Emancipation to Inauguration: Chicago’s Black Experience
Monday, Feb. 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
From the first non-indigenous citizen to the 44th President of the United States, African American history runs deep in Chicago and has touched all aspects of American life. Learn more with musician/historian Clarence Goodman. Register oppl.org/calendar
Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Friday, Jan. 29, 7 to 9 p.m., Zoom with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame
In this happy hour/seminar, learn about Chicago-area authors and their literary cocktails through readings, drinking, bartending tips and tutorials. From Sterling North and Carl Kroch’s recipe collection, So Red the Nose, Oak Parkers Ernest Hemingway contributed a cocktail named for his book, Death in the Afternoon, and Edgar Rice Burroughs contributed the Tarzan Cocktail. There’s also Raymond Chandler’s Champagne Cocktail in The Big Sleep, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Gin Rickey in The Great Gatsby and more. Mixologist Ryan Prindle leads the interactive experience. $25, suggested donation. Register here.
Be My Love
Monday, Feb. 1, 1:30 p.m., Zoom with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
This love-themed program features operatic and musical theatre repertoire designed to evoke emotions of love – lost, found and unrequited. See a quartet of Chicago singers live from the Nineteenth Century Club third floor ballroom – Sarah Geocaris, soprano, Maia Surace, mezzo, John Concepcion, tenor, Michael Cavalieri, baritone, and Lisa Kristina, accompanist. $15, suggested donation; free, members. Register here.
Seed Starting
Thursday, Jan. 28, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Learn how to start vegetables indoors to transplant in spring – where to purchase seeds, how to set up for optimal growth, how to thin seedlings and ways to promote strong healthy plants. For ages 18+. Free. Register here.
Oak Park River Forest Trivia Night
Thursday, Jan. 28, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Virtually with The Historical Society of OPRF
Support Oak Park River Forest Museum, closed during the pandemic, while partaking in trivia questions, each having a connection to someone or something from Oak Park or River Forest. Put a team together (up to six players/devices), play on your own or ask to be put onto a team. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. $20; $15, members; $100, team of six. Register/more here.
Supported Storytime
Sunday, Jan. 31, 1 to 1:30 p.m. Zoom with the Oak Park Library
Enjoy books, songs, dancing and more – with winter and Valentine themes – in this storytime designed for children with disabilities ages 3 and up, with caregiver support. Classes are structured with visual schedules, emailed to families prior to class. Siblings welcome. If unable to attend, a video recording will be sent to registered families after class. Register here.
Grief Journaling Workshop
Sunday, Jan 31, 2 to 4 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
For those experiencing the loss of a loved one, you are invited to try journaling. Session begins with prompts followed by time to journal. At the end, there is time to share (optional). Resources for writing, grief, where to get help and more are provided. Feel free to attend any or all sessions. Next up: Feb. 28.
River Forest Public Library
Mondays, 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
Operating at limited capacity, the library is allowing browsing and material check outs, computer sessions, copying, printing and faxing. Safety protocols are in place. Patron visits should not exceed 30 minutes. More info here.
Oak Park Public Library – Lobby, Garage, Services
Mondays through Thursdays, 2 to 6 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, 2 to 6 p.m., Main Library
The lobby is open for Grab & Go service for returns and hold pickups. The parking garage is also open. In February, Oak Park library cardholders will be able to place SWAN holds, make Clio interlibrary loan and Home Delivery requests, use remote printing services and return materials anytime to external book drops. More here.
The Oak Park Conservatory
Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A maximum of 25 visitors with face coverings worn at all times while inside will be allowed. The conservatory offers flora and fauna throughout three indoor showrooms including a Mediterranean room, Tropical room and Desert room. Urban outdoor gardens surround the buildings, representing Illinois native ecosystems. Free, $5 suggested per person donations appreciated. More here.
