Week Calendar

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.  —Mr. Rogers

Join us to help your little one start their early-learning adventure! Toddler Storytime for ages 0 to 2 is designed to help lay the foundation for lifelong learning through a combination of stories, songs, and play.

Children learn language by listening to others talk, and stories and songs help them learn how language sounds, add new words to their growing vocabulary, and begin to understand what words mean. Play helps children express themselves and put thoughts into words as they explore the world around them and build early social skills through interactions with other children.

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.  —Mr. Rogers

Join us to help your little one start their early-learning adventure! Toddler Storytime for ages 0 to 2 is designed to help lay the foundation for lifelong learning through a combination of stories, songs, and play.

Children learn language by listening to others talk, and stories and songs help them learn how language sounds, add new words to their growing vocabulary, and begin to understand what words mean. Play helps children express themselves and put thoughts into words as they explore the world around them and build early social skills through interactions with other children.

Regular yoga is so intimidating—try chair yoga!

Start your week well with "choga" fun and relaxation with certified instructor Rebecca Cox of Good Karma Yoga.

Now you can enjoy a gentler yoga workout without becoming an arm-and-leg pretzel. This low-impact version is performed with a chair for support, making it perfect for a beginner or someone with difficulty balancing. Some individuals in wheelchairs may also be able to participate; please consult your doctor first if you have medical questions or concerns.

Start your day off right with coffee and community!

Indulge in a warm cup of coffee and good conversation at our regular coffee social, offered on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Enjoy good company while you relax with friendly game of cards, play a crossword puzzle or word search, or catch up on the latest news.

When I say to a parent, "read to a child," I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate. —Mem Fox

Reading becomes a favorite treat as we explore early literacy through stories, songs, and a simple craft. This free program for the whole family is designed to provide kids a foundation for kindergarten and to offer a fun, safe space for children of all ages to learn, socialize, and play. We strive to create fun and rich experiences that build a love of books, libraries, and learning that will stay with children for a lifetime.

Stretch it out...

Increase flexibility, relieve sore muscles, and rejuvenate your body! Join Donna to jumpstart your day with a low-impact exercise class designed to engage all the major muscle groups through gentle stretches and balancing techniques. This is a beginner-friendly class; a chair will typically be used for support.

ABOUT DONNA
Donna Hall is a beloved member of our Hillview Branch Library staff. She has 17 years' experience as a practitioner along with intermittent teaching experience, including work as a substitute instructor at the YMCA.

Full STEAM ahead to the Homeschool Libratory…

Explore hands-on STEAM activities with your fellow homeschoolers each month. At each Libratory meetup, we’ll do something new and exciting with all your new friends. "School" is in session!

When I say to a parent, "read to a child," I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate. —Mem Fox

Reading becomes a favorite treat as we explore early literacy through stories, songs, and a simple craft. This free program for children ages 3 to 5 is designed to provide kids a foundation for kindergarten, including helping them to develop important socialization skills. We strive to create fun and rich experiences that build a love of books, libraries, and learning that will stay with children for a lifetime.

When I say to a parent, "read to a child," I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate. —Mem Fox

Reading becomes a favorite treat as we explore early literacy through stories, songs, and a simple craft. This free program for children ages 3 to 5 is designed to provide kids a foundation for kindergarten, including helping them to develop important socialization skills. We strive to create fun and rich experiences that build a love of books, libraries, and learning that will stay with children for a lifetime.

Bring your lunch to the library on the 2nd Tuesday of each month!

Come enjoy a good, bookish conversation for a lunch to remember. Share your own reading adventures, get recommendations, and discuss our latest book selection. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Stop, drop, and roll…

In honor of National Fire Prevention Week, join us for a fun, family-friendly afternoon all about fire safety. Enjoy a special storytime with a real-life firefighter, learn about fire hazards and what to do if a fire occurs, and make your own firefighter hat! Plus, children can explore a fire engine right here at the library!

About Fire Prevention Week
From www.nfpa.org: Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

Stop, drop, and roll…

In honor of National Fire Prevention Week, join us for a fun, family-friendly afternoon all about fire safety. Enjoy a special storytime with a real-life firefighter, learn about fire hazards and what to do if a fire occurs, and make your own firefighter hat! Plus, children can explore a fire engine right here at the library!

About Fire Prevention Week
From www.nfpa.org: Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

Hang out, play, and explore all that the library has to offer!

At Teen Lounge, your experience is in YOUR hands. Drop in when you like, and choose whichever activity suits your mood. Play on our gaming laptops and consoles, explore the world of virtual reality, create your own art projects, tinker with a variety of technology and engineering tools, get your game on with an assortment of board and card games, and share the experience with your friends. Plus, enjoy free refreshments!

When I say to a parent, "read to a child," I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate. —Mem Fox

Reading becomes a favorite treat as we explore early literacy through stories, songs, and a simple craft. This free program for children ages 3 to 5 is designed to provide kids a foundation for kindergarten, including helping them to develop important socialization skills. We strive to create fun and rich experiences that build a love of books, libraries, and learning that will stay with children for a lifetime.

When I say to a parent, "read to a child," I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate. —Mem Fox

Reading becomes a favorite treat as we explore early literacy through stories, songs, and a simple craft. This free program for children ages 3 to 5 is designed to provide kids a foundation for kindergarten, including helping them to develop important socialization skills. We strive to create fun and rich experiences that build a love of books, libraries, and learning that will stay with children for a lifetime.

Crafting makes everything better...

Create whimsical, lovely little projects that will give you joy for years to come. On the second Thursday of each month, we'll craft something unique and fabulous in two hours or less!

It's wizarding month at Nichols Branch Library...

All month long, immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter! Attend Thursday classes, play Muggle Quidditch, enjoy new spellbinding activity challenges every week, and snap some magical pics at our selfie station! 

B-I-N-G-O!

Bring the kids, the grandparents, your siblings, or whoever you like for a night of lively competition, prizes, and PIZZA. At this program, luck’s always on your side because (1) it’s a fun social night for all and (2) everybody wins! Even if you don't win, you can still pick one of our consolation prizes at the end of the program.

Plus—BONUS!!!—bingo is excellent reinforcement for kiddos learning their letters and numbers or practicing social skills like listening, sportsmanship, or following directions.

B-I-N-G-O!

Bring the kids, the grandparents, your siblings, or whoever you like for a night of lively competition, prizes, and PIZZA. At this program, luck’s always on your side because (1) it’s a fun social night for all and (2) everybody wins! Even if you don't win, you can still pick one of our consolation prizes at the end of the program.

Plus—BONUS!!!—bingo is excellent reinforcement for kiddos learning their letters and numbers or practicing social skills like listening, sportsmanship, or following directions.

Calling all crafters...

Explore the great wide world of crafts with Gayle!

Come get social with fellow craft enthusiasts on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month as we learn new techniques and work on fun new projects. We'll have a crafty good time!

From acrylics to wreath making, there are endless crafts to explore!

• Button crafts
• Clock making
• Decoupage
• Jewelry making
• Leatherworking
• Painting
• Paper crafts
• Scrapbooking
• Thread crafts
  (crochet, embroidery, quilting, sewing, weaving, and more!)
• Upcycled crafts
• Wire projects
• Wood crafts & woodburning
• Wreath making

Move to the rhythm...

Get a full-body workout during this dance-fitness class with certified Zumba instructor Jasamine Curtis. Zumba is a high-energy workout program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves, making exercise fun! Routines incorporate interval training—alternating fast and slow rhythms—to help improve cardiovascular fitness.

Please note:

• Wear light clothing, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to groove!
• Bottled water will be provided, but you might want to bring your own towel. 
• Before you start any exercise program, it is recommended that you check with your physician.

Gotta catch ’em all!

Trainers and Pokémaniacs unite on the 2nd Thursday of the month for Pokémon Club! Enjoy a fun new Pokémon-inspired activity at each session. Plus, visit entertaining activity stations to learn how to play the card game, trade some of your best creatures, and play fun Pokémon mini games.

Psst… Do you play Pokémon Go? Visit a few PokéStops and a gym while you’re at the library!