Latest news with #NapervillePublicLibrary
Chicago Tribune
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: Naperville library fun and sunny outdoor events just go together
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to head outside and enjoy everything summer has to offer, starting with Naperville Public Library's outdoor programs. This season, we're offering a variety of exciting outside events for children of all ages. From storytimes by the Riverwalk to story strolls and sudsy fun in the park, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab the family, soak up the sunshine and make the most of summer with us! To see a full list of summer programs, go to Grab your friends and family for a special fun-filled, outdoor storytime. We'll share stories, sing songs, dance to music and enjoy a puppet show, perfect for all ages. Outdoor storytimes at 95th Street Library will be held at the Wagner Family Pavilion at the 95th Street Community Plaza. At Nichols Library, they will be held at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre across Jackson Avenue from the library building. Bubble Palooza: 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 20, at 95th Street Library and 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 25, at Nichols Library. Get ready for a bubbly adventure! Jump into a world of foam and suds, where children can create, chase and interact with bubbles in all sorts of ways. Chalk the Walk: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at 95th Street Library and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Nichols Library. Express yourself through colorful chalk art as we transform the sidewalk outside the library into a masterpiece. We'll bring the chalk so you can bring your imagination to life with your own designs and doodles. End of Summer Bash with Miss Jamie: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at 95th Street Library. Get ready to sing, dance, laugh and learn as you join the fun down on Miss Jamie's farm. With catchy tunes, silly moves and lots of farmyard fun, the whole family will have a blast during this educational music show. Story Stroll at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Join us for a fun-filled stroll along the Riverwalk, where literacy, fitness and family fun will come together. As you follow a designated path, you'll find pages from a featured picture book posted along the way. Grab a map at the starting point and enjoy reading and walking at your own pace. Craft kits will be provided at the end for children to assemble at the Grand Pavilion or at home. DuPage Children's Museum will also be there with portable versions of their educational exhibits.
Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: Naperville Public Library's reading program a great way to start summer
Hold on to your tokens because Naperville Public Library's Summer Reading Program is back! We invite you to celebrate the digital age of play with this year's theme: Level Up at Your Library. Readers of all ages are encouraged to register for the Summer Reading Program. You don't need a library card to sign up. Just head to your nearest library location or go online at to start your summer reading adventure. The children's Summer Reading Program is open to children from birth to fifth grade. The program gives children an opportunity to explore new books and maintain their reading skills, even when school is not in session. Once registered, children can pick up a Summer Reading Kit at the library, which will include a reading log and prizes for the first three levels of the program. Depending on the child's age, they can win pixel-perfect prizes like bubbles, a puzzle eraser, a fortune teller origami craft and more. With the help of an adult, children set their own daily reading goals. They can choose the number of pages, chapters, minutes or books they aspire to read each day, depending on their age and reading level. The program has four levels with 12 days of daily reading per level. Once a child has completed a level, they can pick a prize from their kit. Once they've filled their entire reading log, children can head over to Naperville Public Library to pick out their final prize: a new book to keep. They'll also be entered into the grand prize giveaway for a Summer Reading Program prize basket. Adults and teens can create an online account to track their summer reading progress through the library's Beanstack platform or print reading logs from the library's website. Teens are encouraged to read at least 15 minutes a day. For every five hours they read, they'll earn a prize. This includes print books, audiobooks, graphic novels, eBooks and more. Trying for a new record? Teens can earn an extra entry into our end-of-summer grand prize drawing for every five additional hours they read. Adults can join in the fun as well. The adult program is made up of three levels. Each level is completed by reading three books, and participants can choose a prize after each level. Prize options include a flashlight, zippered tech travel case, aluminum water bottle or a new book to keep after completing the last level. Prizes can be picked up at any library branch. Get your game on this summer with special storytimes and programs. Sing, dance and celebrate summer with a Summer Kickoff Concert with Jim Gill. Known for songs like 'Hands Are for Clapping,' 'Jumping and Counting' and 'Silly Dance Contest,' Jim's music is sure to have everyone on their feet. Gather the family and head over to 95th Street Library at 6 p.m. Friday, May 30. For even more fun, join us for a Pokémon GO Lure Party, video game-inspired crafts and plenty of outdoor storytimes this summer. While you're at the library, explore the bookstacks and join the hunt for Bigfoot. We've heard he's been hiding around in the Children's Department while he waits for you to find him. We can't wait for you to level up your summer with us at Naperville Public Library!
Chicago Tribune
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: In honor of April Fools' Day, why not pick up a ‘punny' book from a Naperville library?
Book it to a Naperville Public Library and get ready for some pun with a punny title! In honor of April Fools' Day, we're highlighting this Amazing Book Challenge category that encourages you to choose a title featuring a clever play on words or a witty twist on a popular phrase. From a town that's constantly banning letters of the alphabet to a talking cat with nine lives, you can be sure of one thing with each title in this collection — it's pun intended. To see the full list of recommendations and to check out the other categories, visit 'Ella Minnow Pea' by Mark Dunn Ella Minnow Pea lives on the island of Nollop, named after Nevin Nollop, author of the famous pangram, 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.' When the island's council bans letters from the alphabet as they fall from a statue of Nollop, Ella must act to save her community from growing totalitarianism. As letters vanish, they also disappear from the novel. 'Heart and Seoul' by Jen Frederick Hara Wilson, a Korean adoptee, has always felt different from her white parents. At 25, she thought she had accepted it, but after her father's sudden death, a comment at his funeral sparks an identity crisis. She travels to Seoul in search of her roots, where she encounters a mysterious stranger, new family ties and a forbidden love that could either bring her home or tear everything apart. 'Home Is Where the Bodies Are' by Jeneva Rose After their mother's death, three estranged siblings — Beth, Nicole and Michael — reunite to settle her estate. While sorting through belongings, they find home videos that reveal a chilling memory from 1999: their father, covered in blood, and a dead body. As they uncover their parents' dark secret, the siblings must decide whether to confront the truth or leave the past buried. ''Til Heist Do Us Part' by Sara Desai A year after pulling off a high-wire diamond heist, Simi Chopra and her crew are back to struggling with bills. When a Mafia boss demands the return of the jewels plus interest, they must reunite to track them down. But the necklace is in the hands of a vengeful nemesis, forcing Simi to work her con to get it back. As she navigates a billionaire's mansion, a rival thief and a determined detective, Simi risks ending up in serious trouble. 'Fool Moon' by Jim Butcher Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, has been struggling to find work — magical or mundane — until a brutal murder brings him back into action. A mutilated corpse, strange animal markings and the murder occurring on the night of a full moon point to one thing: a werewolf stalking the city. With his supernatural expertise, Harry must navigate Chicago's dark underbelly to stop the killer before more victims are claimed, all while dealing with the dangerous creatures and forces that lurk in the shadows. 'Cat Out of Hell' by Lynne Truss Alec Charlesworth, a grieving librarian who's lost his job and wife, discovers a file of interviews between a man named 'Wiggy' and a cat named Roger. To his shock, Roger speaks — and Alec learns that much of what we fear about cats is true: they think they're smarter than humans and they have nine lives. Roger, ancient and wise, reveals a dark history that may connect to the death of Alec's wife and other local tragedies. But can Alec trust the cat, or is Roger part of the dark forces at play? 'The Pun Also Rises' by John Pollack A former world pun champion's funny, erudite and provocative exploration of puns, the people who make them and this derided wordplay's remarkable impact on history. 'Uganda Be Kidding Me' by Chelsea Handler Chelsea Handler takes readers on a wild, hilarious ride through her travel misadventures. Whether she's fumbling through a safari in Africa, getting into trouble in the Bahamas or escaping a German hospital on crutches, Chelsea's sharp wit and outrageous humor make every journey unforgettable. With stories of family chaos, missteps and her devoted dog Chunk, Chelsea hilariously tackles the world's most absurd travel situations. 'The Ride of A Lifetime' by Robert Iger Robert Iger reflects on his journey as CEO of Disney, where he led the company through a transformative period by prioritizing quality, embracing technology and expanding globally. Under his leadership, Disney became the world's largest media company, acquiring Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox. Iger shares the leadership principles that guided his success and highlights the importance of curiosity, thoughtfulness and a decency-first approach in shaping his decisions and Disney's growth.
Chicago Tribune
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: Family road trips are a little easier when audiobooks become part of the drive
A family road trip is a great way to create lasting memories, but it can be a challenge to pass the time, especially when traveling with little ones. Whether you're embarking on a long cross-country adventure or just a quick weekend getaway, audiobooks are a great way to fill a few hours on the open road. We've handpicked a variety of audiobooks from the Naperville Public Library collection that cater to different ages and listening times so that there's something for every member of the family to enjoy. From beloved classics with your child's favorite silly old bear to wild adventures alongside demigods and monsters, these audiobooks are the perfect companions for your next adventure. So, buckle up and get ready — your next road trip just got a whole lot more fun! For Your Littlest Passengers 'Frog and Toad' by Arnold Lobel (1.5 hours): Celebrate the power of friendship with Frog and Toad as they fly a kite, resist the temptation of cookies and search for a lost button. No matter what kind of situation they find themselves in, one thing is certain: Frog and Toad will always be together. 'Beatrix Potter: The Collection' by Beatrix Potter (3.5 hours): Enjoy all 23 original tales by beloved author Beatrix Potter, including the Tales of Peter Rabbit, the Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tailor of Gloucester and more! 'The Collected Stories of Winnie the Pooh' by A. A. Milne (4.5 hours): Three cheers for Pooh bear! Join in on the adventures of Winnie the Pooh, his boy Christopher Robin and all the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood! For Your Early Elementary Passengers 'Stuart Little' by E. B. White (2 hours): Stuart Little is a shy, philosophical little mouse with a big heart and a taste for adventure. Stuart sets forth into the world with some mighty big plans: to ride a Fifth Avenue bus, to win a sailboat race in Central Park, to teach school for a day and to find his best friend Margalo! Climbing into his tiny car, Stuart hits the open road, sure he's heading in the right direction, only to find himself in for a big surprise. 'The Mouse and the Motorcycle' (2.25 hours): When the ever-curious mouse Ralph spots Keith's red toy motorcycle, he vows to ride it. So, when Keith leaves the bike unattended in his room one day, Ralph makes his move. But with all this freedom (and speed!) come a lot of obstacles. Luckily, with a pal like Keith always looking out for him, there's nothing this little mouse can't handle. 'The Big Friendly Giant' by Roald Dahl (4.5 hours): The Big Friendly Giant is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and it's lucky for Sophie that he is. When Sophie hears that the giants are headed to England to steal some little children, she and the BFG decide they must stop them once and for all. For Your Older Elementary Passengers 'Holes' by Louis Sachar (4.5 hours): Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys 'build character' by spending all day, every day, digging holes five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption. 'Gregor the Overlander' by Suzanne Collins (6.5 hours): When 11-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches and rats–but the fragile peace is about to fall apart. When Gregor discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan (10 hours): Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be expelled from boarding school — again. But when his pre-algebra teacher turns into a monster, Percy's life takes a dramatic turn. Soon, he's on the run from a Minotaur and discovers that the gods of Mount Olympus are real—and they've got a problem with him. Percy is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt and has just ten days to retrieve it. Along with his friends, a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena, Percy embarks on a dangerous road trip to the Underworld, facing monsters and uncovering betrayals that could change everything he thought he knew about his father and the gods. 'Echo' by Pam Munoz Ryan (10.5 hours): Lost in the Black Forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and finds himself entwined in a prophecy, a promise and a harmonica. Decades later, three children–Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania and Ivy in California–find themselves caught up in the same thread of destiny in the darkest days of the twentieth century, struggling to keep their families intact and tied together by the music of the same harmonica.
Chicago Tribune
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: The next book to read with friends can be found at Naperville library's new Book Club Hub
Is your neighborhood book club at odds over what to read next? Are you and your best friend searching for the perfect buddy read for spring break? Look no further than Naperville Public Library's new Book Club Hub. This exciting new space is designed to bring readers together, offering a carefully curated selection of books that are perfect for sparking meaningful discussions. Whether you're reading with a formal book club or simply enjoying a casual read alongside a few friends, you'll find plenty of titles to explore. A curated selection for book lovers The Book Club Hub is all about making it easier to find books that are not only enjoyable but also thought-provoking. Whether you're into thrilling mysteries, heartwarming fiction or intriguing nonfiction, there's something for everyone. From bestselling novels to hidden gems, this collection has been handpicked to suit various readers' tastes, ensuring that everyone can find something that piques their interest. Discover a new book (or two) at each branch One of the most exciting features of the Book Club Hub is that each library location will offer its own unique selection of books. This means that every time you visit one of our buildings, you'll have the chance to discover different titles, including 'The Women' by Kristin Hannah, 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid and more. Nonfiction titles are also well-represented, including 'Midnight in Chernobyl' by Adam Higginbotham, 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi and 'Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come' by Jessica Pan. Start reading, start discussing We hope this new addition to the library encourages you and your friends to dive into page-turning stories and engage in lively conversation about them. The Book Club Hub is designed to be more than just a place to pick up books — its titles offer an opportunity to connect, share and grow your love for reading. The Book Club Hub is here to make reading even more fun and accessible, and we can't wait to see what you discover. Happy reading!
