If money woes are making travel and entertainment difficult for you this summer - we are here to help. Typically I like to feature one or two upcoming events in PlainTalk, but the Library's Events calendar is booked solid for the next few weeks, so take advantage of that. If you've ever seen the popular book series, "Eat This, Not That," think of this blog post as, "Do This, Not That." :)
Can't afford Ravinia tickets this year? (Or, can't face the crowds and the mosquitos?) Kick off the summer season with a classical piano concert, free at the Library next Sunday, May 31. Talented pianist Mark Damisch will play familiar selections from Gershwin, Chopin and Debussy and will delight you with his warm, welcoming style. Register for this free concert.
Explore music in Chicago and neighboring suburbs, including free concerts, through the Chicago Reader.
High school and college students - you could get a group together and study for finals at the popular coffeeshops nearby. Let's see, that's $3.50 for a caramel frappuccino thingie, $2.95 for a brownie, $2.50 for a bottle of water later on...and you probably haven't been able to find a summer job yet. Why not study and snack for FREE at the Library? Our Finals Cafe takes place on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 from5 - 8:30 PM, with soft drinks and yummy snacks provided free of charge. Hit the books, feed your face, and have money left for a movie or date night once school is out - or, hit the Taste of Des Plaines the same weekend.
Moms, dads and caregivers, bring your little ones to the Taste of Des Plaines this year and they'll enjoy stories, songs and magic - not unlike certain downtown Chicago children's venues with steep price tags. The Library is getting in the act at the Taste and sponsoring lots of family friendly entertainment - for the fabulous price of NOTHING! While the Taste has something for everyone, it's nice to know there will be plenty of appropriate entertainment for families with young children. The Taste takes place on Friday, June 5 from 6-11 PM, Saturday, June 6 from 11 AM - 11 PM and Sunday, June 7 from 11 AM - 7 PM. The kid-friendly entertainment takes place on Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 3 PM, on both the Main Stage and the Library Stage, over at the DP History Center.
Oh, and don't forget - Summer Reading Club begins on Sunday, June 7, so before or after the Taste, make sure you sign the kids up to "Read on the Wild Side!"
It's not all about kids, though, and adults and teens will want to experience "Held in the Heartland," a unique travelling exhibit on a BUSeum, visiting the Library on Friday, June 12. Using narrative panels illustrated with photographs, documentary film and artifacts, the exhibit brings the story of German POWs in the Midwest 1943-46 to life. The BUSeum will be parked in front of the library from noon to 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend this free exhibit, as well as a free reception and lecture at 7 PM that evening. More details will follow in a future PlainTalk, but if you don't have the money or free time to get to one of the big city museums this summer, think of this as the museum coming to you.
Wow - all those events in just the next few weeks. Get in the habit of checking our Events calendar frequently, as new activities and programs are always being added. Your library is so much more than a place for books, movies and music - think of us as your community center for learning, entertainment and enrichment, your place to work, learn and play.
Yesterday I took the train into downtown Chicago to meet friends. Great weather, great company, and a great time was had by all. We splurged on lunch, but we found that Millenium Park offers terrific things to see and do for no money at all. We toured the gorgeous Lurie Gardens, took pictures at the "Bean" and sat and watched Buckingham Fountain with ice cream cones (reasonable prices, excellent homemade ice cream, and the people working the concession were friendly fellow "southsiders") while two mallards walked up to us for samples of our cones. (Sorry guys, we ate it all.) We talked to people, laughed, walked, and watched a five sail scooner cross the lake. We had originally planned on a museum or a boat tour, which would have cost us big bucks, but found the weather so perfect it would have been a crime to be inside.
ReplyDeleteSo you can have fun for little or no money. I'm going to start spening more time watching the Lurie Garden to see how it changes each season. What a great, free place!