March will be busy at the library

By Patti Tyznik

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • ptyznik@gmail.com

One of the nice things about living in this neighborhood and working at the library is all the wonderful people I get to meet.

Patti Tyznik

This past year has brought so many new faces into the branch as well as into my life: new friends who enjoy our weekly jigsaw puzzles and word finds; playing Yahtzee with our wonderful senior citizens; connecting with local church parishioners, pastors and priests as well as our neighborhood beat officers; talking with recently retired folks looking for activities in the area and seeing all the new toddlers toddlin’ into morning story times.

My heart is full. I welcome all the new faces and hope to provide a little something for everyone in our little neck of the woods.

Library news

The Garfield Ridge Branch Library, located at Archer and Mulligan, is springing ahead with many exciting programs, so stop by for our monthly calendars for kids, teens or adults or check chipublib.org for more options. Please register online where indicated.

Toddler Play Time is our monthly playgroup for toddlers ages 15-36 months with a caregiver. Meet new parents, and make new friends from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 8.

Chess Club is back on at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 22 and 29. Children ages 7-13 will learn how to play chess with a more experienced player. Beginners and experienced players welcome.

If kids ages 5 and up like to build with Legos, then join us on at 3:30 p.m. Mondays, March 13 and 27 for free Lego play.

Are you a working parent who misses attending morning story time? Well, you’re in luck! Join us on Thursday nights for Story Chasers, a new story time at 6 p.m. for children ages 2-5 years. Let’s grab a book and see where it takes us. A fun activity follows the story.

Painting 1 2 3 is a fun Saturday morning program for children ages 3-6 years at 11:30 a.m. March 4 and 18. Let your inner artist out and have some fun painting. Be prepared to get a little messy.

Come Build with Me is a new program designed to reach some of our homeschool kids. This program for children ages 4-9 years takes place at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. Children will use their creativity and engineering skills to build with Lego, Tinker Toys, wooden blocks and more. Cars, trains and toy animals will be available to incorporate into kids’ play.

Senior Saturdays are back for the 55 and older crowd! Join us Saturday, March 11 from 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. for coffee, tea and cake and live music with musical couple Bud & Marge. Call (312) 747-6094 for more information.

Stop by the library each month for a creative drawing prompt. Pick up a sheet at the reference desk and turn it back in at the end of the month. We’ll put them on display.

Adults, come play games on Thursdays in Games People Play from 2 to 4 p.m. We play cards, Yahtzee, trivia, Scrabble, LCR (for candy!) and so much more.

Here are some of our programs for teens in March. Teen Tech Tuesday (for ages 13-18) starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. Learn how to use our 3D printer, vinyl cutter, laptops and more! Paint a Terracotta Pot on at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. Decorate a mini terracotta pot and plant some grass seeds to finish off your work of art.

The Clearing Branch Library, located at 6423 W. 63^rd Place, has a fun Easel Painting Program at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4 for children ages 6-13 years. Please register for this event.

Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day! Join Ms. Kim for a special St. Patrick’s Day Story Time for children ages 3 and up at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 14.

Church Events

St. Faustina Parish’s Ladies Guild will host its regular monthly bunco on Tuesday, March 14 in the parish center, located at 5157 S. McVicker. Sign in begins at 6:45 p.m., and games begin around 7. Cost to play is only $10 with cash prizes awarded at the end of the evening. Soda, water and coffee, along with individually wrapped snacks are available. Free-will donations are graciously accepted. Get in on split the pot for a chance at some “fun” money.

Also…

The Garfield Ridge Civic League’s next public meeting is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S Merrimac. Swing by to join the discussion about Chicago’s roads and home loans and refinancing. Welcome guest speakers Alonzo Owens from the Chicago Department of Transportation and Bedford Park Mayor Dave Brady. For more information, email GarfieldRidgeCL@gmail.com.

Until next time, keep being nice to one another and share a smile!