From owls, world records and Jane Austen to lantern walks and supernatural shows, the Algonquin Area Public Library will host a variety of events this month for no charge (though some require online or phone registration). This month’s highlights include:
Read for the Record
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Thursday, October 3 from 10am to 11am (open to all)
It’s time for the Guinness 8th Annual Read for the Record campaign. This year’s selection is Loren Long’s children’s book Otis – a friendly tractor story embraced by readers young and old. The Library has arranged for a vintage fire truck and some friends from the McHenry County Antique Farm Equipment Association to accompany this special program. Go to the Library’s Harnish Drive facility to help set a world reading record and see some fabulous old vehicles.
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Power Employment Workshop
Saturday, October 5 from 9:30am to 2:30pm (open to all; pre-registration required)
Staff from Illinois WorkNet Center in Arlington Heights will present a course covering four key aspects of an employment search: goal setting, job search techniques, resume/cover letter writing and interviewing. Participants are asked to bring a resume for review/critique. Harnish Main.
Live Owl Class
Saturday, October 5 from 10:30am to 11:30am (Eastgate Branch; open to all)
Do screech owls really screech? Can an owl turn its head all the way around? Owl expert Mark Spreyer from the Stillman Nature Center will answer these and other questions about these remarkable birds. Meet five live owls! Recommended for all ages 5+ (not recommended for field mice of any age!). Eastgate.
Imagination Station Harvest Time
Thursday, October 10 from 11:15am to Noon (open to ages 3-6; pre-registration required)
Fall stories, messy painting with apples and pumpkin bowling! Harnish Main.
No School Movie: Frankenweenie
Friday, October 11 from 2pm to 3:30pm (No registration required; movie rated PG)
Young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his dog Sparky back to life. Sometimes getting a new “leash on life” can have monstrous results. Eastgate Branch.
Jane Austen Speaks
Sunday, October 13 from 2pm to 3pm (open to all, pre-registration required)
Acclaimed actress Debra Ann Miller performs as Jane Austen. Drawing from her letters, novels and juvenilia, she speaks of life, loves and family from Chawton Cottage in the autumn of 1815. Harnish Main.
Free Movie: The Croods
Monday, October 14 from 2pm to 4pm (open to all)
When their cave is destroyed, the Croods are forced to set off on the first family road trip. They discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures, and a future beyond any they imagined. Enjoy the movie and a snack on a no school Monday. Harnish Main.
Cemetery Art Symbolism
Tuesday, October 15 from 7pm to 8pm (open to all; pre-registration required)
Laurel Meillien focuses on the rich symbolism displayed in cemeteries from the Victorian Era. Learn clues about the dearly departed in the language of this art form. Harnish Main.
Lunar Observation Class (International Observe the Moon Night)
Wednesday, October 16 from 7pm to 8pm
Youth Services Librarian, Alexa Newman will briefly discuss her visit to NASA to witness the launch of their LADEE moon exploration project. Learn interesting facts about the moon and lunar science. permitting, the evening will conclude with a moon observation. Patrons are encouraged to bring additional telescopes and join us. Harnish Main.
Pumpkin Fest (Grades K-1)
Saturday, October 19 from 2pm to 3:30pm (open to all; pre-registration required)
Decorate pumpkins, enjoy not-too-scary stories and play rousing Halloween games. Costumes are welcome but not mandatory. Harnish Main.
The Haunting: The Unique, Spooky, Scary, Supernatural Show
Thursday, October 24 from 7pm to 8pm (ages 13 and up; pre-registration required)
Magician and mesmerizing presenter, William Pack will give an interactive performance of spine-tingling stories, eerie history and inexplicable supernatural occurrences. Harnish Main.
Halloween Styled Family Storytime
Saturday, October 26 at 10am (for families with children under 5; no registration required)
Join AAPLD’s special drop-in storytime for families. Children may wear costumes. Stories, songs and a library parade with trick or treating too. Harnish Main.
Online Photo Editing for Teens
Monday, October 28 from 7pm to 8:30pm (Grades 9-12; pre-registration required)
AAPLD will demonstrate several free-to-use photo editing websites, see what each has to offer and learn how to make photos look awesome. Harnish Main.
Spooky Tales by Lantern Light
Tuesday, October 29 from 7pm to 8:30pm (ages 5 and up; pre-registration required)
Master storyteller Andy Talley will entertain children and adults with spooky stories by lantern light. Participants will assemble their own “tea light” lantern to carry out to Spella Park for the stories. Dress for the weather. This program is offered in cooperation with the Algonquin Recreation and Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Departments. Harnish Main.
Early Literacy Storytimes
Check the Algonquin Area Library website www.aapld.org for updates and a full calendar of story times and activities geared for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Book Clubs
From Spine Crackers to Night Readers and Classic Books to Bookaneers, AAPLD offers a wide variety of book clubs for adults and youth. Please visit www.aapld to see the full range of clubs, upcoming book selections and meeting dates. Or call the Library at 847.458.6060 for further information.
A comprehensive list of upcoming programming is also available on the Library’s website: www.aapld.org.
