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The library has resumed normal business hours. Our meeting rooms are closed through March 31, 2021.
Questions: Please check our FAQ or contact us
Virtual Programs: Enjoy our virtual programming via Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom.
Online Services: Many services are available online when the building is closed: library card registration, eBooks and downloads, online learning.
Latest Updates: Check our website, Facebook page, or by signing up for our eNewsletters.
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Zoom webinar
Armed with only a camera, a sense of humor and a host of frequent flyer miles, Mathew Duman embarked on a “grotesque safari”, traveling to 10 universities around the country to photograph the unique grotesques and gargoyles roosting on their academic buildings. Mathew found that this sculpture makes its home within a style of architecture known as Collegiate Gothic which was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. He has collected his findings in his book called: “The Grotesque 10: Amazing Architectural Sculpture from Ten American Colleges and Universities “ and presents a selection in this illustrated lecture, giving you a taste of the variety of ornament, history and humor these campuses have to offer.
The grotesque 10 schools are:
• Yale University
• Trinity College in Hartford, Ct.
• Bryn Mawr College
• The City College of New York
• Duke University
• Northwestern University
• Princeton University
• The University of Chicago
• The University of Pennsylvania
• Washington University in St. Louis
Mathew Duman is a photographer, author and graphic designer who grew up in Bethany, Connecticut. He attended the gargoyle-free campus of Central Connecticut State University. but while studying abroad, he developed a fascination with the grotesque sculptures of the cathedrals of Britain. In addition to England, Matt has made photographic trips to Italy, Africa, Australia & New Zealand. As a personal project, he began exploring the variety of sculpture found on the buildings of Yale University & published a book called “An Education in the Grotesque”, containing his findings at Yale and has now turned his sights on the sculpture at other campuses around the US.
Zoom meeting
Join Shari Pontillo, owner of Twisted Fiber Studios, on zoom and learn how to use cereal boxes to make your own Valentine's Day post cards! The first 20 people to email Kristina Giovanni at kgiovanni@mybpl.org will receive a bag of supplies to make a post card. You must provide your own scissors and cereal box card board.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.To register, please email Julie Deeke at jdeeke@mybpl.org.
Zoom webinar
Local author and historian William Hazelgrove is back to promote newest book, the very first biography of Sally Rand.
She would pave the way for every sex symbol to follow from Marilyn Monroe to Lady Gaga, but in the end she would die penniless and in debt.
Zoom Webinar
Hosted by art historian, Jeff Mishur. Mishur is the owner of Art Excursions, a business providing lectures, private guiding, small group tours and travel consulting.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
Zoom webinar
Johnny Carson took over The Tonight Show and stole the evening air waves with his brilliant comedic timing and flair.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic shows and legendary careers in television history with a collection of memorable clips and hilarious anecdotes sure to delight audience members of all ages.
Presented by retired teacher Steven Frenzel, of Marquee Film Talks.
YouTube video (pre-recorded)
Watch the premier of “Shamrock Mini Hot Mess Canvas” on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd and learn how to make stylish décor for St. Patrick’s Day. For this craft you will need a small canvas, a vinyl sticker in the shape of a shamrock, colorful acrylic paints, brushes, and either black or white paint to cover your vinyl design, that when peeled off reveals brilliant colors behind a black or white background.
The first 20 people to email Kristina Giovanni at kgiovanni@mybpl.org will receive a bag of supplies on February 23rd.
Join us on Zoom to learn about the decorative elements of drop caps and design your own with artist Lindsay Budzynski. Supplies needed: paper, pencils/erasers, ruler. Tracing paper, markers, or colored pencils optional. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom, and the Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you the week of the event. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants, teens are welcome to register.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.To register, please email Julie Deeke at jdeeke@mybpl.org.
Zoom Webinar
This one-hour presentation covers travel enthusiast Gene Flynn’s nine-day visit in 2015 to Madrid with side trips to Toledo and Segovia. Besides a wonderful and welcoming modern city, we see reminders of ancient Roman rule, Islam and Jewish influences and Spain’s golden age.
Zoom Webinar
Hosted by art historian, Jeff Mishur. Mishur is the owner of Art Excursions, a business providing lectures, private guiding, small group tours and travel consulting.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
Join us on Zoom to learn about nature illustration and create your own Spring inspired drawings with artist Lindsay Budzynski. Supplies needed: paper, pencils/erasers, ruler. Tracing paper, markers, or colored pencils optional. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom, and the Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you the week of the event. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants, teens are welcome to register.
Zoom Webinar
Women have played a part in astronomical discoveries for centuries. In this Zoom webinar, Astroeducator Michelle Nichols will explore advancements made by the ladies of science.
YouTube video (pre-recorded)
Watch the premier of “Galaxy Magnets and Key Chains” on Tuesday, March 30th and learn how to easily make professional-looking magnets, key chains, or jewelry. For this craft you will need Mod Podge, brushes, glass cabochons with magnets or jewelry settings, and printed pictures of galaxies and stars.
The first 20 people to email Kristina Giovanni at kgiovanni@mybpl.org will receive a bag of supplies on March 30th. You must provide your own scissors.
Zoom Webinar
Versatile, dependable, and affordable, the Little Black Dress, or “LBD,” has become the fashion equivalent of a Model T Ford. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the history of this fashion icon. Learn how Chanel helped dissociate black from mourning, how Audrey Hepburn helped establish the LBD; and how it has been reinvented by everyone from Betty Boop to Prada.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
Zoom Webinar
Hosted by art historian, Jeff Mishur. Mishur is the owner of Art Excursions, a business providing lectures, private guiding, small group tours and travel consulting.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
Zoom Webinar
Celebrate Oscar season by spending time with all the fabulous performers, filmmakers, and movies that NEVER WON AN OSCAR! Film enthusiast and retired teacher, Steven Frenzel is back to take us on a journey of great films and performances that didn't win the big prize.
*The Oscars will be televised on Sunday, April 25th on ABC
Have you ever seen a garden that just took your breath away? You visit again, two months later, and the garden is again in full glory. How do people do this? How do you design a garden that offers visual interest through the seasons? This lesson will walk you through the design process step-by-step, You will learn how to plan a garden that will offer you visual interest spring through fall with a few winter accents as well.
Hosted by Nancy Bell, a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
Zoom Webinar
Hosted by art historian, Jeff Mishur. Mishur is the owner of Art Excursions, a business providing lectures, private guiding, small group tours and travel consulting.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
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.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
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.
This one-hour presentation follows travel enthusiast Gene Flynn's April 2019 river cruise, which begins in Amsterdam and visits five different areas of the Netherlands and Belgium. Gene starts by looking at the geography and history of these low countries and goes on to explore windmills, past and present, the world’s largest tulip festival, the art of Rubens and Rembrandt, and wonderful chocolate vendors.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
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It's been 41 years since The Blues Brothers debuted in June, 1980 and Dr. Kelli Marshall (of Chicago Movie Tours) is here to share the movie's backstories, explain its mix of Hollywood genres, and discuss the impact it had on Chicago-based filmmaking.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
Zoom Webinar
Hosted by art historian, Jeff Mishur. Mishur is the owner of Art Excursions, a business providing lectures, private guiding, small group tours and travel consulting.
Can't take a road trip this year? Travel back in time instead to explore the history of the "mother road" that linked Chicago to LA from 1926 to 1985.
This slide lecture is presented by actor and historian, Leslie Goddard.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
There are currently 5 U.S. spacecraft either on or orbiting Mars right now and, if all goes well, the Perseverance Rover will land in February 2021. What have we learned about the Red Planet with decades of robotic visitors? Plenty! We’ll cover the past, present, and future of Martian exploration.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
Come laugh along with one of the funniest and bravest women in television and movie history. We'll see fascinating clips from Lucy's early movie career as well as watch some of the most famous I Love Lucy scenes of all time. Watch as she transforms from a nervous and timid Lucille Ball into the great and fearless Lucy!
Presented by retired teacher and film enthusiast, Steven Frenzel of Marquee Film Talks.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
In 1898 the US declared war against Spain to expel that country from the Americas and begin its exploitation of Cuba. Learn how American business interests dominated US-Cuba relations until the Cuban Revolution of 1956-59 when subsequent land reform injured American business and political pride, resulting in political and economic sanctions that continue to this day.
Presented by Walt Zlotow, a member of the West Suburban Faith-Based Peace Coalition.
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.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
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 and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
The Historical Book Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
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.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
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 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
The Monday Night Page Turners book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except August and December. The group reads contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. To register, please contact Jessica Frazier at jfrazier@mybpl.org.
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.
Genealogy Club is moving to online meetings via Zoom. Learn about internet and archival genealogy and research support. Computer, tablet, or phone is required to attend via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link by email 3 days before and the day of the event. If you don't receive the link, please check your spam/junk folder.
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 10:00 a.m. Books are selected on topics of American history from pre-Revolutionary War to current time including biographies, history books, historical fiction and classics. Copies of the selections are available at the Circulation Desk.
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