Memorial Day and More

The library will be closed Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Also,remember that we will be closed on Sundays for the summer, from June 1 through August 31. We’ll reopen on Sundays beginning with September 7.

Calling All Antique Lovers

Be sure to join us at the library Saturday, May 24th @ 2PM for our own version of “Antiques Roadshow.” Mr. Rex Newell, a professional appraiser, will be here to share his wisdom on the subject of those hidden treasures. As an added bonus, the first 40 Forest Park residents who register for this program can bring one hand held item for a free appraisal. Call 366-7171 to register for this free program.

Calling All Artists!

“Scare Up A Good Book”! This is the theme for Illinois Reading Enrichment and Development (iREAD)’s Young Adult Summer Reading program in 2010. It’s also the theme for the poster contest they are sponsoring, with The Illinois Library Association, that has a $1,000 prize. The contest is open to all middle and high school aged artists, and the posters should include images of books, a library, or something related to reading. All art and characters must be original, and artwork should be appropriate for public libraries. All entries are due to the library, by July 31, 2008. The winner will be announced in October 2008, and that winner will receive $1,000 in prize money. For more information go to www.ila.org/iread, or visit the Youth Services Desk at the library.

May Program Preview

Hi everyone out there! I thought I would give you an “all in one place” preview of programs we have coming up for May. Please join us for one (or more!)of these:

Journal Writing Workshop, Saturday, May 10^th at 2 PM.

This program is presented by Cynthia Gallaher, a Chicago based poet and writing teacher. Use what you learn here help you preserve family history, write a memoir, or any other reason you might want to keep a journal.

“Antiques Roadshow:” Saturday, May 24^th at 2 PM.

Got a “treasure” you’d like to know more about? Come see Rex Newell of Rex’s Antiques and get answers! The first 40 persons who register may bring one handheld item each for an appraisal. Forest Park patrons only.

Children’s Programs

Monday May 6^th @ 4:30 pm-The Manga Discussion Group will be talking about Fullmetal Alchemist

Monday, May 12th @ 4:00 pm- Be Jeweled with the 5/8 Club.  Make your own jewelry! Beads, bracelets and more. For kids in grades 5-8.

Sunday Closings

Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed on Sundays, starting May 25th, and running through June, July and August. We will reopen on Sundays starting on September 7th.

Summer Reading’s On the Horizon

Our summer reading programs for both kids and adults will kick off June 10th, and run through July 19th. Watch for our in house publicity, coming soon, that will give more details, including some darned nice incentives for participating.

New Computers in Youth Services!

I don’t know if you’ve been downstairs to our Youth Services Department lately, but we just installed a complete set of brand new computers for our young patrons to use. They are infinitely faster and easier to use than the ones they replaced, and fully graphics and sound capable. We’re delighted to be able to improve this service to our young library users.

We’re Almost Done!

Many of you may have noticed that we had our concrete contractor back to the library again this week. I’m glad to say that we’ve seen the last of him for a long time. Not that we don’t like him, but it is as hassle when access to the library is limited in any way. But the walkways have been replaced, and should last for a number of years into the future. The very last step in this project will be done by our landscaper, who will be here next week to repair and realign the decorative brick pavers that adjoin the concrete walkways.

We undertook these projects because we want to keep the library and its grounds as attractive and safe as possible. Our first concern is always for you, our loyal users.

Rodger Brayden

Great Program - Don’t Miss It!

Red alert for all gardeners, both established and aspiring! We’re hosting a program at 7 PM on Wednesday of this week titled “Serenity Gardens.” Come learn how to transform your backyard, patio, walkway or balcony for very little expense. Our presenter is Kathleen Obirek, a master gardener who presented a very well received gardening program here at the library last year. Call 366-7171 to register, or sign up when you;re at the library.

Walkways - Phase II

Weather permitting, the contractor will return Monday, April 21st, and complete the replacement of our concrete walkways. This time, they will replace those portions of the walkway that start with the stairs on the Jackson Boulevard side of the building, and includes the area around our bicycle rack. This time, the main entrance will remain open, so inconvenience to you, our loyal patrons, should be relatively slight. Following this work, our landscaper will do any necessary repair and replacement of the decorative brick pavers that adjoin the concrete areas.

Rodger Brayden

Director