Adult Programs

Lectures, Workshop and Concerts | Special Events
Ongoing Cultural Programs | Health Screenings

Lectures, Workshops and Concerts

The library offers a variety of adult programs that are open to the public without charge (unless noted) on a first-come, first-served basis in our lower level meeting rooms.

Movie Showing: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) -- Monday, November 17 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. -- In 1939 London, Guinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse. Starring Amy Adams and Frances McDormand. Rated: PG-13.

AARP Driver Safety Course -- Thursday & Friday, November 20 & 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Advance in-person registration and fee. -- A two-day refresher course designed to meet the needs of drivers age 50 and up. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you complete the course. In-person registration begins: Saturday, November 8 at Reception. Fee: $10. Limit: 24. Snacks.

Vista Demonstration -- Monday, November 24 at 7 p.m. -- Do you stay on top of the latest technologies? Are you ready to replace your old PC? Get up to speed with Microsoft’s latest operating system at this live demonstration given by Janet Orzech, the library’s computer instructor. Learn tips for easier navigation and using the many innovations and security enhancements that are unique to Vista. Sorry, this is not a “hands-on” class.

Forgotten Chicago -- Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. -- Three contributors to the “Forgotten Chicago” web site will share photographs revealing the importance of old signs, buildings and other elements of long gone eras. Learn about the existence of historic features around Chicago that most people pass by without ever giving a second thought. For a preview, visit www.forgottenchicago.com.

Opera Lecture: Madama Butterfly -- Sunday, December 7 at 1:30 p.m. -- A member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Lecture Corps will explain the plot, give background on the composer and play musical selections. The complete schedule is available in the library’s lobby. All eight lectures are sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Movie Showing: The Bucket List (2007) -- Wednesday, December 10 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. -- Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die. Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Rated: PG-13.

Sunday With Friends: Chicago Christmas Nostalgia -- Sunday, December 14 from 2-3 p.m. -- Reminisce with Larry Bergnach and his wife Clare about Chicagoland holiday traditions and celebrations of the past in this variety show featuring skits, dancing and sing-alongs. The Bergnachs will help you recapture fond memories of the window decorations at Marshall Fields, music by Bing Crosby and Burl Ives, The Aragon Ballroom and much more. Afterwards, enjoy viewing Larry's collection of memorabilia. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Special Events

None at this time -- Please c heck back again for future special events.

Ongoing Cultural Programs

Oak Lawn Writers Group -- Year-round -- The Oak Lawn Public Library sponsors three writers groups that meet year-round. There is a general interest group that meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. to noon. Writers interested in screenwriting meet the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 1-3 p.m. Aspiring children's authors meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7-8:45 p.m. All three groups are intended for adults high school age and up. Their informal meetings consist of readings, critiques and writing exercises. No registration required. For more information, call Linda Atkins, public relations officer, 708-422-4990.

Ernest B. Jaski Great Books Discussion Group -- September through May -- The Ernest B. Jaski Oak Lawn Library Great Books Discussion Group reads and interprets some of Western Civilization's greatest literary works, including fiction, philosophy, political science, poetry and drama.  Mary Nelson Room, lower level.  For more information or a reading list, contact Marcia McGerty, 708-974-1673, or Jim Clauter, 708-423-3994.

Friends of the Library Discussion Groups -- September through May -- The Friends of the

Library sponsor two discussion groups that meet once a month. Material is available in advance at the library and everyone is welcome to join.
Mary Nelson Room, lower level.  For a readings list, call Dorothy Whitney, coordinator, 708-422-2390.

Health Screenings The Oak Lawn Community Partnership provides free blood pressure screenings and other health-related offerings in the library’s lower level meeting room the second Wednesday of most months at 10-11:30 a.m. For more information, visit their web site: www.oaklawncommunitypartnership.org