Here are the latest programs scheduled at the Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street in Kankakee. Take a look and attend one or more of their latest offerings.

Author Beverly Smith at Library: The Friends of the Kankakee Public Library will host author Beverly Smith at the library on Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. Smith wrote “A Land No Map Can Find” and will discuss the power of fiction in our lives, helping people navigate and understand this complex world. The program is free, so be sure to come out to meet this talented local author.

Environmental Education Immersion Day at the library: An environmental field day, complete with the information for everyday people who want to support health and vitality of local endangered species and wildlife using regionally available plant material, will be held on Saturday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants begin at the library and then experience three-to-four local ecosystems and interpretive hiking events. This is a rain or shine event, so wear hiking shoes, dress in layers, etc. Nature photographers may enjoy this opportunity, and it also may appeal to those interested in sustainable food production.

Facilitator Tonia Andreina grew up in Bourbonnais Township, across the street from Kankakee River State Park. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Nature, and Society from DePaul University and will graduate in May with a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois. Additional interests include food forests, permaculture design, and community gardening. To let Tonia know you’ll be attending, or to ask any questions, please reach out to her at toniaa2@illinois.edu.

Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP hosting CPR Classes library: In collaboration with the library, the NAACP will host informational CPR classes at the library on April 25, May 9, and May 23, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. These knowledge-based informational classes will provide experience and practice but will not provide CPR certification. They are designed for individuals who’d like some extra practice and to gain preparation for when moments matter. Classes will be taught by certified CPR instructors Jeanette Jones and Deb Caise. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Questions on the above programs may be directed to the library by calling 815-939-4564.