Beatlemania is alive and well as Fab Four fans celebrate at Garfield Ridge Library

Sixty-one years after the Beatles arrived in America, their music still brings people together. 

Fans of all ages gathered at the Garfield Ridge Library on Saturday morning, Feb. 22, for a “Meet the Beatles” listening party—swapping stories, testing their trivia skills, and celebrating the band that changed music forever.

Children’s Library Associate Patti Tyznik welcomed attendees and kept the event lively, passing out trivia sheets and encouraging fans to share their personal Beatles stories.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people still hold the Beatles close to their hearts,” Tyznik said. “It’s amazing to see generations come together over this music. We have people bringing in records they’ve had for decades and younger kids just discovering them for the first time.”

As guests sipped coffee, swayed in their seats to classic songs and browsed memorabilia on display, Tyznik explained that the event was part of an ongoing effort to bring fans together throughout the year.

“At Christmas, we did a Beatles listening party, and in the summer, we’ll host another one,” she said. “We love finding ways to connect people through this music.”

Tyznik also noted that February is a particularly meaningful time for her. “The Beatles arrived in the U.S. in February of 1964, and it’s been 61 years since they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show,” she said. “But it’s also my birthday, which makes this event extra special for me.”

The Beatles trivia contest sparked lively discussion, with one question in particular drawing strong opinions.

“The last question is always the same,” Tyznik said. “Who’s your favorite Beatle?”

The room quickly buzzed with debates over John, Paul, George and Ringo.

As the contest continued, the discussion turned to George Harrison, whose birthday falls on Feb. 25. Fans reflected on his role in the band and his songwriting legacy.

“George was always seen as the little brother, never taken as seriously as John and Paul,” one attendee said. “But look at the songs he wrote—Here Comes the Sun and Something are two of their biggest hits. Those were all George.”

Beyond discussing the Beatles’ music, many attendees shared personal stories of seeing the band or experiencing the excitement surrounding their arrival in the U.S. in 1964.

One attendee recalled waiting outside a Beatles store in Bridgeport with friends, hoping to catch a glimpse of the band.

“We waited and waited, and then suddenly, there they were—so tall, so thin! Just seeing them walk past us was unforgettable,” she said.

Another attendee, Rita White, shared a similar experience, remembering how her mother took her and her brother downtown to WLS to get Beatles tickets.

“I remember waiting outside and then suddenly seeing them walk by. It’s something you never forget,” she said.

Sisters Dolores Majia and Patricia Salinas, both dressed in Beatles T-shirts, attended the event to celebrate their lifelong love of the band.

Dolores, whose family is originally from Mexico, spoke about how the Beatles’ music transcends generations and cultures.

“Even if someone didn’t grow up with them, they know who they are,” she said. “Their music is just everywhere.”

She recalled listening to the Beatles with her siblings growing up, a tradition that has stayed with her.

“There’s just something about their songs. They bring people together,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from—when a Beatles song comes on, people sing along.”

Patricia agreed.

“It’s amazing how their music still resonates today,” she said. “My kids know their songs, and now my grandkids do, too.”

Among the attendees was Daniel Hope, who brought along his grandchildren, Danielle and Michael Augustyniak, both young Beatles fans. 

Nine-year-old Michael, in particular, has embraced the band’s music, proudly declaring Paul McCartney as his favorite Beatle.

“I love Michelle—it’s my favorite song,” Michael said.

His family’s love for the Beatles spans generations. His mother, Alicia, recalled how she grew up listening to Breakfast with the Beatles on the weekends, a tradition that has now passed down to her children.

“It’s just part of our weekends, and now my kids are into it, too,” she said.

“It’s amazing how the Beatles’ music still brings people together,” Hope said. “It doesn’t matter how young or old you are—everyone knows their songs.”

Adding to the nostalgia, Robert Rebersky, a Beatles historian, brought a collection of rare memorabilia, including original issues of Rave Magazine from the ’60s. As attendees flipped through the pages, they reminisced about their own Beatles collections.

“I had a strip of the Beatles’ clothing from a camp I attended,” one guest said. “A girl from Ireland even tried to buy it from me!”

Rebersky, a longtime Beatles historian, continues adding rare finds to his collection.

To further set the mood, Bud and Marge Podrazki, who regularly perform at Beatles events, played covers for free as a tribute to the band.

“We love playing these songs,” Bud said. “There’s just something about the Beatles’ music that brings people together.”

A self-taught guitarist, Bud has been playing Beatles songs for years, frequently performing at local events with his wife.

“We’ve been singing these songs forever, and every time, they still feel new,” Marge said.

The couple regularly plays at Espresso Palette in Chicago Ridge, a café that has become a favorite gathering place for local music lovers.

“It’s a great spot for Beatles fans,” Marge said. “They do live music nights, and it’s always a good time.”

As the event wrapped up, attendees swapped stories and Beatles trivia, with many planning to return for the library’s next music gathering.