Celebrate the Bygone Eras with the Glen Ellyn Public Library

Blast from the Past will run from March to May with the library offering up a range of programs for kids and adults – from Rock-Around-The-Clock, a 50’s style Sock Hop on Saturday, March 14 to Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey…Stuff, a celebration of Dr. Who for kids in grades six through eight on Saturday, May 23. Details for each Blast from the Past event is below or can be found at gepl.org/blast-from-the-past.

Rock-Around-The-Clock Sock Hop
Saturday, March 14 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dress to impress at this 50s-style Sock Hop! Bop your way to the dance floor where the Graffiti Unlimited Band will have you swiveling your hips to classic 50’s music. Participate in a hula hoop contest and a twist dance-off. There will also be a trivia contest, 50’s themed crafts, and prizes.

Open Mic Night at Shannon’s Irish Pub
1st Wednesday of the Month from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Discover creative local artists! Acoustic musicians, singers, and wordsmiths are invited to test new material at Shannon’s Irish Pub, 428 North Main Street in downtown Glen Ellyn. This quarter celebrate some oldies, but goodies with themes honoring Blast from the Past.

March 4: 50’s Rock and Roll
April 1: The 80’s
May 6: Classic Rock

Puppet Party
Monday, March 30
Ages 3-6: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Grades 1-5: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Celebrate the 20th century’s most famous puppets: Disney’s Pinocchio and TV’s Howdy Doody! Enjoy the story Pinocchio and create your own puppet. Kids at the first session will make paper bag puppets; in the second session kids will make marionettes. Registration is required. Register online or by calling 630-790-6620.

Magic School Bus 20th Anniversary
Tuesday, March 31 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Riding the Magic School Bus with Ms. Fizzle has been a staple for kids for 20 years! Join the celebration by watching the very first episode, Lost in Space, and creating your own solar system. Grades K-3. Registration is required. Register online or by calling 630-790-6620.

Twist and Shout Dance Party
Thursday, April 2 from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Friday, April 3 from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Twist to the beats of kid-friendly hits from decades past. Are you ready to dance? Ages 2-5.

Blast from the Past Games
Saturday, April 18 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Red Rover, Red Rover won’t you come over? Try your hand at some classic, old-school board games, video games, and live action games. Grades K-8.

American Girl Birthday Party
Sunday, April 19 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Celebrate 29 years of American Girl! Decorate picture frames and make party favors and treats in celebration of your special doll’s birthday. Since 1986, American Girl has created inspiring characters that bring America’s past to life. All dolls welcome. Ages 5-8. Registration is required. Register online or by calling 630-790-6620.

10 Years of Mo Willems Party
Sunday, May 3 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Celebrate 10 years of favorite Mo Willems stories. Read There is a Bird on Your Head, watch Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, participate in relays while balancing a nest with eggs on your head, create Elephant and Piggie paper bag puppets, and much more! Registration is required. Register online or by calling 630-790-6620.

Drive-In Movie
Sunday, May 10 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Decorate your own cardboard car and take in a show! Light refreshments will be served during Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG). Grades K-2. Registration is required. Register online or by calling 630-790-6620.

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey…Stuff
Saturday, May 23 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Make a personalized sonic screwdriver pen, eat adipose marshmallows, and test your Whovian knowledge when you travel back to the past (or to the future!) with Doctor Who. Costumes welcomed. Grades 6-8. Registration is required. Register online or by calling 630-790-6620.