New Lenox Library Guide: Winter 2022–2023

Meet The Studio Winter Reading for All Ages Spice Club Sensory

Library programs are subject to change based on COVID-19 safety requirements. This Guide may be outdated by the time of the program. Please check the online calendar or ask staff for up-to-date information.

Lobby renovations are underway. Noise may affect your experience of the library. Events and access may be affected. Stay updated by signing up for eNews, following us on social media, or talking to staff.

Pop-Up Programs & Challenges

While we plan most of our programs months in advance, programs might pop up as a surprise! Stay up to date by signing up for eNews, downloading the Beanstack app, or following us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Phase 1 of Lobby renovations shaping up

Meet The Studio.

If you like the Digital Media Lab, you’ll love The Studio!

With a DML in the back, and an open workshop up front, we hope New Lenox Library will be an inviting place for adults, teens, and tweens (and kids with their caregivers) to work on your favorite projects and make new community connections.

Along with current equipment, we’ll be adding worktables, public storage lockers for bigger projects, and a sink and tablecloths for messier projects. Though the space is operated by the Creative Services department, your favorite staff members from all departments will host fun events in The Studio! We’re hoping to include many kinds of art, 3D printing, coding, cosplay, sewing, craft swaps, maker meetups, community charity projects and more.

When Phase 1 of the renovation is ready for us, Creative Services staff Sam and Ashley will move the current Digital Media Lab downstairs and begin organizing the new space. Though it won’t be open right away, you’ll see us setting up, designing the new look, and learning new skills so we can pass them on to you.

The Studio is estimated to open in the first quarter of 2023. It’s been years of hoping, planning, and construction. We can’t wait to share the final results and build our maker community with you!

Staff Picks with Adult & Teen Services

Find it in the Library

Find it in Libby/Overdrive

Find it in Hoopla

Find it in Axis360

Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman. Ghosts, grief, god complexes: With propulsive momentum, bone-chilling scares, and dark meditations on the weight of history, this Southern horror will make you think twice about opening doors to the unknown.

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill. Boston Public Library is quiet— until the tranquility is shattered by a woman’s terrified scream. Forced to stay put until the threat is contained, four strangers talk to pass the time. Each has their own reasons for being in the reading room that morning—it just happens that one is a murderer.

Live Wire by Kelly Ripa. As a professional, as a wife, as a daughter, and as a mother, Ripa brings a hardearned wisdom and an eye for the absurdity of life to every minute of every day. Surprising, at times savage, a little shameless, and always with humor.

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. An epic adventure about a female athlete perhaps past her prime, brought back to the tennis court for one last grand slam.

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. When Zoey claims her deceased mother’s apartment at The Dellawisp, she meets her neighbors: a girl on the run, a grieving chef whose comfort food does not comfort him, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and three ghosts. Each with their own story. Each with their own longings. Each whose ending isn’t yet written.

A Portrait of the Scientist As a Young Woman: A Memoir by Lindy ElkinsTanton. From one of the world’s leading planetary scientists, a luminous memoir of exploration on Earth, in space, and within oneself—equal parts ode to the beauty of science, meditation on loss, and roadmap for personal resilience.

Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds. A 16-year-old girl is on a mission to find the perfect boyfriend this Hanukkah, but love might not go according to plan. Amidst a whirl of snowy adventures, hot chocolate, and candlelight, Shira must learn to trust her heart. Will her plans really make her happy?

Bloodmarked (The Legendborn Cycle) by Tracy Deonn. All Bree wanted was to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death. So she infiltrated a secret society descended from King Arthur’s knights—only to discover her own ancestral power. Now, Bree has become someone new.

Cursed by Marissa Meyer. Can Serilda find a way to use her gifts for good― once and for all? Can Serilda and Gild break the spells that tether their spirits to the castle before they’re truly cursed? A stunning finale to the Rumpelstilskin-inspired fairy tale.

Audiobooks with Annette

Young Adult with Melissa

Fiction with Monica & Juliana

Bad Fruit by Ella King. Beautiful and shocking, as compulsive as it is thoughtprovoking, as nuanced as it is explosive. A masterful exploration of mothers and daughters, inherited trauma and the race to break its devastating cycle.

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz. When Cara loses her job, she is forced back into the job market for the first time in decades. Set up with a job counselor, Cara instead narrates the story of her life. Angie Cruz’s most ambitious and moving novel yet, and Cara is a heroine for the ages.

Trust by Hernan Diaz. At what cost have the Rasks acquired their immense fortune? This is the mystery at the center of Bonds, a successful 1937 novel that all of New York seems to have read. Yet there are other versions of this tale of privilege and deceit. An unparalleled novel about money, power, intimacy, and perception.

Non-Fiction with Monica & Juliana

Woman Without Shame: Poems by Sandra Cisneros. Bluntly honest and often humorous meditations on memory, desire, and the essential nature of love blaze a path toward self-awareness.

Everything is OK by Debbie Tung. Tung’s struggle with anxiety and her experience with depression: what it’s like navigating life, overthinking every possible worst-case scenario, and constantly feeling like all hope is lost.

It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror by Joe Vallese. Horror movies hold a complicated space in the hearts of the queer community. From Carmen Maria Machado on Jennifer’s Body, Jude Ellison S. Doyle on In My Skin, Addie Tsai on Dead Ringers, and many more, these conversations convey the rich reciprocity between queerness and horror.

Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower. With no other family and nowhere else to turn, household help Willa tells her employer Emily Dickinson about her brother’s death—and why she believes it was no accident.

Flight by Lynn Steger Strong. The first Christmas three siblings are without their mother. Over the course of the next three days, old resentments and instabilities arise as the siblings attempt to perform familiar rituals, while also trying to decide what to do with their mother’s house. As tensions rise, the group is forced to come together when a local mother and daughter need help.

Endless Summer: Stories by Elin Hilderbrand. Hilderbrand revisits her most treasured and iconic characters. Collected in a single volume for the first time, stories range from fan favorites to never-before-seen works.

Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage by Nathalia Holt. The never-before-told story of female spies in the precarious early days of the CIA—women who helped create the template for cutting-edge espionage (and blazed new paths for equality in the workplace).

A History of the World Through Body Parts: The Stories Behind the Organs, Appendages, Digits, and the Like Attached to (or Detached from) Famous Bodies by Kathy and Ross Petras. From famous craniums to ancient spleens and bound feet, this book will bring history to life in a whole new way.

Sewing Love: Handmade Clothes for Any Body by Sanae Ishida. Draft patterns and sew clothes that fit your unique body! Sewing is an act of radical kindness and self-care. Learning to sew for yourself enables you to make exactly the kinds of clothes you want.

Review to Win Winter Challenge for

Monday, December 5–Sunday,

January 29 Adults & Teens

How to Submit Your Reviews

Submit a brief review of a book, graphic novel, album or movie to be entered into the prize drawing.

The more you review, the more chances you have to win! Prizes available for Teens (7th–12th Grade) and Adults (18 and up).

At the Library

Pick up a form at the Adult & Teen Services Desk upstairs

On the Website

Submit a review form at newlenoxlibrary.org/reviewtowin

On the Beanstack app

All reviews posted for ages 13+ on the Beanstack app from December 5 to January 29 are automatically entered!

Winter Reading Virtual Sticker Board

All Ages

•

Starts Thursday, December 1 • Online

Join in on this community art project as we color by number to reveal a secret image! This virtual sticker board will be available starting December 1. Go to https:// letstick.to/session/FtFeRg8y0cQ6f3eJ9zZe06sU or scan the QR code to access.

The board will remain available until the board is completed. Place up to 25 stickers per day! Be sure to check back as the image reveals itself.

Winter Reading Club

Monday, December 5–Sunday, January 29

Ages 1–13

Plunge into polar fun this winter with narwhals and Arctic pals! The Winter Reading Club goes from Monday, December 5 until Saturday, January 29. The little narwhals went on a swimming adventure, and they need to get back to their family pod. Follow the snowflake path and color in one snowflake for every 15 minutes that is read.

Once kids get the narwhals home by reading 4 hours, they will receive a prize bag, a virtual raffle entry for a chance to win free tickets to a Chicago Wolves ice hockey game, and a virtual entry into our weekly raffles. Bonus logs are available for you to earn extra raffle entries. Pick up your reading log starting December 5!

Pick up your Gingerbread Friend coloring sheet at the Youth Services Desk for all of the contest details. Decorate your friend between November 28 and December 16. Voting will take place from December 17 to December 22.

Participants (winners) must be local and able to pick up their prize bags from the library.

Storytimes at the Library

Mondays

Movers & Shakers

Ages 6–23 months with a caregiver 10:30–11 am

Storytime Room

Books, songs, rhymes, and bounces for on-the-move babies with a caregiver. Siblings are welcome.

date registration starts Dec. 5 Registration starts Nov. 28 Dec. 12 Registration starts Dec. 5 Jan. 30 Registration starts Jan. 23 Feb. 6 Registration starts Jan. 30 Feb. 13 Registration starts Feb. 6 Feb. 27 Registration starts Feb. 20

Tuesdays

Wacky Rascals

Ages 4-6 10:30–11 am

Storytime Room

Get wacky with songs and silly stories, then wrap it all up with some creative mischief. Dress for mess.

date registration starts Dec. 6 Registration starts Nov. 29 Dec. 13 Registration starts Dec. 6 Jan. 31 Registration starts Jan. 24 Feb. 7 Registration starts Jan. 31 Feb. 14 Registration starts Feb. 7 Feb. 21 Registration starts Feb. 14 Feb. 28 Registration starts Feb. 21

Tuesdays, con’t.

Pajama Time

Ages 3–8 with a caregiver 7–7:30 pm

Storytime Room

Throw on your jammies for a family slumber party! Grab your favorite stuffed animal and cuddle up for bedtime stories and a simple craft. No children younger than age 3, please.

date registration starts Dec. 6 Registration starts Nov. 29 Dec. 13 Registration starts Dec. 6 Jan. 31 Registration starts Jan. 24 Feb. 7 Registration starts Jan. 31

Feb. 14 Registration starts Feb. 7 Feb. 21 Registration starts Feb. 14 Feb. 28 Registration starts Feb. 21

Wednesdays

Music Makers

Ages 0–6 years with a caregiver 10:30–11 am

Storytime Room

Listen to stories and explore music while we dance around and sing songs.

date registration starts Dec. 7 Registration starts Nov. 30 Dec. 14 Registration starts Dec. 7 Feb. 1 Registration starts Jan. 25 Feb. 8 Registration starts Feb. 1 Feb. 15 Registration starts Feb. 8 Feb. 22 Registration starts Feb. 15

Registration is required for all storytimes.

Thursdays

Wee Readers Ages 2–3 years with a caregiver 10:30–11 am

Storytime Room

Get ready for super stories, spectacular songs, and silly rhymes.

date registration starts Dec. 8 Registration starts Dec. 1 Dec. 15 Registration starts Dec. 8 Feb. 2 Registration starts Jan. 26 Feb. 9 Registration starts Feb. 2 Feb. 16 Registration starts Feb. 9 Feb. 23 Registration starts Feb. 16

Saturdays

Mother Goose Tales

Ages 0–36 months with a caregiver 10:30–11 am

Storytime Room

Spend the morning with Mother Goose and her gosling. Curl up for classic rhymes, songs, stories, and puppet-time.

date registration starts Dec. 10 Registration starts Nov. 26 Feb. 18 Registration starts Feb. 4

Sensory Storytime Ages 2-6

Mondays, 4–4:45 pm

Storytime Room

Sensory Storytime combines traditional storytime elements with sensory components to enhance experience. Some features of our sensorysensitive storytime may include smaller crowds, low lighting and sounds, as well as interactive components such as visual schedules. Sensory Storytime is presented by Key Autism Services.

date registration starts Dec. 12 Registration starts Dec. 5 Jan. 9 Registration starts Jan. 2 Feb. 13 Registration starts Feb. 6

Kids Programs at the Library

Winter Activities

Winter Wonderland

All Ages

December 5–January 29

Youth Services Makerspace

Make every day feel like a fun snow day by warming up at the library with wintry crafts, coloring pages, and activities to help you ‘chill out’ and not get cabin fever.

Winter Craft Grab & Go Ages 3–10

Youth Services Desk

Drop by the Youth Services desk or call to reserve a different winter-themed craft every Monday starting at 10 am. Everything you need is contained in the craft kit. Crafts are available while supplies last and are usually claimed within two hours. Crafts must be picked up by 8 pm on the day they are available.

• January 2

Foam Winter Hat Craft

• January 9

Hot Cocoa Magnetic Picture Frame

• January 16

Penguin Doorknob Hanger

• January 23

Standing Tabletop Snowman

Mondays

Mad Scientist Lab

1st–4th Grade 4:30–5:15 pm

Storytime Room

Do you love hands-on activities? Join us to make all kinds of cool predictions and do exciting (and sometimes messy) experiments.

December 26: Snow Volcano

Registration starts December 12

January 23: Create-A-Cloud

Registration starts January 9

February 27: Dancing Hearts Registration starts February 13 Tuesdays

Geek Out! 4th–8th Grade 6–6:45 pm Storytime Room Geek out over graphic novels, talk about this month’s book, have a snack, and make geeked out art. Pick up books at the Patron Services desk.

December 20

Doodleville by Chad Sell

Registration starts November 29

January 24

Jukebox by Nidhi Chanani

Registration starts December 20

Wednesdays & Thursdays

Art Attack!

4th–8th Grade Wednesdays, 6–6:45 pm Storytime Room

Your imagination mixes with art in this art program just for tweens.

December 7: Foam Gingerbread House Registration starts November 23

January 4: Winter Bookmarks

Registration starts December 21

February 1: Valentine Heart Buddies

Registration starts January 18 Biography Bunch! Ages 6–10 4:30–5:15 pm, Storytime Room

Join us for a story and fun activity as we embark on a journey of discovery to uncover the lives of some of the most fascinating people in history.

Thursday, December 22: Mabel Fairbanks & Her Spectacular Skates Registration starts December 8

Wednesday, January 25: Helen Frankenthaler & Her Colorful World Dress for mess! Registration starts January 11

Wednesday, February 15: The Switzer Brothers & Their Glowing Discovery Registration starts February 1

LEGO Club

1st–5th Grade Thursdays, 5–5:30 pm, Storytime Room

We supply the bricks and you bring your imagination!

date registration starts Dec. 29 Registration starts Dec. 15 Jan. 26 Registration starts Jan. 12 Feb. 23 Registration starts Feb. 9

New Lenox Public Library • 120 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, Illinois 60451 • 815-485-2605

Kids Programs, cont.

Fridays Wild Explorers

4th–8th Grade 4:30–5:15 pm

Outdoor Naturescape at the Library

Get hands-on and explore the world of nature. Learn fun facts and discover something new about the natural world that will make you wild about the great outdoors.

December 16: Microscopes

Registration starts December 2

January 20: Geology, Fossils, Minerals, Oh My!

Registration starts January 6

February 17: Bugs Up Close

Registration starts February 3

Kids DIY Video Programs

All Ages

TinkerCAD 3D Printing Challenge Kids, Teens & Adults (4th Grade & Up) Video posted on YouTube & Facebook at 10 am on the first day of the month

Create your Challenge design in TinkerCAD, then submit it to the Library for a free print in the color of your choice!

Challenges are online, on-demand and at your own pace. Videos are posted at 10 am on the first day of the month. Our YouTube channel has a playlist with all of our TinkerCAD Challenges.

Registration is required to access the TinkerCAD classroom. Registration for each Challenge opens at the first of the month.

TinkerCAD CHALLENGE

December: Create an Ornament with Codeblocks

Challenge runs December 1–31

January: Design a Puzzle Challenge runs January 1–31

February: Make a Badge with Codeblocks Challenge runs February 1–28

DIY bags with supplies for DIY video programs can be picked up at the Youth Services desk. Registrants will be emailed when bags are ready.

Mondays Art Club

1st–4th Grade Video posted on YouTube & Facebook at 4:30 pm

Create some awesome art with a step-bystep video to help you create a masterpiece. Registration required for art supply bag.

December 19: Holiday Mosaic Art

Registration starts December 5

January 16: Magic Snowflake Art

Registration starts January 2

February 20: Yarn Art

Registration starts February 6

Registration is required only if you need a supply bag. Videos are posted on YouTube and our website and can be viewed by everyone.

Wednesdays

Cooking with Kyra Ages 4–10

Requires caregiver supervision Video posted on YouTube & Facebook at 4:30 pm

Hear a story and follow along with Ms. Kyra’s video to make a simple snack. Registration required for ingredient supply bag.

December 14: Brownie in a Mug

Registration starts December 7 Bags must be picked up by 6 pm on December 16

January 11: Baked Donuts

Registration starts January 4 Bags must be picked up by 6 pm on January 13

February 8: Valentine Pizza

Registration starts February 1 Bags must be picked up by 6 pm on February 10

New Lenox Public Library

Teen Programs

Volunteen Holiday Cards

7th–12th Grade November 21–December 12 Adult & Teen Services Desk

‘Tis the season to make spirits bright. Pick up a kit to make holiday cards for the residents of our local nursing homes, or use materials from home. This is an opportunity to earn service hours. Please see our website for more information about Virtual Volunteering for Teens at newlenoxlibrary.org/ volunteens. Registration not required.

Countdown to the Holidays

Presented by Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 7th–12th Grade December 1–23

Adult & Teen Services Desk

Each day in December, you could earn a treat from our Countdown to the Holidays Tree! Winners will be chosen randomly each day, so the more you come to the Library, the more chances you have to win! Tree created courtesy of Teen Advisory Group (TAG).

Cosplay & Costume Club

7th–12th Grade

Saturday, December 3 Saturday, January 7 Saturday, February 4 12:30–3:30 pm

Digital Media Lab or The Studio

Work on projects and hang out with like-minded peers! Experienced makers may teach a short skill to start, then host an open lab to work on projects. Bring a project with, or create one out of the materials we have here. You’re welcome to dress up!

Meet upstairs while the Digital Media Lab is still open, and at The Studio downstairs when it opens. Registration starts a month ahead of each meeting.

Teen Holiday Movie Party 7th–12th Grade Friday, December 9, 7–9 pm Teen Scene

Winter is nearly upon us. It’s time to relax after-hours at the Library. Come watch a holiday movie and cozy up with some hot cocoa at the Library. Registration starts Nov. 9. Permission slip must be signed to attend.

Finals Study Blitz 9th–12th Grade

Monday, December 19, 2–8 pm Tuesday, December 20, 2–8 pm Teen Scene & ATS Services Desk

Knock out your finals prep at the Library! We will have snacks, de-stress activities, and don’t forget to pick up your care package (while supplies last!). Some sweet canine visitors from Love on a Leash will be visiting the Library between 5–6 pm on both days! When you’re ready to get back to it, study rooms available on a first come, first serve basis. Registration not required.

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 7th–12th Grade

Friday, January 20, 4–5 pm Friday, February 17, 4–5 pm Teen Scene

Join us for our monthly Teen Advisory Group meeting after our Winter Break. Come prepared to discuss programming ideas, your favorite reads, video

Teen-Only Book Club

Currently Reading

Presented by Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

7th–12th Grade Thursday, January 26, 6–7 pm Thursday, February 16, 6–7 pm Teen Scene

After Hours Laser Tag

tag

teen advisory group

gaming, and more. Earn service hours and make a difference in your Library community! Contact Teen Services Specialist Melissa Leggero at mleggero@newlenoxlibrary.org for more information or to sign up. Registration required.

7th–12th Grade Friday, January 27, 7–8:30 pm Adult & Teen Services Desk

Join us for an evening of laser tag! What could be more fun than running around in the Library after hours, in the dark, with no one telling you to be quiet? In fact, we want you to get loud! Snacks and water will be provided. Permission slips must be signed to attend. Registration starts Dec. 27.

Pringles for Singles

Presented by Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 7th–12th Grade Friday, February 10, 4–5 pm Teen Scene

Don’t have a Valentine this year? No problem! We will be celebrating all you singles with a Singles Pringles party! Join us for a not-so-romantic Valentine’s Day celebration where we will eat Pringles and write low-romance Valentine’s cards! Registration not required.

Looking for a fun, informal, place to discuss what you’re currently reading or listening to? Join this teen-led group where we talk about books, share ideas, and get inspiration for new reads. We also eat snacks and play games!

New Lenox Public Library • 120 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, Illinois 60451 • 815-485-2605

Adult & Teen Community Groups

Fiber Arts Club

Community-Led Group

Adults & Teens

Thursdays, 6–7:30 pm: December 1 & 15; January 5 & 19; February 2 & 16

Digital Media Lab Programming Area (subject to change pending renovations)

Bring your projects and hang out with other knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and other fiber artists in a relaxed social gathering. Registration not required. Beginners welcome!

Adult & Teen Book Clubs

Last Meeting! Horror Club

Adults & Teens

Wednesday, December 21, 6–7 pm

Live Discussion on Zoom

Do you like being scared? Join us as we discuss a selected horror film or book. Horror aficionados and newcomers are welcome! All media discussed will be available on Hoopla.

December is Psycho by Robert Bloch. Registration starts November 21.

New! Page to Screen Book Club

Adults & Teens

Wednesday, February 15, 6–7 pm

Live Discussion on Zoom

Join us every other month as we discuss books with recent or upcoming adaptations for the big and small screen. This new virtual book club will feature a variety of fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novel titles.

February is The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay. Registration starts January 15.

New Life for Old Bags

Community-Led Group

Adults & Teens

Monday, January 23 Monday, February 27 6–7:30 pm

Digital Media Lab Programming Area (subject to change pending renovations)

Join the local NLOB chapter as we make mats for the homeless from plastic grocery bags. We have plenty of plarn ready to crochet into mats.

Adult & Teen Programs

Winter

Floral Hoops

Adults & Teens

Monday, January 23

Adult & Teen Services Desk

Grab a kit to create this simple winter hoop in just a few minutes. This elegant seasonal decor is sure to brighten up any space. Hot glue guns and glue not included.

Take & Makes will be ready for pick up starting at 4 pm on Monday evening, while supplies last.

Train Your Dog Month

Adults & Teens

Tuesday, January 24, 6:30–7:30 pm Virtual Program on Zoom

January is National

Train Your Dog Month! Join Heather Tannura from All About the K-9 as she discusses responsible pet ownership, safety around animals and proper approach techniques. Registration starts December 23.

This is a great opportunity for teens in 7th–12th Grade needing community service hours! No court-ordered community service accepted. Plarn and crochet hooks are available.

If you are bringing your own supplies, size 10 hooks are recommended. If you are interested in bringing a group, it is required you contact the Library, who will connect you with the community group leader. Registration encouraged. No meeting in December.

Mystery Bag Art Challenge

Adults & Teens

January 30–February 28 Adult & Teen Services Desk

Grab a bag filled with mystery supplies, and create your own masterpiece. Use at least 3 items from the provided bag somewhere in your piece—you can even use the bag itself! Make a sculpture, collage, painting, photograph, the only limit is your imagination.

Take a picture of your completed piece on a white or neutral background and send it to kcunningham@ newlenoxlibrary.org by Thursday, February 28 along with your name, title of your artwork, and a brief description of which items you used as well as how you incorporated them. Only submitted photographs, no original art pieces, will be accepted. If you need assistance with submitting your photo, please come into the library.

Gallery photos will be available to view online and in the library during the Spring. Prizes will be awarded for Teen category (7th-12th Grade) and Adult category submissions.

One bag per person, one submission per person. Registration not required.

Adult & Teen Programs

New! Spice Club Adults & Teens

Kits available starting Monday, February 6 Video posted Saturday, February 4 at 5 pm Kits at Adult & Teen Services Desk while supplies last

Variety is the spice of life, so let’s try out a variety of spices! Every other month we will feature a different spice. Kits each include a sample of that month’s spice, recipes, cookbook recommendations, as well as some history and cultural context. Kelli Jean will kick things off this month with a short cooking demonstration video. Watch on-demand beginning Saturday, February 4 at 5 pm on Facebook, YouTube, or our website.

February’s spice is Ground Ancho Chile Pepper. Spice kits will be available starting at 4 pm on Monday, February 6 while supplies last. If you’re not able to get a kit, please still enjoy the video!

Book Clubs for Adults

Fiction Book Club

Community-Led Group Adults

Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 pm

Adult & Teen Services Study Room 4

This member-run book club meets the second Wednesday of every month and reads a variety of titles. Come discuss, share and enjoy the experience of reading with a group! Call to reserve a copy of the book, or stop by Patron Services to pick up a copy. Registration encouraged. Due to construction, inperson space is limited.

Mystery Book Club

Community-Led Group Adults

Tuesdays from 1:30–2:30 pm

Adult & Teen Services Study Room 3

Join our long-running book club as they discuss a different mystery each month! Stop at the Patron Services desk to pick up a copy of the book at any time. Registration encouraged. Due to ongoing construction, in-person space is limited.

December 20

Bryant & May: Hall of Mirrors

Christopher Fowler

January 17

The ABC Murders Agatha Christie February 21 Palm Beach Nasty Tom Turner

Trivia Night

Adults & Teens (9th Grade & Up)

Thursday, January 12, 6–8 pm Beggars Pizza 650 Maple St., New Lenox, IL

Looking for something to do on a Thursday night? Look no more! Join us for a brain-busting evening at Beggars Pizza in New Lenox.

Enjoy pizza and drinks and answer questions on a multitude of topics. Form a powerhouse team or play by yourself for prizes!

Tables can accommodate teams of up to 6 players. Groups larger than 6 may need to split.

Registration starts December 19.

Mobile Workforce Center

Adults & Teens

Tuesday, Feb. 28 (subject to change) 9:30 am–12 pm & 1–3:30 pm Library Parking Lot

The Mobile Workforce Center offers a variety of services for job seekers, including computers with internet access for online applications and job searches, the ability to create/ revise a resume, and an online job board with listings from Will County businesses.

A Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach will be available to assist you with any job-seeking questions you may have.

The bus will be located in the parking lot of the library. Resources will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration not required.

Adult Programs

Creativity & Making

Photo Cards with Canva Adults

Friday, December 2

Video posted at 7 pm

Learn to create a festive photocard using free Canva software. Create your own design or select a template for beautiful digital ecards or print cards. Bring your design into the library and get a one-sided 4x6 glossy photo print for free! Prints by appointment only. Contact the Digital Media Lab to schedule an appointment.

Videos are posted on YouTube and our website and can be viewed by everyone. Registration not required.

Comfort & Joy Kits Adults

Kits available starting Monday, December 5 at 4 pm

Adult & Teen Services Desk

Keep away the winter blues with a Comfort & Joy kit! Includes supplies to make a beautiful holiday corner bookmark and plenty of cozy treats to bring you comfort and joy as the weather gets cold. While supplies last.

Drop In DIY: Gift Tags

Adults

Tuesday, December 6, 6–7:45pm

Digital Media Lab Programming Area

Tis the season for giving. Join us for some after-work “crafter”-work as we make some gift tags! Materials and examples will be provided. Stop by, make a gift tag, and socialize for a while. In a hurry? Feel free to grab some materials and go on your very merry way! Registration starts November 6.

Writers, We Community-Led Group Adults

Wednesdays: December 7 & 21; January 4 & 18; February 1 & 15 6–7:45 pm Hybrid: Zoom and Adult & Teen Services Study Room 4

Join local writers to discuss and workshop your writing. The group welcomes those new to the art as well as those with experience. Bring your haunting horror, sappy romance, blood-pumping action, children’s lit, shining sci-fi, poetic pathos—all genres are welcome.

Writers, We (The New Lenox Writers’ Group) publishes an annual anthology of their themed submissions through Amazon.

Due to ongoing construction, in-person space is limited. Please contact Dawn at writerswe@use.startmail.com for the link to join the meeting on Zoom. Registration required.

Crafting with the Cameo Adults

Digital Media Lab or The Studio

The Library’s Silhouette Cameo cutter makes paper, vinyl, and heat transfer crafts. Pick up your craft kits upstairs while the Digital Media Lab is still open, or at The Studio downstairs when it opens. (Thank you for your flexibility!)

All Cameo craft kits are while supplies last, no registration required.

December 13–16: Embroidery Hoop Ornament

Make an ornament from an embroidery hoop, fabric, and heat transfer vinyl.

January 10–13: Mason Jar Luminaries

Paper cutouts and tissue paper create a beautiful winter scene!

February 6–10: Valentines Create a beautiful paper card craft for that special Valentine.

Dry Erase Door Hangers

Adults

& Teens

Kit pickup starts Tuesday, February 21 Adult & Teen Services Desk

Make your own memo board sign to hang on your doorknob with this craft kit. Perfect for working from home, university dorm doors, and more! Includes all materials to get started jotting notes right away! Kits will be ready for pick up starting at 4 pm Tuesday evening. Registration not required. Available while supplies last.

Adult Programs

Life Skills

Conversation & Literacy Club Adults

Wednesdays, 5–6 pm

Adult & Teen Services Study Room 3

Improve your English skills in a fun and supportive environment. Develop your listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar skills at the library. All levels welcome. Registration recommended.

Financial Planning for the Future

Adults

Tuesday, January 17, 6–7 pm Virtual Program on Zoom

Who knows what the new year has in store! Start preparing yourself financially for whatever comes your way. Join experts from Casey Wealth Management as they discuss the fiscal implications of a volatile stock market, handling unexpected medical costs, beneficiary readiness and more during this educational webinar. Registration starts December 17.

Mixology Class

Adults

Wednesday, January 25, 6–7 pm

Virtual Program on Zoom

Learn how to make cocktails at home with bartender and mixologist Chris Bruder as he demonstrates winter cocktail recipes. Registrants will receive a recommended supply list before the class and follow-up slides with recipes after the class. Registration starts December 23.

Cutting TV Costs

Adults

Tuesday, January 31, 6–7 pm

Virtual Program on Zoom

Are you paying too much for your TV service? Are you considering ditching cable? Want to learn more about what is out there? Join us for a webinar brought to you by Citizens Utility Board designed to save you money. Discuss the different choices in the TV market today, different ways to cut your cable costs, and take a look at the many streaming services available to consumers in 2023. Registration starts December 31.

History & Genealogy

Genealogy Club 2022 Wrap-Up Session

Adults

Tuesday, December 13, 6–7:45 pm

Virtual Program on Zoom

Join us for an open discussion of your genealogical finds and new discoveries in the past year! Reflect on a year of Genealogy Club as we celebrate the past and plan for the future. Registration starts November 13.

Genealogical Research at Will County Historical Museum & Research Center Presented by Genealogy Club Adults

Tuesday, January 10, 6–7:45 pm Virtual Program on Zoom

Find great resources for your family history here in Will County! Join Sandy Vasko, as she presents on types of genealogical resources available at the Will County Historical Museum & Research center, how you can access them and how to use them to research your family history. Registration starts December 10.

Beginning Italian Genealogy Presented by Genealogy Club Adults

Tuesday, February 14, 6–7:45pm

Virtual Program on Zoom

Introducing a new activity book designed just for adults! The Leisurely Librarian features puzzles, reading recommendations, recipes, games and more in large print. Packets will be available on the second floor on the Programs Display and the Senior Information Table during their edition months.

Learn how to figure out your Italian town(s) of origin and get started with records from Italy on familysearch.org. Get additional tips from expert Daniel Niemiec on deciphering these records and methods for building an ancestor tree using marriage records. Registration starts January 14.

New Lenox Public Library • 120 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, Illinois 60451 • 815-485-2605