Harry Potter’s World: In 1997, British author J.K. Rowling introduced the world to Harry Potter and a literary phenomenon was born. Although a fantasy story, the magic in the Harry Potter books is partially based on Renaissance traditions which played an important role in the development of Western science and medicine.
Step into Harry Potter’s world at the Zion-Benton Public Library, with an exhibit provided by the National Library of Medicine. Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine explores the world of Harry Potter and its roots in Renaissance magic, science and medicine. The traveling exhibit will be on display at the library, May 7 through June 16. Click here for more information.
The True Magic of Owls: In the wizarding world of Harry Potter, owls were used as pets and messengers. Some even performed heroically to deliver messages to or from their owners. On Saturday, June 9, at 1:30 p.m., naturalists from the Lake County Forest Preserve will talk about native owls and their natural history. We will learn their survival strategies, because being an owl isn’t easy, even if they don’t have to deliver wizard mail!
LIBRARY NEWS
Join Our Team! We seek an enthusiastic, progressive librarian to lead the Adult Services Department in our busy suburban public library. The Adult Services Coordinator works under the general direction of the Library Director to plan, organize, and supervise the operation of the Adult Services Department. Read more….
Bookmark Contest Winners: Children in K-8th grades were invited to create a bookmark based on the summer reading club theme, “Reading is So Delicious.” The grand prize winner’s bookmark will be printed and distributed to all of the elementary school children in the ZB Library District. View the bookmarks here.
Partners in Reading 2012:On Thursday, May 10, the library kicks off its annual fundraising campaign, Partners in Reading. This year’s theme, 75, celebrates the variety of formats and programs the library has to offer after 75 years of existence! The coming year will be a financial challenge for the library. Property values have declined which impacts the library’s revenue. The PARTNERS IN READING goal for our 75thanniversary year, 2012, is $7,500. Since our founding in 1937 the library has attained and maintained its services and programs with the generous support of the community. Click here to become a Partner in Reading.
Field Trip Packs: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Education has developed a new educator resource that you can check out from the Zion-Benton Public Library. Field Trip Packs are available for loan to early childhood educators (up to third grade). Each pack is a backpack that contains hands-on equipment to encourage young children to engage in nature exploration. Also included are suggestions for educators on how to incorporate natural-resources related topics into the curriculum. For more information, visit or call the Youth Services desk at 847.872.4680, ext. 5.
Check Out a Museum at the library! The Macy’s Museum Adventure Pass program provides free admission and/or discounts to unique cultural destinations! This special opportunity is made possible by a generous contribution from Macy’s, the participating cultural organizations and the Zion-Benton Public Library! Passes may be checked out at the Circulation or Youth Services desks. For more information about participating museums and limitations, visit www.museumadventure.org or call the library at 847.872.480, ext. 3.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Programs for All Ages: Chess Night, movies for the family and other programs sure to appeal to everyone!
Marshmallow Challenge: Can your team build the tallest tower with a marshmallow on top in 18 minutes? Give it a try on Wednesday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m. We’ll provide all of the materials (even the marshmallows!) – you bring your building skills and teamwork will do the rest. Teams should consist of two to four members, which can include parents. If you don’t have a team, don’t worry! You can join one at the challenge. A new challenge starts every 20 minutes and you can compete as many times as you want!
Programs for Adults: Weekly Genealogy Workshops, Casual Crafters and lifelong learning programs, including computer classes, are specially planned to meet community needs and interests. Some programs require registration. Here are just a few of the exciting events planned this summer.
- Intro to the Internet: Monday, June 4, at 10:00 a.m.
- Microsoft Excel Class: Monday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Tuesday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m.
- Find a Job with Illinois WorkNet: Tuesday, June 5, at 2:30 p.m.
Reading is So Delicious! Beginning Saturday, June 9, adults and teens ages 14 and older are encouraged to get a taste of reading. Explore the world of food through literature by reading or listening to five titles in eight weeks to earn a delicious reward! One of the five titles chosen should have a food-related word or theme. Pick up a reading log at the Adult Services desk or submit it online at http://zblibrary.info/delicious/.
Programs for Young Adults: Some programs require registration. Here are some of the events that will keep High School students even busier this summer.
- Pizza and Finals Cram Session: Friday, May 25, from 3:00-10:00 p.m.
- Blood Drive: Tuesday, July 17, from 2:00-8:30 p.m.
Programs for Tweens: Tweens entering 5th-8th grades are invited to all of our fun and exciting programs! Some programs require registration.
- Reading is So Delicious!: Saturday, June 9.
- Teens’ Top Ten Book Club: Saturday, June 9.
- No Shushing in Area 5-8: Monday, June 11.
Teens’ Top Ten Book Club: Tweens can vote for their favorite titles from a list of 24 nominees. Read one of the books and be willing to read at least five total to join. Pick up your thumb drive with your book log (you get to keep the thumb drive) beginning June 9. The club starts on July 7 and voting begins in August. Read as many of the 24 nominees as you can and then vote for your favorite.
Programs for Kids: We have lots of programs for kids and families to enjoy. From preschool to junior high, there’s something at the library for all ages!
- Dora & Thomas Preschool Picnic: Saturday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m.
- Preschool Programs: Start the week of June 4 and end the week of June 25.
- Reading is So Delicious Summer Reading Club: Registration starts June 9.
Library Olympics: Kids, you don’t have to travel to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. We’ll kick off the worldwide Games at the library on Saturday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m. Represent your town at our own Olympic Games and go for the gold!
