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.
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.
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.
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.
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.