Between the Bookends: May & June 2025

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Take on the Summer Reading Challenge

challenge, ColorOurWorld , celebrates the joy of reading and learning. Registration begins Monday, June 2. The challenge ends Saturday, August 9.

Adult and Teen Challenge

Adults and Teens read 5 books to earn 5 tickets for the Grand Prize Drawing and can win small prizes each week by checking in at the Information Desk.

Youth Challenge (Pre-K to Grade 5) Kids read for 6 hours total in 30-minute increments with or without an adult to earn 1 ticket for the Grand Prize Drawing.

Grand Prizes

Kids: Mini Karaoke Machine, Bluey LEGO Set, Farmer LEGO Duplo Set, Sandwich Shop Playset

Teens: Galloping Ghost Gift Card, Mini Karaoke Set, Movie Gift Basket

Adults: Brookfield Zoo Basket, Enjoy Brookfield Gift Gard, Paint & Sip Party

Kickoff Celebration

All ages are invited to the Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Celebration on Monday, June 2, 6-9 p.m. for a live reptile show! See page 2 for more details.

Between the Bookends: May & June 2025

The Library: Your Port in the Financial Storm

“Librarieswillgetyouthroughtimesofnomoney

better thanmoneywillgetyouthroughtimesofnolibraries.”

-Anne Herbert, Author

The recent months have seen drastic cuts to federal agencies, job losses, and an uncertain economy. At a time when many are cutting back on surplus spending, libraries are lifelines providing free resources, access to technology and a sense of community.

Cut Streaming Costs Use Virtual Library Instead

Save on Tech: Borrow, Don’t Buy

If new technology isn’t in your budget or you want to try before buying, the Library has the following for home use:

Learn for Free

Job searching? Want to improve professional skills? Take advantage of online classes and career resources like:

LinkedIn Learning

Peterson’s Career Prep

Mango Languages

Universal Class

Embrace DIY

Get Maker Certified, take a class in the Maker Studio or check out take-home Maker Equipment.

Explore Creativebug for crafting projects with step-by-step video instructions.

Tackle vehicle maintenance and repairs with help from the Chilton Library.

Need help getting started? Explore Financial Fit for videos and interactive tools in both English and Spanish.

Youth Classes & Events

Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration!

Monday, June 2, 6-9 p.m.

Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with ice cream, popcorn, crafts, games, and a live reptile show by Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles. All ages are welcome to attend and sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win prizes

Theatrical Mask Paint & Play

Saturday, May 17, 10:30 a.m.

Join actress and creator Janie Crick for a creative mask-making class! Bring theatrical masks to life with paint while learning about core emotions and how to incorporate them into imaginative play. Grades1-5

June Scavenger Hunt:

The Day the Crayons Quit Sunday, June 1—Monday, June 30 Stop by the Youth Services Desk to participate in this fun scavenger hunt and enter to win the Grand Prize. Allages

Disability Parent & Caregiver Support Group

Saturday, June 7, 11:30 a.m. Find support and share resources with other parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Meets every other month at the Library. Allages;kidswelcome.

ZAP! Storytime at the Zoo

Tuesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m.

Join us at the Brookfield Zoo for a special animal-themed storytime. Registration required; limited Zoo passes available. MeetsattheHamillFamilyNaturePlazaPavilion.

Tiny Paint & Sip

Friday, June 13, 4:30 p.m.

Our popular Paint & Sip class for adults returns this month for kids! Local artist Carla Riseman will lead this painting class for kids. Juice boxes and water provided. Grades1-5;registrationrequired.

Mini Musicians Class

Monday, June 23

10:15 a.m. (2s and 3s) 11:15 a.m. (0-24 mo.)

Friends from The Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians will present music classes for littles in our Classroom.

NEW! LOTE4Kids

LOTE4Kids is an online database and mobile app that allows kids to discover the magic of books in LOTE , or Languages Other Than English. Enjoy thousands of digital picture books in 75+ languages, with new languages and books released each month.

Coming This Summer!

Keep a lookout for new outdoor musical instruments, coming to the Pollinator Garden in Library Park thanks to proceeds from the Friends + Foundation Raffle.

Early Literacy:

Baby & Me Playtime

Friday, May 30, 11 a.m.

Friday, June 27, 11 a.m.

Connect with other caregivers and babies in the Classroom.

Rainbow Sensory Playtime

Friday, May 30, 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy rainbow inspired sensory stations with colorful items to touch and see.

Storytime and Picnic

Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m.

Join us outside for this outdoor storytime and stay after to picnic in the sun.

Rainbow Dance Party

Friday, June 27, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a colorful dance party with glow sticks, a fun background for photos, and amazing music!

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:

Yoga for Kids

Wednesday, May 7, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 4, 4:30 p.m.

Yoga instructor Marianne Mohrhusen teaches relaxing afternoon stretching.

Slime Club: Color Changing Slime

Fridays at 4:30 p.m.

May 9, 23

Every other month, let’s make slime! This month’s theme will be colorful slime.

Butterfly Suncatchers

Friday, May 16, 4 p.m.

Craft a butterfly suncatcher with paper plates and other low-mess items.

Zumba for Kids

Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11, 4:30 p.m.

Let’s dance! Move and groove at this after-school dance party.

Comic Creation Club

Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25, 4:30 p.m.

Write, draw, and create your own comics.

READ to the Dogs

Tuesday, May 27, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24, 7 p.m.

Practice your reading skills with dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society.

All Ages

Take & Make Friday Crafts

Fridays in May & June

Stop by Youth Services each Friday to pick up a craft kit to make at home.

Garden Rock Painting

Monday, June 9, 4 p.m.

Spruce up your garden with colorful painted rocks.

Geek Lab: Bird

Nest Challenge

Fridays at 4:30 p.m.

June 6, 20

Join us for a fun summertime experiment outside on the Library’s lawn.

3D Printing—Kids Edition

Tuesday, May 13, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 17, 4:30 p.m.

Learn how to create 3D designs with Tinkercad. Some laptops available. Kids encouraged to bring their own device.

Art Explorers

Nature Bracelets

Thursday, May 15, 4:30 p.m.

Join us in the Pollinator Garden for this nature-filled craft.

Straw Painting

Thursday, June 12, 4:30 p.m.

Use straws and paint to create colorful works of art.

Music Drawings

Thursday, June 26, 4:30 p.m.

Listen to music and learn how to draw what you hear.

Legotastic Saturday Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.

Saturday, Jun e 7, 10 a.m.

Build as far as your imagination takes you in this drop-in event for the whole family.

Summer Storytimes

Join us for a variety of early literacy classes. Storytimes will take place from May 5—June 19

Registrationencouraged

Bouncing Babies Storytime

Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

Birthto24monthswithcaregiver.

Storytime Stars

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Allageswithcaregiver.

Tiny Tots Storytime

Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Allageswithcaregiver.

Silly Storytime

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Allageswithcaregiver.

Storytime Spectacular

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Allageswithcaregiver.

Grades 3-5:

Coding for Kids

Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m.

Gain coding and computer science skills.

Tiny Jeopardy: Kids Trivia Night

Tuesday, June 24, 5 p.m.

Join us for a special kids’ trivia night filled with fun questions and awesome prizes!

Adult Classes & Events

Gong Meditation

Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m.

Relax with the sound and resonance of the gong and allow your body to let go of tension and move into balance and ease.

The Aging Toolbox

Thursday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.

Explore the impacts of aging and positive ways to help your loved ones maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life.

Retirement & Social Security

Monday, May 12, 7 p.m.

Learn strategies to maximize your Social Security income in retirement and get your questions answered.

Author Event:

The Meathead Method

Tuesday, May 20, 7 p.m.

Local barbeque expert Meathead is back with a new cookbook! Meet Brookfield’s own BBQ pro and get tips to improve your barbecue cooking just in time for summer.

Hook & Needle Guild

Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

May 7, 21 | June 4, 18

Calling all knitters, crochet enthusiasts, embroidery gurus, quilting masters, and everybody that would like to join us for our monthly Guild Meeting.

Live on the Plaza with Katie Kostner

Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m.

Katie Kostner returns for a night of music on the Library Plaza.

Fraud Prevention 101 Thursday, June 12, 11 a.m.

Learn how scams operate, the warning signs to watch for, and practical strategies to safeguard yourself from financial fraud.

Lunch & Learn:

Youth Mental Health

First Aid Training for Adults

Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.

Calling all parents, guardians, and adults who work with kids and teens! Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among kids aged 12 to 18.

Lead by the Mental Health Commission of Lyons Township. Registrationrequired;lunchprovided.

Oh Freedom!

Songs of the Civil Rights Movement

Monday, June 23, 7 p.m.

Join award-winning Illinois folksinger Chris Vallillo, for a performance of pivotal songs from the music that inspired and sustained the civil rights movement.

Goonies Escape Room

Session 1: Tuesday, June 17, 5 p.m.

Session 2: Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of this cult classic! Unleash your inner Goonies to escape with One-Eyed Willie’s riches. Registration required; registration begins Monday, June 2.

True Crime Club

Unsolved Hollywood Mysteries: The Black Dahlia Wednesday, May 14, 7 p.m. Dubbed the "Black Dahlia" by reporters, Susan Gibberman probes the brutal 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short in Los Angeles, one of the most famous unsolved homicides in U.S. history.

Film Discussion: TheWitness Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m.

The name "Kitty Genovese" became synonymous with urban apathy after The NewYorkTimesprinted an article stating that she was killed in a public attack that lasted more than half an hour, while 38 witnesses did nothing. Fifty years later, her brother uncovers a lie that transformed his life, condemned a city, and defined an era. Watch and discuss this critically-acclaimed true crime documentary.

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.

Genealogy Club

Online Resources for Jewish Genealogy in Chicagoland

Tuesday, May 13, 4 p.m.

Learn about the history of Jews in Chicago, and the records and resources researchers can use in search of their Chicago roots. Presented by Mike Karsen, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois.

Tracking Down

Your Infamous Ancestors

Tuesday, June 10, 4 p.m.

Track down the “black sheep” of your family with local historian Raymond Johnson.

Art and Adventures with

Author/Illustrator Dan Santat Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m. on Zoom

Dan Santat is the author and illustrator of over a hundred books for young people. His latest works include the best-selling graphic novels, TheAquanautand AFirstTimeforEverything

For Seniors

Chair Yoga

Mondays at 11 a.m. on Zoom

May 5, 12, 19

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Learn the basics of yoga without getting down on the floor. For home viewing only.

Walk & Talk

Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

May 6, 13, 20, 27

June 3, 10, 17, 24

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, LaGrange Park, Grove #2. Register to be notified if start locations change.

Cards & Conversation

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

May 6, 20 | June 3, 17

Play card games while socializing.

Brain Bootcamp

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

May 13, 27 | June 10, 24

Poverty: A Discussion with Matthew Desmond Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m. on Zoom

Matthew Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and author of the award winning book Evicted:PovertyandProfitintheAmericanCity

Sponsored by the Friends + Foundation For The Brookfield Library and the AgeOptions Grant.

Device Drop-In

Stay mentally fit with trivia, brain games, puzzles, conversation, and more.

Hump Day Stretch

Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

May 7, 21 | June 4, 18

Join us for this midweek 45-minute stretch class. Refresh your body with a simple set of stretches and exercises set to music.

Mondays, May 5, 19 at 11 a.m.

Mondays, June 9, 23 at 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m.

Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m.

Have questions about your phone, tablet, or laptop computer? Need assistance with social media or library apps? Stop by the Maker Studio for a Device Drop-In appointment and get one-on-one help from a librarian. No registration needed.

Chair Zumba Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

May 16, 30 | June 13, 27

Improve strength and energy in this popular seated exercise dance class with certified Zumba instructor Marianne Mohrhusen.

Book Clubs & Film Discussions

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

TheWindupGirl by Paolo Bacigalupi

Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m.

Recursion by Blake Crouch

Wednesday, June 4, 7 p.m.

Non-Fiction Book Club

TheRoadto LittleDribbling by Bill Bryson

Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m.

MeetsattheLibrary

TheWorstHardTime by Timothy Egan

Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m.

MeetsattheLibrary

Girls Night Out Book Club

TheHeiress by Rachel Hawkins

Monday, May 19, 7 p.m.

TheGlassmaker by Tracy Chevalier

Monday, June 16, 7 p.m.

CopiesofallbookclubselectionsareavailableattheLibrary. ContactAdult&TeenServicestolearnmoreaboutaspecificbookclub.

Books & Bites Cookbook Club

TheOfficialDownton AbbeyCookbook by Annie Gray

Tuesday, May 20, 12 p.m.

Cravings:Hungryfor Moreby Chrissy Teigen Tuesday, June 17, 12 p.m.

Evening

Cookbook

MoreMexican

Everyday:Simple, Seasonal,Celebratory by Rick Bayless Monday, May 5, 7 p.m.

TheCompleteOne PotCookbook by America’s Test Kitchen Monday, June 9, 7 p.m.

Club

Poetry Appreciation Group

BestAmerican Poetry2024 by David Lehman and Mary Jo Salter Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m.

AYear& OtherPoems

By Jos Charles Wednesday, June 18, 7 p.m.

Film Discussions and Movies with Marty are on hiatus in May and June.

Books & Brews

Book Club

MeetsatBuckleDown Brewingon47thStreet

CryinginHMart by Michelle Zauner

Thursday, May 29, 7 p.m.

TheSilentPatient by Alex Michaelides

Thursday, June 26, 7 p.m.

NEW! 100 Years of Crime Book Club

TheThursdayMurderClub by Richard Osman

Thursday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. Meets at Wye Valley Apartments

The Library is partnering with Cantata as they celebrate their centennial. We invite the community to join us for a new community-wide book club featuring British and American crime authors.

The club will meet every other month at the Wye Valley Apartments on the Cantata campus. Copies of each meeting’s book will be available at the Library Holds Shelf.

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.

Maker Studio 101

Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 3, 7 p.m.

Complete the Maker Studio orientation by attending this introductory class.

3D Print & Design Club

Thursday, May 1, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 5, 6:30 p.m.

Open to all ages (under 12 with an adult).

Sunday Crafternoons

Sundays, 2-4 p.m. | May 4, 18

Spend Sunday afternoons crafting with like-minded friends. Bring your own project or try one of ours! Drop-ins welcome.

Mother’s Day Spring Shaker Card

Session 1: Monday, May 5, 6 p.m.

Session 2: Monday, May 5, 7 p.m.

Make a beautiful Mother's Day card.

NEW! Teen Bandits

Banned Book Club

AllteensmeetatTheLoft atEightCorners.

ThePerksof

BeingaWallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Wednesday, May 14, 4 p.m.

Monday’sNotComing by Tiffany D. Jackson

Wednesday, June 11, 4 p.m.

Compelling College Applications

Wednesday, May 21, 6 p.m. on Zoom

Learn how to draft a compelling narrative to increase your chances for admission.

Make Your Own Ice Cream Party

Wednesday, June 18, 4 p.m.

Maker Machines: Poster Printer

Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m.

Print posters with the large format printer.

Teaching Tech: Electric Motors

Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.

Assemble small cars and learn how electric motors work.

Mason Jar Luminary

Session 1: Monday, May 19, 6 p.m.

Session 2: Monday, May 19, 7 p.m.

Add a spark of magic to your home with a custom paper house luminary in a jar.

Father’s Day Grill Aprons

Session 1: Monday, June 9, 6 p.m.

Session 2: Monday, June 9, 7 p.m.

Create a custom apron to gift.

Maker Machines: Button Maker 101 Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m.

Virtual Take & Makes

Paper Bag Piñatas

Friday, May 30, 5 p.m. on Facebook

*SuppliesavailablebeginningFriday,May16

DIY Confetti Poppers

Friday, June 27, 5 p.m. on Facebook

*SuppliesavailablebeginningFriday,June13

Color Our World: Prisms

Thursday, June 19, 6:30 p.m.

Learn about prisms with DIY suncatchers.

Summer Bee Garland

Session 1: Monday, June 23, 6 p.m.

Session 2: Monday, June 23, 7 p.m.

Up-cycle books and fabric for a bee-autiful farmhouse look!

Teaching Tech: Intro to Windows 11

Tuesday, June 24, 7 p.m.

Beginners welcome! Learn basic tech skills.

Teen & Young Adult

Finals Study Hall

Tuesday to Friday May 13-16, 3-6 p.m.

Join us to enjoy snacks, stress-relief crafts, and a quiet place to study.

Teen Crafts

Flower Wreaths

Wednesday, May 7, 4 p.m.

Paint & Pop

Wednesday, May 21, 4 p.m.

Paint a mini canvas and sip on soda.

Pride Rainbows in Mason Jars

Wednesday, June 4, 4 p.m.

Take & Make: Spring Potted Flower

Friday, May 9, All day

Take & Make: Ribbon Bookmarks Friday, June 13, All day

Teen Advisory Group

Summer Reading Challenge Decor

Wednesday, May 28, 4 p.m.

Making Butterfly Homes

Wednesday, June 25, 4 p.m.

Teen D &D

Fridays at 4:30 p.m.

May 9, 23

June 6, 20

Get Your Game On

Friday, May 23, 6:15 p.m.

Friday, June 20, 6:15 p.m.

Gamers Paradise

Friday, May 30, 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, 4 p.m.

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

 Sunday closings begin Sunday, May 25

 Closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

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 May & June:

Summer Lunches

Return Starting June 9!

The Library and the Greater Chicago Food Depository have partnered to bring back the Summer Lunches for Kids initiative. Learn more at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org.

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

News and Updates

TheTitleWaveBook Bike Returns

Spot our library on wheels, TheTitleWave, Saturdays at the Brookfield Farmers Market and at other community events around town. On most outings, TheTitleWave will be stocked with a curated selection of Library materials available for check-out.

Have The Book Bike Crash Your Block Party!

Can’t get enough of the book bike? Request a visit from TheTitleWaveat your block party this summer! Visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/bookbike to submit a request or to see where the book bike is headed next.

Arthur’s Cookbook Update

We asked, and you delivered! Over 130 recipes were submitted to fill the pages of Arthur’sCookbook . Purchase your own copy of Arthur’sCookbookonline via the Library’s website or in-person for $20. Sales start Monday, June 2, with proceeds going to the Friends + Foundation. Copies will also be available for purchase every Saturday at the Library’s Farmers Market booth. Thank you for helping to honor Arthur’s legacy by sharing your recipes and memories.

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