S.T.E.A.M.: Forensic Files

Tuesday, March 24th, 4 PM
Ages 6+, Register by March 20th
An after school snack of carrot sticks and apple sauce pouches will be provided.
Space is limited.

Help solve the case of Kong the Monkey’s missing snack with fingerprint lifting and ink analysis!

Retired Illinois State Police Senior Special Agent Eileen Payonk will be a special guest for this program and will help kids crack the case.

Bloom Blocks

Adult Craft Night: Bloom Blocks

Tuesday, March 31st, 6:30-8:30PM,
Wednesday, April 1st, 2-4PM, or
Wednesday, April 1st, 6:30-8:30PM
Ages 18+, Cost:$5.00
Register by Friday, March 27th
Space is Limited.

Make cute wooden painted letter blocks to celebrate spring. Blocks will be 3"x3"x0.5".

Knitting and Crocheting Group

Tuesdays, March 31st - May 26th
12:30 –2:30PM

Participants should bring their own projects. For those who are just starting to learn, the Library has a list of specific supplies to purchase. Call the Library to register.

All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome to attend! Learn to knit or crochet, get help and advice on your projects, or just come for the camaraderie of fellow yarn enthusiasts.

Tiny Art Show

Tiny Art Show

For Kids, Teens, And Adults Of All Ages
Put your creativity on display at the Library! Patrons of all ages and artistic abilities can pick up a 4x4 inch canvas and paint supplies to create their own masterpiece to display at the Library!Supplies are limited and are intended for individuals and families, not organized groups.

Important Dates:
April 1st -17th: Canvas and art supplies are available for pick up on a first come first serve basis. Supplies are limited.

April 17th: Return finished art by this date.

April 17th- May 8th: Art is on display at the Library!

May 8th 6-7PM:

Artist Reception (optional). Come meet other artists, enjoy refreshments, then take your art home with you.

Art can be picked up on or after May 8th.

Book Mark Contest

For Kids, Teens, And Adults Of All Ages
April 1st - May 1st

Artists of all ages are invited to create an original bookmark design.Winning designs will be professionally printed and given out to patrons participating in our summer reading program. Contest forms will be available April 1st and designs are due May 1st.

Book marks must be family friendly and an original creation (no characters from tv shows, movies, books, etc.).

Winners will beannounced on June 1st and will receive a small art-themed prize.There will be 4 winners chosen from thefollowing age groups: 1-6yrs, 7-12 yrs, 13-17yrs, and adults 18+.

Fairy Tale Murder Mystery

Fairytale Murder Mystery Night

Tuesday, April 14th, 7PM
For Teens (13+) and Adults!
Register by Thursday, April 9th
Refreshments will be served.

Due to the mysterious deaths of Grumpy and Pinocchio, tourism in Fairytale Land has reached an all-time low.Book sales of all our beloved fairy tales have dropped off forcing many in the retail industry to request aid.The town economy has been so slow that the Stiltskin Corporation has filed for bankruptcy due to the city council’s recent decision to cancel the restoration of Snow White’s castle. An emergency council meeting has been called to discuss these mysterious happenings and you are invited to help solve the case!

Patrons are welcome to come as non-speaking audience members, but we will need 8 players (aged 18+) for 4 female and 4 male roles for the evening. Character descriptions are available at registration and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

All lines for the players are scripted and provided on the night of the program. No advance preparation is needed.

(Anyone aged 13+ is welcome to come as an audience member, but the 8 players must be aged 18+.)

Peep Catapult

Peep Catapult and the Battle Bunny Castle

Tuesday, April 21st, 4PM
Ages 6+, Register by April 17th
An after school snack of carrot sticks and apple sauce pouches will be provided.
Space is limited.

Learn engineering, physics, and math while having fun.Create a Peep lever catapult and battle to knock down a paper cup castle!

Vintage Radio

Old-Time Radio and the Great American Songbook

Wednesday, April 29th, 7PM
Refreshments will be served.
Presented by Steve Darnall, host of the Those Were The Days radio show.

This audio-visual presentation examines how radio helped to give birth to the "Great American Songbook" by offering songs and singers a unique opportunity to present their songs to a national audience. This show uses both a Powerpoint presentation and audio clips featuring some of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century as they were heard on radio—including Johnny Mercer, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and a rare 1934 performance from George Gershwin!

Kid Librarian Book

Kid Librarian of the Month

Ages 5-17

Do you have book recommendations that you would love to share?

Kids & teens are invited to drop in the library to fill out an application for a chance to be our next Junior Librarian and have your own book display for the month.

Oscar Trophy

And the Oscar Goes To: An Oscar Voting Contest For Adults 18+

Calling all movie lovers! You are invited to make your Academy Award predictions for a chance to win a movie‑themed basket!

The 98th annual Academy Awards will air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Ballots will be available beginning February 16th and are due back by noon on Saturday March 14th.One entry per person. The ballot with the most correct picks will win! In the case of a tie, the winner will be drawn from ballots with the most correct picks.

Newspaper Clothes

Red Carpet Newspaper Fashion Show

Tuesday, February 24th, 4 PM
Register by Friday, February 20th
Ages 6 and up

Create fun clothing out of newspaper and craft materials!Kids will then have a mini fashion show for parents and library staff.

Newspaper fashions will be worn over the regular clothes kids are already wearing. A parent/guardian should also be on hand to help their kids put their newspaper outfits on.

Story Time

Story Times

Enjoy stories, activities, games, and crafts!
Call to register.

Beecher Bookworm Buddies
Location:  Inside the Library
Thursdays & Fridays, 10AM

 

Rock and Roll Roadshow: Music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's Program

The Library’s “Rock and Roll Roadshow:  Music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s” was held on Thursday, April 11th.  A large number of patrons came to enjoy the music and musical cookies to match the theme. Board trustees Beverly Wehling and Shirley Biery served the cookies and coffee afterward.

 

The History of The Chicago Auto Show

Library trustees Beverly Wehling and Shirley Biery helped serve cookies in the shape of automobiles at the special program, "The History of the Chicago Auto Show" on Sunday, February 4th. A record number of patrons attended and enjoyed seeing photos dating from the first auto show in 1901.

SWAN Libraries + App

New App for Physical Items Now Available!

The SWAN Libraries + app is available for iOS and Android devices. If you used the old SWAN Libraries app, you can delete it after logging in to the new app.

(Note: The new app is named the same as the old app, just with a “+” at the end.)

pumpkin decorating

Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

We are once again hosting a pumpkin decorating contest for kids!  Decorate a pumpkin based on a book or book character.

Winners will be chosen from 0-preschool, K-5th grade, and 6-12th grade.  For each group, first prize will a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble, with small prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.

October 21st—27th:
Pumpkins will be on display for patrons to enjoy.  They can be picked up the 27th and 28th. Left over pumpkins will be disposed of.

Congrats to Our Winners!
Everyone did a fantastic job of decorating their pumpkins, and judging was extremely difficult!

0-PreK
1st:  Liam L. (Spot)
2nd:  Lainey N. (Sesame Street)
3rd:  Andi R. (The Grinch)

K-5
1st:  Aubrey L. (Pigeon)
2nd:  Addison B. (Turtle)
3rd: Violeta R. (Coco)

6-12th
1st:  Zoey M. (Where the Red Fern Grows)
2nd:  Jaxon E. (Holes)
3rd:  Aaralyn M. (If You Give a Mouse A Cookie)

Here is how judging worked:  All pumpins were assigned a number, so children were anonymous.  Four staff members served as judges.  For each age group, the judges collectively pulled 5 top pumpkins.  The judges then privately ranked the 5 pumpkins from 1 for the best down to 5, and the scores were tallied.  The pumpkins with the lowest total scores won. 

frog

We’re Growing a Frog From a Tadpole!

From Mid-May through July, the Library will be the temporary home of a tadpole.  Visit the Library to watch its progress as it grows into a frog!

During the first month, we’ll also be taking name suggestions for our new friend.  Look for updates posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Beecher Bookworm Buddies with Miss Jennie

Thursday/Friday Morning (10AM)
Enjoy stories, activities, games, and crafts!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Congratulations to everyone who entered pumpkins into our pumpkin decorating contest!  Everyone did a wonderful job, and both adults and children have enjoyed looking at the pumpkins on display.  Don't forget to pick up your pumpkins on Friday 10/28 or Saturday 10/29.  Anything left over will be disposed of.

The winners for the contest are:
Birth - PreK:  1st Place:  Ruby Bivian, 2nd Place:  Davina Hood, 3rd Place:  Ellie Walker
K-5th Grade:  1st Place:  Zoey Manning, 2nd Place: Gabino Bivian, 3rd Place:  Emily Ryan
6th-12th Grade: 1st Place:  Madison Gibson, 2nd Place: Delila Magana, 3rd Place: Marios Killis

                     

 

 

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

 
The goal of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is to encourage caregivers to read to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Reading is important in early childhood - it sets kids up to learn to read and is an indicator of future academic success. Plus it's fun for adult and child!
 
1,000 books may seem like a lot but this goal can be reached in less than 3 years just by reading 1 book per day. Children receive a sticker and prize for every 100 books read. At 1,000 books, the child will receive a free book, certificate of achievement, and get their picture taken for our bulletin board! Sign up at the Library.

Library Study Rooms Now Available!

The library study rooms are now available.  Study rooms are available for two hour sessions for a max of four people.  Read more about the policies regarding study room use here.

Hoopla Now Available!

Hoopla Digital is now available for Beecher Community Library card holders!

Ebooks, music, audiobooks, comics, TV shows, and movies for all ages are available for checkout and can be enjoyed on all smart devices.

Patrons may check out a set number of items per month.  Best of all, checkouts are immediate…no waiting for holds to be filled!

Visit hoopladigital.com or download the app.

Beecher Sesquicentennial Books Now Available for Sale!

The Beecher Sesquicentennial Book is now available for sale at the Beecher Community Library! It celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Beecher and covers the years 1995-2020. Also available is the Beecher Quasquicentennial Book (1870-1995). Both were edited by Shirley Biery.

Price is $25 each or $40 for both. Stop by the Library during our curbside hours (M W F 10-2; Tu, Th 3-7), park in a curbside pickup spot, and call one of the phone numbers listed on the sign. Make checks out to Village of Beecher.

Downloadable E-Books and Audiobooks

The Library offers free ebooks and audiobooks through Media on Demand.  To get started, download the Libby (by Overdrive) app on apple and android tablets and smartphones, or for basic ereaders or other devices, click here for further assistance.  Books are available for adults, kids, and teens. 

Books are also available in foreign languages, such as Spanish. 

Need help?  Call (708-946-9090) or visit the Library.  

Tumblebooks Icon

Tumblebooks: Read Along Books for Children!

Tumblebooks is a digital collection of animated, talking picture books for children, whether they are learning to read or are already reading! To access TumbleBooks, click here and enter your Beecher Community Library card number. 

Can't Find What You're Looking for in the SWAN Catalog?

If you can't find a books or other materials in our SWAN Online Catalog, the Beecher Community Library may be able to find it for you through statewide interlibrary loan.  Call the Library (708-946-9090) to submit a special request for the material. 

Handicapped Sign

Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service Available

The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS), offered through the state of Illinois, supports the activities of the Illinois Network of Libraries Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped in providing excellent public library service to any Illinois resident who is unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability.  Through this service, citizens can borrow talking books, braille materials, and more.

For more information and to apply, visit the Talking Book and Brialle website.  The Beecher Community Library also offers audiobooks and large print materials for patrons with impaired vision.

Book Club

Join a Book Discussion at the Library

Looking for great reading and wonderful discussion? Try joining one of our book discussion groups.

Call the library for more information.

Computer

One-on-One Computer Instruction

The Beecher Community Library is offering 30 minute one-on-one computer sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2PM-5PM.  The following topics can be covered during the session:

  • Basic Computer Use
  • Using the Internet
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, or PowerPoint

Patrons should have a Beecher Library card and call the library to register for a session at least a day in advance.

Museum Adventure Pass

Museum Adventure Pass Program

Come to the library to get free or discounted tickets to 15 Chicago area cultural destinations, including the Brookfield Zoo and Legoland Discovery Center. Passes are available for Beecher Community Library cardholders on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can call the library to find out if passes are available. Visit www.museumadventure.org for more information.

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