April Events at Algonquin Area Public Library
The Algonquin Area Public Library will host a variety of events this month for no charge, though some require online or phone registration. A comprehensive list of upcoming programming is available on the Library’s website. Visit www.aapld.org and click on the Events page. This month’s highlights include:
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Student Art Show
April 1 -14 (Harnish)
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bonus! Opening reception: Wednesday, April 2 from 6pm until 8pm
AAPLD will display more than 40 art pieces created by middle school students representing: St. Margaret Mary, St. John Lutheran, Algonquin Middle and Westfield Community schools. All are invited to see the inspired efforts of local, youth artists.
Veggie Gardening
Thursday, April 3 at 7pm (Harnish)
McHenry County Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension will instruct on plant selection, starting seeds, bedding plants, diseases, container gardening and harvesting the crop. Registration required.
Power Potty
Thursday, April 3 from 10am until 10:45am (Harnish)
For children who are potty training (or approaching it), the Library is hosting a session of fun and games designed to reinforce home teaching. For ages 1-4 years with a parent/caregiver. Limited to 25 children. No pre-registration required.
After Hours Genealogy Research Time
Friday, April 4 from 6pm until 11pm (Harnish)
(NOTE: The Library newsletter provided an incorrect date for this event). Join other genealogy enthusiasts for our semi-annual evening of uninterrupted personal research time and free access to Ancestry.com (the comprehensive library edition), Heritage Quest, the historical Chicago Tribune archives and much more. Librarians will be available for research assistance. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Limited reservations for 33 desktop spaces. Unlimited space for users bringing a personal laptop.
Money Smart Week
The Library, the American Library Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago present three free programs covering some of today’s most important financial concerns:
Extreme Couponing 101: Monday, April 7 from 7pm until 8:30pm
Gaining Financial Control of your Divorce: Tuesday, April 8 from 7pm until 8pm
Paying for College. The Facts About Today’s Tuition Breaks: Wednesday, April 9 from 7pm until 8pm
All programs are held at the Harnish Main Library. Registration is required.
Community Crisis Center of Elgin
Monday, April 7, 14, 21, 28 (Harnish)
The organization will staff an informational table between noon and 8pm each Monday during April. Learn more about their services at www.crisiscenter.org
How to Print 3D
Monday, April 14 at 4pm (for Grades 3-8 only)
Friday, April 18 @ 1pm (for Adults)
The Friends of the Library purchased a three-dimensional printer for AAPLD. It’s great for producing everything from simple keychains to invention prototypes. Learn how to use the software and create a 3D project. Registration required.
Cemeteries and Graves: American Historical and Literary Perspectives
Tuesday, April 15 at 7pm (Harnish)
AAPLD welcomes back acclaimed and engaging public speaker, John Hallwas. Sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council, Hallwas will discuss the origin of cemeteries as we know them today. This complex topic draws on the changing attitudes toward death and dying over the last two centuries. Explore the evolution of universal issues such as temporality, remembrance, confronting death and coping with loss. Registration required.
Creative Writing Club for Teens
Tuesday, April 15 from 6:30pm until 8pm
Whether it’s poetry, novels, memoir or fiction, come meet other teens who share a similar passion. Feel free to bring something written to share with the AAPLD’s newest creative writing club. No pre-registration required.
Chess Workshop for Grades 2-8
Wednesday, April 16, 23 and 30 from 7pm until 8pm (Harnish)
Join a three week series of chess instruction and games taught by a professional instructor from Shulman Chess. Learn how to improve chess skills and strategy. Players must know the basic rules of the games. Limited to 24 students. No pre-registration required.
Locked in the Library
Friday, April 18 from 5pm until 8:30pm (Harnish)
Ever wondered what goes on in the Library after it closes? Students in Grades 4-8 are invited for supervised “after hours” food, games, Wii and more. Parents/caregivers are required to sign-up their children in person at the Youth Services Desk. Registration required.
DIY Early Literacy Learning
Monday, April 21 from 6pm until 6:30pm (Harnish)
Parents learn how to use everyday items such as cereal boxes, paper plates and hair gel to promote early literacy. Take home do-it-yourself projects for 3-6 year olds and their parent/caregivers. Registration required.
Macaroni Soup Music Concert
Tuesday, April 22 at 10am (Harnish)
Back by popular demand! Stomp, jump and giggle as Miss Carole sings active songs guaranteed to have young ones up and dancing around.
Drop-in Family LEGO competition
Thursday, April 24 from 6:15pm until 7:45pm (Eastgate)
Battle against other families in this fun and friendly competition. The Library will provide the LEGOs; the families will provide the imagination. The theme is: Spring. Space is limited to 16 families. First prize is a small LEGO set. No pre-registration required.
Book Swap
Monday, April 28 from 4pm until 6pm (Harnish)
Swap those unneeded books for someone else’s. Please note: only gently used children’s books with minimal wear and tear will be accepted at this event. Limited to 15 books or less per child. No pre-registration required.
Fruit and Vegetable Centerpieces
Tuesday, April 29 at 7pm (Harnish)
Pastry Chef Rose Deneen will demonstrate how to create spectacular fruit and vegetable centerpieces, as well as tricks of the trade using a few basic kitchen tools. Transform your fruit and vegetables to lovely new heights! Registration required.
Early Literacy Storytimes
Check the Algonquin Area Library website www.aapld.org for updates and a full calendar of story times and activities geared for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Book Clubs
From Spine Crackers to Night Readers and Classic Books to Bookaneers, AAPLD offers a wide variety of book clubs for adults and youth. Please visit www.aapld to see the full range of clubs, upcoming book selections and meeting dates. Or call the Library at 847.458.6060 for further information.
