The Happy Invention: History and Significance of Picture Postcards
Thursday, May 22nd, 6:00 P.M.
Listen to a presentation on the history and significance of picture postcards. The first picture postcards were published for the 1889 Paris Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Eiffel Tower. In America, the first picture postcards were printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, making Illinois the birthplace of this invention in America. Since those flowery Victorian originals, uncountable billions of 10 postcards of every aspect of life have been printed, depicting train stations, bandstands, street views, cartoons, ads for products and services, social history both whimsical and dark, and everything in between. Katherine Hamilton-Smith, the founding curator of the Teich Archives, presents a look at the documentary power and significance of picture postcards in this presentation. She touches on the Curt Teich Company of Chicago, the role Illinois played in the history and development of postcards, and on the picture postcard as a cultural icon. This program is made possible through the Illinois Humanities. Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Glass Gem Magnet Workshop
Tuesday, May 20th, 4:00 P.M.
Learn how to make your own glass gem magnets using flat glass marbles and a variety of craft supplies. All materials will be provided.
Movie Matinee: Painting the Modern Garden: From Monet to Matisse
Tuesday, May 20th, 1:00 P.M.
Library screens the documentary, “Painting the Modern Garden: From Monet to Matisse.” For many great artists, the garden has long been considered a desirable subject for the expression of color, light and atmosphere. Claude Monet is perhaps the most well-known painter of gardens, but other greats such as Van Gogh, Pissarro, Matisse and Sargent all viewed the garden as a meaningful focus for their talents. This documentary takes a magical journey from the gallery to the gardens, to Giverny and Seebüll and other glorious grounds favored by artists, and how early twentieth century artists designed and cultivated their own gardens to explore contemporary utopian ideas and motifs of color and form. The documentary is one hour and thirty minutes in length, not rated, and is made possible through public performance rights through Kanopy.
Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s
Tuesday, May 13th, 5:00 P.M.
When the Library hosts, in partnership with Independent Lens, the documentary, “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s.” The documentary is an intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s and how this progressive neuro-degenerative disease transforms roles and relationships. Whether it’s a partner becoming a caregiver or an adult child shifting into being their parent’s caretaker, these stories show how families evolve when a loved one is diagnosed. Following the screening, representatives with the Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Group will share information on resources available in the community, and Library staff will provide information on memory kits available through the Library, and how everyday citizens can contribute to Alzheimer research with Stall Catchers, an online game created by the Human Computation Institute at Cornell University. The film is one hour in length, and the conversation will be approximately forty-five minutes to one hour. Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s premieres on PBS on May 5th.
Card station
May, Wednesday 7th and 9th
Available all day.
Make cards for the special people in your life that have done so much for you. Art materials and blank cards provided.
Decorative Bird House Workshop
Tuesday, May 6th, 4:00 P.M.
Decorate mini wooden bird houses to use as tabletop decoration or in a fairy garden. All supplies will be provided.
Movie Matinee: Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority
Tuesday, May 6th, 1:00 P.M.
Library hosts a screening of the documentary, “Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority.” In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink became the first woman of color in the U.S. Congress. Seven years later, she ran for the presidency, and co-authored Title IX, the landmark legislation that opened up high education and athletics to women. The documentary is fifty-six minutes in length, not rated, and is made possible through public performance rights through Kanopy.
Family Friday
Read together books. Start a new tradition, read together as a family, over the weekend! Pick up a curated book bundle or find a new family favorite to read together. Popcorn included!
Homeschool Meet and Greet.
First Friday of the month. March 7th , April 4th, May 2nd 10-12 A.M.
Ready Set Read Wednesday
Wednesdays at 11:00 A.M.
Explore our collection of early readers, phonics materials and letter recognition games. Take home reinforcement sheet provided.
