Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— While the weather outside may be bone-chilling, patrons can warm up by participating in the great activities the Park Forest Public Library has lined up in January.
Chess, Arts & Dancing
On Wednesday, January 14 and 21, the new Chess Club for adults and those older will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. The club is a social event for both new players and those who have been playing for years. This informal, self-instructed class is for those who enjoy friendly competition. In the future, the club will meet twice a month on designated Wednesdays. Registration for this event is necessary and opens on January 2.
The library offers its Art Café on one Saturday a month at noon. This month’s café is on January 10 and features diamond painting, a process in which you stick gemstones onto an adhesive canvas to create a picture. Join others in this project while enjoying coffee and snacks in the Library Commons. Registration is necessary and is open.
The Latin Dance series continues at the library on Tuesday, January 28, at 5:30 p.m. This month, instructor Danny Deleon of Dance Develope will introduce participants to the bachata, a sensual dance originating in the Dominican Republic. All levels of experience are welcome, and bringing a partner is not necessary. Registration for this event is helpful to those planning.
Health and Self-Development
As always, the library offers a wide variety of events focused on self-development and healthy living.
On Tuesday, January 20, at 11 a.m., “Basic Self-Defense 101: Awareness, Confidence & Safety” is led by Brian Thompson of BNew4Life. The class will cover situational awareness to help recognize and avoid threats before they happen. It will also teach participants ways to de-escalate and escape potentially dangerous situations. Space for this event is limited. Registration is necessary and opens on January 2.
Ericka Glorious Moore will present “Dream Big – Let Go. Grow. Succeed” for adults on Tuesday, January 8, at 5:30 p.m. Moore will discuss simple steps to allow participants to heal from past issues, dream big, and reach their goals. Registration for this event is helpful for those planning.
“Eat What You Love, Lose What You Don’t” with Arlene Santiago will be on Monday, January 26, at 11:30 a.m. The session will help participants learn to enjoy food while still losing weight without dieting, deprivation, or guilt. Learn tips for achieving lasting weight loss and for building healthy habits and making healthy choices. Registration for this event opens on January 12.
A Virtual Event with Author Jonathon Eig
The Illinois Libraries Present virtual series returns on January 13 at 7 p.m. with author Jonathon Eig. The author of six books, Eig will discuss his most recent work, “King: A Life,” an intimate portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book is the first to include information from recently declassified FBI files on the civil rights icon.
Registrants will be sent a Zoom link to the broadcast.
Events for Kids and Teens
Every Friday, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., children five and under can join Miss Candy for Story Tots, an interactive storytelling session.
Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon, in the library’s Kids’ Zone, children five and under can participate in a special art program, “Artsy Tots,” designed just for them. Registration for this event is required. Contact the Kids’ Zone at (708) 748-3731, extension 234, for more information.
Teens are not left out of the fun. They can participate in the Technicolor Teen Coloring Circle every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. All supplies are provided in this event, which lets teens display their creativity.
Library Hours and Information
Additional details and registration links for all January events are on the library’s monthly water bill insert, shown below, and on the library’s website. Information on the remaining December events is here.
The library at 400 Lakewood Boulevard is open for all services from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The library will be closed on Thursday, January 1, for New Year’s Day. It will also be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
