150th anniversary block party to launch Summer Reading
Join library staff on May 17 and gear up for Summer Reading with their 150-anniversary block party. With face painting, DIY seed bombs, bounce houses, live music, rock painting, a book giveaway and more, there will be fun for the entire family. Stop by outside the library anytime between 9 a.m. and noon.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to get registered for the summer reading program so that you can be ready to start winning some of our fabulous prizes. This year’s theme is “Level Up at Your Library!” and will run from May 27 through July 7.
Road Scholar presents Exploring Easter Island – May 5 at noon
Accepted by many as the most remote island in the world, Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, still fascinates the world. From its culture developed widely with no outside contact to the Moai statues that dominate the landscape, Rapa Nui holds many secrets and mysteries that until recently went unexplored and unsolved.
Join the staff on Monday, May 5 at noon for Exploring Easter Island, an online lecture and Q&A about the history and mystery of Rapa Nui.
Chair yoga with Christy DeSmit – May 30 at 1 p.m.
Looking for a way to stay healthy, but worried about your mobility or balance? Stop by May 30 at 1 p.m. for a free chair yoga class lead by Christy DeSmit of the Kewanee Yoga Center. Chair yoga is option for beginners as well as those with mobility or balance concerns.
Lawyers in the Library – May 14 from noon – 4 p.m.
Wish you could speak to an attorney about family law, domestic violence issue, housing law, or senior law? Kewanee Public Library District and Prairie State Legal Services have once again partnered to help.
On Wednesday, May 14, Prairie State Legal Services will be at the library to provide free 30-minute consultations between noon and 4 p.m. Spots are limited, so stop by the Information Services desk on the lower level or call 309-852-4505 to speak with Susan and reserve your spot before they run out. Registration will end on Friday, May 9.
Please note that this service is intended for self-represented individuals; if you have already acquired legal representation, Prairie State Legal Services may not be able to assist you.
Lawyers in the Library is not able to provide ongoing legal representation, but will offer general legal information and referrals to other agencies.
ImpactLife blood drive – May 21 from 9-11:30 a.m.
The Kewanee Public Library District has once again partnered with ImpactLife to host a blood drive. ImpactLife will be in the Community Room on Wednesday, May 21between 9 and 11:30 a.m. To book your appointment, contact the library director, Cindy Maxwell, at maxwellc@kewaneelibrary.org or call ImpactLife at 1-800-747-5401.
Tools to manage diabetes with Kristin Bogdonas – May 20 at 2 p.m.
Are you trying to manage your diabetes? Kristin Bogdonas from the University of Illinois Extension will be here May 20 at 2 p.m. to help. Learn some tools and tips for planning meals and snacks. Along with the information that you learn, you’ll also get to take home a free portion plate.
Learn how to use library apps – May 8
Did you know that you can borrow library ebooks, audiobooks, and more from the comfort of your home? The Kewanee Public Library District offers multiple apps that you can get on your phone, tablet, or television. Stop in May 8 at 3 p.m. to learn how to use the library apps and starting checking out items without leaving the house.
Young adult programming
— Are you interested in creating arts and crafts while hanging out with friends and meeting new people? The new Young Adult Craft Club meets May 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Each month, the group will meet to craft a new project.
— On May 29 at 3 p.m. the library will host the monthly meeting of the Young Adult Homeschoolers Hobby Hangout. Homeschooling students between 13 and 18 are invited toshare interests while improving various skill sets. Whether you’re interested in crocheting, chess or even have a service project that you need to work on, stop in and work alongside your friends.
— Calling all manga and anime aficionados, join the new Young Adult Manga Book Club. Those between 13 and 18 who are interested in graphic novels or manga will meet Monday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 28, both at 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. to read and discuss the manga series Demon Slayer.
— On May 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. anyone between 13 and 18 can stop in to the Young Adult room on the lower level. The group will play Fortnite on the library’s gaming television. There were also be snacks.
— A YA cloudspotting workshop is scheduled May 19 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. The group will learn the difference in clouds by combining observation, science, and an appreciation of nature. They’ll create a DIY cloud spotter and paint a picture of their favorite clouds. Cloudspotting has been found to reduce stress, increase mindfulness and deepen an understanding of weather patterns.
— Kick off summer with a summer vision board Friday, May 30 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Vision boards help you reach personal goals and ambitions by collecting images, words, and quotes that inspire you and align with your goals.
Youth Programming
— Baby and preschool storytime continues this month. Infants through preschool age children and their adults are invited to attend storytime Tuesdays at 11:15 a,m. Stay and play sensory play time follows the story time. Story time is also live on Facebook at 1 p.m. the same day. The music and movement storytime is held Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.
— On May 15 at 2 p,m. will be the monthly homeschooler’s afternoon with special guests from the Garden Club of Kewanee.
— There will be two drop-in crafts this month. Elementary-age children may stop in May 7, 8 and 9 at 3:30 p.m. or Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon to make a pinwheel craft. Preschoolers may stop in May 21, 22 and 23 at 3:30 p.m or Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to noon for paper roll painted flowers.
— Throughout May, science magic tricks grab ‘n go kits will be available. The first of this year’s summer reading grab ‘n go will be held during the weeks of May 25 and June 1. Pac Man paper game kits will be available while supplies last.
Chapter Chasers Book Club – fourth through sixth graders
Students in grades 4 through 6 can join our book club, Chapter Chasers. The group meets Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the Youth room. Students will listen as youth staff member Chris reads How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell and discusses the story as it progresses.
Students are welcome to bring drinks and snacks or enjoy the snacks provided by the library. No registration is required.
Author Talk – May 13
On May 13 at 7 p.m., Illinois Libraries Present will host Matthew Desmond for “Poverty: A Discussion.” Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and author of the award-winning book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.
Desmond’s research focuses on poverty in the United States, city life, housing insecurity, public policy, racial inequality and ethnography.
Desmond is the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and was listed in 2016 among the Politico 50, as one of “fifty people across the country who are most influencing the national political debate.”
The author talks will be available on Zoom. The meeting link will be on kewaneelibrary.org.
These events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.
Cinema at the Carnegie
Each month, the library will show a different movie. If you have a specific day of the week or time that works for you, stop by the Information Services desk and let them know. While you’re here, let staff know if there’s a specific movie that you’d like us to show.
In May, showings will be on the 15th at 2 p.m. and the 27th at 10:30 a.m.
Adult Book Club – May 19at 2 and 6 p.m.
The Adult Book Club will discuss Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea. As always, there will be two meetings, one at 2 p.m. and another at 6. Those entering the library for the evening meeting should use the elevator entrance on First Street. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Information Services desk on the lower level.
Digital Literacy Class
Classes will be available by appointment on Essential Computer Skills, which would be basic computer skills, Essential Software Skills, or office productivity skills, and Technology Tools in Daily Life, which will teach you practical computer skills.
Those with a more specific question may stop in during the class and the staff work with them to figure it out. To make an appointment, call at 309-852-4505 and ask for the Information Services desk.
Creativity at the Carnegie
Do you enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch or quilting? This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Community Room. This is an adult group sponsored by the Friends of the Kewanee Public Library for those who would like to enjoy the comradery of others while creating their own fiber projects.
For more information, stop by or call 852-4505.
For more information on any of the above-mentioned programs or to see what services are offered at the library, call 309-852-4505 or visit www.kewaneelibrary.org. Or email the library at reference@kewaneelibrary.org with any questions.
