Blog

We’re developing lots of events and activities for you to enjoy at home while our building is closed. 

FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

Is Your Cat Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed?

Does your cat have a preferred paw? Here’s how to find out which paw your feline friend prefers (PDF).

#SkokieLibraryCooks 

We want to know what you’re cooking as a family while everyone’s at home. Looking for an at-home group cooking idea? Learn how to make challah with community member Amy Claver, who has led cooking workshops at the library. Show us what you’re making using the hashtag #SkokieLibraryCooks on Twitter and Instagram.

Lead Your Own Storytimes at Home 

See tips and resources, as well as recordings, from our youth librarians so you can do your own storytime at home.

FOR TEENS

Teen Library Council 

Join us for a Zoom meetup Thursday, March 26, 4:30-5:30 pm. Give your input on remote library services and events for teens. For grades 6-12. Email Laurel for the login info.

FOR ADULTS

Census 2020 

See our Instagram stories on Tuesday, March 24 for information on submitting your Census 2020 information online.

Online Civic Lab: All Genders 

Join our Civic Lab team on Twitter on Wednesday, March 25 from 1-2 pm as we share resources and discussion around how humans explore and express their gender. 

Virtual Book Club 

This book discussion will take place over the next three weeks on Goodreads. Join the discussion starting Thursday, March 26 from 2-3 pm. Our first book, The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King,is available as an eBook or digital audiobook on Hoopla (free with your library card).

Creative Writing Prompts

Use these five prompts (PDF) to start a new creative writing piece or add to an old one. Some will work for poetry and fiction, and others for nonfiction writing.

FOR ALL AGES

Show Us Your Work-from-Home Buddies

See our Instagram stories on Wednesday, April 1, as some of our staff share pictures and stories of their work-from-home buddies, of the stuffed and live pet variety. Share your own photo and tag the library.

PERFORMANCES

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 

Formed in 1985, this ensemble, made up of only ukuleles of various sizes, along with the voices of its eight members, blends elements of rock, classical, jazz, folk, film soundtracks, and other genres into a unique musical experience. They’ve uploaded a one-hour recorded live performance on YouTube that is lots of fun.

Music Live Streams

NPR Music has compiled a list of live audio and video streams from around the world, categorized by date and genre, with links out to streaming platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. It is a living document that will be updated every day until it's no longer needed.

International Bluegrass Music Association 

See the schedules and attendance details for online bluegrass concerts and festivals. Events are currently taking place daily.

WDCB Virtual Events 

WDCB, Chicago’s Home for Jazz, has a calendar of upcoming virtual streamed performances featuring jazz, blues, world, and folk music.

Berlin Philharmonic 

Log on to the Digital Concert Hall ticket page with the code BERLINPHIL and use it for free for 30 days. No cancellation needed when your 30 days are up. The last day to redeem this code is Tuesday, March 31. More than 600 orchestral concerts are available, including 15 with new chief conductor, Kirill Petrenko.

International Bluegrass Music Association 

See the schedules and attendance details for online bluegrass concerts and festivals. Events are currently taking place daily.

WDCB Virtual Events 

WDCB, Chicago’s Home for Jazz, has a calendar of upcoming virtual streamed performances featuring jazz, blues, world, and folk music.