As kids, we learn to associate fall with changes. We change our routine, meet new classmates and learn new things about the world.
That tradition doesn't need to end when we graduate (or, for those of us still in school, after that last bell rings). This year, your library is embracing the spirit of change that autumn brings with new opportunities to meet your neighbors and new twists on classic offerings.
Everyone should set aside time this fall to make new friends before the long nights and cold days of winter arrive. The library's newest discussion groups are a great chance to do just that.
• The New Moms Book Group is a chance for mothers of kids under 5 to grab some food and drinks and take an hour to relax.
• The Hinsdale Memory Café (sponsored by the Birches and Independence 4 Seniors) offers a way for people living with dementia and those who care for them to connect over prepared activities.
• The Next Chapter Social Club for people 16 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities is back.
If a group gathering is too much, our HPL My Way adaptive hour offers additional opportunities to engage with the library.
• Our French Conversation Group and Beginner Crochet Club present fun opportunities to work on polishing your skills.
• If you don't fit into the groups above, just come by on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to sip coffee from Café La Fortuna, nibble on donut holes from Kramer Foods and get to know other library patrons. These weekly Coffee and Conversation events are a great way to meet your neighbors.
If discussion groups aren't for you, there are plenty of other reasons to come to the library this fall.
• Our Mid-Autumn Festival (Oct. 1) will introduce Hinsdale families to a cherished Chinese tradition with delicacies, crafts, games and calligraphy. Families can also learn together (and win prizes) later in the season through our Fall Family Reading challenge (starting Oct. 14). Over 1,700 Hinsdaleans participated in Summer Reading this year - let's keep up those good habits!
• For kids, our popular Donuts with Dad program (Sept. 2) will be joined by the new My Special Person Day (Sept. 30) so that moms, grandparents, aunts, uncles and everyone else can get in on the fun.
The popular 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is also getting a "spinoff:" Middle schoolers can now log 100 Books Before High School to practice reading and earn prizes.
• For adults, the always-popular HPL After Dark Trivia Night returns Oct. 13. Register your team online to ensure there are snacks, drinks - and, if you're good, prizes for your team. In the meantime, brush up on your knowledge of all subjects by attending our other fall programs.
Finally, if you're hunkering down at home this September, don't worry, we've got you covered. Our popular digital and virtual offerings are better than ever. We have virtual storytimes, author talks and more streaming all season long. And once you've finished with the "Mind Games" section at the back of this paper, visit hinsdalelibrary.info/nyt to learn how to access the New York Times crossword, games, recipes and stories from The Athletic and Wirecutter for free.
- John Kokoris is the new
marketing and outreach manager at Hinsdale Public Library. Email him at [email protected]
to say hello!
