Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— Spring is here, and the Park Forest Public Library has a wide range of events scheduled in April, including two kids’ giveaways, craft and gardening sessions, movies, and two virtual events.
African American Music through History
On Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m., join Clarence Goodman for “An Unfinished Journey: African American Music in Its Pivotal Decades.” Participants gain insight into African American music and its place in history. Registration for this event is encouraged.
Introduction to Fishing
Adults and seniors interested in learning basic fishing techniques, about fish found in our area, and exploring local fishing opportunities can find the answers on Thursday, April 2, at 11:30 a.m. Frank Sladek from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to provide information and assistance. Registration for this event is now open.
Container Gardening Discussion
Representatives from the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be at the library on Saturday, April 25, at 1:00 p.m. for a discussion and demonstration of container gardening. Learn planting techniques that work for houses, condominiums, and apartments. Registration for this event starts on April 18.
National Scrabble Day
Celebrate National Scrabble Day at the library on Monday, April 13, from 12 to 2 p.m. The popular word game, invented in 1931, has millions of players worldwide. Join beginners or experienced players for an afternoon of fun and socialization. Registration opens on April 6.
“From Book to Movie” Matinee
The bi-monthly “From Book to Movie” series returns in April with a showing of “The Housemaid,” a 2025 film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Based on the book of the same name by Freida McFadden, the film follows Millie Calloway, the live-in maid for a wealthy family with dark secrets.
The film will be shown on Monday, April 20, at 12 p.m. Registration opens on April 13.
Events for Teens and Kids
The library has two kids’ giveaway events scheduled for April.
Beginning on Monday, April 6, while supplies last, the library recognizes Autism Awareness Month. Kids can pick up a gift that celebrates understanding, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals.
April is also Poetry Month, and kids can stop by the library for a free poetry book. The giveaway starts on Wednesday, April 1, at 10 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22. Teens and kids are invited to the library starting at 10 a.m. to make an Earth Day-themed craft while learning how to care for our planet. No registration is required.
On Tuesday, April 7, from 1 to 2 p.m., teens and kids (ages 10-16) are invited to attend a “Financial Literacy Workshop for Kids & Teens.” The session focuses on the basics of money, including budgeting, saving, smart spending, and goal setting.
Registration for this event is necessary.
Teen Movie Night
The 2024 film, “Piece by Piece,” will show at the library on Monday, April 6, at 5 p.m. The animated film follows the life and career of musician Pharrell Williams. The PG-rated film has a voice cast of many current stars, including Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, and Busta Rhymes. Registration is encouraged.
Two Virtual Events
The first of two virtual events occurs on April 16 at 5:30 p.m., when historian Cheryl Brown discusses many of Chicagoland’s historic amusement parks, including Santa’s Village, Riverview, and Kiddieland. Instructions for accessing the Zoom presentation are available on the library calendar of events website.
The second virtual event is courtesy of Illinois Libraries Presents and features author Cristina Henríquez, who discusses her most recent book, “The Great Divide.” The book explores the people who lived, loved, and labored during the construction of the Panama Canal. The discussion will be on April 16 at 7 p.m.
Registration is necessary for this event. Participants receive instructions via email to access the Zoom session.
Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV
Representatives of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Mobile Driver Services will be at the library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Assistance will be available for renewing driver’s licenses, obtaining Real IDs, and purchasing license plate stickers. Attendees can also register to be organ or tissue donors and to vote.
Participants must schedule an appointment in advance by contacting Katherine Goosby at (708) 748-3731, ext. 223.
Library Hours and Information
Additional details and registration links for all April events are on the library’s monthly water bill insert, shown below, and on the library’s website. Information on the remaining March events is here.
The library at 400 Lakewood Boulevard is open for all services from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
