Please contact the AYA programming librarian at (708) 422-4990 ext. 511 with any questions.
The Hundreds Club Adult and Teen Reading Program
Starting Friday, Sept. 15
Teens and adults, join our new library club that celebrates reading all year round! Keep track of your books on the free Beanstack app, and we’ll host a quarterly in-person reception to cheer you on. Members will receive prizes or certificates (plus applause) for all the books they read! To sign up after September 5th, click this link to Beanstack, visit the Adult Services Desk, or call 708-422-4990. Your prize for registration is a ticket to our 100 Cupcake Kickoff!
Library Clubs
English Together (ESL)
Thursdays, Sept. 14-Nov. 16 from 9:30-11 a.m.
Let’s learn English together at this free ESL class for beginning and advanced speakers – begin anytime! Tagalong children may come with their parents. Please contact kdonley@olpl.org for more information. Please contact the AYA programming librarian at (708) 422-4990 ext. 511 with any questions.
Irish Genealogy Club
Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 31 & Nov. 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Led by Reference and Genealogy Librarian Kathy O’Leary, this group meets once a month to discuss their Irish genealogy.
Genealogy Club Presentations
Thursday, Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Librarian Kathy O’Leary will discuss genealogy blogs.
Thursday, Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Librarian Kathy O’Leary will present how to use newspaper archives and databases for your research.
Thursday, Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Librarian and genealogist Jenny Yasecko will present how to find probate and other court records pertaining to your ancestors’ estates.
Saturday Afternoon Games
Saturdays, Sept. 2, Oct. 7 & Nov. 4 from noon-4 p.m.
Adults and teens are welcome to enjoy family-friendly tabletop games with the Moraine Valley Gamers.
The Yarnery Club
Tuesdays, Sept. 12 & 26, Oct. 10 & 24, Nov. 14 & 28 from 2-3 p.m.
Bring your handicraft projects–crochet, knitting or sewing–and spend an hour enjoying conversation with crafty knitter Diane Dee.
Oak Lawn Writers’ Group
Saturdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 14 & 28, Nov. 11 & 25 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Calling all writers! Come read your written works in any genre and get feedback from the group.
Southside Filmmakers
Thursdays, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Make films and learn what goes on behind the camera – all levels welcome!
SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Northeast Fall Foliage Tour
Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.
Intrepid traveler Celeste Brown takes us on a gorgeous foliage tour of the Northeast with some Vermont-inspired treats.
Putting the Garden to Bed
Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Create a personalized plan to prepare your garden for winter with Master Gardener Donna Hirsch from the Illinois Extension Service.
Learn to Use e-Books
Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m.
Oak Lawn library card holders can bring their phone or e-reader to learn how to access eBooks and eAudiobooks on our free library apps Libby and Hoopla.
Resume Workshop
Friday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.
Learn some tips and tricks for a terrific resume.
VIP Library Tour
Friday, Sept. 22 at 4 p.m.
See the best parts of the library from top to bottom and receive a certificate for a free cone from Andy’s Frozen Custard!
Chicagoland Movie Trivia
Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Stop by the Cork & Bean to match wits and win prizes with quizmaster Jeff Olson about Chicagoland’s fascinating film connections. (Cork & Bean, 4931 W. 95th St. Oak Lawn, IL)
Friday Fun Concert: The LP’s
Friday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
Lead singer Carole fronts an acoustic trio covering your favorite 60s and 70s classics from groups like the Beatles and the Byrds.
FEATURED OCTOBER PROGRAM:
Laid to Rest, Author Reading and Reception
Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Sheila Lamb-Gabler and her daughter Rose depict the humorous, terrifying, and inspiring moments of Sheila’s youth growing up above a funeral home on the South Side of Chicago. The authors join us for a reading and reception for their new book Laid to Rest. Light refreshments will be provided.
OCTOBER PROGRAMS
Medicare 101
Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Medicare specialist Marguerite McEnery answers questions about Medicare, prescriptions, and laws that protect us.
Second Annual Adult Spelling Bee
Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.
C-O-N-T-E-S-T-A-N-T-S! Register for the Spelling Bee from 1-1:30 p.m. in person to take your qualifying quiz.
Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m.
A-U-D-I-E-N-C-E! It’s our second year to bestow the Oak Lawn Spelling Crown to a worthy competitor.
Death Café
Friday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.
Enjoy light snacks while Michael Kozlowski from Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home and Cemetery answers questions about death and dying.
Learn to Use e-Books
Monday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Oak Lawn library card holders can bring their phone or e-reader to learn how to access eBooks and eAudiobooks on our free library apps Libby and Hoopla.
UFO Sightings in Illinois
Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Sam Maranto from MUFON presents an overview of UFOs and sightings in Illinois.
Film Screening: “Moving On” (2022)
Friday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
Frenemies Claire and Evelyn (Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda) plot the murder of their good friend’s husband. R, 85 minutes.
Genealogy Lock-In (R)
Friday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. (please arrive prior to 6 p.m.)
An after-hours special program to focus on genealogy with several experts on hand to assist you in exploring your family history with OLPL resources.
All-Library Halloween Trick or Treat
Sunday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wear your costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag to discover a variety of games and treats! While supplies last.
November is National Novel Writing Month, and we’re focusing on creative writing and publishing.
FEATURED NOVEMBER PROGRAM:
Open Mic
Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
The Oak Lawn Writers’ Group invites performers to share personal works of writing in any genre, or storytelling, spoken word or comedy—share your talent or enjoy the show!
NOVEMBER PROGRAMS
Film Screening: “Women Talking” (2002)
Friday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.
This film portrays women fighting domestic violence in a deeply religious community. PG-13, 104 minutes.
Tea Blending Workshop (R)
Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
Create your own tea bags by combining natural flavors on a base of Ceylon tea. Please bring your own mug for tasting!
Film Showing: “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (2023)
Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.
A biopic about one of the greatest female vocalists in history. PG-13, 146 minutes.
Public Speaking Workshop
Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
An interactive presentation on improving your public speaking skills from the Oak Lawn Toastmasters Club.
ADULT + TEEN PROGRAMS
SEPTEMBER
Book Nerds Book Box (R)
The first 20 Oak Lawn cardholders who register by Thursday, Sept. 21 get a personalized book box with 2 to 3 library books along with some other goodies.
Guitar Jam Sessions
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., see dates below
Teen and adult guitar students of any level are invited to bring in their guitars and learn a new song each week with instructor Colin Curtin.
Sept. 14—The Beatles, “Day Tripper”
Sept. 28—Deep Purple, “Smoke on the Water”
Oct. 12—Bon Jovi, “Wanted Dead or Alive”
Oct. 26—Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Nov. 9—The White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army”
OCTOBER
NASA Updates Plus the Eclipse
Monday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
NASA Ambassador Mark Benson provides an update on NASA missions and the upcoming annular eclipse. Viewing glasses will be distributed to attendees while supplies last.
Yarn Spiders Take n’ Make (R)
Wednesday, Oct. 11 starting at noon
Register for a kit to make a cute little yarn spider.
Spiderweb Crochet (R)
Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Crochet a fun spider web as a Halloween decoration—crafters at all levels welcome!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Friday, Oct. 13 from 1-5:45 p.m.
Advocate Jocelyn Casas from Metropolitan Family Services provides information and resources one-on-one all afternoon.
Halloween Creep Yourself Out
Monday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
Bring in a personal ghost story or just listen as we enjoy the paranormal in a creepy ambiance of (fake) candles and candy.
November is National Novel Writing Month,
and we’re focusing on creative writing and publishing.
FEATURED NOVEMBER PROGRAM:
I Wrote a Book! Now What?
Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Author Sara Fujimura guides participants through traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing options.
Fantasy Fiction Writing
Thursday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Teens and adults are welcome to hear local author Myah Bawadi discuss her book and lead a brainstorming session in fantasy world building.
Book Discussions
OLPL has four Spring book discussions for readers of all types, in addition to the Friends of the Library book discussion groups. You can find dates for these groups on the Library calendar HERE.
Refreshing Reads
with Emily Bettcher / Meets at Avenue Wine Bar in Oak Lawn (10632 S. Cicero Ave.)
“Wahala” by Nikki May
Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
“Gold Diggers” by Sanjena Sathian
Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict
Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Mysteries in the Morning
with Julia Churchill / Meets in the Library’s Teen Room
“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m.
“Shutter” by Ramona Emerson
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m.
“The Golden Spoon” by Jessa Maxwell
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
20’s/30’s Book Club
with Alyssa Dohse / Meets at Cork & Bean (4931 W. 95th St.). Everyone is invited to join.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
“Red, White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Graphically Speaking
with Jenny Yasecko / Meets in the Book Club Nook
“Fangs” by Sarah Andersen
Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
Friends of the Library Book Discussion Groups
Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. in the Mary Nelson Room. Pick up short stories at the Adult Reference Desk on the second floor, one month in advance. Second Wednesday is a short story, 4th Wednesday is a full book. Hosted by Jan Paris
Friends Short Story Book Discussion
Sept. 13: “Famous People” by Mark Jacobs
Oct. 11: “Awake” by Jenny Allen
Nov. 8: “My Son, the Soldier” by Harold Martin
Friends Book Discussion Group
Sept. 27: “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S.C. Gwynne
Oct. 25: “All Ships Follow Me” by Mieke Eerkens
Nov. 22: “The River of Doubt” by Candice Millard
Language Tutors Needed!
Calling all tutors! Are you interested in meeting people from other cultures and making friendly connections? We’re looking for English speakers who can attend a weekly hour-long class from 10-11 a.m. on Thursdays beginning in January. No ESL teaching experience is necessary—we’ll train you! Please contact Kate at kdonley@olpl.org or 708 422-4990 for more information.