Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced programs and activities for July.
Chess League: Interested in competing with other chess players? The library will be sponsoring a new chess league beginning on Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. There is a one-time entry fee of $30. Call 815-939-4564 to reserve a space and a full schedule will be provided. Note playoffs are October 28, November 11 and 25, and December 9. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place recipients. The format will have 30-minute time controls and 30 second increments. Players are encouraged to bring their own boards and/or chess clocks. There also will be a 3+2 speed chess side league with a $5 entry fee. Prizes will be awarded for first and second places for the side league. All ages are welcome! Questions may be directed to Austin Earsley, at aearsley91@gmail.com.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion: The library hosts the Tuesday Morning Book Discussion on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. The book discussion for Tuesday, July 11, will be about “Summer Love,” by Nancy Thayer. This delightful novel explores the potential of dreams and the beauty of friendships. Old secrets come to light when four friends gather on Nantucket for a life-changing reunion in this heartwarming novel of love and self-discovery by “New York Times” bestselling author Nancy Thayer. This free program is open to the public. Join us to discuss this book!
Artists’ Resource and Community (ARC) was created to provide a space for artists to share their work and grow with other creative individuals. At ARC, members can give and receive feedback, but this is not a requirement, with fellowship welcome, as well. General meetings are once a month, with an additional meeting every month for figure-drawing and skills practice. Artists of all skill levels and mediums are welcome. It is recommended for ages 16 and up. The next meeting will be held at the library on Wednesday, July 12, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Lawyers in the Library: In partnership with the Kankakee Public Library, Prairie State Legal Services invites members of the community to meet with a lawyer in the library on the second Thursday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Representatives from Prairie State will give a brief presentation on their services, and then offer free, one-on-one meetings with an attorney to give legal advice. All participants must complete a screening before speaking with an attorney about civil legal matters. July’s Lawyers in the Library event will be held on Thursday, July 13. More information can be found at the library’s website, www.lions-online.org, or by calling 815-939-4564.
Nurse in the Library: Through a partnership with Ascension Saint Mary, the library is hosting a Registered Nurse (RN) in the library on Friday, July 14, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Access to the compassionate help you deserve is now just as easy as checking out a book! The nurse can help you get back on track with a variety of specialized aid, including but not limited to: Referrals to community resources, such as employment, food pantries, behavioral health services, and more; assistance with applying for benefits; confidential consultations and assessments; and referrals to healthcare providers. Questions? Contact Deb Caise at debra.cause@ascension.org, or call 815-928-6205. The library’s Adult Services Department also can assist and may be reached at 815-939-4564, option 4.
Bingo with the Books: Looking for a place to play fun, free bingo? Then join others at the library for Bingo with the Books on Friday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the fourth floor auditorium, for a chance to win an assortment of prizes. Snacks will be available! Invite friends and relatives to play along.
SNAP Assistance at the Kankakee Public Library: The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be at the library on Wednesday, July 19, between 1 and 4 p.m., to provide assistance with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP. Questions can be directed to the Food Bank at 630-443-6910, ext. 242, or kstevenson@northernilfoodbank.org.
Figure Drawing at the Library: Practice figure drawing in an encouraging and laid-back atmosphere at the library. Figure Drawing will be held on Wednesday, July 26, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Figure drawing improves hand-eye coordination and observational skills, no matter your art style. This is not a class, but simply a welcoming environment where you will not need to share your work unless you want to. A suggested donation of $3-$5 is requested. It is recommended to bring a large pad of newsprint, additional charcoal, pencils, or pastels. Artists of all skill levels and mediums are welcome. It is recommended for ages 16 and up.
July Soul Collections Book Discussion: Join others at the library for its free monthly Book Discussion Soul Collections, which highlights Black authors and themes. On Thursday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m., the group will meet to discuss thoughts on “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky,” by Heidi W. Durrow, in the third floor meeting room. This debut novel tells the story of Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a Black G.I. who becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy. With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Durrow presents a portrait of a young girl and society’s ideas of race, class, and beauty.
For more information on upcoming events, checkout the Kankakee Public Library’s Facebook page, or contact the library at 815-939-4564. The library is located at 201 E. Merchant Street in downtown Kankakee.