Between the Bookends: November & December 2025
Booked for the Holidays Write Letters to Wooly Bully –page 3
Seasoned with Tradition: Southern Holiday Cooking Monday, November 10, 7 p.m.
Gratitude Pillows Peanuts Holiday Double Feature – page 4
Monday, November 10 Session 1: 6 p.m. Session 2: 7 p.m.
Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo Chicago Sunday, November 9, 11 a.m.
Author Events –pages 4 and 5
Senior Self-Defense Class –page 7
Table of Contents: Youth Events: 2-3 Adult Events: 4-5 Teen Events: 5 Book Clubs: 6 Maker Space: 7 Senior Events: 7
Friends + Foundation Holiday Gift Wrapping Service Saturday, December 13, 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 the Friends + Foundation are appreciated.
Holiday Pajama Extravaganza with Santa Friday, December 12, 6-8 p.m.
Youth Classes & Events Holiday Happenings
Brookfield Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 6, 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.
Ornament Painting: Help Decorate Our Holiday Tree! Mon-Thu, November 3-6, 4:30 p.m. Stop by the classroom in Youth Services and paint a wooden forest fairy that we can add to this year’s magical woodland-themed holiday tree at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo Chicago Sunday, November 9, 11 a.m. Drop by Brookfield Zoo Chicago and help the Library decorate our magical woodland-themed holiday tree. Zoo passes available at the Youth Services desk while supplies last.
Storytimes Join us for a wide variety of early literacy classes. Storytimes will take place from November 3 — December 11 (No classes November 24-28) Registration encouraged.
Book Babies Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Birth to 24 months with caregiver
Storytime Stars Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2—3 with caregiver
Tiny Tots Storytime Tuesdays, 6 p.m. All ages with caregiver
Marvelous Miercoles Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. All ages with caregiver
Toddler Tales Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. All ages with caregiver
Friday, December 12, 6- 8 p.m. Put on your favorite pajamas and join us for our annual holiday pajama extravaganza! There will be stories, music, snacks, crafts, and an appearance by bilingual Santa.
All Ages: Día a de los Muertos Ofrenda November 1 - 17 Visit our ofrenda, outside of the Classroom in Youth Services, in honor of Day of the Dead. We celebrate the lives of those no longer with us through this tradition. We invite the community to remember their loved ones by including their name on our ofrenda.
Legotastic Saturday Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. Build as far as your imagination will take you at this drop-in event!
Family Loteria Night Movie Monday Monday, November 3, 4:30 p.m. Monday, December 22, 4:30 p.m. Join us for an evening familyfriendly movie, snacks, and fun. We’ll be watching
KPop Demon Hunters in November and
The Nightmare Before Christmas in December.
Monday, December 8, 6 p.m. Calling all niños and their familias! Start your week off with a family game night full of diversión. We will be playing Loteria, a bingo -style game that comes from Mexico. Enjoy a few rounds of the game, taste some Mexican candy, and try your luck at a prize!
Take & Make Friday Crafts Fridays in November & December Grab a cute craft to make and take home.
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. Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
Grades K-5:
Early Literacy:
Fandom Friday: Spider-Man
Dia de Los Muertos Storytime
Friday, November 7, 4:30 p.m. Celebrate all things Spider-Man with fun crafts, trivia, and more!
Yoga for Kids Wednesday, November 5, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 4:30 p.m. Yoga instructor Marianne Mohrhusen teaches relaxing afternoon stretching.
Comic Creation Club Wednesday, November 12, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 4:30 p.m. Write, draw, and create your own comic strips in this monthly club.
Mini Makers Thursday, November 13, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 4:30 p.m. Join us in the classroom for kid-friendly editions of our maker lab projects.
Slime Club: Autumn Slime Friday, November 14, 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 28, 4:30 p.m. Every other month, let’s make some slime! This month’s theme will be autumn slime.
Geek Lab: Sticky Ice Friday, December 19, 4:30 p.m. Experiment with ice and learn the scientific reason why it sometimes sticks to things.
Wednesday, November 5th, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a Day of the Dead themed storytime!
Mini Minohsayaki (‘Painted Hide Robes’) Monday, November 17, 5 p.m. The Library sits on what was the land of the Peewaalia (Peoria) people. A Peewaalia artistic practice was creating minohsayaki, or painted hide robes. Learn to paint on a different texture by using acrylic paint on mini “hides” (soft fabric). Fabric, paint, and stencils will be provided.
Zumba for Kids Wednesday, November 19, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 4:30 p.m. Let’s dance! Move and groove at this afterschool dance party.
Art Explorers Thursday, November 20, 5 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 5 p.m. Art Explorers is an art-based program that encourages kids to engage with unique art materials and concepts. Get creative and have fun by making Button Collage Pumpkins in November, and Winter Suncatchers in December.
READ to the Dogs Tuesday, November 25, 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 7 p.m. Practice your reading skills with dogs from the Hinsdale Humane Society.
Disco Dance Party Friday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. Put on your sparkly best and join us at the Library for a disco dance party!
Winter Wonderland Sensory Playtime Wednesday, December 17, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy winter-inspired sensory stations with all things fluffy, frosty and bright.
Reading in a Winter Wonderland Thursday, December 18, 10:30 a.m. Cuddle up with your favorite warm and fuzzy sweater and join us for a winter holiday-themed storytime! Sing, dance, and have some winter fun.
Holiday Dance Party Friday, December 19, 10:30 a.m. Dress up in your favorite fun holiday outfits and dance!
Grades K-3 Story Stretchers Monday, November 10, 4:30 p.m. Monday, December 15, 4:30 p.m. Take a story beyond the page! Read a book and then dive into its themes with crafts and activities. November: Recess by Lane Smith. December: Just One Flake by Travis Jonker.
Grades 3-5 Owl Pellet Dissection
Write Letters to Wooly Bully Practice your writing skills and write a letter to the Library's bison mascot, Wooly Bully. Write Wooly about your favorite subject in school, ask him for a cool book to read, or even draw him a picture. Whatever you want to write about, Wooly loves to get mail. Give Wooly a little time, and he will write you a letter back!
Tuesday, December 30, 4:30 p.m. Join the Cook Country Forest Preserve to unwrap the world’s grossest present! Find out what owls have for dinner and learn all about animal digestion while you dissect a real owl pellet.
Adult Classes & Events Author Event with Bill Hillmann
@ the Library
Film Discussion Series View and discuss critically acclaimed foreign and independent films.
Never on Sunday (Greece) Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m. A 1960 romantic comedy.
Standing Up, Falling Down (USA) Tuesday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. A washed-up comedian (Billy Crystal), and a dermatologist become friends.
Sunday, November 2, 2 p.m. Join author and Brookfield resident Bill Hillman for a discussion of his new novel, White Flight. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing after the presentation.
Understanding Social Security Tuesday, November 4, 7 p.m. Ken Norkus from Bentron Financial presents a clear overview of Social Security for those planning ahead, assisting a parent or already receiving benefits. Practical tips and strategies will be given.
Seasoned with Tradition: Southern Holiday Cooking Monday, November 10, 7 p.m. Join us for a holiday cooking demonstration. Chef Tony Cannon and his wife Abbey will demonstrate three Southern holiday menu items. Samples will be provided along with recipes to take home. Registration required.
Movies with Marty Join film enthusiast Marty Blank for a screening of his favorite movies.
Automat and “2000 Year Old Man” Saturday, November 22, 1 p.m. Two Mel Brooks classics.
Peanuts Holiday Double Feature: “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Saturday, December 20, 1 p.m.
Senior Medicare Patrol Thursday, November 13, 1 p.m. To prevent healthcare fraud, you first need to know what it looks like. Age Options shares how to detect and report Medicare Fraud and how to prevent it from happening.
Medicare 101 Saturday, November 15, 10:30 a.m. Learn how to enroll into Medicare; what Parts A, B, C and D mean, and the costsharing and benefits that are associated with each letter. Presented by licensed insurance agent Rich George.
Successfully Navigating College Admissions Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. Stand Out for College presents a look at current college admissions trends and how to navigate the constantly changing landscape. Presented via Zoom.
Holiday Trivia Night Monday, December 1, 7 p.m. Back by popular demand! Join us for a fun night and test your trivia skills. Come as a team of up to 5 people or join a team when you arrive.
A Visit with Jane Austen Wednesday, December 10, 7 p.m. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth with a “visit” from the beloved novelist herself. Presented by historical enactor Debra Miller.
Paint & Sip: Mixed Media, New Year’s Intentions Session 1: Monday, December 15, 7 p.m. Session 2: Thursday, December 18, 7 p.m. Use mixed media to create a piece of art that sets your intentions for 2026 with a special word. Registration is required; walk-ins welcome to observe. Registration opens Monday, December 1; please register for only one session.
Social Groups Brookfield Writers’ Group Mondays at 7 p.m. November 3, 17 December 1 ,15
Hook & Needle Guild Wednesdays at 2 p.m. November 5 , 19 December 3, 17
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. Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the Library unless otherwise specified.
Genealogy Club
True Crime Club
Getting Started with Genealogy: Finding Your American Roots Tuesday, November 11, 7 p.m. Curious about your American ancestors but not sure where to begin? This webinar will give you an introduction to the essential steps of genealogy research. Learn how to find and use key records like the census, vital records, and more, and discover practical tools to start building your family tree with confidence.
DNA Revolution – Investigative Genetic Genealogy Wednesday, December 17, 7 p.m. Investigative genetic genealogist Misty Gillis discusses Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), a revolutionary tool that combines DNA technology and traditional genealogy to generate leads in criminal investigations. IGG cracked open the Golden State Killer cold case in 2018 and was used in the Idaho Four case in 2022.
Genealogy Show & Tell Tuesday, December 2, 7 p.m. Come to the Library to chat with fellow genealogists and share your findings! Bring any artifact, heirloom, or interesting story.
Kenji LópezAlt: A Journey Through Food and Science Tuesday, November 18, 7 p.m. on Zoom Join awardwinning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration.
Teen & Young Adult Author Event!
Teen Crafts
Isaac and the Sky
Fall Pumpkin Wreath
by Mark Benson
Wednesday, November 5, 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. Come meet Mark Benson as he talks about his debut novel Isaac and the Sky. Mark Benson is a Brookfield resident whose ontemporary YA novel is for readers who feel alone in a crowded room! Walk-ins welcome.
Teen Holiday Party Friday, December 19, 3:30 p.m. Come to the library after school to kick-off your holiday break with video games, board games, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.
Teen Holiday Movie Tuesday, December 23, 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a holiday movie with cocoa and treats!
Foam Clay Turkeys
Teen Advisory Group Holiday Decorations Wednesday, November 26, 4 p.m. Help decorate the teen space for the winter holidays to make it more festive.
Wednesday, November 12, 4 p.m.
Pilgrim Hat Cookies Wednesday, November 19, 4 p.m.
Candle Making Wednesday, December 17, 4 p.m.
Gaming Teen D&D Friday, November 7, 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 21, 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 19, 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Age Options Grant
Teen Art Class with Carla Riseman – Snow Globe Paintings
Get Your Game On Friday, November 21, 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3, 4 p.m.
Teen Take & Make: Fall Owls Kits available beginning Friday, November 14
Snowman Head Ornament Kits available beginning Friday, December 12
Finals Study Hall Tuesday, December 9 – Friday, December 12, 3-6 p.m. Join us Tuesday through Friday of the week before Finals for snacks, stress relief crafts, and a quiet place to study.
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.
Evening Cookbook Club
Girls Night Out Book Club
Sister Pie by Lisa Ludwinski
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Monday, November 3, 7 p.m.
Monday, November 17, 7 p.m.
Sally’s Cookie Addiction
Mansfield Park
by Sally McKenney
Monday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Monday, December 8, 7 p.m.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club Sphere by Michael Crichton Wednesday, November 5, 7 p.m.
by Jane Austen
Books & Bites Cookbook Club The Complete Modern Pantry by America’s Test Kitchen Tuesday, November 18, 12 p.m.
by Nicky Drayden
The Cookie Bible
Wednesday, December 3, 7 p.m.
by Rose Levy Beranbaum
Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach Thursday, November 13, 7 p.m. Meets at Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House
Our Nazi: An American Suburb's Encounter with Evil by Michael Soffer Thursday, December 11, 7 p.m. Meets at the Library
Meets at Hop District Community Brewing Co. on 31st Street
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan Thursday, November 20, 7 p.m.
The Secret History
The Prey of Gods
Non-Fiction Book Club
Books & Brews Book Club
Tuesday, December 16, 12 p.m.
Poetry Appreciation Group Modern Poetry by Diane Seuss Wednesday, November 19, 7 p.m.
The Best American Poetry 2025 Wednesday, December 17, 7 p.m.
by Donna Tart Thursday, December 18, 7 p.m.
100 Years of Crime Book Club The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. Join the residents of Cantata for our final communitywide book club collaboration in celebration of their centennial. Our last selection for the 100 Years of Crime Book Club is The Daughter of Time, a 1951 detective novel by Josephine Tey, a tale about a 20th century police officer's investigation into the alleged crimes of King Richard III of England. Copies will be available at the Library Holds Shelf. Wine and light refreshments provided free to participants. Meets at Wye Valley Apartments on the Cantata campus.
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.
Sunday Crafternoons
Christmas Critters
Sundays at 2-4 p.m. November 9, 23 December 7, 21 Spend your Sunday afternoon crafting with like-minded friends. Bring your own project or do one of ours! Drop-ins welcome.
Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. With pine cones, hot glue, googly eyes, ribbon and more, build a couple of little creatures for company over the holidays.
Patchwork Pumpkins
Winter Wonderland
Session 1: Monday, November 3, 6 p.m. Session 2: Monday, November 3, 7 p.m. Create a custom essential oil blend just for fall. Registration required, walk-ins welcome to observe.
Session 1: Monday, December 8, 6 p.m. Session 2: Monday, December 8, 7 p.m. Make a winter scene nestled in a metal tin.
Tuesday, November 4, 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 7 p.m.
3D Print & Design Club Thursday, November 6, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Take & Makes
Winter Button Making
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Corn
Tuesday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, November 21, 5 p.m. on Facebook *Supplies available starting Friday, November 14
Gratitude Pillows Session 1: Monday, November 10, 6 p.m. Session 2: Monday, November 10, 7 p.m. It's the season to be thankful. Let's make gratitude pillows with happy themes.
Maker Studio 101
Winter Wish Books Session 1: Monday, December 15, 6 p.m. Session 2: Monday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Reindeer Stirring Sticks Friday, December 19, 5 p.m. on Facebook *Supplies available starting Friday, December 12
Winter Snowflakes Intro to the Carvey Tuesday, November 11, 7 p.m. Learn how to make your ideas come to life with the Carvey 3D carving machine.
Thursday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. Combine stir sticks, glitter, hot glue, ribbon, and more for making your own one-of-akind snowflake. Walk-ins welcome. Gloves and scarves not required.
Book a Librarian for the Holiday Need some help or want to learn something new? Book-a-Librarian and get professional assistance with technology, research, app downloads, social media and other questions.
For Seniors NEW! Senior Self-Defense Class Wednesday, December 10, 10:30 a.m. Increase your awareness about basic safety and learn self-defense techniques. Practice your newly learned self-defense moves on our Cook County Sheriff officers. All fitness levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing. Mats provided.
Chair Yoga
Cards & Conversation
Mondays at 11 a.m. on Zoom November 3, 10, 17, 24 December 1, 8, 15, 22 Perform yoga while sitting at home.
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. November 4, 18 December 2, 16
Hump Day Stretch Device Drop-In Mondays at 11 a.m. November 3, 17 December 1, 15 Get all your tech questions answered.
Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. November 5, 19 December 3, 17 Refresh with a 45-minute stretch class.
Chair Zumba Brain Bootcamp Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. November 11, 25 December 9, 23 Stay mentally fit while having fun.
Fridays at 1:30 p.m. November 14, 28 December 12, 26 Improve strength and energy in this seated exercise dance class.
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Postal Customer Brookfield, IL 60513
Get Help– Ask a Librarian By phone at (708) 485-6917 Email reference@lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org Text (708) 248-8433
Library Trustees
Chat online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org
Jennifer Paliatka, President Michelle Parker, Vice-President Linda Kampschroeder, Secretary Edgar Mihelic, Treasurer David Jakubiak Phil Weglarz Natalie DeJonghe
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)
Upcoming Closings Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27 Staff Development Day: Friday, December 5 Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25 New Year’s Eve: Wednesday, December 31 New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
Mini Book Nook Prices
Mobile Museum of Tolerance Returns Monday, November 24 — Wednesday, November 26 10 a.m.—6 p.m. | Library Parking Lot The Mobile Museum of Tolerance Returns! Join us Monday, November 24 – Wednesday, November 25 for drop-in interactive workshops on topics including Civil Rights, the Holocaust, bullying, and the dangers of hate on social media. Learn how ordinary people have the power to promote positive change.
Prices for November & December: 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
Check out our display of holidaythemed materials for sale in November and December.
Giving Tuesday Tuesday, December 2 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 funds 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!