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My Registrations
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a particular foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out. A short DVD will be shown followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.
Zoom Webinar
Edward Hopper painted emblematic works such as "Nighthawks" that depicted urban life in structured compositions with bold contrasts of light and shadow. He was associated with American scene painting, which was based on the idea that American artists should focus on uniquely American subjects. Often framing his subjects within interior scenes, Hopper's work responded to his era by focusing on the psychological isolation of modern life. This lecture, presented by art historian Jeff Mishur, will identify distinguishing elements of Hopper's style as seen in his views of urban life, interior scenes, and New England architecture.
Use our Cricut Maker to engrave a metal bracelet. Depending on the design complexity, patrons may need pick up their bracelets on a later date.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on March 11, March 25, March 26, April 16, and April 29.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Use our Cricut Maker to engrave a metal bracelet. Depending on the design complexity, patrons may need pick up their bracelets on a later date.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on March 11, March 25, March 26, April 16, and April 29.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Zoom Webinar
Recent popular books such as Nancy Horan's Loving Frank have sparked new interest in architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Learn about Wright's organic architecure here in the Midwest and elsewhere in this slide lecture presented by art historian Jeff Mishur.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
Use our Cricut Maker to engrave a metal bracelet. Depending on the design complexity, patrons may need pick up their bracelets on a later date.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on March 11, March 25, March 26, April 16, and April 29.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Did you know you can access Weiss Financial Ratings from anywhere for free with your BPL library card? This database offers independent, unbiased financial strength ratings of banks, credit unions and insurance companies and conservative buy-hold-sell investment ratings of thousands of stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. For those on Medicare, there is also a great tool to help you evaluate the available Medicare Supplement Insurance plans and make sure you are getting the best price. Join Tom Kilkenny from Weiss Financial Ratings to learn how to:
- Create an account
- Set up a watchlist for your bank, insurance company, stocks and mutual funds
- Create research tools (screeners)
- Run a Medigap report
In-Person Event
One hundred and sixty minutes. That is all the time rescuers would have before the largest ship in the world slipped beneath the icy Atlantic. More than twenty-eight ships would be involved in the rescue of Titanic survivors along with four different countries. Of the 2229 people aboard, 710 did not perish that night and this was the success of the Titanic rescue effort. Local author William Hazelgrove explodes the myth that the Titanic could not have been saved. Books will be available for purchase and signed by the author.
"One might think that we know all there is to know about that April 14, 1912 story, but Hazelgrove, an energetically curious man, has unearthed a compelling and exciting story and effectively pokes holes in some of the persistent myths surrounding the tragedy." - Chicago Tribune
"Titanic is a Great Story and This is a Great Book!" - WGN Chicago, Rick Kogan
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a particular foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out. A short DVD will be shown followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Zoom Webinar
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Use our Cricut Maker to engrave a metal bracelet. Depending on the design complexity, patrons may need pick up their bracelets on a later date.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on March 11, March 25, March 26, April 16, and April 29.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Zoom Webinar
Use our equipment to cut vinyl and create a custom sign.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on May 6 and May 21.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, APRIL 1 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. Testing and registration is 1/22 and 1/24; first day of class is 1/29. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Zoom Webinar
In-Person Event
Historical presenter Michelle Gibbons will discuss the dark romanticism of the Depression Era's infamous criminals, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. She will explain the passionate love this doomed couple held for each other and how, after they were cut down in a hail of bullets, they would become legendary criminals.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a particular foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out. A short DVD will be shown followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.
Zoom Webinar
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
Use our equipment to cut vinyl and create a custom sign.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on May 6 and May 21.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, APRIL 1 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
In-Person Event
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Normandy was the epicenter in three wars: William the Conqueror’s invasion of England, Joan of Arc and the 100-year war, and D-Day in WW2.
Travel enthusiast Gene Flynn takes us on journey to Rouen, Bayeux, D-Day beaches, and tidal island known as Mont St. Michel, followed by a short visit to Celtic Brittany.
Use our equipment to cut a vinyl stencil and etch a glass mug.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 1 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
Use our equipment to cut a vinyl stencil and etch a glass mug.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 1 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
In-Person Event
Bob was much more than a famous Jamaican musician. He was a man with deep religious convictions who rose from poverty to become a global musical and cultural icon – a pop prophet. Though he survived an assassination attempt, he ultimately died of cancer at age 36. Using performance and interview clips we’ll trace the arc of Bob’s career from “One Love” and “Jamming” to” “I Shot The Sheriff” and “Redemption Song.” Bob Marley is the world’s most popular reggae artist beloved for his universal hymns of freedom. Presented by pop music expert, Gary Wenstrup.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Drop-In Event
Learn some tips to repair and refresh your old books with mod podge, hot glue, and acid-free tape. We’ll provide the supplies but feel free to bring in your own treasured books that need mending.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
In-Person Event
As the Beatles only double album The Beatles (White Album) contains a wealth of riches for listeners. However, it also marked the beginning of the end of the world’s greatest band as tensions and musical differences arose during recording. The program will include a discussion of the Beatles “back to basics” recording approach and an analysis of key tracks including “Dear Prudence,” “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Helter Skelter.” Presented by pop music expert, Gary Wenstrup.
Make a personalized flip card that cascades through different images or phrases.
Registration Limit: 6 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, JUNE 17 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Presented by Chef Susan Maddox. Limit 40 people.
Registration opens June 3rd
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
In-Person Event
In this lecture, local author William Hazelgrove presents the exciting and sprawling history behind the 1893 and 1933 World's Fairs.
He reveals the story of the six millionaire businessmen, dubbed "The Secret Six," who beat Al Capone at his own game, ending the gangster era as prohibition was repealed.
The story of an intriguing woman, Sally Rand, who embodied the World's Fair with her own rags to riches story and brought sex into the open.
The story of Rufus and Charles Dawes who gave the fair a theme and then found financing in the worst economic times the country had ever experienced.
The story of the most corrupt mayor of Chicago, William Thompson, who owed his election to Al Capone; and the mayor who followed him, Anton Cermak, who was murdered months before the fair opened by an assassin many said was hired by Al Capone.
But most of all it’s the story about a city fighting for survival in the darkest of times; and a shining light of hope called the Worlds Fairs.
Books will be available for purchase and signed by the author.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Zoom Webinar
Presented by outdoor enthusiast, John Lynn, who followed the route of the Donner-Reed party of Springfield, Illinois on their way to California in 1846-47.
His 1000 mile path took him on a journey from the Oregon Trail at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, through the Hastings Cutoff across Utah, to the Humboldt River in Nevada, and then he followed the main line of the California Trail across Nevada to the Truckee Meadows (now Reno). From there, he took the Truckee River Route to the Alder Creek and Donner Lake camps where the Donner-Reed party were stranded for the winter in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Finally, he followed the path of the survivors over Donner Pass Summit to reach Sutter's Fort in Sacramento.
Make a personalized flip card that cascades through different images or phrases.
Registration Limit: 6 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, JUNE 17 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Free English classes offered by College of DuPage. For class registration and information/questions, contact College of DuPage at 630-942-3697 | ela@cod.edu | cod.edu/ela.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, JULY 15 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
In-Person Event
Learn the ins and outs of Medicare with Reverend Tom Perrucci, with Premier Medicare Benefits.
Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only.
For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.
NOTE: THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM OPENS ON MONDAY, JULY 15 AT 9:00AM CENTRAL TIME. If you're unable to register, please call the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.
Zoom Webinar
A detailed look at the shipwrecks that are the Florida Key's 'Wreck Trek'. Begun in 2010, nine shipwrecks scattered from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south make up a string of beloved dive sites. Knowing which ones to hit, and which ones to miss, as well as the best aspects of each, is essential for the underwater photographer. This presentation sorts it all out in an orderly and descriptive manner.
Presented by award-winning underwater ship photographer Cal Kothrade.
Zoom Webinar
Florida has always attracted vacationers. But in the 20th century, tourism exploded as places like Weeki Wachee Springs and Busch Gardens opened.
Join us for the zoom webinar hosted by pop culture historian Leslie Goddard, who has thoroughly researched the rich history of Florida tourism from the 1940s up to 1971. We'll explore the amusing and quirky attractions that helped the sunshine state become America's favorite vacation destination. From waterskiers at Cypress Gardens to the alligators at Gatorland, these tourist diversions amazed and enchanted vacationers in midcentury Florida.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
In-Person Event
Historian Jim Gibbons will discuss the events that took place before, during and after The War in the South Pacific of World War II. He will discuss some of the wars’ major battles, including The Battle of Iwo Jima, The Battle of Okinawa, The Battle of the Coral Sea, The Battle of Midway, the attack on Pearl Harbor and more.
Gibbons will discuss some of the main commanders in the war as well as their strategies and ideas. He will explain how several of the battles were the bloodiest in history, causing a great loss of life, and affecting both American and Japanese forces. He will explain how the war was ended by President Truman’s dropping of the Atomic Bomb.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a particular foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out. A short DVD will be shown followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.
Drop-in and make a comfy bed for a furry friend. We provide the fleece, scissors, and instructions. Keep the bed for your pet or donate it to an animal shelter for a pet in need.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
Zoom Webinar - On the Same Page
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a particular foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out. A short DVD will be shown followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
Presented by Chef Susan Maddox. Limit 40 people.
Registration opens Tuesday, Oct. 1st
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
In-Person Event
On October 30, 1938, during a broadcast of H G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, a twenty-three-year-old Orson Welles, held his hands up for radio silence in the CBS studio in New York City while millions of people ran out into the night, grabbed shotguns, drove off in cars, ran screaming down the streets, hid in basements, attics, anywhere they could find to get away from Martians intent on exterminating the human race.
While Welles held up his hands to his fellow actors, musicians, and sound technicians, he turned six seconds of “dead air” or radio silence into absolute horror and changed the way the world would view media forever, making himself one of the most famous men in America in the process. Jittery from war news and weary from the concussive effects of a nine-year Great Depression, local author William Hazelgrove presents a summary of his newest narrative nonfiction book, the night Martians invaded America and how Orson Welles set himself up to go to Hollywood and make his opus, Citizen Kane.
Books will be available for purchase and signed by the author.
Genealogy Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except in December) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. A Local History librarian provides internet and archival genealogy instruction and research support. Members share ideas and meet other researchers, receive help with research questions and brick wall dilemmas, and share genealogy finds. Use of the genealogy collection in the Local History Department and individual help and instruction is also available.
Zoom Webinar
For decades, Chicago was home to some of America's grandest department stores.
Clustered along a mile-long stretch of State Street, stores like Marshall Field's; Carson, Pirie, Scott; Sears; Wieboldt's; Montgomery Ward's; and Goldblatt's set new standards for retail innovation, customer service, and visual display. Generations of Chicagoans trekked to these stores for holiday shopping, celebrations, and fun.
In this illustrated lectured, historian and author Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., revisits Chicago's fabulous retail emporiums and explores their rise and fall.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August (no meeting) and December (end of year party). The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Jessica Frazier at 630-924-2734 or jfrazier@mybpl.org. If you'd like to receive resources and discussion questions for a specific month's book group title, please contact Jessica Frazier.
The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a particular foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out. A short DVD will be shown followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present time including biographies, non-fiction, and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk the month prior to the discussion.
Zoom Webinar
For decades, Christmas in Chicago meant a trip or two to State Street to see the big department stores. And the stores went all-out for Christmas. This illustrated talk traces the history of Christmas celebrations on State Street. Photographs, ads, postcards, menus, and memorabilia trace cherished traditions - from the animated window displays and the Christmas parade, to beloved characters like Uncle Mistletoe, the Cinnamon Bear, and of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Presented by pop culture historian, Leslie Goddard, Ph.D.
In-Person Event
When the Germans launched a surprise attack in World War II on the morning of December 16, 1944, this would take the Americans completely off guard and would become a great loss for American troops. The attack was one of the last of the German offensive campaigns on the Western Front, spanning from eastern Belgium, northeast France and Luxemburg from December 1944 to January 1945. This would become one of the largest and bloodiest single battles fought during World War II by the United States Armed Forces. It became known as The Battle of the Bulge.
Also known as the Ardennes Counteroffensive, the intention of the battle was to split Allied lines, allow the Germans to take control and force the Western Allies to sign a Peace Treaty that would benefit the Axis Powers. American casualties were over 75,000 and German casualties were over 100,000.
Historian Jim Gibbons will discuss the events that took place before, during and after The Battle of the Bulge and will discuss the major commanders, strategies and turning points in the battle. Gibbons will explain why the battle was significant to American history, and why to this day, it is seen as one of the most brutal battles and second deadliest.
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