Thursday, October 1, 2020 | View in browser
The unemployment rate in Evanston has risen from 2-3% to 10% in the wake of the pandemic. In light of that fact, we are delighted to announce that the Evanston Public Library is a proud recipient of a $149,023 IMLS CARES Act Grant. These funds will be directed to helping those who are unemployed in our community with a variety of strategies and resources to get job ready.
The Library's plan focuses on bridging the digital divide in Evanston, providing Ready-to-Work starter kits with Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks, free access to online courses and certifications, personal technology training with professional Tech Tutors, and more. Read more about the grant and the Library's plan for it here.
 Virtual Book Discussions:
- Spooky Stories for Kids Book Talk. Jaime Thome of Artists Book House and EPL Collections Manager Betsy Bird chat about how scary stories make us feel, and about the nature and thrill of ghostly tales. Read more and get the link to join. Monday, October 5, 7 pm
- Keepin it Real Non-Fiction Book Group discusses: Not Forgotten: The True Story of My Imprisonment in North Korea by Kenneth Bae and Mark Tabb, Tuesday, October 6, 7 pm. Register.
- Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Group discusses: Snake Agent by Liz Williams. Wednesday, October 7, 7 pm. Register.
- African American Literature Book Group discusses: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Thursday, October 15, 7 pm. Register.
- Midwest Address Literary Lunchbreak: Carl Smith discusses his new book, Chicago's Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City. Thursday, October 29, 12 pm. Co-sponsored with Bookends and Beginnings bookstore. Register.
- Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Group discusses: The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang. Wednesday, November 4, 7 pm. Register.
- History Book Group discusses: A Stroll to Syracuse by J.G. Seume. Monday, November 9, 7 pm. Register.
Northwestern Lectures:
- EPL and the Center for International and Area Studies present: "Empire of Dune: Indigeneity, U.S. Power, and a Science Fiction Classic" with historian Daniel Immerwahr. Monday, October 12, 6 pm. Read more and register.
- "Polarization, Party Conflict, and the 2020 Elections." Professor Laurel Harbridge-Yong will discuss the 2020 presidential and congressional elections in light of growing polarization and party conflict in American politics. Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 pm. Read more and register.
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The Library's yearly reading program, Mission Impossible, is diving into the works of Virginia Woolf, including Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando.
Discussion groups are currently full, but you can still participate in this valuable experience. We encourage you to explore the book on your own or get together with friends with the help of our reading schedules, discussion prompts, virtual lectures, and more. Read more on the Mission Impossible website.
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 NEW: Fika! Make new cross country connections via Zoom. Enjoy virtual conversation with people from the state of Maine. Co-hosted with Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Read more about the meaning of Fika and register to get a link to connect. Monday through Friday at 9 AM (Central Time).
Black Women's Health and Wellness Series. The Black Women's Health Imperative presents a virtual panel of experts to discuss the crisis of unaddressed uterine fibroids and the maternal and reproductive health needs of Black women in the U.S. Register for Part 2, Thursday, October 8, 2 pm.
Memory Café. Join in for a weekly, virtual social hour especially for people on the memory loss spectrum and their care partners. Next session: Thursday, October 8, 11 am, focuses on movement. Register. Read more about upcoming Memory Cafés.
At Home Ergonomics. Attend this virtual workshop with Chiro One of Evanston and get some quick tips for healthy work-from-home habits to fix improper posture. Tuesday, October 20, 1 pm. Register.
Evanston Care Network is here if you need help. Search for free and low-cost resources including food, housing, childcare and more.
A City of Evanston Brain Break Activity Packet provides seniors and those who care for them with engaging activities to do from home, ways to connect to the community, and more. To subscribe to receive a regular packet by mail or email, call 847-448-4311 or complete the request online.
- We offer a variety of virtual technology assistance: maximize use of your iPhone or iPad; get a one-on-one help session tailored to your needs; network and get mentorship with other freelancers. View all October offerings.
- Looking for a new place to work for an hour? The Robert Crown Library Branch has free parking and a beautiful computer bar overlooking a reading garden.
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- Looking for work? Seeking employees? Need job training? Check out Illinois WorkNet.
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NEW! Need a computer? The Evanston Public Library Laptop Vending Machine will open for use on Monday, October 5. It's located on the South wall outside of the Robert Crown Branch Library, and within the Robert Crown Community Center. Come borrow one!
Laptop checkout is available from 7 am to 9:30 pm, even when the Library is closed. All you need to check out is an Evanston Library card in good standing. Read more.
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 Do you have questions about library services in these changing times? Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page to learn about getting books and movies, returning items, reserving a Wi-Fi hotspot, and so much more.
Everyone can benefit from getting a library card. Visiting the Library and using the Digital Library from home is a great way to learn about what you don't yet know, grow as a person, and connect with your community.
 Want to hear the stories of interesting people in Evanston? Visit The Check Out, the Library's podcast featuring wonderful people in our vibrant community. Listen to conversations about equity, homelessness, reparations, resilience in adversity, Evanston's art scene, and so much more. Listen to The Check Out here, or anywhere you get your podcasts.
More Ways to Connect
- National Night Out: Join us in front of the Robert Crown Community Center and Library to grab a book to keep and a snack to go on National Night Out! Tuesday, October 6, 6 -7:30 pm.
- Parents After Bedtime Read Aloud Club (for those who are worried about a winter quarantine indoors with your kids). Tuesdays, 8 pm. Read more.
- Art and the Cosmic Connection Contest: Submit artwork made by your family and win a $25 gift cart to Blick Art Materials! Entries due by October 17. Read more.
- Noche para la Familia, a serenata/virtual concert. Friday, October 30, 6 pm. Register.
 The Library mourns the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a law icon and important activist for women's rights. Check out these Library resources to learn more about her life and achievements.
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