Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, announced its programs for December. For more information on upcoming events, check out the library’s Facebook page, or call the library at 815-939-4564.
Local Author Aaron Robinson at Library: Local author and entrepreneur Aaron Robinson will be at the library on Tuesday, December 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. Robinson, who grew up in Pembroke, will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of his latest book “Not Going Unnoticed.” This is a free come-and-go event, so come out to meet this talented local author.
His Amazon bestseller, the first of a three-part autobiography, tells the story of Robinson’s upbringing in one of the poorest areas in America. Over time he learns to embrace the gifts he is given in the hopes of making a difference in his life. Through various challenges, he continues to believe in his dreams to become successful.
Lion Wreathing/City Tree Lighting: Join us on Thursday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m., as two lucky children are picked to assist Mayor Curtis in wreathing the lions at the library. Afterward, the group will walk to the historic Train Depot for the official lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The event concludes with cookies and hot chocolate inside the Depot. This free event is sponsored by the Kankakee Events Partnership!
Nurse in the Library: Through a partnership with Ascension Saint Mary, the library is hosting a Registered Nurse (RN) in the library on Friday, December 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.caise@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? Join us for Bingo with the Books on Friday, December 8, 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.
Winter Wander – A Celebration of Kankakee During the Holiday Season: The library and the Kankakee Development Corporation invite area residents to Winter Wander, which celebrates downtown Kankakee during the holiday season. Winter Wander will be held on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Start at the library’s Winter Market and enjoy local handmade arts and crafts by favorite vendors. Then, continue the wander and discover local downtown businesses for a chance to win a raffle basket!
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 selected for Tuesday, December 12, is “Catching Christmas,” by Terri Blackstock. This program is free and open to the public. Join us and add your voice to the discussion!
In the novel, an overworked attorney’s grandmother will stop at nothing to find her a date for Christmas, in this heartwarming holiday love story about finding what really matters in life.
Lawyers in the Library: In partnership with the library, Prairie State Legal Services invites members of the community to meet with a lawyer, 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 process before speaking with an attorney about civil legal matters. December’s Lawyers in the Library event will be held on Thursday, December 14.
SNAP Assistance: The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be at the library on Wednesday, December 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.
Library Announces Christmas Closings: The library will be open on Saturday, December 23, but will be closed on Friday, December 22, in observance of Christmas Eve, and Monday, December 25, for Christmas Day. The library will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, December 26, at 9 a.m. Library resources, such as e-books and Kanopy streaming, may be accessed anytime by visiting lions-online.org.
December Soul Collections Book Discussion: Join the library for its monthly book discussion Soul Collections. This group highlights Black authors and themes. On Thursday, December 28, at 5:30 p.m., the group will meet to discuss thoughts on “A Lesson Before Dying,” by Ernest J. Gaines. The free event will be held in the third floor meeting room.
This National Book Critics Circle Award Winner is a deep and compassionate novel about a young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to visit a Black youth on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting.