Cover highlights:

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Block Party 6/6

Summer Reading starts in June

NEW! Catch us at the Fox Pointe Farmer's Market all summer

There have been a number of changes since the last time the library's Branch Out newsletter was sent to your house. Eleanor "Cookie" Borys and Debbie Boroviak have retired from the organization. We would like to thank both of these ladies for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the library.

The Lansing Public Library would like to welcome two new appointed board members Afenya Montgomery and Christian Olthoff. We lookforward to hearing from their new perspectieves and working together to keep this library as one of hte best in the southland region.

Welcome to the Lansing Library team!

Thanks to generous Angel tree donations, 29 youth library accounts have had their fees fully waived!

Each holiday season, our community helps remove barriers and support young readers. Thank you!

Many Voices, One Story

All June Long

This summer, discover how our unique stories connect all of us. We'll explore the voices that shape our world and celebrate the story we create together as a community. Engage in reading, programs, and activities for a chance to win fun prizes along the way.

Ages 0-18 | Sign up at the Youth Desk
Ages 18+ | Sign up at the Information Desk

Northstar: Put your tech skills to the test (for free!). Discover your strengths and identify areas to grow as you explore new technologies. https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/locations/lansing-public-library/register-as-learner?

The book bike is at it again! We’ll have books, activities, and resources to share all summer long at the Fox Pointe Farmer’s Market! You can come hang out with us every Tuesday morning!

Fox Pointe Farmer’s Market

18138 Henry St

Every Tuesday June- September | 9:30AM*

*August 4th hours are 5-8pm for National Night Out

Library Passport Adventure

Memorial Day-Labor Day

Take a road trip, discover new communities, and celebrate the joy of public libraries for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Your next favorite library might be just a short drive away! Pick up your passport at the library and visit all or some of the 35 participating libraries to have it stamped. Bring your passport back and get 1 entry for every 5 libraries visited.

Gardening Basics

Tue, May 19 | 6:30pm | Drop-in

Do you love gardening or want to start a garden? Are you wondering if you have the space or how to start? The Lansing Garden Club will answer these questions and more in May! No registration required, stop into the library to learn more.

Do you know about Community Roots? Lansing residents benefit from exclusive savings at local businesses - just for having a library card!

Mugs & Magick, Kdulche, Ted’s Pet & Feed, Fine Tune Auto Service, HVAC masters, lynnie ques airport bar & grill.

If you are a local business owner interested in participating in the Community Roots Program, contact our Outreach Department at: eventsdesk@lansingpl.org.

All ages events 

Annual Library Block Party

Sat, Jun 6 | 5-8pm | Drop-in

Celebrate summer with us at our Annual Block Party! We’re bringing the community together with free food, music, games, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Come share the fun and be part of our story! The library is closed for all other library business.

Mother’s Day Tea

Sat, May 9 | 2pm | Register

Enjoy a charming afternoon together with freshly brewed tea, light snacks, music, and fun crafts. This special event offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect, and create sweet memories while celebrating the love and joy that mothers and children share. 

Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour

Sat: May 16, Jun 20 & Jul 18 | 9:30-10:30am | Drop-in

People with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the use of the Library and its services in a safe and welcoming environment. Las personas con sensibilidad sensorial pueden disfrutar de la biblioteca y sus servicios en un ambiente seguro y acogedor. them. We’ll provide optional sensory supports on both levels of the library (youth and adult departments) - including noise-canceling headphones, lap-sized weighted blankets, tactile fidget items and more - for anyone who might need Jump to page 11 for more information on accessibility items and accommodations available to you at the library. 

Fox Pointe 250th   

Sat, Jun 27  |  12-4pm

The Village of Lansing and the Lansing Public Library invite the community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a backyard BBQ and a variety of engaging, family-friendly experiences at Fox Pointe! Guests can enjoy: • Trivia* • T-shirt making • Live Abigail Adams performance This community-wide event blends food, fun, and history to honor America’s 250th in an unforgettable way. *Registration only required if you want to participate in trivia

Seeds and Sprouts: American Adventure
Mon: May 4, 18 | Jun 8, 22 | Jul 6, 20 6pm | Register
Explore America’s botanical history with us! We will be planting, watering, and harvesting throughout the summer! 

Family Bingo/Lotería
Wed, May 27 | Tue, Jun 23 | Wed, Jul 22 5:30pm | Register
Head to the library for a fun night of family BINGO/LOTERÍA (Mexican BINGO) and a chance to win a tasty treat! ¡Diríjase a la biblioteca para una noche divertida de BINGO/LOTERÍA familiar y la oportunidad de ganarse algo delicioso! 

Fantastic Food Firsts
Tue, Jun 9 | 6pm | Register
Join your host, Chef Alphonse Dente (just call him Al) as he talks about the “firsts” behind such fun foods as popcorn, cheeseburgers, pizza, ice cream, and MORE! 

Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Tue, Jun 16 | 6pm | Register
Artist-Magician Dan Gogh uses comedy, magic, and art to unlock the mystery of creativity. Dan will be your guide to wacky colors, magical drawings, and art tools that have a mind of their own. Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and laugh all the way as you join us on this one-of-a-kind journey!

 La, La, Librarian
Wed, Jun 24 | 6pm | Register
Get ready to rock. Get ready to read! Get ready to sing, dance, and get silly with La, La, Librarian! 

Bilingual Music and Games for Families
Tue, Jun 30 | 6pm | Register 
Turn family time into game time! GoCreative’s play-based, bilingual program brings everyone together through fun, interactive games that will have you laughing and learning side by side. 

BMX Stunt Show
Tue, Jul 7 | 6pm | Register
From the stage of “America’s Got Talent” comes Matt Wilhelm’s BMX Stunt Show. Matt will perform the same amazing tricks he has done in competition for the Lansing Public Library.  He will also share his story of beating the odds on the way to become a national champion.  

Storm Science
Tue, Jul 14 | 6pm | Register
Interactive demos? Check. Thunderstorm simulation? Check! Learn about weather and get hands on! 

Firefly Theater - Under the Stars
Tue, Jul 21 | 6pm | Register
Join Spark the Firefly and her friends for a summer night in Firefly Grove. Gather around the campfire to sing songs, listen to stories and watch the stars.

Leonardo Music
Tue, Jul 28 | 6pm | Register
Bring your dancing shoes and best air guitar moves. It’s time to go rockin’ with Leonardo! 

Mario Kart Pizza Party
Wed, Jul 29 | 6pm | Register
Rev up the fun at our Mario Kart Pizza Party, where kids go head-to-head with their parents in high-energy races! Enjoy delicious pizza, friendly competition, and plenty of power-ups as families battle for bragging rights. 

Join us for a Summer Movie Night on the Lawn! Bring your blankets or chairs, gather your friends and family, and enjoy a fun, relaxing evening under the stars

Sat, June 13 | 8:30pm | Drop-in: Zootopia 2

Sat, July 11 | 8:30pm | Drop-in: Hoppers

Sat, August 1 | 8:30pm | Drop-in: Super Mario Galaxy

Family programs are designed for children and accompanying adults.

Family Storytime
Every Wed | 10am | Register
Enjoy books, movement, songs, and more! Kids will learn important things like motor and literacy skills, finishing with a make & take craft for your child. Ages 2-5. 

Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
Tue, May 5 | 9:30am-12:30pm | Register
Enjoy a playful morning of exploration at the Children’s Museum designed especially for adults and their little ones. Families will discover hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning together. Transportation and admission included. 

Music and Movement
Every Tues: June & July | 11am | Register
Reading to babies is an important foundation for early literacy skills! There will be books, movement, songs, and more. Ages 0-24 months. 

Preschool Sensory Storytime
Every Thurs: June & July | 10am | Register
This is a fun, interactive, neurodivergent, and special needs friendly storytime for kids. Enjoy a themed, sensory friendly story read aloud and stay for playtime. Ages 2-5.

Move with Sol 
Wed: Jun 3 & Jul 1 | 11am | Register
Let’s burn some energy!  Follow along as we have fun exercising to kid-friendly YouTube dance videos.

Face Paint
Fun Fri, Jun 12 | 11am | Register
Make your own face paint from household ingredients and have fun painting your face. 

Juneteenth Preschool Craft
Fri, Jun 19 | 11am | Register
We’ll read a Juneteenth picture book followed by a simple craft for preschoolers. 

DIY Sensory Bin
Fri, Jul 10 | 11am | Register
Make an ocean-themed sensory bin with your preschooler to take home and enjoy.

Kool-Aid Painting
Fri, Jul 17 | 11am | Register
Dress for mess! We’re going to make paintings using ice cubes and Kool-Aid. 

Young Writer’s Meetup
Mon: Jun 8, Jul 6 | 1pm | Register
Do you enjoy writing or journaling and would like to meet others who do, too? Join us this summer for a casual meet-up with like-minded individuals to brainstorm and create a mini-magazine (Zine) that you can use to tell your own story. Snacks will be provided. 

Elementary Sensory Storytime
Mon: Jun 15, Jul 13 | 11am | Register
An interactive storytime created especially for neurodivergent and special needs elementary-aged kids. Enjoy a themed, sensory-friendly read-aloud with movement and hands-on fun, followed by relaxed playtime in a welcoming space. 

Dot Drawings
Thu, Jun 25 | 6pm | Register
Take a dot for a walk! Using inspiration from painters of the past, we will unleash our creativity to make our own unique dot drawings. 

Outdoor Art
Thu, Jul 2 | 6pm | Register
Dress for mess! We’re going to make a work of art from leaves, rocks, and twigs we find around the library. 

It’s Taco Knight!
Wed, Jul 15 | 6pm | Register
Join us for a fun, hands-on taco cooking activity for kids! Learn about traditional Mexican cooking ingredients behind this yummy dish! 

Circle Art
Thu, Jul 23 | 6pm | Register
Make a work of art using circles to make a colorful picture.

Summer Science with Ms.Kim
Fridays | 1pm | Register
Join Ms. Kim during the summer to learn about science with fun, hands-on activities and experiments. Dress to get messy! Jun 12: Color Science Jun 26: Bubble Science Jul 10: Earth Science,  Edible Terrariums Jul 24: Food Science, Ice Cream

American Cinema Club
Thu: Jun 11 & Jul 9 | 1pm | Register
Let’s celebrate American stories through cinema!

JuneTEENth
Mon, Jun 15 | 1pm | Register
Want to go beyond social studies class? Learn more about the story of Juneteenth in a celebration curated for tweens and teens.

Anime Club
Thu: Jun 18, Jul 16 | 1pm | Register
Explore Japanese art and culture! We will be testing snacks, paper marbling, reviewing anime, and more!

Many Voices, One Story Wall
Thu, Jun 18 | 6pm | Register
Use words, doodles, symbols, and speech bubbles (stick figures welcome) to build one chaotic, creative masterpiece together, proving that many perspectives can shape a single shared story.

Campfire Chats
Mon: Jun 29, Jul 27 | 1pm | Register
Experience daytime camping! We will discuss the upcoming school year and the books we’re reading. S’mores and lemonade will be served!

Turn your pet into POP ART! 
Mon, Jul 13 | 1pm | Register
Transform your pet into a vibrant rainbow watercolor masterpiece! Just bring or email a photo of your pet (full face works best) to youthdesk@lansingpl. org.  Perfect for gifts, memorials, or just because you’re obsessed with your pet.

The Great Observation Challenge
Thu, Jul 16 | 6pm | Register
Think you notice everything? Put your memory and attention to the test in this fast-paced challenge featuring visual puzzles, local highlights, and perspective based mini games inspired by America’s 250th anniversary and local history.

Design a Better Tomorrow
Thu, Jul 30 | 6pm | Register
If every voice was heard, what would change? In this hands-on activity, teens will be given prompts and materials to design bold ideas for a stronger community and future, then pitch their creations in a rapid-fire showcase.

As the weather warms up, keep an eye on our courtyard - we’ve added a new bird feeder! This summer, we’re hoping to welcome plenty of feathered visitors in the weeks ahead. Stop by, enjoy the sunshine, and see who drops in for a snack.

Spoiler alert: squirrels stop by too!

Coffee Break Café
Every Tues | 10:30am | Drop-in
Coffee Break Café is Lansing Public Library’s Micro Café that produces freshly made coffee  right in front of you. Join us in conversation or grab a delicious cup of coffee on the go!  Space is limited to 40. 

Tai-Chi & Gentle Meditation
Every Tues | 1pm | Drop-in
Instructor, Brian Thompson, from BNEW4LIFE, teaches Tai-Chi & Meditation to help stay focused, alert, and pain-free! Space is limited to 40. Not in session in the month of May. 

Craft Masters is designed for makers who want the time, tools, and guidance to complete a full craft project and take it home.
Linocut Stamps Thu, Jun 25 | 6pm  | Register
Carve your own linocut stamp and print your unique design!
Faux Stained Glass Thu, Jul 23 | 6pm  | Register
Create your own stained glassinspired piece of art to display. *Exact project may vary 

Spice Club
Mon: May 4, Jun 1, Jul 6 | Register
Spice up your cooking! Register each month to receive a sample of a new spice along with the spice’s history and delicious recipes.  

Age Well: Practical Steps to a Better Future
Thu, May 7 |  11am  | Register
Road Scholar presents a webinar designed for Seniors and/or their caregivers. This live session focuses on resources from planning wisely, retirement living costs, and how to speak up for yourself. Gain tools and confidence for your future. 

Senior Citizen Safety
Tue, May 12 | 11am | Register
Provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, this presentation focuses on best practices in crime prevention for your home, in your car, and when you are away from home.  Attendees learn simple ways to protect themselves and their families as well as their home and possessions. This program will be running congruently with the Coffee Break Café. 

Trivial Matters!
Wed: May 13, Jun 10, Jul 15 | 6pm | Register
Grab your squad or just yourself and join us each month as we challenge your brain with different themes and subjects. Snacks will be provided.  

Habitat for Humanity Seminar
Wed, May 27 | 6pm | Register
Habitat for Humanity has specialized programs for people looking for housing. In this presentation, you will learn how to go about the process of finding a home. 

Expeditioners: Weekend Travels
Mon: Jun 1 & Jul 6  | 5:30pm | Register
Do you enjoy traveling and short road trips? We’ll explore cities that are a six-ish hour drive away from home. Learn about where to stay, what to do, and fun stops along the way! 

Senior Bingo!
Fri: Jun 5 & Jul 3 | 11am | Drop-in
This is the perfect opportunity for you to socialize and win some prizes! 

Estate Planning Seminar
Mon, Jun 8 | 6pm | Register
Learn the importance of wills, trusts, and estate planning! Myths & Munchies: 

Campfire Series
Mon: Jun 15 &  Jul 13  | 5:30pm | Register
Enjoy campfire treats as we sit around a courtyard tabletop fire discussing realms of the paranormal! We’ll discuss a different topic each month. 

Crafty Connections
Fri: Jun 19 & Jul 17 | 1pm | Drop-in
NEW FORMAT! Explore a wide assortment of materials, tools, and embellishments in this relaxed, self-guided program - no instructions, just inspiration. Bring your own project or start something new, and enjoy crafting alongside others in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Space is limited to 25.

Juneteenth Collaborative Painting
Sat, Jun 20 | 12pm | Register
Celebrate Juneteenth with music, creativity, and community! Adults are invited to paint together on collaborative artwork that will be displayed in the library. No experience needed! 

Keynote: Goal Setting for Real Life
Sat, Jul 25 | 2pm | Register
This interactive session helps young adults rethink traditional goal-setting by shifting from pressure and comparison to clarity, alignment, and intentional action. Participants will leave with practical tools to set goals that reflect who they are—not who they feel they need to be.

1:1 Tech Help | By Appointment
Book an Info Services staff member for 30 minutes of one-on-one technology assistance! Scheduling is dependent upon the topic and staff availability. Request an appointment in-person at the Info Desk, by phone at (708) 4742447 ext. 109, or by email to infodesk@ lansingpl.org. *Please note this service is not intended as a replacement for device support, i.e. Geek Squad. Staff are not certified to troubleshoot or repair devices, but may only assist patrons with basic device usage and instruction of library applications.*

Easy Digital Photo Storage
Tues: May 12, Jun 9, Jul 7 | 10am | Register
Learn how to organize, store, and protect your digital photo collection online. 

Chatting About ChatGPT
Wed: Jun 3, Jul 1 | 6pm | Register
Let’s talk about what it is, how it can help, and what to potentially avoid to make the most of this brand new technology.

Google Basics Series
Tue: Jun 9, 16, 23 | 1pm | Register
Learn the essentials of Google Workspace in this hands-on, beginner-friendly series. Participants will explore key tools used for communication, document creation, f ile storage, and collaboration online. Registration is required and is for all three sessions

BYO Book Club
Mon: May 18, June 22, & July 20 | 6:30pm | Drop in
Have a favorite book or two you’d like to share with fellow readers and librarians? Come tell us about them, get the scoop on new and upcoming releases, and discover recommendations for what to read next!

Book Banter | 1st Thursday | 6pm | Drop in 

May 7: Brooklyn

June 4: Our Missing Hearts

July 2: How to Dodge a Cannonball

Criminally Good | 2nd Friday | 10am | Drop-in

May 8: Clark & Division

June 12: The Cutting Season

July 10: Miracle Creek

Lansing Library Cinema provides free movies, drinks, and treats! Come see newly released flicks, retro reels, and movies made from books with us on our 84in 4k TV.

Rental Family Fri, May 29 | 11am | Drop-in

Glory Fri, Jun 26 | 11am | Drop-in

Remarkably Bright Creatures Fri, Jul 24 | 11am | Drop-in

Interested in knowing how to create comics and anime? The last week of July will have educational classes on how it’s done from the pros! Plus, an extra fun class for the lovers of Anime!

• Mon, Jul 27 | Virtual Comic Creation Class with writer Trevor Mueller | 6pm | Register

• Wed, Jul 29 | Drawing Comic & Manga Characters with Brian Babendererde  | 6pm | Register

• Thu, Jul 30 | Cartoon 101 with Mark Andertoon | 6pm | Register

• Fri, Jul 31 | Anime Sticker Canvas | 5:30pm | Register

We believe the library should be easy to use and welcoming for everyone. That’s why we offer a range of accessibility resources to support different needs and preferences. If there’s something that would make your experience better, let us know how we can support you.

CLOSED CAPTIONING Captioning is available at library events for those with hearing loss, learning English as a Second Language (ESL), visual learners and more.

SCREEN-READER SOFTWARE All library computers have screen reader software installed. NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) allows the blind and vision impaired to access and interact with the Windows operating system and many third party applications. Just look for the purple N icon

TRANSLATION APPLICATIONS All public service desks have tablets with translation apps available to assist non-English speakers.

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION All public service desks have tablets with an augmentive and alternative communication (AAC) app designed for individuals with difficulty speaking.

Library of Things

Check out these accessibility items from our Library of Things! Lansing Library card required.

ROCKET PEN READING TUTOR

SAFETY EARMUFFS FOR KIDS This portable device can read aloud and display vividly whatever text it scans.

LAPTOPS Laptops come with NVDA screen reader software in addition to Windows 11 accessibility features. Designed for toddlers to young teens who have sensory preferences and need extra hearing protection.

TABLETS Try library apps like Hoopla and Libby with ebook and audiobook collections to check out.

LARGE PRINT KEYBOARDS Large print, high contrast keyboards are available at the public computers and to checkout.

OPTELEC DIGITAL MAGNIFIER Try the Optelec Compact magnifier, a slim, light and pocket sized video magnifier.

LIBRARY HOURS Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: CLOSED

LIBRARY CLOSINGS/SPECIAL HOURS

May 2: Closing 1pm | Good Neighbor Parade

May 25: Closed | Memorial Day

June 6: Closed | Block Party 5-8pm

July 4: Closed | Independence Day

August 7: Closed | Staff In-Service

DIRECTOR
Lisa Korajczyk

LIBRARY BOARD
Sharon Novak, President
Jeri Villa, Vice President
Steven Carr, Secretary
Mozella Brown, Treasurer
Yvette Farmer, Trustee
Afenya Montgomery, Trustee
Christian Olthoff, Trustee

Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm in the Community Room.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS Any person needing accommodations for a disability in order to access the benefits of the Library’s services, programs, or activities under the American with Disabilities Act should contact Director Lisa Korajczyk by phone  708-474-2447 or in writing, not less than five (5) business days prior to the event.

CONTACT INFO 2750 Indiana Avenue Lansing, IL 60438 Phone: 708-474-2447 lansingpl.org

Please visit the Library or our website for updates to program information.

Visit our website to subscribe to our eNewsletter.

IMAGE RELEASE: All program registrants and participants must permit to the taking and use of their image in future library publications, both printed and electronic.

Friends Meeting

Mon: May 11 & July 13 6:30pm | Brick Room Please come check us out at our meetings. We’re a fun bunch! ALL ARE WELCOME. 

Book Sale 2nd Saturday of Each Month May 19 | June 13 | July 11 9:30am-1:30pm The Book Sale is cash only

Raffle Baskets

$5/1 ticket or $10/3 tickets Mothers Day Basket, Father’s Day Basket Drawing May 6 

Grilling Basket, Gardening Basket Drawing June 13

Cat’s Meow Basket tickets available july 25

Upstairs specials

May: $5 video/blu-ray bundles

June: $5 children & teens summer bundles

July: buy 2 book bundles get 1 free

Brides Through the Decades
June 6 - August 22 Thursdays | 5:30-7:30pm
Step into history with “Brides Through the Decades,” the summer exhibit at the Lansing Historical Society. This beloved annual showcase features a stunning collection of wedding gowns spanning from the Victorian era through the 1990s. With new dresses donated each year, the exhibit continues to grow, offering a fresh look at changing bridal styles and traditions. Private tours may also be arranged by calling 708-474-2447x176.

Still need to get your library card? You can apply online!

Scan the code or visit: lansingpl.org/library-card-registration

Once approved, you will receive your FULL ACCESS card via email and can instantly unlock all of the benefits your library card offers. Want a physical card? Stop into the library!