Writers' Open Mic Nights

Are you looking for a place to share your original work in front of a friendly audience? We will be offering three open mic nights for writers of all ages working in all forms and genres. Bob Boone, writer, teacher, editor, director of Young Chicago Authors program and founder of the Glencoe Study Center, will be the moderator and will invite occasional special guest readers. If you want to read your work, please email Bob in advance at ycagsc@aol.com so he can coordinate the evening’s roster. Everyone is welcome to participate by reading or just by being an appreciative audience for the many talented writers in our community. The dates of the open mic nights are Wednesday October 9, November 6 and December 11, all at 7:00 pm in our Hammond Room.

Now Available Online: Chicago Consumers' Checkbook

Looking to find a local service company to clean that fireplace, fix the roof or board your pup? We now have access to Chicago Consumers' Checkbook online! The Center for the Study of Services - the nonprofit consumer organization that publishes Chicago Consumers' Checkbook - has been helping to educate consumers since 1974. Chicago Consumers' Checkbook gathers reviews for local businesses from actual customers and provides ratings in various categories. It's a great place to start looking for a place to provide a service and all you need is your library card to access it!

Jedi Academy

Young Jedis are invited to the library on Saturday, September 28 to practice and perfect their Jedi skills through a variety of fun activities and stations. Whether you are a Padawan or a Jedi Master, you won’t want to miss this carnival-style, Star Wars-themed program. Children of all ages with parent or caregiver are invited to stop by anytime between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

POW! The History of Superheroes: A Film Presentation

Get ready for action as we marvel at the greatest superheroes and most sensational villains in movie history with POW! The History of Superheroes! On Tuesday, September 24 at 4:00 you will see the most exciting superhero scenes ever caught on film and learn fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia about legendary warriors such as Superman, Batman, and Spider-man, to the thrilling groups of the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men! This program is for children ages 8 and up.

Banned Books Week / Books on the Chopping Block

Every year a group of literary, educational and free speech organizations, including the American Library Association, celebrates the freedom to read with Banned Books Week. This year, Banned Books Week runs from September 22nd through the 28th and we'll help kick it off on Sunday the 22nd at 2:00 with the return of Books on the Chopping Block. City Lit Theater Company will return to the library to present a highly entertaining concert reading of excerpts from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2012. Since 2006, City Lit - a Chicago theater specializing in staged adaptations of literary material - has teamed up with the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom in honor of Banned Books Week. Its actors perform Books on the Chopping Block at special events, libraries, and bookstores in and around Chicago all week long. The performance runs 50 minutes and is followed by a discussion. While the program is intended for adults, children in approximately grade 6 and up are welcome to attend. For more information about Banned Books Week click here.

A Saturday in Glencoe in 1935

What was it like to be a ten-year-old in Glencoe in 1935? Find out on Sunday, September 15th at 2:00 as Roland Calhoun – longtime resident, local historian and entertaining storyteller – will treat our community to his recollections. Mr. Calhoun was the eighth of eight children, the grandson of Charles Browne (one of the 10 original Glencoe Company founders), and village president from 1968 to 1976.

Countdown to College

It can be hard to believe but college decisions are sneaking up on you! Sorting through and narrowing down college options can be a daunting process. On Thursday, September 12th at 7:30, Sandra Gilbert and Pat Cannon of Ravinia College Consultants will share their expertise and insights about figuring out where to apply, plus tips on what colleges are looking for. This program is for both parents and students - bring your questions!

Understanding Social Security

If you are retired or will be soon, it's essential to understand how Social Security works: when it makes sense to delay benefits, whether to "file and suspend," claiming now versus claiming more later, and minimizing taxation of benefits. Join adviser Les Goldstein of Personal Financial Strategies (and teacher of financial planning at Oakton Community College) on September 10th at 7:00pm for a lively discussion of these issues.

Get Involved With the Teen Advisory Board!

Join us as we develop a new Teen Advisory Board and grab a slice of pizza at the same time! On Wednesday, September 11th at 4:00 we’ll talk about things you’d like to see here at the library, including programs just for teens and ideas for book ordering. Sign up at the Readers’ Services desk by Monday, September 9, so we know how much pizza to order. The Teen Advisory Board is for 6th to 12th graders. Your opinion counts at the Glencoe library!