Adult Programs

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

Procedure for Performing or Speaking at Oak Lawn Public Library

Lectures, Workshops, Concerts and Movies

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.

How to Get a Government Job -- Thursday, September 16 at 7 p.m. -- Jane Klingberg, Director of Career Services at Triton College, will show you how to navigate government web sites to find and get hired for federal job openings across the country.

Movie: In America (2002) -- Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. -- A touching, modern story of a young Irish immigrant family adjusting to life in New York City. Rated: PG-13. 105 min.

College Jeopardy -- Monday, September 20 at 7 p.m. -- Students will work in small groups and compete against one another for points. Topics include: Types of schools and degrees, financial aid, picking a major, etc.  Presented by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Corps.

Illinois Ghosts and The Afterlife -- Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. -- Terry Fisk, co-author of The Illinois Road Guide to Haunted Locations, will share evidence of the afterlife, describe his ghost investigation experiences, examine haunted locations in Illinois, as well as share photos, case histories, eyewitness accounts and other ghost lore.

Open Mic Readings -- Monday, September 27 at 7 p.m. -- Share your own original poetry and short stories. Five minute time limit per reader. Light refreshments.

Movie: The Young Victoria (2009) -- Wednesday, September 29 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. -- A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule and her enduring romance with Prince Albert. Starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. Rated: PG. 100 min.

AARP Driver Safety Course -- Thursday & Friday, September 30 & October 1 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Advance in-person registration and fee required -- Drivers age 50 and up may receive reduced insurance rates after completing this two-day course. In-person registration begins Saturday, September 4. Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. You must present a current AARP card at enrollment for the discount. Limit: 30.

Lyric Opera Lecture: Macbeth -- Sunday, October 3 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

PC Tools & Maintenance Workshop --Monday, October 4 at 7 p.m. -- Do you know what tools your Windows PC offers? Learn about updates, user accounts, firewall settings, startup repair, the Windows Security Center and Defender for Vista and Windows 7. Explore basic computer maintenance tasks and resources that will keep your computer running smoothly.

Understanding Medicare Part D -- Wednesday, October 6 at 2 p.m. -- Diane Adduci of Blue Cross Blue Shield will explain enrollment periods, guidelines, which drugs are covered, penalties, and also answer your questions about Medicare Part D.

Lyric Opera Lecture: Carmen -- Sunday, October 10 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Movie: Babies (2010) -- Monday, October 11 at 10 a.m. -- A visually-stunning documentary that takes a look at the first year of four babies living in Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco and Tokyo. Rated: PG. 79 min.

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover... Dead! -- Tuesday, October 12 at 7 p.m. -- From poison to pickaxes, the means mystery writers use to kill off their characters are many and varied. The Mystery Mavens will discuss unusual plot devices and methods of murder in this interactive program that encourages audience participation. The Mavens are local mystery authors Luisa Buehler, Sandra Tooley and Mary V. Welk.

AARP Driver Safety Course -- Thursday & Friday, October 14 & 15 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Advance in-person registration and fee required -- Drivers age 50 and up may receive reduced insurance rates after completing this two-day course. In-person registration begins Saturday, September 4. Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. You must present a current AARP card at enrollment for the discount. Limit: 30.

Sunday With Friends Concert: The Windy City Harmonicas --Sunday, October 17 from 2-3 p.m. -- This lively troupe of harmonica players will amaze you with a high energy performance of songs from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

The College Application -- Monday, October 18 at 7 p.m. -- This presentation will help juniors and seniors understand the college admissions process and provide tips on creating a personal statement, interviews, and letters of recommendation. Topics include: College applications, extracurricular activities, essays and interviews. Presented by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Corps.

Cooking with Pumpkins -- Wednesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. -- Advance in-person registration and fee required -- They’re not just for jack-o-lanterns! Chef Kate Bradley will review several pumpkin-inspired recipes and provide yummy samples. In-person registration begins: Saturday, September 18. Fee: $5 for food samples. Limit: 60.

Oak Lawn’s Historic Structures -- Tuesday, October 26 at 7 p.m. -- Join Local History Coordinator Kevin Korst for an in depth review of the “History Alive: Preserving the Buildings of Oak Lawn’s Past” exhibit now on display in the Local History Room.

Movie: North by Northwest (1951) -- Thursday, October 28 at 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. -- NOTE EARLIER EVENING START -- In this Alfred Hitchcock thriller of mistaken identity, Cary Grant plays a hapless New York advertising executive who is chased across the country by foreign spies. Also starring Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. Rated: PG. 101 min.

Lyric Opera Lecture: A Midsummer Night’s Dream -- Sunday, October 31 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Lyric Opera Lecture: A Masked Ball -- Sunday, November 7 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Sunday With Friends Concert: The Skylarks Unlimited -- Sunday, November 14 at 2-3:30 p.m. -- Jack Hogan leads a talented troupe of performers who will share musical memories from the 1930s through 1970s, with a special salute to the USO and Hit Parade. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

College 101 -- Monday, November 15 at 7 p.m. -- Learn in-depth information about degrees, types of post-secondary programs and finding the right fit. Go on a scavenger hunt where students search college brochures to answer questions about state universities. Topics include: College as an investment, what to expect from a college experience, with emphasis on college visits as a way to get to know a school. Presented by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Corps.

Lyric Opera Lecture: The Mikado -- Sunday,December 5 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Sunday With Friends Concert: The Banjo Buddies Holiday Trio --Sunday, December 12 at 2-3:30 p.m. -- Enjoy Dixieland versions of many of your favorite holiday songs, including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Winter Wonderland and more, presented in a most unique fashion on banjo, trombone and bass. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Lyric Opera Lecture: The Girl of the Golden West -- Sunday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Lyric Opera Lecture: Lohengrin -- Sunday, January 30 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Lyric Opera Lecture: Hercules -- Sunday,February 20 at 1:30 p.m. -- Learn about the plot, composer and hear musical selections. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lawn Library.

Special Events

"All About Dogs" Lectures

In celebration of National Dog Week, September 19-25, the library's Youth Services Department will offer these free lectures for patrons of all ages.  No advance registration is required. All children under age eight must be accompanied by a caregiver.

• Dog Safety -- Tuesday, September 21 from 4-5 p.m. -- A member of the Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy organization will bring along a dog to illustrate animal safety for all ages. However, this talk especially targets those most vulnerable for dog bites, children ages 5-9.
• Dog Care -- Saturday, September 25 from 1-2 p.m. -- Local Veterinarian Dr. Kate McNamara and her canine companion will present vital information about how to choose and care for a dog.
  

Patron Appreciation Day

Celebrate the first day that we reopen for Sunday hours! September 19 from 1-5 p.m.

• Live music and tasty treats will be provided for your enjoyment in the library’s lobby from 1-3 p.m.
• Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog from 1-3 p.m.
• Enter a prize drawing to win a $5 gift card for a local restarant.

Ongoing Cultural Programs

Oak Lawn Writers Group -- Year-round

The Oak Lawn Public Library sponsors three writers groups that meet year-round.  All four groups are intended for adults high school age and up. No instruction is given at these informal meetings that consist of readings, critiques and writing exercises. New members are welcome anytime. No registration or fee.  For more information, call Linda Atkins, public relations officer, 708-422-4990.

• General Interest -- Second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon
• Screenwriting -- Second and fourth Saturday of each month from 1-3:30 p.m.
• Children’s Authors -- First Thursday each month from 7-8:45 p.m.

Ernest B. Jaski Great Books Discussion Group -- September through May

The Ernest B. Jaski Oak Lawn Library Great Books Discussion Group reads and interprets Western Civilization's greatest literary works, including fiction, philosophy, political science, poetry and drama.  Mary Nelson Room, lower level.  No registration or fee.  For more information or a reading list, contact Marcia McGerty, 708-974-1673, or Jim Clauter, 708-423-3994.

• Discussion -- Second and fourth Mondays at 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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.  No registration or fee.  For a readings list, call Dorothy Whitney, coordinator, 708-422-2390.

• Short Story Discussion -- Second Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m.
• Book Discussion -- Fourth Wednesday of the month, except November and December, at 1 p.m.

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 our Community Health Screenings web site.

Procedure for Performing or Speaking at Oak Lawn Public Library

The Oak Lawn Public Library hosts a variety of entertaining and educational programs throughout the year. Programs are typically booked four to six months in advance.

In order to be considered, interested parties must submit the following information in writing to the Public Relations Officer (telephone solicitations will not be accepted):

• Description of program(s)
• List of references, preferably from other libraries
• Available dates/preferred months or days of the week
• Cost of event/program
• CD or DVD (musicians and other performers only), with a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage if the artist wishes to have CDs or DVDs returned
• Contact phone number and address
• Web site address to review for further information

Please direct letters to one of the following addresses:
Oak Lawn Public Library

Attn: Public Relations Officer

9427 S. Raymond Ave.

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Due to the volume of proposals we receive, we are able to respond only to proposals that most closely meet our needs.