April 19, 2024
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Head to your local library this weekend for plenty of free, fun activities

Will County Inside/Outside Guide offers suggestions for enjoying your weekend

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

Looking for some free, fun activities this weekend? Check out your local library. Above, a patron of the Plainfield Public Library looks through shelves of books at the Plainfield Public Library in Plainfield. (Photo by Eric Ginnard - eginnard@shawmedia.com) (Eric Ginnard)

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend (and beyond) in Will County.

And welcome again (finally!) to my monthly library picks.

Libraries offer a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. Here are some good ones to check out this weekend.

The Frankfort Public Library is offering a scary story contest through Oct. 15. It’s open to kids in kindergarten through the fifth grade. For more information, visit frankfortlibrary.org.

Bob Ross Paint Night

WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Shorewood-Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood

INFO: All paint supplies will be provided to paint along with Bob Ross or bring your own supplies. Adults only. Register at shorewoodtroylibrary.libnet.info/events.

Teen Take and Make: Spooky Graham Cracker House

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Plainfield Public Library District,15025 S. Illinois St. Plainfield.

INFO: Kids ages 6 to 12 can up a graham cracker kit at the library to decorate their own spooky house at home. When done, they should bring their creations back to the library to be displayed and entered into the contest. All entries will receive a ribbon and one fan favorite will win a gift card. Kits are first come, first served, and limited to the quantity available. Kits cannot be reserved in advance. The calendar will be updated once the kits are gone. For more information, visit plainfieldpubliclibrary.org or contact Tracey Vittorio at tvittorio@plainfieldpubliclibrary.org or 815-439-2877.

TinkerCAD Challenge: Jack-O-Lantern

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: New Lenox Library,

INFO: Kids grades 6 to 12: challenge yourself with 3D printing projects. Watch the Challenge video, log into TinkerCAD, and create your Challenge design. Submit your 3D design for a free print from the library in the color of your choice. A TinkerCAD account is required; only an email is needed to create an account. Registration required; recommended by the first of the month for that month’s Challenge. Links to the Challenge are sent out after registration. For more information, contact Samantha Sliwa at ssliwa@newlenoxlibrary.org or 815-485-2605 ext127.

Community Blood Drive

WHEN: noon to 4 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet

INFO: The blood drive will be held on the Versiti mobile coach in the library’s parking lot. Appointments are encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a time, visit versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TO-GIVE. A photo ID is required. For more information, visit jolietlibrary.org.

Friday Fun Days

WHEN: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Fossil Ridge Public Library District, 386 W. Kennedy Road, Braidwood

INFO: Show off your competitive side with your friends. Board games and video games provided. For more information, visit fossilridge.org or contact Sarah Hopf at 815-458-2187 ext. 103 or SHopf@fossilridge.org.

A Night of Music with Brandon James

WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: White Oak Library District, 201 Normantown Road, Romeville

INFO: Tap your feet. Sing along. Get up and dance. Adults. Register at whiteoaklibrary.org. For more information, contact Tina Williams at 815-552-4247 or twilliams@whiteoaklib.org. Check out James’ music at youtube.com/user/branddo20/videos.

Let’s Learn About Our Solar System!

WHEN: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook

INFO: Story and craft about the galaxy. Ages 3 to 5 with an adult. To register, visit fountaindale.org. For more information, call 630-759-2102.

Fall Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Throgh Oct. 16

WHERE: Three Rivers Library District, 25207 W Channon Drive, Channahon and 109 N Wabena Ave. Minooka

INFO: There are sneaky fall critters hiding in the Channahon and Minooka libraries. Find them all and turn your sheet in for a prize. For ages 2 to 12. For more information, visit trpld.org/event/5498492.

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.