Creative Programs / Spring 2023

MEETING THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

Genre Fiction Reading Challenge
Wednesday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Apr. 30
We challenge you to read three books: one romance, one mystery and one science fiction novel. Earn prizes for reading and writing reviews. Get raffle prize tickets by attending AYA programs that connect to romance in February, mystery in March and science fiction in April. Sign up through Saturday, Apr. 1 on Beanstack at olpl.beanstack.org. (QR code https://olpl.beanstack.org)

March Pop-Up Program: Remarkable Women Display
Let’s decorate the Adult Services Desk to honor Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day! Stop by the Adult Services Desk in March to recognize a remarkable woman—one of international renown or one who is dear to your heart. Bring in a photo to add to our display or write a description. Receive a trinket for participating.

MARCH PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS WITH (R) REQUIRE REGISTRATION

The Supremes of Justice: Women of the US Supreme Court
Wednesday, Mar. 8 at 7 p.m.
Tauya Forst, Professor of Justice Studies at the College of DuPage, discusses the only six women ever appointed to the United States Supreme Court and the mark each Lady Justice has left on the bench.

Crash Course for Dungeons and Dragons
Thursday, Mar. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
From character types to ferocious monsters, Dungeon Master Dave Hansen introduces the game Dungeons and Dragons in the context of the upcoming film “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (2023).

Saint Patrick’s Day Concert with the Acapella Fellas
Friday, Mar. 17 at 1 p.m.
This acapella duo will sing us a set of ‘40s through ‘60s pop hits, Broadway songs and Irish favorites.

Genealogy Lock-In (R)
Friday, Mar. 17 from 6-8 p.m.
A special, after-hours program with several experts on-hand to assist you in exploring your family history using library resources. Space is limited. Register online Mar. 1-16. Please arrive for the event before 6 p.m. REGISTER

Saturday Afternoon Games
Saturday, Mar. 18 from noon-4 p.m.
Adults and teens are welcome to enjoy family-friendly tabletop games with the Moraine Valley Gamers.

Monarchs: History and Science behind the Monarch Craze
Sunday, Mar. 19 from 11 a.m.-noon
Naturalist Kim White will tell us how to nurture monarchs in our own backyards. Attendees will receive a free packet of Midwest Wildflower seeds from Sow Right Seeds, while supplies last. NOTE: Parents accompanying children attending the Make a Butterfly Garden program on page 5 are encouraged to attend.

Mystery Author Mia Manansala
Wednesday, Mar. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Mia Manansala’s debut novel “Arsenic and Adobo” won the Agatha, McCavity and Anthony awards for best first mystery novel in 2021-2022. Join us to learn more about her writing process and her cozy “Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery” series.

A Woman on an Adventure: Greece, Egypt, Israel and Turkey
Monday, Mar. 27 at 1:30 p.m.
Friend of the Library Celeste Brown describes how a Road Scholar trip helped her make friends and find herself. She’ll discuss the practical details of her trip and the beauties of the countries she visited.

Real Estate Seminar: Selling and/or Buying a Home
Wednesday, Mar. 29 at 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Real Estate Broker Dave Weinert from Century 21 Affiliated brings in a lender, an attorney and a home inspector to give you insights on selling a home at 6:30 p.m. and buying a home at 7:30 p.m.

APRIL PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS WITH (R) REQUIRE REGISTRATION

April Pop-Up Program: National Poetry Month
Stop by our typewriter station in April to compose a poem for someone special or to display at the library.

Life Insurance: Use it While You’re Living
Monday, Apr. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Marguerite McEnery from McEnery Financial and Insurance Services explains how life insurance can be used for retirement, college tuition, a new car, income protection and long-term care.

K-Pop Dance Class
Mondays, Apr. 10 & 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Adults and teens can learn K-pop dance from instructor Mikayla Wolford, longtime hip-hop dancer and performer with two K-pop ensembles. K-pop is a vigorous activity—attendees participate at their own risk.

Drop Everything and Read Night!
Wednesday, Apr. 12 from 6-8 p.m.
Celebrate reading! Get “caught reading” at our photo booth, play puzzles and games, and enjoy a sweet treat for showing us the book, e-book or audiobook you’re reading!

Dungeons and Dragons Adventure (R)
Saturday, Apr. 15 from noon-4 p.m. or Saturday, Apr. 29 from noon-4 p.m.
Dungeon Master Dave Hansen will lead you on an afternoon-long adventure. Select a character and experience a one-day campaign. Open to teens, adults, new or skilled players. Participants may register for one session only. Registration and a $5 cash advance deposit are required to reserve your spot. Deposits will be returned at the end of the program.

We CARE about Money
Saturday, Apr. 15, 1 p.m.
Financial experts from Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) will discuss credit scores and reports, plus how to build good credit history and a high credit score.
Saturday, Apr. 15, 2 p.m.
Financial experts from CARE will shine a light on identity theft, common frauds and scams to avoid.
Saturday, Apr. 15, 3 p.m.
Financial experts from CARE will explain the types and terms of student loans.

Virtual Money Smart Week (R)
Monday, Apr. 17-Thursday, Apr. 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Learn about budgeting, Instituciones Finacieras (in Spanish), debt relief and retirement in a series of virtual talks. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago coordinates this national public education program. REGISTER

Marvel Monday
Monday, Apr. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Come see “Thor Love and Thunder” (2022) on our big screen with great sound. Attendees will receive a special raffle ticket for a prize at Fan Fest! PG-13, 118 minutes.

NASA Missions: Real Sci-Fi Adventures
Wednesday, Apr. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
NASA Ambassador Mark Benson presents recent and future NASA missions. Refreshments include “out-of-this-world” cupcakes!

Estate Planning: It’s Never Too Early
Wednesday, Apr. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Attorney Caroline S. Smith from law firm Robbins DiMonte, Ltd. answers your questions, explains the importance of estate planning and addresses what happens if you have no estate plan.

MAY PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS WITH (R) REQUIRE REGISTRATION

May Pop-Up Program: Spirograph
In May, use Spirograph to design some fancy loop-de-loop DIY notecards, cards and bookmarks at the Adult Services Desk.

Star Wars: May the Fourth Party
Thursday, May 4 at 6 p.m.
We’ll have Star Wars trivia, a photo booth and show the movie “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018, PG-13, 135 minutes) at 6:20 p.m. Come in costume and get a gift certificate for a scoop of Andy’s frozen custard. Attendees will receive a special raffle ticket to use at Fan Fest!

Movie Screening: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)
Thursday, May 11 at 1 p.m.
In the blockbuster sequel to “Top Gun” (1986), pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell continues to push the envelope as a trainer for a specialized mission. PG-13, 131 minutes.

Werewolf
Monday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Zac and Kate in this party game of deduction and deceit! Players are assigned secret roles on teams of werewolves or villagers, and it’s up the villagers to sniff out the wolves before it’s too late.

Cheese 101 (R)
Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Certified cheese professional Meredith Meder guides us through cheese tasting and conversation about different milk types, cheese styles, and how to buy, cut and store cheeses. Registration and a $5 cash deposit is required to reserve your spot. Deposits will be returned at the end of the program.

The Mayor: Richard J. Daley
Wednesday, May 24 at 2 p.m.
Learn about one of the most powerful political figures in Chicago history. Larry Bergnach presents Mayor Richard J. Daley, the last of the big city bosses.

Open Mic Night
Thursday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m.
The Oak Lawn Writers’ Group presents Open Mic Night! Writers are encouraged to share their personal works of writing in any genre, plus storytelling, spoken word or comedy. Performers will sign up at 6:15 p.m. Share your talent or enjoy the show!

Illinois Political Corruption
Wednesday, May 31 at 2 p.m.
Author, former Chicago alderman and UIC professor emeritus Dick Simpson will share some notorious cases of political corruption and let the audience decide the winner of “most corrupt.”