Adult Programs

Lectures, Workshop, Concerts and Movies | Special Events
Ongoing Cultural Programs | Health Screenings

Procedure for Performing or Speaking at Oak Lawn Public Library

Lectures, Workshops, Concerts and Movies

From September through May, our library offers a variety of lectures, workshops and entertainment offerings for a variety of interests. Free admission and no advance registration required, unless otherwise noted.

During July, as part of the annual summer reading program, the library will offer several free activities and events for teens and adults. Go to the home page, click on "Upcoming Events" and select "Adult Program Highlights" for more details.

Upcoming Movie Screenings

Midnight in Paris (2011, PG-13, 94 min) -- Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Director Woody Allen’s romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better. Starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates.

The Ides of March (2011, R, 101 min) -- Monday, March 5 at 10 a.m. An idealistic staffer for a new presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail. Directed by George Clooney. Starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Hugo* (2011, PG, 126 min) -- Tuesday, March 27 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Starring Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen.

J. Edgar* (2011, R, 137 min) -- Wednesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts.

The Descendants* (2011, R, 115 min) -- Thursday, April 19 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A land baron tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident. Directed by Alexander Payne. Starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller.

* Movie screenings are contingent on projected DVD release dates.

Early Spring 2012 Adult Programs

Free admission and no advance registration required, unless otherwise noted. Lower level meeting rooms.

Five Famous African-American Women -- Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Meet Phillis Wheatley, America’s first black poet. Relive the Boston Massacre through the eyes of Crispus Attucks’ wife. Join Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman on a look back at their lives. Rejoice with Gwendolyn Brooks, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Through story and song, Cynthia Maddox of Rose Productions will present this inspiring historical portrayal.

Lyric Opera Lecture Series -- Discover the plot and composer and hear musical selections. The entire list of eight lectures is now available at the library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

✓ Rinaldo -- Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Tax Talk: Getting Everything You're Entitled To -- Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Richard Laskowski of H&R Block will share comprehensive knowledge in a variety of categories, including: • Family Issues - Child credit, earned income credit, exemptions for children, education-related tax savings, working teens as dependents; • Retirement Considerations - Pension plan distributions, annuities, rollovers, Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs; • Property Owner Concerns - Casualty losses, mortgage interest, real estate taxes; and • Today’s Topics - Discuss the impact that current laws could have on your taxes and finances, and the steps to reach a solution.

AARP Driver Safety -- Thursday & Friday, March 8 & 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advance in-person registration and fee. A refresher course designed to meet the needs of drivers age 50 and up. Registration at the library's Reception Booth begins Saturday, Feb. 18. Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. You must present a current AARP card at the time of registration to receive the discount. Limit: 30 students per series. Participants must attend their entire series to receive a certificate of completion. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

Sunday with Friends Concert: Dyed in the Wool -- Sunday, March 11 from 2-3:30 p.m. This talented quartet will share an energetic array of Celtic and Folk music on the Irish drum, flute, mandolin and guitar. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Brunch Recipe Tasting -- Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. Advance in-person registration and fee. Wow your guests or family members at your next event and join Chef Kate Bradley for a review of five “Brunch” recipes. Sample menu items include: Vegetable Brunch Strata, Pecan Casserole, Stuffed French Toast, Baked Fruit and Mustard Encrusted Chicken. In-person registration begins Saturday, February 25 at the Reception Booth. Fee: $5 for food samples. Limit: 60.

Columbian Exposition of 1893 -- Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Honoring the anniversary of Columbus's landing in the Americas, the Exposition was Chicago's proof to the world that it had recovered from the Great Fire and was now a global metropolis. Join historian Michael Corcoran for a fascinating virtual tour of the Exposition and Midway, featuring hundreds of images culled from period books and fascinating stories about the fair that changed Chicago and the world.

Rose Basics -- Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Have you dreamed about beautiful roses, but never been able to make that dream a reality? Master Gardener Frank DeVries of the University of Illinois Extension will discuss the various types of roses available today, the process for selecting the right one, the proper way to plant and care for roses, and some of the pests that you might encounter in your garden.

CUB Phone Bill Clinic -- Thursday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Phone or in-person registration. A Citizens Utility Board (CUB) expert will meet with you one-on-one to explain any confusing charges on your phone bill and provide money-saving tips. Registration begins Thursday, March 1. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The Art of Marc Chagall: Paintings, Mosaics and Stained Glass -- Wednesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Join art historian and professor Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur of Art Excursions, Inc. for a look at the career of Marc Chagall, one of the world's most beloved artists. Paluch-Misur will show slides and discuss Chagall’s distinctive style and major themes while presenting his most important paintings and projects. Coincides with the return of the famous “Chagall Windows” to the Art Institute. Presentation will also focus on another Chicago favorite - the Four Seasons Mosaic.

Theme Gardens -- Monday, April 2 at 7 p.m. What do Shakespeare and the alphabet have in common? Both are gardens designed around a central theme, and the Prairie Godmothers stir it up by adding native plants, herbs and perennials that delight the senses and soothe the soul. Get plenty of theme ideas for your own gardens or containers.

AARP Driver Safety -- Monday & Tuesday, April 9 & 10 from 4-8 p.m. Advance in-person registration and fee. A refresher course designed to meet the needs of drivers age 50 and up. Registration at the library's Reception Booth begins Saturday, March 10. Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. You must present a current AARP card at the time of registration to receive the discount. Limit: 30 students per series. Participants must attend their entire series to receive a certificate of completion. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

The Music, Dances & Memories of the Aragon, Trianon and O'Henry Ballrooms -- Thursday, April 12 at 2 p.m. Travel back to a time when dance halls were the place to be on weekends. Larry Bergnach will feature the famous Chicago ballrooms of the 1930’s, 40s and 50s - such as the Aragon on the north side, Trianon the south side and Melody Hill on the west side. Each week, Lawrence Welk, Eddie Howard, Wayne King, Glen Miller, Dick Jurgens and Jan Garber would entertain thousands of people during a time never to be forgotten.

Sunday with Friends Concert: Windy City Harmonica Club -- Sunday, April 15 from 2-3 p.m. High energy songs and performances from the 1930s, 40s and 50s with this versatile group of harmonica players. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Comfortable Retirement: Fact or Fiction -- Saturday, April 21 at 3 p.m. Bob Thompson of Progressive Financial Planning Services, Inc. will discuss various investment vehicles offered today and the pros and cons of each and how they work. Bring your questions about investments. A Money Smart Week event.

Understand Your Credit Report and Avoid Credit Traps -- Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m. The importance of establishing a credit presence and maintaining a good credit history will be discussed, along with understanding the contents of a credit report and credit/consumer protection laws. Presented by BMO Harris Bank in Oak Lawn. A Money Smart Week event.

Coupons 101: Plan, Clip and SAVE -- Tuesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Rachel Singer Gordon takes the guesswork out of couponing by detailing strategies to maximize your savings at grocery and drug stores across Chicagoland. Find out how to: save on everything from groceries to diapers, combine store savings with coupons and money-back deals to get more money for your dollar. A Money Smart Week event.

Refinancing: Issues and Available Options for Homeowners -- Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Learn how to refinance, discover available refinancing options you may qualify for which meet a variety of personal and financial goals, and discuss the do’s and don’ts of loan modifications. The road to home ownership will also be highlighted.Presented by BMO Harris Bank in Oak Lawn. A Money Smart Week event.

Shopping in Your Closet -- Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. Learn some tricks of the trade when it comes to creating new outfits using clothing and accessories you already own! Style expert Nancy Pipal will demonstrate exactly how you can wear more and buy less. A Money Smart Week event.

The Essential PT Barnum -- Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Years before he revolutionized the circus, P.T. Barnum was already the most famous name in the world. Now you can hear about the life lessons that shaped this great American showman, meet the extraordinary people who changed his life, and experience the wonders of Barnum's American Museum. Join author William Pack as he reveals the amazing life of P.T. Barnum, through storytelling and recreations of historical performances.

Special Events

Library Closings for 2012

• New Year’s Holiday -- Sunday, January 1
• Easter Holiday -- Sunday, April 8
• Memorial Day Holiday -- Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28
• Independence Day Holiday -- Wednesday, July 4
• Labor Day Holiday -- Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3
• In-Service Day and Staff Projects -- Friday through Sunday, September 7-9
• Thanksgiving Holiday -- Thursday, November 22
• Christmas Holiday -- Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25
• New Year's Eve Holiday -- Monday, December 31

Ongoing Cultural Programs

Oak Lawn Writers Group -- Year-round

The Oak Lawn Public Library sponsors three writers groups that meet year-round.  All four groups are intended for adults high school age and up. No instruction is given at these informal meetings that consist of readings, critiques and writing exercises. New members are welcome anytime. No registration or fee.  For more information, contact Erin Foley, Public Relations Officer, 708-422-4990.

• General Interest -- Second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon
• Screenwriting -- Second and fourth Saturday of each month from 1-3:30 p.m.
• Children’s Authors -- First Thursday each month from 7-8:45 p.m. -- SPECIAL NOTICE: Meetings in January, February and March 2012 will be held the second Thursday of the month from 1-3 p.m.

Ernest B. Jaski Great Books Discussion Group -- September through May

The Ernest B. Jaski Oak Lawn Library Great Books Discussion Group reads and interprets Western Civilization's greatest literary works, including fiction, philosophy, political science, poetry and drama.  Mary Nelson Room, lower level.  No registration or fee.  For more information or a reading list, contact Marcia McGerty, 708-974-1673, or Jim Clauter, 708-423-3994.

• Discussion -- Second and fourth Mondays at 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friends of the Library Discussion Groups -- September through May

The Friends of the Library sponsor two discussion groups that meet once a month. Material is available in advance at the library and everyone is welcome to join. Mary Nelson Room, lower level.  No registration or fee.  For a readings list, call Dorothy Whitney, coordinator, 708-422-2390.

• Short Story Discussion -- Second Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m.
• Book Discussion -- Fourth Wednesday of the month, except November and December, at 1 p.m.

Health Screenings The Oak Lawn Community Partnership provides free blood pressure screenings and other health-related offerings in the library’s lower level meeting room the second Wednesday of most months at 10-11:30 a.m.  For more information, visit our Community Health Screenings web site.

Procedure for Performing or Speaking at Oak Lawn Public Library

The Oak Lawn Public Library hosts a variety of entertaining and educational programs throughout the year, usually September through May. Programs are typically booked four to six months in advance.

In order to be considered, interested parties must submit the following information in writing:
• Description of program(s)
• List of references, preferably from other libraries
• Available dates/preferred months or days of the week, if applicable
• Cost of event/program
• CD or DVD (musicians only). If the artist wishes to have their recordings returned, they must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage.
• Contact phone number and address
• Web site address to review for further information, if applicable

Please send material to:

Oak Lawn Public Library
Attn: Public Relations Officer
9427 S. Raymond Ave.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Due to the high volume of proposals that we receive, library staff will respond only to the program offerings that most closely meet our needs. Submissions will be kept on file for future consideration.