Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, recently announced its upcoming programs and events for September.
Please note: The library will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of Labor Day and will resume its regular hours at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5.
Social Worker in the Library: Through a partnership with Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness in Kankakee, the library is hosting Social Worker in the Library every Friday in September, from 1 until 5 p.m. Our Social Worker, Marcia Brown-Medina, can provide a variety of resources, including information and referrals, Medicaid enrollment, immigration legal referrals, connections to mental health services, and more. Simply walk in; no appointment is necessary. Questions? Contact Marcia by calling or texting her at 815-401-4183. The library’s Adult Services Department also can assist; call 815-939-4564, option 4.
Therapeutic Tai Chi: The library is excited to host a six-week course of Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation. At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings, instructor Gary Paruszkiewicz will guide participants through gentle stretching, healthful breathing, moderate movement, stress management, and mindfulness, all using the proven, evidence-based program from the Arthritis Foundation. This course is designed for all degrees of ability and mobility. The six-week course begins Wednesday, September 6, and runs through Wednesday, October 11. The free course will be held in the fourth floor gallery, with no registration required.
Bingo with the Books: Are you looking for a place to play fun, free bingo? Join others for Bingo with the Books on Friday, September 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, for a chance to win an assortment of prizes. Bingo will be held in the fourth floor auditorium, with snacks available! Invite your friends and relatives to play along.
Nurse in the Library: Through a partnership with Ascension St. Mary, the library is hosting a Registered Nurse (RN) in the library on Friday, September 8, 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; call 815-939-4564, option 4.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion: Open to the public, the library hosts its free Tuesday Morning Book Discussion on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. The book discussion for Tuesday, September 12, will be about “The 57 Bus,” by Dashka Slater. Winner of the Stonewall Book Award, “The 57 Bus” is the true story of two teenagers and the crime that changed their lives. It is a riveting non-fiction book about race, class, gender, crime, and punishment.
Lawyers in the Library: In partnership with the 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. This month’s event will be held on Thursday, September 14. 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 process before speaking with an attorney about civil legal matters.
Kankakee Kultivators Present “Summer Travels:” The Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club will be at the library on Thursday, September 14, at 1 p.m., in the fourth floor auditorium, presenting a free program on “Summer Travels – England, Scotland, and Iceland.” No registration is required.
Artists’ Resource and Community at the Library: The group (ARC) meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the library. Each meeting will have a specific theme or subject. Artists of all skill levels and mediums are welcome, but it is recommended for ages 16 and up. Meetings for September will be held on Thursdays, September 14 and 28, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
ARC was created to provide a space for artists to share their work and grow with other creative individuals. Members can give and receive feedback, but this is not a requirement, with fellowship welcome, as well.
SNAP Assistance: The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be at the library on Wednesday, September 20, between 1 and 4 p.m., to assist with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP. Questions may be directed to the Food Bank at 630-443-6910, ext. 242, or kstevenson@northernilfoodbank.org.
Soul Collections Book Discussion: Join the library for its monthly book discussion, Soul Collections, highlighting Black authors and themes. On Thursday, September 28, at 5:30 p.m., the group will discuss thoughts on “The New Jim Crow,” by Michelle Alexander. The author discusses race-related issues specific to African-American males and mass incarceration in the United States. Alexander notes discrimination faced by African-American males also is prevalent among other minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. This event is free and will be held in the third floor meeting room.
For more information on upcoming events, check out the Kankakee Public Library’s Facebook page, or contact the library at 815-939-4564.