Between the Bookends: November & December 2024
Create More Joy & New Traditions
November and December– the last two months of the year traditionally bring snow flurries in the air and flurries of activity. Amid the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties and gatherings, remember to include the Library as a destination this holiday season. Celebrate old traditions like the annual hot cocoa break at the Library during the Brookfield Holiday Celebration or make new ones by attending these upcoming classes and events:
Sunday Crafternoons
Sundays at 2–4 p.m.
November 10 & 24 | December 8 & 22
Cozy Family Reading Night
PJX: Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza with Bilingual Santa
Friday, December 13, 6 p.m.
Victorian Holiday Traditions
Thursday, November 21, 6 p.m.
Saving and Sharing Memories
Thursday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Trivia Night
Monday, November 25, 7 p.m.
Handmade Holiday Cards
Monday, December 2, 6 p.m.
Little Holiday Houses
Monday, December 9, 6 p.m.
Monday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Custom Winter Gifts & Decorations
Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m.
Teen Holiday Hangout Friday, December 20, 4 p.m.
Friends + Foundation Holiday Gift Wrapping Service
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.
Experience LittleWomen:TheMusical On Demand: December 20-22
Silent Reading With Babysitting
November: Friday, 11/22, 6:15—8 p.m.
December: Holiday Break, Back in January 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 bliss.
Brookfield Holiday Celebration
Hot Cocoa and Crafts at the Library Saturday, December 7, 2—6 p.m.
Arthur’s Cookbook: A Community Cookbook in Memory of Library Staff Member and Foodie Arthur Williams
Join the Library in honoring the late Arthur Williams, beloved Circulation Associate, by contributing recipes to a commemorative cookbook.
Arthur shared many conversations and recipes with colleagues, Library members, and friends. In honor of him and his love for food, we ask community members to share memories of Arthur and favorite recipes to be included in Arthur’s Cookbook:FoodfortheSoul , which will be published and added to the Library collection in early 2025, and sold at next year’s Farmer’s Market.
Recipes and stories can be submitted in November and December in person at the display on the main floor of the Library or online via the QR code at right. For more information, go to lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/arthurs-cookbook
Scan the QR code to submit your recipes and stories of Arthur.
Youth Classes & Events
Bluey Tree Trim at
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Saturday, November 9, 11:30 a.m.
Drop by the Brookfield Zoo and help the Library decorate our Bluey-themed holiday tree! Zoo passes available at the Youth Services desk while supplies last.
Cozy Family
Reading Night
Thursday, November 21, 6 p.m.
Bring a blanket and your favorite stuffie for a cozy night of crafts and reading with family.
Brookfield Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 7, 2—6 p.m. Make the Library one of your stops during this annual Village event. Enjoy free hot cocoa in our lobby and family-friendly crafts.
Friday, December 13, 6 p.m.
Find your best pajamas and join us for our annual holiday extravaganza! There will be stories, music, crafts, snacks, and an appearance by bilingual Santa.
All Ages
Legotastic Saturday Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m.
Build as far as your imagination takes you in this drop-in event for the whole family.
Winter
Wonderland
Craft Party
Friday, December 27, 2 p.m.
Drop by and make a cool craft project.
Take & Make Friday Crafts Fridays in November & December
Grades 3-5:
Coding for Kids
Saturday, November 9, 1 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 1 p.m.
Learn about coding and computer science.
Storytimes
Join us for a wide variety of early literacy. Storytimes will take place from November 11 – December 12. Registrationencouraged
Book Babies
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Birthto24monthswithcaregiver
Storytime Stars
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Ages2—3withcaregiver
Tiny Tots Storytime
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Stories Galore
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
Fairytale Storytime
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Allageswithcaregiver
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.
Early Literacy
Dinosaur Storytime
Wednesday, November 13, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate DINOvember with a roaring good storytime.
Ninja Storytime
At the Ninja Squad Gym
Friday, November 15, 11 a.m.
Friday, December 6, 11 a.m.
Jump, roll, and balance like a ninja.
Reading in a Winter Wonderland
Thursday, December 12, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a storytime full of winter magic.
Snowy Storytime
Tuesday, December 17, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the snow in this chilly winter storytime.
Let’s Dance!
Thursday, December 19, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a downstairs dance party!
Grades K-5
Art Explorers
Tuesday, November 5, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, December 17, 6 p.m.
Learn about a favorite famous artist and explore a fun project. In November: Claude Monet, December: Keith Haring.
Yoga for Kids
Wednesday, November 6, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 4, 4:30 p.m.
Join Ms. Marianne for some after-school yoga with friends or make new ones.
Winter Solstice Spirals
Thursday, November 7, 4:30 p.m.
Count the days until the return of the light with a story and a spiral craft.
Slime Club: Monster Slime!
Friday, November 8, 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 22, 4:30 p.m.
Join us every other month to make slime!
Zumba for Kids
Tuesday, November 12, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10, 4:30 p.m.
Join us for dance fitness fun. Groove to Latin American, hip-hop, and pop music.
Creature Camouflage Collage
Friday, November 15, 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate fall with an art class about the power of animal camouflage.
3D Design Club– Kids Edition
Tuesday, November 19, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10, 4 p.m.
Create and print your own designs using Tinkercad. Walk-ins welcome.
Comic Creation Club
Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 18, 4:30 p.m.
Draw, color, and create your own comic strips. Walk-ins welcome.
Geek Lab: Candy and Toothpick Towers
Friday, December 20, 4:30 p.m.
Use different kinds of candy to make toothpick towers. Find out which candy works best.
Adult Classes & Events
@ the Library
Film Discussion Series
View and discuss critically acclaimed foreign and independent films.
AloneinBerlin(UK)
Tuesday,
November 12, 6:30 p.m.
After a Nazi German working class couple loses their son in World War II, they retaliate by secretly leafletting hand-written cards in Berlin denouncing their government.
BlackOrpheus(Brazil)
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.
A retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, set during the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Movies with Marty
Join film enthusiast Marty Blank for a screening of his favorite movies.
Buster Keaton Double Feature: TheGeneral and SherlockJr.
Saturday, November 23, 1 p.m.
A double feature starring silent film great Buster Keaton.
TheHoldovers
Saturday, December 21, 1 p.m.
A Christmas story of three lonely people at a New England boarding school over a snowy holiday break in 1970.
Book Talk by Author Roberta Hartling Gates
Monday, November 11, 7 p.m.
Learn all about Number12
RueSainte-Catherineand OtherStories.Join us for a presentation about this fascinating book set in Vichy France during World War II.
Introducción al Biblioteca/ Intro to the Library
Tuesday, November 12, 7 p.m. Martes, 12 de noviembre, 7 p.m.
¿Quieres saber qué tiene para ofrecer en la Biblioteca? ¡Ven a conocer más sobre todo que ofrecemos!
Go to College, Not into Debt Wednesday, November 13, 7 p.m.
Learn how to find a best-fit college at an affordable price. Presented via Zoom by My College Planning Team.
Genealogy Club
Sharing Projects
Tuesday, November 5, 4 p.m.
Share your current project and any research tips with the group!
From Steel Men to Saddle Shoes Tuesday, December 3, 4 p.m.
Retired La Grange Fire Department Chief and author William (Bill) Ruting will be giving a talk on his books drawing from his research on La Grange and Lyons.
Medicare Lunch & Learn
Thursday, November 14, 11:30 a.m.
Join us for a free lunch to discover the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans and understand the Annual Enrollment Period. Registrationisrequired.
Saddle Shoe Sisters: Salute to Veterans Sunday, November 17, 2 p.m.
The Saddle Shoe Sisters will salute veterans with Patriotic and Americana songs and dazzle the crowd with their fantastic harmonies and musicianship on the best songs from the 1940s -60s.
Our
Gift of Dogs
Tuesday, November 19, 7 p.m.
Author and dog advocate Reg Green discusses the many ways dogs lift the human spirit and shares his experiences volunteering with canine rescue organizations.
Holiday Trivia Night
Monday, November 25, 7 p.m.
The holiday countdown has begun! Join us for a fun trivia night. Come as a team of up to 5 people or join one when you arrive.
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.
Paint
& Sip Acrylic Paint Class
Session 1: Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m.
Session 2: Thursday, December 5, 7 p.m.
Join us for a paint and sip class with local artist Carla Riseman. Paint a snowman in a snow globe while sipping on a non-alcoholic beverage. Registration is required, walk-ins welcome to observe.
*RegistrationbeginsTuesday,November19.
Victorian Holiday Traditions
Monday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Why do we send Christmas cards? Who had the first modern Christmas tree? When did Santa get his iconic red suit? All of these traditions have their roots in Victorian times.
Hook & Needle Guild
Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
November: 6 & 20 | December: 4 & 18
Calling all knitters, crochet enthusiasts, embroidery gurus, quilting masters, and everybody that would like to join us for our monthly Guild Meeting. New faces welcome.
Holiday Tips and Tricks with Chef Art Smith
Wednesday, November 20, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Join Chef Art Smith to learn about his culinary journey and bring some culinary inspiration into your holiday season.
The Magic of Raina Telgemeier
Tuesday, December 10, 7 p.m. on Zoom
Join Raina Telgemeier, author and illustrator of the graphic novels Smile , Drama , Sisters , Ghosts , and Guts . She also illustrated graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin’s BabySitters Club series.
Experience LittleWomen:TheMusical On Demand: December 20 – 22
Watch a recorded performance of LittleWomen: TheMusicalfrom the 2022 Park Theatre run in London. Register to receive a special link to watch online.
True Crime Club
Accident or Arson? An In-Depth Look Into Fire Investigations
Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m.
Division Chief Scott Waszak from the Berwyn Fire Department discusses fire investigations.
For Seniors
Chair Yoga
Mondays at 11 a.m.
Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25 | Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
PresentedviaZoom;homeviewingonly.
Brain Bootcamp
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
November 12 & 26 | December 10
Stay mentally fit with trivia and more.
Cards & Conversation
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
November 5 & 19 | December 3 & 17
Play card games while socializing.
Hump Day Stretch
Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.
November 6 & 20 | December 11 & 18
Refresh with a 45-minute stretch class.
Podcast Discussion: BearBrook
Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of BearBrook, a true crime podcast about the Bear Brook murders.
Sponsored by the Age Options Grant
Chair Zumba
Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
November 8 & 22 | December 20
Improve strength and energy while seated.
Device Drop-in.
Mondays at 11 a.m.
November 4 & 18 | December 2 & 16
Get electronic device help from a librarian.
Book Clubs & Film Discussions
NEW! Poetry
Appreciation Group
This new, community poetry book club is for the poetry-curious and the poetrycommitted of all ages. The group will have an emphasis on reading aloud and shared appreciation.
YouAreHere:
Poetryinthe
NaturalWorld by Ada Límon
Wednesday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Tripas:Poems by Brandon Soms
Wednesday, December 18, 7 p.m.
Books & Bites
Cookbook Club
MeetsattheLibrary
Calling all cooks and bakers! In this club, each attendee follows a recipe in the cookbook and brings a dish to share. Show off your culinary skills and bring your appetite.
FoodNetwork:
FavoriteRecipes fromAllOur StarChefs
Tuesday, November 19, 12 p.m.
ChristmasCookies: 50Recipesto
Treasureforthe
HolidaySeason by Lisa Zwirn
Tuesday, December 17, 12 p.m.
CopiesofallbookclubselectionsareavailableattheLibrary.Contact Adult&TeenServicestolearnmoreaboutaspecificbookclub.
Books & Brews Book Club
For Adults 21 and older. Discuss books, socialize, and enjoy a fine brew at different local establishments. Participants are responsible for their own opinions, as well as any food or drink costs.
TheFrozenRiver by Ariel Lawhon
Thursday,
November 21, 7 p.m.
MeetsatSebastian’sAle& WhiskeyHouseinBrookfield
DaisyJones& TheSix by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Thursday, December 19, 7 p.m.
MeetsatHopDistrict CommunityBrewingCo.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Book Club
MeetsattheLibrary
TheColourofMagic by Terry Pratchett
Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m.
Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m.
Hey Foodies!
Non-Fiction Book Club
TheSinkingofthe Eastland:America's ForgottenTragedy by Jay R. Bonansinga.
Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m.
MeetsatSebastian’sAle& WhiskeyHouse
Hits,Flops,and OtherIllusions: MyFortysomething yearsinHollywood by Ed Zwick.
Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m.
MeetsattheLibrary
Girls Night Out
Book Club
MeetsattheLibrary andonZoom
ACouncilofDolls by Mona Susan Power
Monday, November 18, 7 p.m.
WinterSolstice by Rosamund Pilcher
Monday, December 16, 7 p.m.
Interested in a cookbook club that meets in the evening?
We heard from many of you who would love to attend a cookbook club but aren’t free during the day. So let’s put one together! If interested in starting an evening group, email Information Services Manager Christy Eyre, at ceyre@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org
Please mention which weekday evening works best for you.
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.
Harvest Wall Décor
Saturday, November 9, 3 p.m.
Make a cute craft decoration for your wall.
Sunday Crafternoons
Sundays at 2-4 p.m.
November 10 & 24
December 8 & 22
Bring your own project or craft one of ours!
Handmade Holiday Cards
Monday, December 2, 6 p.m.
Create one-of-a-kind cards to send to family and friends.
Holiday Aprons
Monday, November 18, 6 p.m.
Look festive while prepping for the holidays by designing your own apron.
Teen Craft: Clay Pot Acorns
Wednesday, November 6, 4 p.m.
Turn an ordinary clay pot into a friendly acorn pal.
Go to College, Not into Debt
Wednesday, November 13, 7 p.m.
Learn how to find a best-fit college at an affordable price. Presented via Zoom by My College Planning Team.
Teen Taste Testers: Bubble Tea
Thursday, November 14, 4 p.m.
Join us to enjoy bubble tea and watch an episode of Pokémon.
Saving and Sharing Memories
Thursday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.
Learn the best way to save, store, and transfer media to preserve them long-term just in time for the holidays.
Little Holiday Houses
Monday, December 9, 6 p.m.
Start or add to your holiday villages with a lovely mini winter house.
Christmas Critter Ornaments
Thursday, December 12, 6:30 p.m.
Bags! Tags! & Bows!
Monday, December 16, 6 p.m.
Decorate gift bags and tags and learn the art of bow making.
Custom Winter Gifts & Decorations
Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m.
Need an idea for a custom gift or decorative item this holiday season? Make it happen!
Maker Studio 101
Tuesday, November 5, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m.
Complete your Maker Studio certification by attending this introductory class!
3D Print & Design Club
Thursday, November 7, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 5, 6:30 p.m. Opentoallages(under12withanadult)
Virtual Take & Makes
DIY Turkey Legs
Friday, November 22, 5 p.m. on Facebook
*SuppliesavailablestartingFriday,November8
Mini Snow Globes
Friday, December 20, 5 p.m. on Facebook
*SuppliesavailablestartingSunday,December8
Teen & Young Adult
Teen Advisory Group: Cards for Seniors
Wednesday, November 20, 4 p.m.
Make holiday cards for Cantata residents. Earn volunteer credit, spread holiday cheer.
Teen Craft: Pom Pom Penguins
Wednesday, December 4, 4 p.m.
Come and make some adorable penguins.
Teen Craft: Hot Cocoa in a Jar
Wednesday, December 11, 4 p.m.
Give the gift of hot cocoa.
Teen D &D
Fridays at 4:30 p.m.
November 8 & 22 | December 13 & 20
Here be Dungeons and Dragons!
Get Your Game On Friday, November 15, 6:15 p.m.
Enjoy gaming and pizza after-hours. Allages;under8 withadultcaregiver.
Gamers Paradise
Friday, November 22, 4 p.m.
Play games with friends or make new ones.
Finals Study Hall
December 17-19, 3-5 p.m.
Join us Tuesday throughThursday of finals week for snacks, stress relief crafts, and a quiet place to study.
Teen Holiday Hangout
Friday, December 20, 4 p.m.
Kick off the holiday break with games, treats, and prizes.
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
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28
Staff Development Day: Friday, December 6
Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, December 31
New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
Mini Book Nook Prices
for November & December:
Check out our display of holiday themed materials for sale in November and December.
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
Friends + Foundation Holiday Gift Wrapping Service
Saturday, December 14
10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Bring in your holiday presents or buy books in the Mini Book Nook and let the Friends + Foundation members wrap the gifts for you.
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.
Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 3
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. Each year, the F&F group finances Library initiatives such as Brookfield Reads, the Summer Reading Challenge and more.
Learn more about how to donate and other ways to support the Friends + Foundation by scanning the QR code to the right or visit www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org/giving-opportunities . Thank you, Brookfield, for your continued support!
