Saturday, January 11, 1 p.m.
Did you know that pigeons were one of the first domesticated birds? Join friends and friendly birds from the Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue to learn about their mission to save the lives of lost pigeons and doves in the Great Lakes region.
There will be rescued birds to meet, a colorful bird craft, and stories about local birds and native animal conservation efforts. Bird lovers 12 and younger and their caregivers are invited to join us for this fun and educational experience.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Monday, January 13, 6 p.m.
Wear your coziest PJs and bring your favorite stuffie for our Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Stay for a Storytime to wish your stuffie goodnight and pick them up the next day, along with a book filled with sleepover fun!
Disability Parent & Caregiver Support Group
Saturday, February 1, 1 p.m.
Find support and share resources with other parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Meets every other month at the Library.
Winter Far Storytime at the Library with Brookfield Zoo Chicago Wednesday, January 8, 10:30 a.m.
Special guests from the Zoo will chat about winter animals in this special storytime.
Pequeño
Cobayo, (The Little Guinea Pig): A Bilingual Puppet Show
Saturday, January 18, 10:30 a.m.
This interactive puppet show transports us deep into the jungles of South America with young traveler Janie Cricket!
Scan for Youth Classes & Events
NEW Readalong Books
A book that reads to you! Readalong books feature a professionally read recording that kids can listen to with built-in speaker or with headphones while following along. Selection includes bilingual and Spanish titles.
Family Bingo Night Tuesday, January 7, 6 p.m.
Join us for a night of Bingo and prizes.
Love Your Library: Valentine Card Making
Friday, February 7, 4:30 p.m.
Create your own special Valentine’s Day card for those you love.
All Ages
Legotastic Saturday
Saturday, January 4, 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 1, 10 a.m.
Build as far as your imagination takes you in this drop-in event for the whole family.
Take & Make Friday Crafts Fridays in January & February Allages
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. 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.
Early Literacy:
Baby & Me Playtime
Friday, January 31, 10:30 a.m.
Friday, February 28, 10:30 a.m.
Connect with other caregivers and babies in our Classroom.
Birdwatching Story Walk
Wednesday, February 12, 10:30 a.m.
Take a stroll through the Kiwanis Park Oak Savanna in this special nature storytime and help us contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Watch.
Grades K-5:
Yoga for Kids
Thursday, January 9, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5, 4:30 p.m.
Yoga instructor Marianne Mohrhusen teaches relaxing afternoon stretching.
Slime Club: Winter Slime
Friday, January 10, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 24, 4:30 p.m.
Every other month, let’s make slime! This month’s theme will be wintry slime.
Valentine’s Storytime
Thursday, February 13, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a special holiday storytime.
Mini Musicians Class
Friday, February 21
10:15 a.m. (2s and 3s) 11:15 a.m. (0-24 mo.)
Friends from The Brookfield’s Academy for Mini Musicians will present music classes for littles in our Classroom.
Storytime Special
Monday, February 24, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a special winter storytime.
Sensory Art Exploration
Wednesday, February 26, 10:30 a.m.
Get messy and explore all five senses in this special art class.
Ninja Storytime at Ninja Squad Gym
Friday, January 17, 11 a.m.
Friday, February 14, 11 a.m.
Join us at the
Ninja Squad Gym for storytime and movement!
Storytimes
Join us for a variety of early literacy classes. Storytimes will take place from January 13 – February 20.
Registrationencouraged
Book Babies
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Birthto24monthswithcaregiver
Storytime Stars
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Ages2—3withcaregiver
Zumba for Kids
Wednesday, January 15, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 26, 4:30 p.m.
Let’s dance! Move and groove at this after-school dance party.
Comic Creation Club
Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. January 22, February 19
Draw, write, and create your own comic strips.
Green Thumb Club: Milkweed Sowing
Thursday, January 23, 4:30 p.m.
Join us to examine milkweed pods, learn about cold stratification, and plant milkweed seeds to take home!
Geek Lab: Invisible Ink
Friday, February 14, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, February 28, 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a fun science experiment; we’ll be making invisible ink!
Tiny Tots Storytime
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Stories Galore
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Fairytale Storytime
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Grades 3-5:
Minecraft Mania: Winter Sports
Saturday, January 18, 1 p.m.
Have wintry Minecraft fun at the Library! Limited laptops available for checkout.
Adult Classes & Events
Rockin’ Around the Clock
Monday, January 13, 7 p.m.
Music historian Ian Tiele presents classic American Rock 'n Roll artists such as Bill Haley, Little Richard, and The Big Bopper.
Brookfield's Lead Service
Line Replacement Q &A
Thursday, January 16, 7 p.m.
Join the Brookfield Conservation Commission and Public Works Department to learn about the ongoing Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
Silent Reading Night with Babysitting
Friday, January 24, 6:15—8 p.m.
Friday, February 28, 6:15—8 p.m.
Carve out silent reading time for yourself while kids ages 6 and up enjoy a movie and popcorn in the Library’s lower level. Adults will be treated to tea, cookies, and quiet bliss.
Genealogy Club
Mapping Your Ancestors, Part 1: Learning GoogleMyMaps
Tuesday, January 14, 4 p.m.
Share your current project and any research tips with the group! This month will be a general club meeting to discuss resources and share advice. Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome!
Mapping Your Ancestors, Part 2: Present your Family Maps
Tuesday, February 11, 4 p.m.
Participants who attended last month will get a chance to present their migration timeline maps. Share what you discovered with the group in this genealogy meet-up.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Beyond the Winter Blues
Monday, January 27, 7 p.m.
Learn how to recognize symptoms, get diagnosed, and identify prevention and treatment methods for Seasonal Affective Disorder in this interactive workshop.
Life After the Election
with WGN-TV Political Analyst Paul Lisnek
Tuesday, January 28, 7 p.m.
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Sunday, January 26, 1—4 p.m.
Join us for competitive puzzling! Each team of up to 5 people will work on a new, unopened 1000-piece puzzle. The first team to finish the puzzle, or the team with the fewest remaining pieces, wins.
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
Sunday, February 2, 1—4 p.m.
Award-winning TV host and political analyst Paul Lisnek shares his thoughts on the 2024 election and what we can expect over the next 4 years. Presented on Zoom in partnership with area libraries.
Estate Planning 101
Thursday, January 30, 6:30 p.m.
Local attorney Nick Villa discusses trusts, wills, powers of attorney, the probate process, and how you can take control of your assets and create your own legacy.
Paint & Sip Watercolors
Session 1: Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Session 2: Thursday, February 6, 7 p.m.
Join us for a paint and sip class with local artist Carla Riseman. Registration is required, walk-ins welcome to observe.
RegistrationbeginsSunday,January19.
Winter Sowing
Workshop
Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m.
In this hands-on workshop, learn which native plants grow best when sown in winter and how to set your seeds up for cold stratification.
Seed Exchange
Saturday, February 22, 1—3 p.m.
Find and share native plant seeds to increase Brookfield's biodiversity at the 3rd annual Native Plants Seed Exchange.
Back by popular demand, bring in a gently -used puzzle to swap for one new-to-you.
The History of Stevie Wonder
Monday, February 24, 7 p.m.
Using performance and interview clips, we'll trace the arc of Stevie's amazing career to gain a deeper understanding of one of America's national treasures.
True Crime Club
SouthwestofSalemFilm Discussion
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.
This award-winning documentary follows four women who were wrongfully convicted in San Antonio, Texas in 1998 and their fight for justice. The 90-minute film will be followed by a short discussion.
Murder Mystery Party
Wednesday, February 12, 7 p.m.
Interview witnesses, collect clues, and investigate with friends! Each registrant will receive a character designation in this Valentine's Day themed Murder Mystery.
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. 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. 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.
Medicare Lunch & Learn:
General Enrollment
Thursday, January 23, 11:30 a.m.
Learn about Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, the General Enrollment Period, and enjoy a free lunch. Registrationisrequired.
Medicare Seminar
Saturday, February 8, 10:30 a.m.
Learn about Medicare and Medicare Insurance plans. We will review Medicare Part A, Part B, Supplement Plan, Part D Drug Plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans. Discuss Medicare options, when to enroll, and how to avoid penalties. Presented by Brookfield resident Courtenay Erb.
Hook & Needle Guild
Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
January 8, 22 | February 5, 19
Calling all knitters, crochet enthusiasts, embroidery gurus, quilting masters, and knitting novices; join us for our monthly Guild Meeting. New faces welcome!
Chicago Pizza - Past, Present, & Future with Steve Dolinsky
Thursday, January 9, 7 p.m. on Zoom
NBC 5 Chicago “Food Guy” reporter Steve Dolinsky authored The UltimateChicagoPizzaGuide:AHistoryof Squares& SlicesintheWindyCity.
Love & Laughs with Michelle Buteau Thursday, January 23, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Michelle Buteau is a comedian, actress, TV host, producer, podcaster, and author of SurvivaloftheThickest , now a series on Netflix.
Oscars 2025 Crash Course
Tuesday, February 25, 7 p.m.
Brain Bootcamp
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
January 14, 28 | February 11, 25
Stay mentally fit with trivia and more.
Cards & Conversation
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
January 7, 21 | February 4, 18
Play card games while socializing.
Chair Zumba
Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
January 3, 17 | February 7, 21
Improve strength and energy while seated.
An Evening with James McBride
Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m. on Zoom
James McBride is an award-winning author, musician, and screenwriter. His novel TheGood LordBirdwon the 2013 National Book Award and his most recent novel, TheHeaven& EarthGrocery Store,was one of the top books of 2023.
Slowing Down with Amy Tan
Wednesday, February 19, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Author of TheJoy LuckClub , and the NYT best-seller
TheBackyardBird Chronicles , Tan reflects on slowing down to savor quiet moments.
For Seniors
Chair Yoga
Mondays at 11 a.m. on Zoom
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
Safe, seated exercise for home viewing only.
Device Drop-In
Mondays, January 6, 20 at 11 a.m.
Saturday, January 11 at 11 a.m.
Mondays, February 3, 17 at 11 a.m.
Saturday, February 8 at 11 a.m.
Get electronic device help from a librarian.
Now with new Saturday hours.
Hump Day Stretch
Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.
January 8, 22
February 12, 26
Refresh with a 45-minute stretch class.
Public Benefits for Older Adults
Thursday, February 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn about money-saving programs available to older adults with low-incomes with AgeOptions. These include SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program, and Extra Help.
Sponsored by the Friends + Foundation For The Brookfield Library and the AgeOptions Grant
Book Clubs & Film Discussions
@ the Library
Film Discussion Series
View and discuss critically acclaimed foreign and independent films.
Mid-AugustLunch(Italy)
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.
A Rome bachelor looks after four octogenarian women for the summer holiday of Ferragosto.
IAmWaiting(Japan)
Tuesday,
February 11, 6:30 p.m.
A former boxer tries to help a club hostess escape her gangster boss.
Movies with Marty
Join film enthusiast Marty Blank for a screening of his favorite movies.
BlastofSilence
Saturday, January 18, 1 p.m.
A hired killer has a job to do on a mob boss in New York, but a special girl from his past gets in his way.
LibeledLady
Saturday, February 15, 1 p.m.
An heiress sues a newspaper in this 1936 comedy starring Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy, William Powell and Myrna Loy.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Book Club
MeetsattheLibrary
ADarkerShadeofMagic by V.E. Schwab
Wednesday, January 8, 7 p.m.
DualMemory by Sue Burke
Wednesday, February 5, 7 p.m.
Meet Sue Burke, the author of DualMemory,in person!
Non-Fiction Book Club
Eager:TheSurprising, SecretLifeofBeavers andWhyTheyMatter by Ben Goldfarb
Thursday, January 9, 7 p.m.
AWomanofNo
Importance:TheUntold StoryoftheAmericanSpy WhoHelpedWinWWII by Sonia Purnell
Thursday, February 13, 7 p.m.
MeetsatSebastian’sAleHouse
Girls Night Out
Book Club
MeetsattheLibrary andonZoom
OurWomaninMoscow by Beatriz Williams
Monday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Ellaby Diane Richards Monday, February 17, 7 p.m
Copiesofallbookclubselectionsareavailable attheLibrary.ContactAdult&TeenServices tolearnmoreaboutaspecificbookclub.
Books & Brews
Book Club
MeetsatSebastian’sAleHouse Educatedby Tara Westover
Thursday, January 30, 7 p.m.
TheMidnightLibrary by Matt Haig
Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m.
Poetry Appreciation Group
MeetsattheLibrary
Nightingale by Paisley Rekdal
Wednesday, January 15, 7 p.m.
TheTradition by Jericho Brown
Wednesday, February 19, 7 p.m.
Books & Bites
Cookbook Club
MeetsattheLibrary
Follow a recipe and bring a dish to share. Show off your skills and bring your appetite.
JoshuaWeissman:An UnapologeticCookbook Tuesday, January 21, 12 p.m.
PaulaDeenCuts theFatby Paula Deen
Tuesday, February 18, 12 p.m.
NEW! Evening Cookbook Club
MeetsattheLibrary
30-MinuteMealPrep: 100Healthyand DeliciousRecipes
toEatAllWeekby Robin Miller Monday, February 3, 7 p.m.
Sunday Crafternoons
Sundays, 2—4 p.m.
January 12, 26 | February 9, 23
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.
Craft with friends in the Maker Studio. Bring your own project or work on one of ours.
Cricut Maker/Cricu t Venture Basics
Tuesday, January 14, 7 p.m.
Making Made Easy:
Crafting with Computers
Thursday, January 16, 6:30 p.m.
Learn basic computer tricks for crafting with 3D Printers, laser cutters, and the Cricut.
Winter Wreaths
Session 1: Monday, January 20, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Intro to Microsoft Clipchamp
Tuesday, January 21, 7 p.m.
Learn the basics of this free video editor.
Mini Barn Quilts
Saturday, February 1, 3 p.m.
Teen Craft: Book Safe
Wednesday, January 15, 4 p.m.
Turn a book into a secret hiding place. You can bring a book to use, or use one we provide.
Teen Cooking: Rice Cake Flowers
Wednesday, January 22, 4 p.m.
Join us to make a beautiful and edible creation.
Teen Valentine’s Day Candy Making
Wednesday, February 5, 4 p.m.
Join Annette from Fill My Jar to make your own sweet treats for Valentine’s Day. Registration is required.
Winter Scene Diorama
Session 1: Monday, February 3, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, February 3, 7 p.m.
Drop-In DIY Valentine Cards
Monday, January 27, 6—8 p.m.
Valentine Fairies
Session 1: Monday, February 10, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, February 10, 7 p.m.
Craft a miniature Valentine fairy doll.
Glowforge Valentine’s Creations
Tuesday, February 11, 7 p.m.
Make something for that special someone with our laser cutter and engraver.
Virtual Take & Makes
DIY Paper Lanterns
Friday, January 24, 5 p.m. on Facebook
SuppliesavailablebeginningFriday,January10
Pipe Cleaner Heart Rings
Friday, February 14, 5 p.m. on Facebook
SuppliesavailablebeginningFriday,January31
Maker Studio 101
Tuesday, January 7, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Complete your Maker Studio certification by attending this introductory class!
3D Print & Design Club
Thursday, January 9, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 6, 6:30 p.m.
Opentoallages(under12withanadult)
Maker Basics: Digital & Tactile Design
Thursday, February 20, 6:30 p.m.
Create 3D models with digital sculpting. Participants will also create a sculpture with tactile materials like wires and egg cartons.
Spring Centerpiece
Session 1: Monday, February 24, 6 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, February 24, 7 p.m.
As February transitions to March, celebrate the coming spring with a fine centerpiece.
Teen & Young Adult
Teen Craft:
Clay Gnomes
Wednesday, February 12, 4 p.m.
Sculpt a Valentine’s Day-themed clay gnome.
Self Care for Teens: Bath Bombs
Wednesday, February 19, 4 p.m.
Make your own bath bomb.
Get Your Game On
Friday, January 17, 6:15 p.m.
Friday, February 21, 6:15 p.m.
Pizza and gaming after hours.
Under8withcaregiver
Gamers Paradise Friday, January 24, 4 p.m. Friday, February 28, 4 p.m. Hang and play with friends!
Teen D &D
Fridays at 4:30 p.m.
January 7, 31
February 14, 28
Roll the dice, if you dare.
Special Event: Dungeons & Dragons for Teens at La Grange Public Library
Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m.
Join D&D master Steve Hurovitz for an exciting introduction to this role play game. Meets at the La Grange Public Library.
Teen Advisory Group
Earn volunteer credit and help make the Library a better place for teens.
Wednesday, January 29, 4 p.m. Project: Share Food, Share Love Food Pantry. Wednesday, February 26, 4 p.m. Project: Operation Gratitude.
Scan for Maker Classes & Events
Scan for Teen Classes & Events
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
Mini Book Nook Prices
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to celebrate Arthur’s legacy in a way that brings us all closer together. Submission instructions and more information about the community cookbook can be found at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/arthurs-cookbook . 3541 Park Avenue
Postal Customer
Brookfield, IL 60513
Library Trustees
Adam Burghgraef, President Linda Kampschroeder, Vice-President
Carol Vaughan Kissane, Secretary Edgar Mihelic, Treasurer
Jennifer Paliatka Michelle Parker Jennifer Perry
AARP Tax Assistance Returns!
Appointment Dates: Thursdays, February 6 — April 10
Need help with your taxes? AARP volunteers will be back at the Library to provide free tax assistance, with special attention to those ages 60 or older, on Thursdays, February 6 through April 10.
Advance registration is required. New this year, appointments must be made in-person at the Library at the Adult & Teen Services Desk. Upon registration, each person will receive a packet of information to fill out prior to their appointment. Registration is expected to open in mid-January. Stay tuned for more details!
Bilingual Tax Assistance at Triton College
Free tax assistance for individuals aged 60 or older from low to moderate-income households is available through Triton College’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Bilingual speakers are available to assist by request. This service is by appointment only, and will open in mid-to-late January. Call 708-456-0300, ext. 3895 to make an appointment.
A special thank you to our amazing community for submitting over 90 delicious recipes! The final day to submit a recipe to Arthur’s Cookbook is Wednesday, January 8, 2025 .
We are excited to share that Arthur's Cookbook will be available on Library shelves and in our catalog by Spring 2025, with copies for sale at the Brookfield Farmers Market.