Beyond the Book, A Literary Experience

Bookstore • Coffee • Podcast Studio Step into Beyond the Book, a cozy literary haven where stories, coffee, and community come together. More than a bookstore, we’re a creative hub for readers and writers—celebrating diverse authors, hosting inspiring workshops, and nurturing the next generation of storytellers. From our South Suburban Literary Book Award to our Aspiring Authors Workshop, we honor the power of words to connect and transform. Whether you’re writing your first page or sipping your favorite brew, you’ll find your place, and your story, Beyond the Book. Through collaborations with thought leaders, nonprofits, and corporations, Beyond the Book weaves together a community where the love of reading, writing, and authorship is celebrated and cultivated with intention.

Cook County

Lauren Traut

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Homewood-Flossmoor

Illinois

Bookstore • Coffee • Podcast Studio Step into Beyond the Book, a cozy literary haven where stories, coffee, and community come together. More than...

Affordable Legal Help for Every Illinois Resident

Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC — My Illinois Court Navigator™

Attorney-guided legal help for Illinois residents — no retainer, no consultation required. Flat-fee uncontested divorce starting at $1,850. Attorney-drafted prenuptial agreements starting at $1,850. Small business formation starting at $1,500. Licensed Illinois attorney serving clients statewide.

Cook

Olympia Fields

Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC — My Illinois Court...

Attorney-guided legal help for Illinois residents — no retainer, no consultation required. Flat-fee uncontested divorce starting at $1,850....

Book now for spring exterior painting and deck staining

Orland Painting and Decorating Service LLC

Local family owned painting contractor with 36 years experience specializing in interior and exterior painting, drywall and plaster repair, wall covering installation , interior window refinishing, power washing and deck repair and staining.

Orland Park

Local family owned painting contractor with 36 years experience specializing in interior and exterior painting, drywall and plaster repair, wall...

A Calm, Inclusive Space for Mental Wellness

Step-by-Step: The Spa for Your Mind

Step-by-Step: The Spa for Your Mind is a modern mental wellness practice focused on therapy, emotional balance, and personal growth. We provide a calm, affirming, and inclusive environment where clients can explore their mental health at their own pace. Our approach centers on compassion, self-awareness, and individualized care rather than pressure or one-size-fits-all solutions. We support individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Step-by-Step is committed to culturally responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming care, ensuring that all clients feel safe, respected, and heard. Mental wellness is a journey, and we are here to walk it with you, one step at a time. Two locations to serve you: • Evergreen Park Location: 9730 S Western Ave, Suite 203, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 • Homewood Location: 1820 Ridge Rd, Suite 303B, Homewood, IL 60430

Lorraine Swanson

Evergreen Park

Step-by-Step: The Spa for Your Mind is a modern mental wellness practice focused on therapy, emotional balance, and personal growth. We provide a...

I have worked with the owner and staff at NixNax for may years. They have always been fun and professional on every project we have done together. Weather its just one or two items or hundreds. Large selection and varied applications. You will be very glad you went to them. Michael Morris

Community Update

Community Corner

Chicago Heights

Oak Forest

Tinley Park

Lake County

Munster

Indiana

Alsip-Crestwood

Hammond

Will County

Andrea Earnest

Frankfort

Chicago

Beverly-MtGreenwood

Mokena

Governors State Men's Soccer Coach Jose "Tony" Gonzalez will join Governors State officials to cut the ribbon at a new soccer complex near the Prairie Place residence hall. The event will showcase the new facility and honor the University's Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) championship men's soccer team with a special ring ceremony. &nbsp;In addition to the ring ceremony, there will be a presentation of varsity jackets to the soccer team, and a soccer skills contest.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community friends are invited. The event is free, though RSVP is required.<a href="https://engage.govst.edu/register/?id=dab3eb5c-366f-4e29-b88e-7e18ab230233" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>

Local Event: Governors State to Cut Ribbon at Soccer Complex 

Governors State to Cut Ribbon at Soccer Complex 

Governors State Men's Soccer Coach Jose "Tony" Gonzalez will join Governors State officials to cut the ribbon at a new soccer...

Orland Park Civic Center

Sports Cards and More Show
Shopping Hours with 85 sports card and memorabilia vendor tables are 9 am to 2 pm @&nbsp;Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL.&nbsp;

Make a whole day of it and score some fantastic finds!

Show Admission and Youth Policy
Adults 18 and Up: $1
Ages 12 and Under are admitted FREE, but MUST be accompanied and supervised by their Parent or Parent-Appointed Adult Guardian at all times.
Ages 13 to 17&nbsp;are admitted for $1 each, but MUST&nbsp;be accompanied and supervised by their Parent or Parent-Appointed Adult Guardian at all times.&nbsp;
For safety reasons we cannot make exceptions to the youth policy.Snacks, Lunch and Dinner OptionsThe Snack Shack will be open in the front lobby during the show with $1 packaged snacks, bottled water and canned soda.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For lunch or early dinner options...Burger 21, Buona Beef, Submarine City, P.F. Changs, The White Sheep, Dairy Queen and other delicious restaurants are nearby for your during and after-show noshing pleasure! Patrons are totally welcome to return to the show if you leave for lunch!&nbsp;
Door&nbsp;Prizes
Winner MUST Be Present @ Door Prize Drawing Times. No Exceptions.&nbsp;
Please support our generous door prize sponsors!&nbsp;We highly recommend our generous door prize sponsors Burger 21 (14650 South LaGrange in Orland Park) for the best burgers in town, Buona Beef (9525 W. 131st St @ LaGrange and 131st St in Orland Park) for the best Italian Beef sandwiches in town, and Nothing&nbsp;Bundt Cakes (14360 S. LaGrange in Orland Park) for the best desserts in town!&nbsp;
Every Paid Adult Guest 18+, each&nbsp;Paid Teen Guest 13-17&nbsp;accompanied and supervised by their Paid Parent or Parent-Appointed Adult Guardian, and every&nbsp;Child Guest 12 and Under,&nbsp;accompanied and supervised by their Paid Parent or Parent-Appointed Adult Guardian receives one Door Prize Drawing Ticket.
10:30 Door Prize
$25 Sports Cards and More Show Gift Certificate and $5 Burger 21 Gift Card
11:00 Door Prize
$25 Sports Cards and More Show Gift Certificate and $5 Burger 21 Gift Card
11:30 Door Prize
$25 Sports Cards and More Show Gift Certificate and $21 Burger 21 Gift Card
12:00 Door Prize
FREE Buona Original Beef Sandwich or Buona Vegan Beef Sandwich with One Topping @ Buona Beef Orland Park and FREE Bundtlets For A Year @ Nothing Bundt Cakes of Orland Park
12:30 Grand Door Prize
$25 Sports Cards and More Show Gift Certificate, FREE Buona Original Beef Sandwich or Vegan Beef Sandwich with One Topping @ Buona Beef Orland Park and One Full-Size Nothing Bundt Cake
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Local Event: Sports Cards and More Show @ Orland Park Civic Center - Sunday, April 26, 2026 - 9 am to 2 pm

Sports Cards and More Show @ Orland Park Civic...

Sports Cards and More Show
Shopping Hours with 85 sports card and memorabilia vendor tables are 9 am to 2 pm @ Orland Park...

Sports Cards and More Show @ Orland Park Civic Center - Sunday, April 26, 2026 - 9 am to 2 pm

Old Western Avenue & Broadway Street

Mai Fest is back for the 5th year bigger than ever!&nbsp; With over 100 artisan vendors, 4 live bands, and food and drink, it promises to be a great day!&nbsp; A great way to celebrate Mother's Day weekend..find mom the perfect gift, or spend the day perusing the handmade goods and enjoying the live music.&nbsp; The fest runs from Noon to 5pm.&nbsp; There is free parking available in the city lots off of Western Ave north of the Cal Sag, and there will be a free shuttle to transport folks from the lots to and from the fest.

Local Event: Mai Fest 2026 Arts & Crafts Street Fair

Blue Island

Mai Fest 2026 Arts & Crafts Street Fair

Mai Fest is back for the 5th year bigger than ever!  With over 100 artisan vendors, 4 live bands, and food and drink, it...

Another Dead Dog Dumped | Man, 25, Killed By...

ALSO: Suburban doctor a Red Cross 'Hero' | Job fair at Orland restaurant | Drug take back day | Bridge replacement starts | New coffee spot

Another Dead Dog Dumped | Man, 25, Killed By Semi | Missing Mom, Infant Twins Safe | Construction Site Theft

American Red Cross to Honor Flossmoor Doctor As...

LaMenta Conway founded I Am Abel Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

American Red Cross to Honor Flossmoor Doctor As 2026 Education Hero

Traffic Pattern Changes Made Near Western...

The changes are to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance pedestrian safety. 

Traffic Pattern Changes Made Near Western Avenue School, Flossmoor Park: Village

You Matter 2 Youth Org Invites Community To ...

The May 22 event will feature interactive, youth-led stations that will depict how the organization supports its youth participants. 

You Matter 2 Youth Org Invites Community To 'Walk Through Our Mission' At 'Immersive' Fundraiser

CN To Donate $750,000 To Homewood, Chicago...

Three local organizations that provide resources and support for those experiencing homelessness will receive $250,000 each over 3 years. 

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