Austin-Irving Branch Library

Elmwood Park IL

Novel Thoughts

Story Time 

Register to Vote!

A beginner-friendly automotive class for women and non-binary individuals who want to feel more confident, informed, and empowered in a traditionally male-dominated space.We'll focus on the basics every vehicle owner should know, including:
<ul><li>Checking your oil level and understanding what your vehicle needs.</li><li>Checking tire pressure and knowing what the numbers mean.</li><li>Getting to know your own vehicle. The basic information you should know before something goes wrong.</li><li>Taking your car to the shop.&nbsp;What to ask, what to expect, and how to feel more confident communicating with a mechanic.</li><li>Basic car care and maintenance you can handle yourself.</li><li>And more! We'll leave plenty of time for questions and real-world scenarios.</li></ul>
No automotive experience necessary. This is a judgment-free space to ask questions, learn something new, and leave feeling a little more confident under the hood.

Local Event: Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

Cook County

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

A beginner-friendly automotive class for women and non-binary individuals who want to feel more confident, informed, and...

Button Making Blast

Berwyn Public Library

HUGE LOW-COST COMMUNITY BOOK SALE
Join us for the Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale at the Berwyn Public Library!
Our two-day sale will feature a curated selection of over 5,000 adult and children’s titles. All items come directly from the materials we recover through our partnerships with Illinois libraries. The sale will feature some of the most popular titles available, graphic novels, movies, and more!
This is a low-cost community book sale with a purpose! Knowledge Exchange works with libraries across the state to help give discarded books a second life. Instead of being recycled or thrown away, many of these books are given the chance to find new homes with readers like you. Every book at our sale comes directly from one of your communities.
As part of Knowledge Exchange’s continued collaboration with Illinois libraries, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Friends of the Berwyn Public Library.Sale Details:

Event Dates &amp; Hours
<ul>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-7A6-2C1-6F863-53E" pwa-fake-editor="">Saturday, September 26 - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</li>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-53E-3B0-E558F-5A5" pwa-fake-editor="">Sunday, September 27 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM</li>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-777-66C-EF146-FC1" pwa-fake-editor="">Admission: FREE</li>
</ul>
Location
<ul>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-BCA-FA1-AA329-612" pwa-fake-editor="">Berwyn Public Library<ul><li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-4BB-94C-F2DA2-746" pwa-fake-editor="">2701 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402</li></ul></li>
</ul>

Payment Methods Accepted
<ul><li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-5C5-032-85492-29E" pwa-fake-editor="">Cash or Card</li></ul>
Pricing:
<ul>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-424-33E-088DD-BF1" pwa-fake-editor="">Saturday: $3 Adult; $2 Children’s &amp; Media</li>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-634-525-DF52E-559" pwa-fake-editor="">Sunday: $2 Adult; $1 Children’s &amp; Media</li>
</ul>
Come browse thousands of books and help us continue our mission to save books and keep them in the hands of readers.

Local Event: Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

Berwyn

Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

HUGE LOW-COST COMMUNITY BOOK SALE
Join us for the Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale at the Berwyn Public Library!
Our two-day...

Seed Saving Workshop

Harris Theater for Music and Dance

Illinois
 Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Brings Its 5th Annual Induction Ceremony 
to Chicago’s Harris Theater in Millennium Park for the First Time on September 27th, 2026
for a star-studded celebration honoring 
Illinois music legends and trailblazers across rock, blues, soul, jazz, 
hip hop and beyond, including The Plain White T's, Kevin Cronin of REO&nbsp;Speedwagon, Koko Taylor, Curtis Mayfield, 
 and other musical greats with deep Illinois roots.
Annual 
Induction Ceremony , coming to Chicago for the first time on Sept. 27 at 6
 p.m. at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. The Hall of Fame 
Induction Ceremony is the Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Museum on Route 66’s 
largest annual fundraising event and celebrates the artists, industry 
leaders, and cultural contributors who shaped Illinois’ musical legacy. 
The event brings together inductees, performers, families, and fans for 
an evening of live music, award presentations, storytelling, and 
historic recognition.
The
 evening will feature live performances by Kevin Cronin, Jim Peterik of 
the Ides of March and Formerly of Survivor, The Plain White T’s, 1960s 
jazz-rock band The Flock, Hot Mix 5 and a special reunion performance by
 The Boyzz, plus several surprise guests to be announced. WGN Radio host
 and Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame member Bob Sirott will host the 
ceremony. Made possible with the support of Old National Bank, Illinois 
Arts Council, Heritage Corridor, and Insperity.
“We’re
 thrilled to bring the Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Induction 
Ceremony to downtown Chicago for the first time, and the Harris Theater 
is the perfect stage for it,” said Ron Romero, founder and president of 
the Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Museum on Route 66. “With its incredible 
acoustics and intimate 1,550-seat setting, the venue will help us make 
this year’s celebration an unforgettable night of music, memories and 
Illinois pride. The class of 2026 is our most genre-spanning lineup yet,
 honoring iconic artists and innovators. We can’t wait to bring the 
music community together, celebrate their legacy and, of course, fill 
the room with great music.”
This
 year’s inductees include bands and solos artists Survivor, American 
Breed, Koko Taylor, The Boyzz and The Flock; songwriters Curtis Mayfield
 and Kevin Cronin; radio personality Terri Hemmert; radio station WDRV 
(The Drive); Brunswick Records; and industry leaders. Irving Azoff, Gary
 Richrath, Golden Voice Studio and Triangle Productions. Other honorees 
include Hot Mix 5 and Plain White T’s.
“I’m
 excited that this year’s Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame event 
will be held in my sweet hometown of Chicago,” said Kevin Cronin, lead 
singer and songwriter for REO Speedwagon. “Ron Romero’s awesome team in 
Joliet has been working since early this year to make September 27th a 
night of big fun. I plan to be there, co-hosting and doing a little 
unplugged set with Jim Peterik. The only thing that could possibly 
change is if one of the Beatles calls and needs me to be somewhere 
else!”
Tickets can be purchased <a href="https://mc.roadtorock.org/links/SscwknSkcYvlkfvWaHDMsBEZJBXsiWMBFEGaxuMhGjVMvVUuYMSDHwuqKMKJZcMKFeWaHDMceWcgME/3764078" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here&nbsp;</a> and range in price from $100.50, $75.00 and $64.50. Prices include fees.
The Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Museum on Route 66
 is committed to preserving the rich history and contributions of 
musicians, performers and industry leaders who have impacted the music 
world and embodied the creative spirit of Illinois. Located on historic 
Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, the museum attracts music lovers from 
around the world.&nbsp;
Made possible with the support of Old National Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Heritage Corridor, and Insperity.

Local Event: Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame Ceremony Comes to Chicago!

Chicago

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame...

Illinois
 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Brings Its 5th Annual Induction Ceremony 
to Chicago’s Harris Theater in Millennium Park ...

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame Ceremony Comes to Chicago!

Simple Stitches Crochet Club: Study Hall

Madison Street Theater

Chicago's premier all-psychotherapist comedy improv troupe returns to Oak Park! The doctors will see you now!Tix at www.therapyplayers.com

Local Event: The Therapy Players: I'm Oak-ie Dokie, You're Oak-ie Dokie!

The Therapy Players: I'm Oak-ie Dokie, You're...

Chicago's premier all-psychotherapist comedy improv troupe returns to Oak Park! The doctors will see you now!Tix at...

The Therapy Players: I'm Oak-ie Dokie, You're Oak-ie Dokie!

Concordia University Chicago

The Symphony of Oak Park &amp; River Forest opens its 95th season with a program featuring American music on Sunday, October 4, at 4 pm at Concordia University’s Chapel in River Forest.Associate Conductor Maurice Boyer leads the award-winning orchestra in Montgomery Variations Dedicated to MLK by Margaret Bonds, Folk Songs for Orchestra by George Walker, and New England Triptych by William Schuman.Walker and Schuman were both awarded the Pulitzer Prize.Also on the program is Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with pianist Kuang-Hao Huang.A preconcert lecture begins at 3 pm, and a free reception follows the concert.Tickets are $30 through October 3, and $35 on concert day.A subscription for all five season concerts is available for $125.Students through college are admitted free of charge.For tickets or more information, go to Symphony OPRF.org, email <a href="mailto:theSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com">theSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com</a>, or call 708-218-2648.Free parking is available in the structure at 1124 Bonnie Brae Place, River Forest, and the Chapel is just west of the garage.The Symphony of Oak Park &amp; River Forest is funded in part by grants from Illinois Arts Council and the Oak Park Area Arts Council, in partnership with the Village of Oak Park and Illinois Arts Council.

Local Event: America 250

America 250

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest opens its 95th season with a program featuring American music on Sunday, October 4, at...

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Dr.&nbsp; Annelise K. Madsen, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, discusses the current exhibit Mary Cassatt:&nbsp; After Impressionism.&nbsp; Cassatt was a key avant garde figure and the only American artist to exhibit with the French Impressionists.&nbsp; She was commissioned to create a mural (triptych), Modern Woman, for the Woman's Building at the World Columbian Exhibition.Annelise K. Madsen is the Gilda and Henry Buchbinder Curator, Arts of the Americas, at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Our Monday Enrichment&nbsp;programs, on music, art, literature, science and social sciences, are&nbsp;always free to the public, with freewill donations appreciated. &nbsp;
For more information visit our website at <a href="https://www.nineteenthcentury.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.nineteenthcentury.org</a>. The&nbsp;Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and an Illinois nonprofit organization. Our mission is strengthening our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building,&nbsp;The Nineteenth Century Club. The Association was established in 1891 by a group of visionary women who believed education, charitable activities and civic involvement were vital elements in a thriving community. The spirit of the founders continues through grants, scholarships and public programming.&nbsp; We promote life-long learning through dynamic, multi-cultural programs featuring music, art, literature, science and the social sciences.

Local Event: Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism

Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism

Dr.  Annelise K. Madsen, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, discusses the current exhibit Mary Cassatt:  After...

Shea's Lounge

The W.K. Band at Shea's Lounge-Elmwood Park

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Lulu La Reina becomes the first-ever professional wrestler to appear at the 2026 Chicago Ultimate Women’s Expo — the largest women’s expo in the United States.&nbsp;
Meet Lulu on October 24 and 25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL. Lulu La Reina is an emerging independent wrestler with 2+ years of experience competing across the country. Known as the Mexican Barbie, Lulu blends fierce, competitive energy with a vibrant personality, fashion style and proud Mexican heritage. She uses her platform to champion mental health awareness and women empowerment.&nbsp;
The Chicago Ultimate Women’s Expo brings together top brands, live talks, demos, complimentary glam services, a fashion show, and more in one location. Featured guests include Melissa Gilbert, Vivica A. Fox, Valerie Bertinelli, Porsha Williams, Rasheeda, and more to be announced.&nbsp;
&nbsp;🎟️ Get tickets at ChicagoWomensExpo.com Or visit SurgeDurango.com for a direct link, mention SurgeDurango / Lulu La Reina.

Local Event: SurgeDurango Presents Lulu La Reina: Chicago Women’s Expo, Oct 24 and 25

Rosemont

SurgeDurango Presents Lulu La Reina: Chicago...

Lulu La Reina becomes the first-ever professional wrestler to appear at the 2026 Chicago Ultimate Women’s Expo — the largest...

SurgeDurango Presents Lulu La Reina: Chicago Women’s Expo, Oct 24 and 25

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Forest Park

West Side

Park Ridge

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

North Center-Roscoe Village

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Lincoln Square

Niles-Morton Grove

Lakeview

Cook

Elmwood Park

Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many overlook how military benefits intersect with real estate and estate planning. Whether you used a VA loan or are looking to pass your legacy to your children, here are critical steps to ensure your plan is as disciplined as your service. 1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans If you bought your home with a VA-backed loan, you can generally transfer it into a Living Trust without triggering a "due-on-sale" clause, provided it remains your primary residence. This allows your family to avoid probate—the long, expensive court process of proving ownership after you pass. 2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions Illinois offers significant property tax breaks for disabled veterans. However, these don't always "travel" automatically. If you move your home into a trust, ensure your attorney includes specific language that preserves your right to the homestead and veteran tax exemptions. Also, check if these exemptions are portable for a surviving spouse. 3. Update Your Beneficiaries A common mistake is updating a Will but forgetting the beneficiary forms on life insurance (VGLI) or a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Rule: A beneficiary form overrides a Will. If an old beneficiary is still listed on your policy, they will likely receive the payout regardless of what your Will says. 4. Secure Your DD214 In the military, if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Your family will need your DD214 to access almost every benefit, from burial honors to survivor pensions. Keep a digital and physical copy in a fireproof safe and ensure your executor knows the location. About the Author: Cathy Yanda is a USMC Veteran and a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner in Oak Park. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she is dedicated to helping fellow veterans navigate the complexities of real estate and legacy planning.

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River...

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Elmwood Park, IL

Friday, September 25

Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

SEP

25

6:00 PM

240 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL

Saturday, September 26

Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

SEP

26

10:00 AM

Berwyn Public Library, 2701 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Monday, September 21

Thursday, September 24

Friday, September 25

Saturday, September 26

Sunday, September 27

Monday, September 28

Saturday, October 3

Sunday, October 4

Monday, October 5

Friday, October 9

Saturday, October 24

Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest