The Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street in Kankakee, recently announced its up-coming June programs.
Author Michael Menard at Library: Author, entrepreneur, and inventor Michael Menard will be at the library on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Menard grew up in Kankakee and will be available for a meet-and-greet to discuss his new memoir of those years, “The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories.”
Menard’s book weaves a narrative of resilience and hope from the threads of his challenging childhood. With no formal education beyond high school, he now holds 14 patents, and his myriad inventions are responsible for more than $50 billion in annual sales. He also has created the May Avenue Foundation to help provide healing from childhood trauma. This is a free drop-in event. Come out to meet this remarkable author.
Tuesday Morning Book Discussion: The library hosts the Tuesday Morning Book Discussion on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. In June the group will meet on Tuesday, June 11, and the selected book is “The Beach House,” by Jane Green.
In this “New York Times” Bestseller, an eccentric widow, faced with dwindling funds, opens her Nantucket home to boarders. But just as she is settling into her new way of life, a surprise visitor arrives and threatens to turn everyone’s lives upside down. This program is free and open to the public. We hope you’ll join us!
Bingo, Books, and BP: Join us on Friday, June 14, from 10 a.m. – noon, for the free program Bingo, Books, and BP, in the library’s third floor meeting room. Every month, those attending have chances to win a variety of prizes, including books, with light refreshments provided. Concurrent with Bingo, an RN from St. Mary’s will be available to provide simple health checks, such as blood pressure, as well as answer basic medical questions and provide referrals to various community resources.
Library Closed Juneteenth: The library will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth and will resume normal business hours on Thursday, June 20, at 9 a.m. For ways to access library resources, such as e-books and Kanopy streaming services, visit lions-online.org!
Lawyers in the Library: In partnership with the library, Prairie State Legal Services invites residents to meet with a lawyer on the second Thursday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the third floor suite. June’s event will be held on Thursday, June 13. Representatives from Prairie State will 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.
Soul Collections Book Discussion: Join the library at its free monthly book group Soul Collections, a program that highlights Black authors and themes. On Thursday, June 27, at 5:30 p.m., the group, which is open to the public, will meet to discuss the “New York Times” bestseller “Maame,” by Jessica George. Smart, funny, and deeply affecting, Maame deals with the issues of our time with humor and poignancy. Most importantly, the book explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures – and celebrates finally finding where you belong.
For more information on upcoming events, check out the Kankakee Public Library’s Facebook page, visit lions-online.org, or call the library at 815-939-4564.