Between the Bookends: November & December 2023
Your Guide to a Zen Holiday Season Gong Meditation
Teen Holiday Hangout Friday, December 22, 3-5:30 p.m. Kick off winter break with snacks, gaming and other fun activities.
Friday, November 10, 1:30 p.m. Relax into the sound and resonance of an expertly played Paiste Symphonic Gong.
Reducing Stress This Holiday Season Through Meditation Monday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. Join long-time meditator Umesh Bhatia as he discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation.
Winter Solstice Celebration Charitable Giving
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. Ages 4-8.
Sunday, November 26, 2 p.m. Learn how to create a strategy to be efficient and purposeful with your giving this holiday season.
Cozy Tea Party
Brookfield Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m. Enjoy a variety of teas, sandwiches, and pastries while watching Greta Gerwig’s Little Women.
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m.—6 p.m. Make the Library one of your stops during this annual Village event. Free hot cocoa and crafts!
Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
Holiday Gift Wrapping Service Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Bring in your holiday presents and let the Friends + Foundation members wrap your gifts for you.
Table of Contents:
Youth Classes & Events: 2—3 Teen Classes & Events: 3
Family Tree Ornaments Tuesday, December 12, 4 p.m. Make your own family tree ornament using the Maker Studio’s Glowforge laser cutter.
Adult Classes & Events: 4-5 Just for Seniors: 5
Wednesday, December 6, 7 p.m. A thought-provoking conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season.
Book Clubs & Movies: 6 Maker Studio Classes: 7
Youth Classes & Events Winter Storytimes Join us for a wide variety of early literacy classes this winter! Storytimes take place Monday, November 13th Thursday, December 14th. Registration required
Book Babies Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Birth to 24 mo. with caregiver
Storytime Stars Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2—3 with caregiver
Tuesday Tales
Baby & Me Playtime
READ to the Dogs
Friday, November 24, 11 a.m. Friday, December 29, 11 a.m. Come hang out in the Classroom with other babies and their caregivers. Birth-23 months with caregiver.
Tuesday, December 26, 7 p.m. Read your favorite books to dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society Kindergarten & up.
Andertoons: Critter Collectors Let’s Dance! Friday, November 24, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 10:30 a.m. Get your groove on in the Meeting Room with our very own kid-friendly playlist. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.
Geek Lab: DIY Snow Globes Violin Storytime with Anderson Music Studio
Stories Galore
Saturday, December 9, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a special storytime with violin music by Anderson Music Studio. Ages 3-8 with caregiver.
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. All ages with caregiver
Migration Station
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Ages 2-7 with caregiver
Fairytale Storytime Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. except November 23 All ages with caregiver
Graphic Novel Book Club Grades 1-3
Wednesday, November 22, 4:30 p.m. This month’s titles are The Musical Monsters of Turkey Hollow by Jerry Juhl and Jim Henson and Sir Ladybug by Corey R. Tabor. Wednesday, December 20, 4:30 p.m. This month’s titles are Bigby Bear by Philippe Coudray and Waluk by Emilio Ruiz and Ana Miralles.
Saturday, November 11, 11 a.m. Come into the Library to create and draw your very own collectible cartoon critters with cartoonist Mark Anderson. Grades 1-5.
Thursday, November 9, 4 p.m. Learn all about animals that migrate in the Fall! Ages 4-8.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Friday, December 15, 5 p.m. Grades 1-5.
Slime Club: Monster Slime Friday, November 10, 5 p.m. Friday, November 24, 5 p.m. Grades 1-5.
Roblox on Zoom Friday, November 17, 4 p.m. Meet up online over Zoom for various games across this ever-popular platform. Grades 1-5.
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. Ages 4-8.
After School Art Adventure
Yoga for Kids
Legotastic Saturday
Wednesday, November 29, 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 4 p.m. Learn basic yoga poses and calming techniques. Grades K-5.
Zumba for Kids Wednesday, November 8, 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 4 p.m. Move and groove to Latin American, hip-hop and pop music in this fun-filled fitness dance party. Grades K-5.
Friday, December 8, 4 p.m. Friday, December 22, 4 p.m. Grades 2-5.
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. Build as far as your imagination will take you in this fun drop-in event the whole family will enjoy. All ages with caregiver; drop-in.
Take & Make Friday Fridays in November & December, All Day Come in and grab a craft to take home or make here! Available while supplies last.
All classes are presented in person unless otherwise indicated. In-person activities may become virtual if the need arises. Register online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org or by phone at (708) 485-6917 x 140. Virtual events are indicated by the icon. Registration is required for all Zoom events. Access information will be emailed to participants prior to each event.
Monday, November 6, 4 p.m. Drop by with the family to decorate garlands and ornaments for the Library’s Barbie themed holiday tree to be featured at the Brookfield Zoo. We’ll have snacks, treats, music, and more! All ages.
Friday, December 15, 6 p.m. Enjoy stories, crafts, music, and activities as we celebrate the holiday season. Featuring a guest appearance by bilingual Santa! All ages with caregiver.
Teen & Young Adult Teen Competition: Minute to Win It
Teen Craft: Gratitude Jar
Teen Yoga
Wednesday, November 1, 4 p.m. Compete against your friends in fun challenges. The winner will receive a gift card to a local business.
Wednesday, November 15, 4 p.m. Decorate a jar and fill it with reminders and memories of things you are grateful for.
Monday, December 18, 4 p.m. De-stress and relax before finals at this yoga class with certified yoga instructor Marianne Mohrhusen. A limited number of yoga mats will be available. If you have your own mat, please bring it.
Get Your Game On Teen Make It: Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets Wednesday, November 8, 4 p.m. Calling all Swifties! Make an Eras Tour inspired friendship bracelet in the Maker Studio.
Friday, November 24, 6:15- 8:15 p.m. Join us after hours for gaming of all kinds, pizza, and Twitch stream viewing. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is required and doors close after start time, so don’t be late!
Teen Holiday Hangout Friday, December 22, 3-5:30 p.m. Kick off winter break with snacks, gaming, and other fun activities.
NEW! Teen Writers Workshop Thursday, November 9, 4:30 p.m. Share your talent and critique with peers in this writing workshop. We meet monthly and rotate between the La Grange, Thomas Ford Memorial, LSF Brookfield, and La Grange Park Libraries. We may also have fun with writing prompts and activities, time permitting.
Fortnite Friday, November 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, December 8, 4-5:30 p.m. Get a Dub by being the last one standing while making new friends! We're bringing cross-platform play to the Library's lower level meeting room. Join us on Zoom or in-person.
TAG: Teen Advisory Group
Teen Competition: Trivia Contest
Wednesday, November 29, 4 p.m. Make holiday cards for the residents at Cantata. Participants earn an hour of volunteer credit and spread holiday cheer.
Wednesday, December 27, 3 p.m. Put your brains to the test to win prizes.
Teen Holiday Crafting Wednesday, December 13, 4 p.m. Get creative with a variety of holiday crafts including ornaments and decorations.
Finals Study Hall Tuesday - Thursday, December 19 - 21, 3-5 p.m. Enjoy snacks, stress-relief crafts, and a quiet place to study during finals week.
Teen D&D Friday, November 3, 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 17, 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 8, 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 22, 4:30 p.m. Jump into our D&D campaign! If you are new to D&D, please call the Adult & Teen Services staff to discuss character creation and get caught up on the story so far.
Adult Classes & Events Put Your Native Garden to Bed for the Winter Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. The Native Plants Club will discuss how to prepare your landscape for the winter ahead.
A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies
Brookfield Holiday Celebration
Wednesday, November 8, 7 p.m. Just in time for Thanksgiving, join Maya-Camille Broussard, star of Netflix’s Bake Squad and owner of Chicagobased bakery Justice of the Pies, as she shares her love of pie, stories of the people that inspired her, and tips and tricks to help you make the perfect pie. Zoom only, register for Zoom link.
Reducing Stress This Holiday Season Through Meditation Monday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. Join long-time meditator Umesh Bhatia as he discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation on reducing stress, improving concentration, and enhancing clarity and mental equilibrium. He will present a simple, time-tested meditation technique practiced during the session.
Charitable Giving Sunday, November 26, 2 p.m. Jessica ONeal, Brookfield resident, Financial Advisor, and Chamber of Commerce Member, explains how to maximize the impact of your charitable donations. Learn how to create an efficient and purposeful strategy for your giving this holiday season.
Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m.—6 p.m. Make the Library one of your stops during this annual Village event. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa in our lobby and family-friendly crafts on your way to the next fun holiday activity sponsored by Brookfield businesses.
Tis the Season: Holiday Traditions from Radio's Golden Age Monday, December 4, 7 p.m. Celebrate the traditions of the "Golden Age" of radio, from Jack Benny's annual shopping trips to Lionel Barrymore's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. This presentation offers classic seasonal sounds from radio's past, designed to spur the imagination and share a bit of Yuletide spirit.
Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb Wednesday, December 6, 7 p.m. Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and co-host of the “Dear Therapists” podcast, joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season. Watch via Zoom at home or at the Library.
Illinois Libraries Presents: The Nutcracker Saturday, December 16 — Sunday, December 17 Get in the spirit of the season with a recorded virtual performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker performed by the United Kingdom’s internationally renowned Royal Ballet. Register to receive a special link to watch via Zoom.
Behind the Screens with Neal Fischer Monday, November 6, 7 p.m. Local author, filmmaker, podcaster, and RBHS graduate Neal E. Fischer talks about his new book
Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time followed by a Q&A .
Cook County Commission on Human Rights – New Protections Presentation Wednesday, November 15, 7 p.m. The Cook County Commission on Human Rights discusses their work and new protections under The Human Rights Ordinance. Watch via Zoom at home or at the Library.
Energy Choices with Citizens Utility Board Thursday, November 30, 7 p.m. Understand your utility bills, energy choices, and energy efficiency programs that can help you save energy and money with the CUB.
Spinal Health 101 Sunday, December 3, 2 p.m. Learn how to improve and maintain spinal health from Boyce Chiropractic, located in La Grange.
Armchair Tour of the Solar System Monday, December 11, 7 p.m. Presenter Michelle Nichols from the Adler Planetarium showcases some of the latest NASA spacecraft images of our Solar System, touching on our stunning Sun, planets, and so much more.
All classes are presented in person unless otherwise indicated. In-person activities may become virtual if the need arises. Register online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org or by phone at (708) 485-6917 x 130. Virtual events are indicated by the icon. Registration is required for all Zoom events. Access information will be emailed to participants prior to each event.
Special Events Gong Meditation
Cozy Tea Party
Friday, November 10, 1:30 p.m. Relax into the sound and resonance of an expertly played Paiste Symphonic Gong. Feel free to bring a yoga mat or sleeping bag and pillow for this musical relaxation session. Chairs will also be available.
Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m. Enjoy a variety of teas, sandwiches, and pastries while watching Greta Gerwig's Little Women. All registrants will be entered into a raffle to win a free cozy mystery book.
Just for Seniors Sponsored by the Age Options Grant; registration required
Brain Bootcamp
Hump Day Stretch
Tuesday, November 7, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 10:30 a.m. Give your brain a workout with brain teasers, trivia, word games, and more.
Wednesday, November 8, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 1:30 p.m. Join us for this midweek 45-minute stretch class led by Bonnie Mielke.
Clubs & Social Groups True Crime Club Texas State University’s Body Farm Wednesday, November 8, 7 p.m. The Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University, a.k.a. the Body Farm, is a center where scientists study decomposition. Learn about forensic anthropology and cases where TSU scientists assisted law enforcement.
Cards and Coffee Tuesday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 12, 10:30 a.m. Stop by the Library for card games, board games, and coffee.
Chair Zumba Friday, November 3, 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 17, 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 15, 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 29, 1:30 pm This 45-minute seated class combines muscle toning moves to give you an overall energy boost! Led by certified Zumba instructor Marianne Mohrhusen.
Book Discussion: Midnight in the
Garden of Good and Evil
Medicare Walk-In & Review Wednesday, November 29, 6:30 p.m. Ask an expert about Medicare and the importance of your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). All questions are welcomed.
Wednesday, December 20, 7 p.m. Discuss this true crime classic by John Berendt. Copies will be available for pickup at the Library & hot cocoa will be provided.
Genealogy Club Show and Tell Tuesday, November 14, 4 p.m. Each participant will have 5 to 10 minutes to present their most recent or interesting find to the group. We'll discuss everyone's findings at the end of the hour
Family Tree Ornaments
NEW! Board Games for Seniors Thanks to AgeOptions, we now have board games for seniors available to check-out and play at home!
Tuesday, December 12, 4 p.m. Make your own family tree ornament using the Maker Studio’s Glowforge laser cutter.
Book Clubs & Film Discussions Copies of all book club selections are available at the Library. Contact Adult & Teen Services to learn more about a specific book club.
@ the Library
Film Discussion Series View and discuss critically acclaimed foreign and independent films.
The Rifleman (Latvia)
NEW! Books & Brews Book Club Adults 21+ are welcome to join our new Books & Brews Book Club! Discuss books, socialize, and enjoy a fine brew each month at a different local establishment. Participants are responsible for their own opinions as well as any food or drink costs. Thursday, November 30, 7 p.m.
Meeting at Paisans Pizzeria on Grand Blvd.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Radiance (Japan)
Thursday, December 28, 7 p.m. Meeting at Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey
Movies with Marty Join film enthusiast Marty Blank for a screening of his favorite movies!
Bandit Saturday, November 18, 2 p.m. Based on the true story of jewelry thief and bank robber Gilbert Galvan.
Meets at the Library
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Wednesday, November 1, 7 p.m.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin Wednesday, December 6, 7 p.m.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Tuesday, November 14, 6:30 p.m. A 16-year-old Latvian boy enlists with his father to fight in World War I.
Tuesday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. A passionate writer of film versions for the visually impaired meets an older photographer who is slowly losing his eyesight.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club
House on Fairview Ave.
Non-Fiction Book Club Meets at the Library
Unscripted by James B. Stewart & Rachel Abrams Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m.
Books & Bites Cookbook Club
by Frederick Forsyth
Meets at the Library. Please bring a recipe prepared from the cookbook selection for the month.
Girls Night Out Book Club
The Pioneer Woman Cooks Dinnertime by Ree Drummond Tuesday, November 14, 12 p.m.
A Baker's Field Guide to Christmas Cookies, by Dede Wilson Tuesday, December 12, 12 p.m.
Holiday Double Feature
The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue Thursday, December 14, 7 p.m.
Meets at the Library and on Zoom
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Monday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber Monday, December 18, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 9, starts at 1 p.m.
Heavens Above! Peter Sellers stars as a prison chaplain appointed to a snobbish parish.
Bah Humduck! A Looney Toons Christmas Featuring Daffy Duck as Scrooge.
Check-Out Challenge Read, watch, or listen to something based on each month’s theme and be entered into a raffle for a gift card.
November: Bon Appétit December: Once Upon a Time
Maker Studio Classes Maker classes are open to all ages; youth under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Register for classes and events at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org or by phone at (708) 485-6917 x 130.
Winter Table Runners
Device Drop-In
Saturday, November 4, 3 p.m. Create custom winter table runners featuring pretty candles.
Monday, November 6, 11 a.m. Monday, November 20, 11 a.m. Monday, December 4, 11 a.m. Monday, December 18, 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 during Device Drop-In and get help from a librarian. No registration needed.
Decorative Bowl Fillers Monday, November 13, 7 p.m. Make no-sew bowl fillers for the holidays including gingerbread men, pumpkin pie slices and candy corn.
Take & Make: DIY Paper Bag Trees Friday, November 17, 5 p.m. (instruction video release date) Grab a kit starting November 3rd and be on the lookout for an accompanying video on Facebook and YouTube detailing how to make your own DIY Paper Bag Tree.
Winter Shimmer Shaker Cards Monday, November 20, 7 p.m. Start your holiday crafting early with winter shimmer shaker cards in the Maker Studio.
Winter Craft Dazzle Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m.—6 p.m. Join us in the Maker Studio for holiday crafts and winter ornaments.
Winter Tea Towels
Take & Make: Cardboard Polar Bears Friday, December 22, 5 p.m. (instruction video release date) Pick up a kit starting December 8th and be on the lookout for an accompanying video on Facebook and YouTube detailing how to make your own Cardboard Polar Bear.
Senior Studio Hour Wednesday, November 22, 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, 3 p.m. Are you a senior who wants to learn more about the Library’s Maker Studio, but you don’t know where to start? Check out these informational sessions on how the Maker Studio and Library staff can help you bring your creative ideas to life. No registration needed.
Monday, December 11, 7 p.m. Learn how to sew a reindeer themed tea towel that will look great in your kitchen.
Book Our Editing Studio! Do you have old VHS tapes that you’d like to convert into DVDs? Are you interested in learning more about video editing, or recording a podcast? Book our Editing Studio! We’ve got special audio and visual equipment to help you record, edit, and convert all your media projects.
Maker Studio 101 Tuesday, November 7, 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 7 p.m. Complete your Maker Studio orientation by attending this introductory class! We'll cover procedures, reservations, machine operation, materials, and best practices.
3D Print & Design Club Thursday, November 2, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 6:30 p.m. Join us to learn and discuss all things 3D printing and design! Open to all ages (under 12 with an adult)
Clubs & Social Groups Hook & Needle Guild Wednesday, November 1, 2 p.m. Wednesday November 15, 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2 p.m. Calling all knitters, crochet enthusiast, embroidery gurus, quilting masters, and everybody that would like to join us for our monthly Guild Meeting. Tea will be served.
ESL Conversation Practice Saturday, November 11, 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 11 a.m. Practice your English conversation in a relaxed and informal environment! All English as a Second Language speakers are welcome to attend. Practica tu inglès conversacional en un ambiente grupal relajado e informal. Todos son bienvenidos!
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Get Help– Ask a Librarian
Postal Customer Brookfield, IL 60513
By phone at (708) 485-6917 Email reference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org Text (708) 248-8433 Chat online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org
Library Hours
Library Trustees Adam Burghgraef, President Linda Kampschroeder, Vice-President Carol Vaughan Kissane, Secretary Edgar Mihelic, Treasurer Jeanne McTeague Jennifer Paliatka Mitzi Norton
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
Friends + Foundation
Thanksgiving................. Thursday, November 23 Staff Development ............... Friday, December 1
Friends + Foundation Holiday Gift Wrapping Service
Christmas Eve .................... Sunday, December 24
Saturday, December 16 | 10 a.m.— 2 p.m. Bring in your holiday presents or buy some books in the Mini Book Nook and let the Friends + Foundation members wrap your gifts for you.
Christmas Day ................. Monday, December 25 New Year’s Eve ................. Sunday, December 31 New Year’s Day........................ Monday, January 1
Mini Book Nook Sale
The Friends + Foundation will provide the wrapping paper, bows and gift tags. Gift wrapping will be free of charge. Monetary donations to support the Friends + Foundation are appreciated.
November Fall into a Good Read! Hardcover Books for Adults ....................................... $1.00 DVDs ............................................................................................. $1.00 CDs ................................................................................................. 50 cents Softcover/Paperbacks for Adults........................... 50 cents Items for Young Adults & Children....................... 50 cents
December For Your Holiday Gift Giving! Hardcover Books for Adults ....................................... $1.00
Giving Tuesday Tuesday, November 28 The Friends + Foundation for the Brookfield Library is taking part in Giving Tuesday, a global one-day online fundraising event that offers library lovers a chance to show support for their library.
DVDs ............................................................................................. $1.00 CDs ................................................................................................. 50 cents Softcover/Paperbacks for Adults........................... 50 cents Items for Young Adults & Children....................... 50 cents
Learn more about how to donate and other ways to support the Friends + Foundation by scanning the QR code to the right. Thank you, Brookfield, for your continued support!