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...

Art Studio Exercise your brain as you draw and paint. All skill levels welcome. Begin or further your artistic skills depicting subjects reflecting your own personal interests. Bring your own painting materials; basic drawing supplies are provided. Instructor: Carol Boyajian Location: Irwin Community Center Fee: $99 Resident/$149 Non-Resident Age: 18+ Day/Dates: Thursday, Sept. 6-Nov. 8 Time: 9:00-11:30 am Code: 302521-01

Exercise your brain as you draw and paint. All skill levels welcome. Begin or further your artistic skills depicting subjects reflecting your own personal interests. Bring your own painting materials; basic drawing supplies are provided. Instructor: Carol Boyajian

Location: Irwin Community Center Fee: $99 Resident/$149 Non-Resident

Age: 18+ Day/Dates: Thursday, Sept. 6-Nov. 8

Time: 9:00-11:30 am Code: 302521-01

ART STUDIO - MORNINGS

Sports

Chicago Heights

Oak Forest

Tinley Park

Lake County

Munster

Indiana

Alsip-Crestwood

Hammond

Will County

Andrea Earnest

Frankfort

Chicago

Beverly-MtGreenwood

Mokena

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...

Memorial Park

Come explore, climb, and discover a variety of awesome vehicles including construction equipment, fire and rescue vehicles, utility trucks, and police vehicles. This free event is fun for all ages. Hot dogs and drinks for all attendees to enjoy. The event is scheduled- rain or shine. Street parking on Wentworth Avenue.&nbsp;

Local Event: Free Event: Touch A Truck (12PM-4PM)

Calumet City

Free Event: Touch A Truck (12PM-4PM)

Come explore, climb, and discover a variety of awesome vehicles including construction equipment, fire and rescue vehicles,...

South Suburban Death Notices, Week  of May 4

South suburban obituaries and available visitation information.

Obituaries

Homewood Earns Recognition As 2025 Tree City USA 

The Arbor Day Foundation has again recognized Homewood as a Tree City USA. 

Community Corner

Across Illinois

Man Killed Near Bar | Baby Cranes Born | Bank...

Plus: Alleged teen accomplice of accused cop killer arrested | Be kind to your mind | Services for slain cop | Propane tank fire injures 1.

Man Killed Near Bar | Baby Cranes Born | Bank Robbed At Gunpoint: IL Weekend

80 Vendors, Live Music, Family Fun: Save The...

A local favorite, the fair will be held Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. 

80 Vendors, Live Music, Family Fun: Save The Date For Homewood's Art & Garden Street Fair

Children Held At Gunpoint In Suburban Standoff:...

One person was taken into custody, police said.

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