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Monday, February 28, 2022 | View in browser
 Evanston Public Library staff has created a new children's book award, The Blueberry Award. The Blueberry Award honors the best children's books for 3 - 10 years olds published last year that inspire a love of nature and action for the planet.
The winner of the 2021 Blueberry Award is How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner, illustrated with incredible photographs by Ossi Saarinen. There are also 25 Honor Books, plus a short list of Blueberry Changemakers, books that help kids act in support of the earth. Check out our Brand New 2021 Blueberry List!
Author Curtis Manley says: "Thanks to...the committee for not only deciding that The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures deserved to be a Changemaker book--but for realizing the need for an award like your new Blueberry Award and book list! It's a great idea and a wonderful list that will be a resource for many young readers and their caregivers."
Get ready for Earth Day, Friday, April 22, by reading some of these great books with your loved ones. A BBC poll found 80% of kids are concerned about the environment. Kids deserve the very best support to love the world around them and help it heal.
 Graphic Novel Book Club: Anne of Green Gables (Grades 3-5) You love graphic novels, now come talk about them! This month we will be discussing Mariah Marsden's graphic novel adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, originally written by L. M. Montgomery. Place a hold on a copy of the title here. This month we plan to meet in person. Saturday, March 19, 3 pm, Main Children's Art Garden, Main Library: Register.
STEM Explorers: Superhero Science! (Grades K-2) Want to be a superhero? Come test your skills at the challenges we've set out for you and see how you measure up. For kids in grades K-2 with a parent. Evanston residents only, please. Monday, March 21, 10:30 am, Community Meeting Room, Main Library: Register.
Short and Sweet: Funny Bunny (Ages 2 and up) Listen to a short poem and then make a sweet craft! Tuesday, March 22, 10 am, Main Children's Art Garden, Main Library: More information.
Crown Storytime (Preschool and Toddler Songs and Stories) We will sing together and share stories, old and new! Monday, March 21, 10:30 am, Robert Crown Programming Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information.
Virtual Minecraft Mania! (Grades 1-5) Do you love Minecraft? Join the Minecraft Mania team for a session of fun in-game challenges and games. Participants will work together to learn basic coding, digital citizenship, problem solving and critical thinking, all through Minecraft! Tuesday, March 22, 3 pm: Register; AND Thursday, March 24, 3 pm: Register.
Early Coding Playground (3-7 years with parent) Want a chance to play with some fun, basic coding toys? We’ll have Code Hopper, Code and Go Mouse, Code-a-Pillar, Mbots and more available to play with. Evanston residents only, please. Thursday, March 24, 10:30 am, Community Meeting Room, Main Library: Register.
(Virtual) Early Chapter Book Chat and Craft: The Pest in the Nest (Grades 2-3) Enjoy this fast-paced, interactive program that highlights "The Pest in the Nest," a book from the Rabbit & Bear series set during the spring. For Grades 2-3. Include an email address when registering, so a Zoom link can be sent to your email address before the event. Friday, March 25, 11 am, Virtual: Register.
Kites and Mooncakes! A Storytime and Craft Celebrating Legacy Winner Grace Lin (PreK to Grade 2) Soar through the four seasons as we read interactive stories about mooncakes, mysterious snowfall, kites...and even ugly vegetables. Participants will also create a fun craft based on Grace Lin’s delightful tales. (Older siblings are welcome.) Saturday, March 26, 10:30 am, Community Meeting Room, Main Library: Register
Cardboard Carnival: Open Shop-Design and Build a Cardboard Game (5-8 grade) This is a help session for Cardboard Carnival participants. You are welcome to come by for assistance at anytime during the session if you register. Our cardboard engineering experts will be on hand to answer questions about the challenge, assist with motors, provide tools, refresh supplies, and more! Grades 5-8 only.
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Wednesday, March 23, 4 pm, Robert Crown Programming Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: Register.
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Thursday, March 24, 4 pm, The Loft, Main Library: Register.
The library's got you covered for Spring Break! We are open at both locations every day from 3/19 - 3/27 but there's more:
Dazzling Dragons Scavenger Hunt and Bookmark Design Contest! Stop by the Main Library for an author/illustrator Grace Lin-themed Scavenger Hunt. Then design a dragon bookmark and enter your creation into our bookmark contest! Available every day during library open hours through the month of March. Grace Lin is the 2022 Children's Literature Legacy Award Winner: More information.
Women's History Movie & Crossword Puzzle! Attempt the Women's History Month crossword puzzle available at the Main Library after viewing this terrific video that is full of clues. And don't forget our fabulous Women's History Booklist to learn about more women who deserve our praise.
Felt Flower Craft at Robert Crown! Spring Break, Spring Flowers! Create your own spring bouquet out of felt! Use templates or let your creativity shine, and embellish with fabric, markers, glitter, or whatever you like! Find this in-person craft at Crown from March 21st - March 27th. This craft is drop-in — no registration required: More information.
Spring Break Treat for Dogs! Wrap up your Spring Break the right way and show Fido some love! Walk your dog to the BACK DOOR of the Robert Crown Library. Call us from there at (847)448-8101 and we will come out to greet your favorite canine and bring them a dog treat! Can't wait to meet you and your pet! Registration required. When you register you'll be given a link to sign up for a specific time slot between 10am and 3 pm: Register.
Get a Museum Adventure Pass! Spring is a great time to visit the Brookfield Zoo, the Chicago Botanic Garden or other suburban museums. Get a museum pass for a discount on your admission. Each museum offers a different deal. One pass for one museum per each family. The pass is good for one week from the date received.
Reading Suggestions for Spring Break! Come on in and browse as long as you want during Spring Break, but if you want seasonal books, we have plenty:
- Spring arrives on March 21, the Vernal Equinox; dive into our Spring Booklist!
- It's also time to read some books about mud in our Mud-luscious Booklist! Playing with mud is not only healthy and fun but it satisfies kids' deepest sensory needs. Make mudpies! Plant seeds! Dig a hole!
 Drop In Storytimes:
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Crown Storytime (toddler and preschoolers) We will sing together and share stories, old and new! Stories and songs are chosen for younger kids. No registration required, just drop in. Monday, March 28, 10am, Robert Crown Programming Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information. (Also available on 4/4,4/11 and continuing!)
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The Young and the Restless Outdoors (0 - 2) Join our sing-a-long storytime outdoors at our local park. Being outdoors means we will sing in our coats and boots, but the clear air should make it a joy. If it drizzles, we will sing about rain! Singing is one of the best ways for little ones to learn language. Thursday, March 31, 10 am, Cornelia Lunt Park (between the lake and the Main Library): More Information. (Also available on 4/7,4/14, 4/21. )
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Spring Purple Crayon Players Storytime (for 2 and up) Come to the Main Library for a rousing sing-a-long storytime with NU Theater students. You'll go home with craft materials for a great craft. Friday, April 8, 10 am, Main Children's Room: More information. (Also available on 4/15, 4/22, 4/29.)
Register for:
Time for Twos (24 - 36 months) Storytime filled with songs, picture books and rhymes, with parent, grandparent or caregiver. A four week class starting Tuesday, April 5, 10:30 am, Main Library: Register.
All By Myself (3 - 5 year olds) A special storytime for children who are ready to attend a longer story program with a craft. We'll share stories, songs and crafts for these "big kids in training." Parents are currently requested to stay for the program. Running 4 weeks and starting Monday, April 4,11 am, Main Library: Register. OR A second 4 week program starts Thursday, April 7, 1:30 pm, Main Library: Register.
(Virtual) Lena Start Information (For parents) Learn about LENA Start and how you can participate in a 10 week virtual parent program that helps build your 0-3 year old's brain! Evanston residents, only. Wednesday March 16, 10 am: Register.
 Hora de Aventuras - ¡Es primavera!(Grades 1-5) Cuentos y juegos en español Acompáñanos para escuchar las cuentos y jugar al veo veo, adivina adivinanza, Simon de Palabras y más! Te esperamos en la biblioteca de Robert Crown cada lunes! Just half an hour and now including riddle games and a craft kit! Monday, March 28, 4pm: Register. (Also available 4/4: Register and 4/11: Register.)
Looking for help on your Cardboard Carnival game?
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Open Shop: Need help with your game? Drop by the Main Library and get assistance from one our cardboard engineering experts. Grades 5-8. Registration Required. Thursday, March 31, 4 pm - 5:30 pm, The Loft, Main Library: Register.
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Last Chance: Motors giving you some trouble? Need some help with final touches? Drop by for the Last Chance Workshop and finish your game. Grades 5-8. Participants must be registered for the Cardboard Carnival. Saturday, April 2, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Robert Crown Programming Room, Robert Crown Branch Library. Register.
(Virtual) Minecraft Mania (Grades 1 - 5) Spend your half-day from school hanging out and building in the world of Minecraft! Join the Minecraft Mania team for a session of fun in-game challenges and games. No experience is necessary. A Minecraft account is required and should be set up prior to the event. Wednesday, April 6, 3 pm: Register.
(Virtual) Microwave Cooking Class: Breakfast Part II (K - 5th grade) Bring EPL into your kitchen and cook with us! This month, learn through making a Blueberry Muffin, French Toast and a Quiche using a mug and a microwave. An ingredient list will be sent out ahead of time so you can cook your own dessert with Ms. Kim, and all recipes will be emailed to you after the program. Saturday, April 16, 11 am: Register.
Virtual Author Visit: We Move Together! Join the authors and illustrator to discuss their book We Move Together. The book is "a perfect tool for having conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building." Learn how to advocate for more accessible spaces in your neighborhood through a fun interactive online craft-based exercise. Place a hold on the book, and/or discover online versions of the title. Hosted by the Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles-Maine District, and Skokie Public Libraries. Thursday, April 26, 6 pm. All ages: Register.
 What's Holi? Holi is a Hindu celebration of the arrival of spring, the end of winter and it's a great time to meet others, play with colors and laugh! Evanston just got its own Holi Party:
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Evanston's First Annual Holi Celebration: A Festival of Colors! Join India Association of Evanston and Downtown Evanston for a chromatic good time! Mount Everest will be selling food and don't forget to buy your colors downtown. Saturday, March 19, 11 am, Raymond Park: More information.
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Read about Holi! Learn more about the festival of Holi with our brand new Holi Booklist.
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Make a Holi Card! You could also easily turn the cards into Happy Spring Cards.
St. Patrick's Day is March 17th when the Irish honor their patron saint -- and many people (not all of them of Irish heritage) celebrate being Irish. Happy day to all who celebrate!
Check out our Brand New St Patrick's & Irish Folktales Booklist, then read a wonderful Irish story to your kids. Other activities:
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Plant Seeds: St. Patrick's day is also traditionally the day we start seeds indoors to be ready for spring planting later when the weather warms. Speaking of seeds, Robert Crown Branch Library has seeds to share! Learn more here.(Ignore the note about the event being in the past; this is an ongoing program.)
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Make Bread: Make some delicious Irish Soda Bread with your kids. (Alternative vegan version.)
What is PI Day? It's a yearly celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). We celebrate Pi Day today because 3/14 includes the first three digits of π: 3.14159265359...!
Ways to Celebrate:
March 19th is National Quilting Day. Take a look at the digital version of the quilt both old and young participants created together in our workshop with artist Cozbi Cabrera! Gorgeous.
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