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Monday, November 22, 2021 | View in browser
 To those who celebrate, the happiest of Thanksgivings to you! A good way to begin the holiday celebrations with kids is a great book: check out this lovely booklist about people making and sharing food with others.
While most cultures love to celebrate the harvest with family, it is also important that the history of this holiday has been mis-taught. That's why this month is designated Native American Heritage Month, so we can all learn. Our North American Heritage Month & Indigenous Peoples Day booklist has great kid-friendly stories and information.
- Listen to Traci Sorrell of the Cherokee nation read her beautiful book called We are Grateful, Ostaliheliga.
- In the spirit of feasting, let's celebrate that so many of the foods we enjoy come from the Indigenous cultures of the Americas. First the three sisters (maize/corn, squash, pinto or tepary beans) and then tomato, potato, sweet potato, avocado, peanuts, cacao beans (chocolate), vanilla, black raspberry, strawberry, peppers, allspice, and so much more.
- Add a new tradition to your family gathering: spend time making and using a decorated Talking Stick or Talking Feather so everyone at the table gets a chance to speak and be heard. Learn more about the Talking Feather Craft and Practice.
Evanston Public Library acknowledges that our libraries sit on the original homelands of the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa peoples, the Council of the Three Fires.
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Squawker's (LIBR)Eryie: First, check out the recommendations from the Kids Library staff and other Evanston kids for November. Your child can fill out a Squawker's form the next time you come to the library to feature their favorite book in an upcoming list!
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November's Story Star at the Main Library: Sprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States. Come to the Main Library to read the story by walking through the Children's Room, and then try your hand at crafting paper airplanes, working with tools, and making a Sprouting Wings-inspired sun catcher craft! November 13-December 12, Main Library: More Information.
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Drop in Code it Help Hour: Is your 5th-8th grader taking the Code It! Challenge, due December 5th? Join us on Tuesdays and get answers to your questions from our coding experts. Just stop by in person, or register for an online appointment! Tuesday, November 23, 4 pm: Register (online only); Tuesday, November 30, 4 pm: Register (online only).
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Hora de Aventuras – Cuenta cuentos en español para niñas y niños de primaria: Hola! Ven a la biblioteca para escuchar cuentos en español. Algunos divertidos, otros tiernos, o de risa...o de miedo! Cada lunes a las 4 pm. Deja volar tu imaginación con nosotras! Próximo: Monday, November 29, 4 pm: Register. Monday, December 6, 4 pm Register.
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Graphic Novel Book Club: A Shot in the Arm! You love graphic novels so let's discuss this one about the science of vaccines: Don Brown's graphic novel, A Shot In The Arm! (part of the Big Ideas That Changed the World series of nonfiction graphic novels). You can find an ebook copy available on Hoopla here. Grades 3-5; Registration required. Must be an Evanston resident or attend school in District 65. Saturday, December, 4, 3 pm: Register.
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Virtual Author Visit with Dr. Zetta Elliot! Chicago-based children's author/poet/activist/educator Zetta Elliott will visit with us, talk about her Dragons in a Bag series, and celebrate the upcoming release of a brand new Dragons book! Check out this booklist for more great reads by Zetta Elliot. For grades K-5. Starting Monday, November 29th, swing by the Main Library to pick up your (optional) dragon puppet kit! Saturday, December 11, 4 pm: Register
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Poetry Night with the Grandparents of Family Focus: Join us virtually for this special evening of local poetry! Your kids will be inspired to write and perform poetry for themselves. Presented by EPL, Family Focus and Northlight Theatre: Tuesday, December 14, 7 pm: Register.
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Microwave Cooking Class: Lunch and Dinner. Calling K-5th graders who want to learn how to cook using their microwave! This month join us in making Mac and Cheese, Potato Soup, and a Pizza using a mug and a microwave. An ingredient list will be sent out ahead of time. Saturday, December 18, 11 am: Register.
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Young Scientist's Book Club! Let's discuss Coop Knows the Scoop by Taryn Sounders; an ebook copy is available on Hoopla here. Kids will work on a STEM activity or challenge that ties into the reading, then discuss their creations and the science behind them. The activity will be available for pickup at the Main Library starting December 11 and registration is required. Must be an Evanston resident or attend school in District 65 to participate. Saturday, December 18, 3 pm. Register.
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Stroller Stories! Bundled-Up, Walking Storytime: Dress warmly and tuck your toddler or preschooler into the stroller for a new kind of storytime! Meet us at the front entrance to Robert Crown. The group will walk around the athletic fields and stop for stories and songs along the route. Saturday, November 27, 10:45 am: Register.
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Preschool STEAM Storytime Series! (for ages 3-5) Story time is in-person and outdoors in parks around Evanston. Bring a blanket, your boots, and your coat because we will be outside, rain, snow, or shine. We'll read stories, sing songs, and have a lot of silly science fun! Monday, November 29, 10:30 am, Fireman's Park: Register.
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LENA Start Information Session! Learn about LENA Start and how you can participate in a 10-week virtual program for parents that helps build your 0-3 year old's brain! Evanston residents, only. Monday, November 29, 10 am, English session: Register, Spanish session: Register; OR Tuesday, December 7, 11 am, English session: Register, Spanish session: Register; OR Thursday, December 9, 2 pm, English session: Register, Spanish session: Register; OR Saturday, December 11, 10 am: English session: Register, Spanish session: Register. Don't miss this!
- A parent testimonial: "LENA Start was eye-opening for me, from counting how many words I was using and when, to being cognizant of responding to all of my infant's coos. I can, without hesitation, say that I am better equipped to build my child's vocabulary and love for reading due to participating in the LENA Start program. I would highly recommend the program to all parents!"
 Evanston Public Library staff spent this whole year reading all the well-reviewed kids books published in 2021. Then we narrowed this huge list down to 101 Great Books for Kids (2021 edition) available now, just in time for gift giving!
101 Book Display and "Petting Zoo" Want to touch and see the 101 books before checking them out or buying them? Come to the library this week (closed only Thanksgiving Day) to see all these books together in one place. A great way to get ready for Small Business Saturday buying! More Information.
The 2021 Best Picture Book of the Year Presentation with Betsy Bird and Brian Wilson (Virtual). The most anticipated day of the year for parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers is coming! Join EPL's Collection Development Manager, and Fuse #8 blogger, Betsy Bird, and Children's Librarian, and 2017 Caldecott Committee member, Brian Wilson as they present some of their favorite picture books of 2021! A BIG treat for those who love sharing picture books with children; not a program for kids themselves. Saturday, December 4, 10 am: Register.
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Parents/Library Listening Session - Ever wanted to share your ideas or thoughts with the library staff? Now is the time! What can the library do to help you make our community the best it can be? Have any brilliant ideas on how to support Evanston kids? Come chat with us, Wednesday, December 8, 5 pm. Register.
 Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, runs from the night of November 28 to December 6. It is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, during the Maccabean revolt in the second century B.C.E. A joyous family time to all who celebrate!
On November 18, Haitians and Haitian Americans celebrated the Battle of Vertières, the last battle in the Haitian fight for Independence from France in 1804, which formed the first free Black republic of that time. The Haitian people first inspired and then supported Indigenous revolutions across the Americas, in Argentina, Colombia, Puerto Rico and more. Vives félicitations!
Just in time for Thanksgiving feasting, here's a great recipe for you and your children to make to accompany meat dishes, like turkey or fish: Haitian Pikliz! It is very spicy, but you can adjust the heat.
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