Thursday, March 31, 2022 | Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Bias Inside Us Community Art Build at the Library!

This spring, EPL will host the “The Bias Inside Us," a community engagement project from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) that raises awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, the impact of this bias and what people can do about it.

“The Bias Inside Us” features a traveling exhibition that serves as the centerpiece for local programs and activities. Explore the foundational blocks of bias, the psychology of how it forms, and how it influences behaviors both consciously and unconsciously in interactive displays. The exhibition runs Saturday, April 9, through Friday, May 8, 2022. 

In addition to the exhibition itself, EPL and partner organizations throughout Evanston will host a series of events throughout the Evanston community to explore issues of bias more personally. Read more about the exhibit and the full event lineup here. 

We need your yarn!

On Saturday afternoons throughout the exhibit, Kids Create Change will be on site to host a Community Art Build Workshop for all ages. Join us to create a community art project based on the ideas in “The Bias Inside Us.” No prior art experience is necessary.  We are currently accepting yarn donations for the Community Art Build Workshop. You can drop off your unused yarn at the third floor desk at the Main Library. Any contributions are greatly appreciated.

10th Ward Lit now accepting submissions!

The Library's official literary magazine, 10th Ward Lit, is preparing to publish its next installment, "The Healing Issue." Submissions will be accepted until May 30.

Evanston residents and those connected to the Evanston community who are 15 years of age or older are invited to send in their submissions of original, unpublished work. Individuals may submit up to three works at a time, and submissions in any language are welcome. Submissions are accepted via email only. Learn more about 10th Ward Lit and submission guidelines here.

Library Express hours start tomorrow at Robert Crown—sign up for access now! 

If you're looking for a quiet place to study in the evenings, working shifts all weekend, or dealing with a busy 9-5 schedule, but you still want to pick up a good read, the Evanston Public Library has you covered with new Library Express extended hours.

Beginning Friday, April 1, patrons who register for Library Express privileges will also be able to visit the Robert Crown Branch in the early morning and late evening, whether a librarian is on site or not. During these extended hours, patrons will be able to use the quiet library space for studying, reading, or work. Computers will be available for use, and patrons will be able to check out materials using automated check-out stations. Patrons who would like to sign up for extended hours access must stop by the Robert Crown branch or the Main Library during regular library hours to register, sign an agreement and have a brief orientation. Registration is open today.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS, TEENS & KIDS:

Community Eco-gardens: Landscaping with Native Plants: Learn how one residential association transformed their lawn into an unfolding range of stunning multi-seasonally colorful prairie, woodland, and wetland wildflowers, forbs, sedges, grasses and rain gardens. An inspirational program to touch the hearts and minds of those who wish to create native eco-friendly landscapes around their property to enhance biodiversity, aesthetic beauty and environmental health. Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m. Register.

Solidarity Economy 101: The solidarity economy is an alternative development framework with community at its center. It values solidarity and cooperation, equity in all dimensions, the primacy of social welfare over profits, and sustainability. Learn about the solidarity economy and how you can apply its principles to your life and community. The facilitator will present remotely but participants can attend in person. Saturday, April 16, 3 p.m. Register.

Fair Housing Webinar: Evanston Public Library and Open Communities invite you to join us for a series of workshops covering a wide variety of housing issues. This workshop focuses on knowing your housing rights to prevent discrimination, and educating any and all housing providers about the dos and don’ts of fair housing law. Thursday, April 7, 6 p.m. Register.

Seed Library at Robert Crown: Our seed library at the Robert Crown Branch allows patrons to borrow and share seeds for personal use. No library card or registration is needed! The seeds are not cataloged and it's first come first serve. We do ask that you only take what you will grow and no more than 1 packet of each kind. After you've harvested, save some of the seeds and return them to the library, and we'll add them back into circulation! Questions? Please email kfleming@cityofevanston.org.

ICYMI: In-person Storytimes are back! As COVID cases continue to decline locally, we've been adding more in-person programming for our youngest patrons. Check out epl.org/programs for the full calendar of events.

LITTLE-KNOWN LIBRARY SERVICES

Bird Watching Kits If you’re a birder, one of the most exciting times of the year is rapidly approaching: spring migration. You might have already noticed the Red-Winged Blackbirds are back, a sure sign of spring, but another spring visitor you should keep an eye out for is the bird pictured, the Caspian Tern. They will be migrating along the lakefront and as the largest tern in the world, will be easy to spot. Embrace a new hobby this spring with the Library's Bird Watching Kits! Each kit contains two pairs of Celestron binoculars, a laminated resource guide, and a guide to common birds of Illinois all in a handy backpack. Evanston residents can pick up the kits from the circulation desk at the Main Library or request they be sent to the Robert Crown Branch Library for pick up. Kits can be checked out for two weeks and renewed as long as there are no holds. To place a hold, search for “Evanston Public Library Bird Watching Kit” in the catalog or call 847-448-8630 and we’ll place your request for you.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENTS

Mental Health is Essential: Supporting Caregivers: Join us for topical conversations about community mental health with presenters from local organizations in the field. This session will focus on understanding the complex challenges caregivers face and navigating crises experienced by our loved ones. Tuesday, April 12, 7 pm. Register.

Understanding the Maze of Medicare: This event will cover the ‘ABC & D’s’ of Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage. This session will include information on how to get started with Medicare, continuing to work on Medicare, and what is covered or not by the program. Wednesday, April 13, 11 a.m. Register.

Memory Cafe: Experience a weekly, virtual social hour for people on the memory loss spectrum and their care partners. Each week is a different theme including: music, armchair travel, brain games, and more. Thursday, April 14, 2 p.m. Learn more.

PICK 3: THE BIAS INSIDE US

In anticipation of The Bias Inside Us arriving next weekend, here are some books about overcoming unconscious bias we recommend:

1. Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji (book, streaming video): In this accessible and engaging read, psychologists Banaji and Greenwald describe implicit bias and offer tricks to "outsmart the machine" and treat each other better.

2. The End of Bias: A Beginning by Jessica Nordell (book): Nordell offers nuanced anecdotes and a background in science journalism and poetry to describe how people can bridge the gap between their stated values and incongruous actions. 

3. Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Activism and Action by Sophie Williams (book): A practical pocket-book intro for how to put anti-racist beliefs into everyday practice. 

The Smithsonian's traveling exhibition The Bias Inside Us will be on display on the third floor of EPL's Main Branch from April 9th-May 8th. Join us for a community program around this important topic.

...BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Don't forget our digital collection. No need for Netflix and Audible -- the library is free and open online 24/7 for eBooks and eAudiobooks,  Streaming Movies and TV, and eMagazines. 

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