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Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | View in browser
 Created in 1908, Mother's Day is a celebration of mothers and their contributions to our families and our world. We can show extra gratitude to all the mother figures in our lives. A few things you can do to celebrate Mother's Day:
For many, Mother's Day is a joyous occasion, but for others in our community, it can bring up pain or discomfort. A lot of families lost mother or grandmother figures recently due to the pandemic and other causes. Families without mother figures, particularly LGBTQIA+ families, can feel uncomfortable during the holiday as it may not encompass what their family structure looks like. Here are some things you can do to support families:
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Learn About Inclusivity! Read this article on how to celebrate Mother's Day in a way that respects LGBTQIA+ members of our community.
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"Love Makes a Family" Booklist! This awesome booklist celebrates the diversity of families and how every family shares the same love for one another!
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Rainbows for All Children is an organization that provides support groups for children struggling with grief. At least one of the support groups in Evanston meets at the Evanston Public Library. Share this Info with parents and caregivers of grieving kids.
Purple Crayon Players Storytime (ages 0-5) Join Northwestern University Theatre Students for a joyous storytime at the Main Children's Room on Fridays. Fridays, May 12-May 19, 9:30 am, Children's Room, Main Library; More Information.
Jammie Time (preschool-grade 2)! Visit the library in your jammies and listen to stories, sing songs, and have fun. Books for children from preschool up to grade 2, but all ages welcome. Thursday, May 11, 6:30 pm, Children's Room, Main Library: More Information.
Singsong (ages 1 and up)! We will sing favorites like "Wheels on the Bus," and "The More We Get Together," but be prepared to learn some lesser known songs! Saturday, May 13, 9:30 am, Garden Gates, Main Library: More Information.
Listen to the Language of the Trees Book Walk! Come to the Evanston Ecology Center and begin the book walk of the 2022 Blueberry Winner near their circular driveway. Read a book about trees while walking amongst trees! Envision what's going on under your feet as you read! Available now through the end of May, Evanston Ecology Center: More Information.
TOMORROW! Sewing Drop In (grade 4 and up) Like designing your own clothing? Want to learn some basics? Have an old item you want to decorate? Come to the Robert Crown Sewing Drop-In! Wednesday, May 10, 4 pm, Multipurpose Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: More Information.
Microwave Cooking: Desserts! (grades K-5) Want to make your mom or mother figure a tasty dessert in time for Mother's Day? Learn how to make an Apple Crisp, Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie using a mug and a microwave. An ingredient list will be sent out ahead of time so you can cook your own food along with with Ms. Kim. Saturday, May 13, 11 am, Zoom: Register.
Word Rangers Writing Club (grades 3-5) Do you like to write stories, poetry, songs, or other forms of creative writing? Come to the library to discuss writing, find new story inspiration, grow your creative writing skills, and meet others who share a passion for writing! Sunday, May 28, 2 pm, Barbara Friedberg Storytelling Room, Main Library: Register.
DIY Japanese Woodblock Prints Celebrate AAPI month by creating your own woodblock print! These colorful woodblock prints, known as ukiyo-e, depicted scenes from everyday Japan. Take inspiration from the Edo period style or your own imagination! Sunday, May 28, 2 pm, Multipurpose Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: More Information.
Creative Writing Open Mic (grades 2-6:) Join us to share your poetry, writing, or other spoken word piece in a safe and supportive setting! Young poets and storytellers are invited to our kids creative writing open mic! Spectators also welcome. Each child may share for a maximum of 3 minutes. Sunday, June 11, 2 pm, Garden Gates, Main Library: Register.
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In May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month! It is a newer commemoration just starting In 2006. The first Jewish immigrants came fleeing persecution in Portuguese Brazil to what would come to be known as New York in 1654 so we are celebrating almost 370 years of Jewish settlement in North America! Today, there is a thriving Jewish American community in Evanston and all around the Northshore. It is especially important to celebrate this month due to the recent rise in antisemitism.
First, read the best: The Sydney Taylor Award Winners are books that have been honored by the Association of Jewish Libraries for showcasing the Jewish experience.
Apples and honey traditionally welcome in a "sweet New Year" at Rosh Hashanah in the fall. And apples themselves are associated with the people of Israel in the Song of Songs in the Tanakh. Here are some great apple ideas to remember and celebrate Jewish heritage:
Celebrate the impact of Asian Americans, East Asian Americans, Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in several community wide celebrations! About 10% of the Evanston community identifies as Asian, South Asian, or Pacific Islander. First, check out the library's offerings:
Evanston ASPA (Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander community) events for your and your kids:
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The Umbrella Arts Festival celebrates the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through the arts and food. Saturday, May 13, 11 am, Fountain Square: More Information.
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May Mart! Support local Asian and Pacific Islander owned businesses by visiting 5 participating businesses, asking for a sticker, and entering yourself into the raffle for a $100 Evanston Gift Card! More Information.
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Lantern Festival at the Arrington Lagoon! Before the night of the festival, attend a free event at Studio 3 to make your own lantern. Tuesday, May 30, 7:30 pm, Arrington Lagoon: More Information.
 What is International Compost Awareness Week? It's May 7-13 and a great opportunity to teach kids the scientific wonders in the compost bin! Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil. It is also an essential tool for Evanston's Climate Action and Resilience Plan! How can your kids help?
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Read and Investigate! Get some books from our Brand New Composting Booklist!
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Enjoy International Compost Awareness Week events at Crown! From May 7-13 come to the Crown Branch to learn more about compost, grab some compost-related activities and drop off your food scraps in the free compost bins! Robert Crown Branch Library; More Information.
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Super Fun Compost Storytime (preschools and caregivers)! Hear stories about compost and make some puppets to act out just what happens in a compost pile! Learn about this important way to keep our Earth healthy. Thursday, May 11, 10:30 am, Multipurpose Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: Register.
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