 | | | A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR A MAGICAL WINTER FEST |
|  | Thank you to everyone who helped make Winter Fest a joyful celebration filled with laughter, creativity, and holiday cheer! Attendees had the chance to create handmade crafts, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take home a turkey, and even get vaccinated! A special thanks to Meridian Health for their generous donation of turkeys; to our Friends of the Highwood Library for hosting the book sale and the cookies and hot chocolate stations; to Rep. Bob Morgan for sponsoring the popular cookie decorating station; to Brushwood Center and the Park District of Highland Park for facilitating so many wonderful handmade creations; to Walgreens for providing vaccinations; and to Equal Hope and Help at Home for sharing valuable resources. A heartfelt thank you to all for your contributions, which helped make Winter Fest an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out our photo gallery below to relive the magic! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |  | The Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We wish you a safe and happy New Year! We will resume regular hours after these closures.
Remember, our digital resources are available 24/7. Use your library card to enjoy e-books, audiobooks, and more from the comfort of your home. Explore our digital collection and stay connected during the holidays! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | NEW YEAR, NEW TOYS:TOY DISTRIBUTION |
|  | We are excited to announce that the Library will distribute toys to children in our community, thanks to a generous donation from the Lake Bluff Fire Department. The toys, intended for children ages 2-10, will be distributed at the Library on Saturday, January 4, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM on a first-come, first-served basis. A heartfelt thank you to the Lake Bluff Fire Department for their generosity and commitment to spreading joy this holiday season. We are so grateful for their partnership in making this event possible! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |  | As we enter the new year, there’s no better time to expand your reading horizons! The HLCC Book Club is starting 2025 with a special fireside chat about North Woods by Daniel Mason, a historical fiction novel set in New England.
Join us on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:00PM, as we dive into this captivating story—perfect for fans of the historical fiction genre.
Ways to check out the book: We welcome you to come and share your thoughts! Light refreshments will be provided. The discussion will take place in English.
In addition to our Book Club pick, we’re excited to highlight some of the new fiction titles now available at the library. Get lost in the pages of The Life Impossible, Everything I Never Told You, and Entre dos aguas. For those who enjoy real-life stories and the inspiring lives of notable figures, be sure to check out our new collection of non-fiction and biographies, including Connie: A Memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough, La silla embrujada, By the Fire We Carry—and more!
With so many fresh titles to explore, it’s the perfect time to update your TBR (To Be Read) list and discover your next great read. We look forward to reading alongside you this year! |
| | NEW YEAR, NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES |
|  | What are your New Year's resolutions? This 2025, achieve your educational goals by registering for our adult education programs at the library! Whether you want to learn English, earn your high school diploma, gain citizenship, or improve your computer skills, we are here to help you achieve your goals.
Some achievements we can help you accomplish include:
Adult Education Programs: High School Diploma | January 7-March 4 | Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:30AM, Wednesday 5:00-6:30PM Basic English (ESL) | January 13 - April 2 | Monday/Wednesday 10-11:30AM, Tuesday 5:30-7PM Intermediate/Advanced English (ESL) | January 13 - April 2 | Monday/Wednesday 10:00-11:30AM, Tuesday 5:30-7:00PM, or Thursday 5:30-7:00PM Citizenship Tutoring | By appointment, ongoing Computer Basics | January 13 - March 3 | Mondays, 5:30-7:00PM
Register for our programs and start achieving your educational goals this new year. Stop by the Circulation Desk or email Aurora at adultlit@highwoodlibrary.org.
In addition, our Digital Navigators are available to assist you with any questions you may have about how to navigate the web securely while protecting your personal information. Visit one of our Digital Navigators today to get your questions answered! |
| | MOBILE MEXICAN CONSULATE COMING TO HPPL |
|  | Highwood and Highland Park residents are invited to take advantage of the Mobile Mexican Consulate’s visit to the Highland Park Public Library from February 4 - 8, 2025. The consulate will offer a variety of important services, including: Issuance of Mexican Passports Mexican Matricula Identification Cards Mexican Birth Certificates Assistance with Mexican Dual Citizenship (may be available)
To help you prepare for these services, both Highwood and Highland Park libraries will be hosting workshops to guide participants in setting up email accounts, ensuring that everyone can access the necessary services online.
Upcoming Workshops: January 14, 6:00PM–7:00PM at Highland Park Public Library: Creating an email account and setting up an account on the Mexican Consulate website. January 18 & 25, 10:00AM–11:30AM at Highwood Library & Community Center: Creating an email account and setting up an account on the Mexican Consulate website. Registration Link: https://bit.ly/HLCCTalleresDigital2025
Important Appointment Information: A special appointment scheduling workshop for consulate services will take place on January 30, 2:00PM–4:30PM at the Highwood Library & Community Center. Be sure to book your appointment early to ensure you can access these valuable services locally! Registration Link: https://bit.ly/citasconsuladofeb2025
|
| |  | The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic will host a virtual Know Your Rights presentation in Spanish on January 30, 2025, at 6:00PM via Zoom. This presentation, offered entirely in Spanish, is designed to inform and empower participants about their legal rights and how to protect themselves and their families. |
| | Want to check out more adult programming? Keep scrolling to see more programs below. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN |
|  | There’s so much to look forward to in the Children’s Department this new year! Keep an eye out for the unveiling of the new theme in the Early Learning Center, coming this January.
We’re also thrilled to introduce a brand-new program that will start in February: Mindful Mondays! Looking for a quiet, calm, and sensory-sensitive play space? Look no further than the Highwood Library Children’s Department. This program offers a unique approach to free play and socialization, featuring sensory-safe toys, tools, and other accommodations designed to make every child feel comfortable and included.
This new year is full of exciting opportunities to Level Up your playing at the library. We can’t wait to see you! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |  | January is National Hobby Month – What New Hobby Will You Try?
It’s the perfect time for teens to dive into something new and exciting! Whether you love being creative or want to explore new skills, our Teen workshops have something for everyone. Check out the schedule below and come explore a range of fun activities that will help you discover new hobbies!
Upcoming Workshops: Saturday, January 11 – Mini Canvas Painting Monday, January 13 – Designing Paper Shadow Boxes Tuesday, January 14 – 3D Printing Workshop Thursday, January 16 – Manga Keychain Making Saturday, January 18 – Mini Felt Plushie Making Monday, January 20 – Design A Travel-Size Tic-Tac-Toe Board Monday, January 27 – Hot Glue Embroidery
There are so many new things for teens to try this month! Let’s step out of our comfort zones, have fun, and learn together. These workshops are tailored for ages 10-18 and no registration is needed! We hope to see you at our Teen Makerspace for one or all of these workshops! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Explore all our programs by clicking the links below. |
| ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS |
| Illinois Libraries Present |
| Highwood Library joins libraries across the state of Illinois in hosting the following virtual event free of charge! |
|  | Illinois Libraries Present Steve Dolinsky, well known Food Guy reporter at NBC 5 (Chicago) and James Beard Award winner for his TV, radio and podcast work. Steve is host of The Feed Podcast with Chicago chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless and Pizza City. He is the creator of Pizza City Fest, now in four cities, and author of two books about pizza.
Join Steve to dish on The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City, his comprehensive guide to the styles, locales and people that make the Windy City a prime destination for slices and pies. |
| |  | Join comedian, actress, and producer Michelle Buteau in conversation with Greta Johnsen.
Michelle is the creator/writer/star of the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. She is also the host of two popular reality competition shows - The Circle and Barbecue Showdown, and hosts the popular podcast, Adulting. In 2024, she starred in Babes alongside fellow comedian/actress Ilana Glazer.
Greta Johnsen is an interviewer, podcast host, and book person. She is loved as co-host of HBO's Official Game of Thrones Podcast and hosted WBEZ's Nerdette podcast for eleven years. She can also be heard on podcasts like Pop Culture Happy Hour and City Cast. |
| | These events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Art Workshops for Adults
We’re excited to offer free hands-on art workshops designed to spark your creativity and bring out the artist in you. All experience levels are welcome, so come join us and make something beautiful!
Jewelry Making Tuesday, January 14, 6PM-7:30PM
Registration is required, please sign up here or call the Adult Services Department at 847-432-5404. Space is limited. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Join Our Spanish Conversation Circle
Looking to practice or improve your Spanish? Our fun and friendly conversation group is perfect for adults at all levels. Whether you're just starting or are already fluent, you're invited to come hablar en español in a relaxed, informal setting.
Friday, January 10, 17, 24, & 31: 10:30AM-11:15AM
No registration is needed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | “JOB CENTER ON THE MOVE” Continues at the Library
Need Career Advice? Looking for a Job? We are excited to announce that Lake County’s Workforce Development “Job Center on the Move” program will continue to be be available at Highwood Library into the new year!
Drop in to speak with Lake County Workforce Development every Monday from 1PM to 4PM at the Library. (The Job Center will not be at the Library on January 20.)
The Job Center can help you with one-on-one resume development, job training, internships, career transitions, information about growing your business, and more. Take advantage of this free resource today! No appointment necessary. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Explore our Adult Literacy programs by clicking the link below. |
| | | | | The Library offers a wide range of children's and teen programs to support the literacy and educational needs of the youngest members of our community. |
| Homework Help - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays |
|  | Need a little extra support with your schoolwork? On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, students can drop by for FREE help with their assignments from our amazing District 113 Student Homework Helpers. No registration is required—just bring your materials and questions! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | K9 Reading Buddies
Your favorite K9 Reading Buddies are back! These therapy dogs enjoy a cuddle while they motivate kids to read. Secure a 10-minute reading session by calling the Children's Department at (847) 432-5404 ext. 111 to sign up. Ideal for students in 1st through 5th grades.
Tuesday, January 14, 4PM
Space is limited, so don't miss out! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Family Craft & Movie: Happy Feet Two
Come on over for a fun afternoon at the library! We’ll start with a penguin-themed craft using egg cartons, then settle in to enjoy Happy Feet Two on the big screen, complete with light snacks. Perfect for the whole family!
Saturday, January 18, Craft 1:00PM | Movie 2:30PM
Don’t miss out on this special movie experience! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Kohl Children’s Museum Mobile Learning Lab
Join us for a fun-filled visit from the Kohl Children’s Mobile Museum! All ages are encouraged to explore a variety of engaging activities. Participation in the program is free of charge, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Tuesday, January 28, 12:30PM-2PM
Don’t miss out on this exciting event! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Discover more of our programs for ages 0-10 by clicking the link below! |
| | | | | Makerspace Mondays for STE(A)M Powered-Teens!
Explore your creativity on the following Mondays from 5PM to 7PM in the Makerspace of the Young Adult (YA) area. Ideal for ages 10-18. No experience or registration is required! Drop-in for some fun! |
|  | Open Make: Thursday, January 9, 5:00PM-7:00PM & Friday, January 24, 4:00PM-5:30PM
Join us in the Makerspace for Open Make sessions, where you can unleash your creativity and work on a project of your choice! Ideal for ages 10-18.
We can't wait to see what you'll create! No experience or registration is required! Drop-in for some fun! |
| |
3D Printing Workshops
Join us in the Makerspace every 2nd Tuesday of the month to learn all the tips and tricks of 3D printing & modeling.
Tuesday, January 14, 5:00PM-7:00PM
Ideal for ages 10-18 and no registration is required! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Self-Care Saturday
This month, we will be making worry stones, an object to help with anxiety.
To support our neighbors, we will also be providing updates on resources for DACA and mixed status families.
Saturday, January 25, 1:30PM-3:30PM
Ideal for ages 10-18 and no registration is required! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Teen After Hours
Join us for an After Hours game night in the library! We’ll play board games, switch games, or even Roblox!
Friday, January 17, 6PM-8PM
Ideal for ages 10-18 and no registration is required! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Explore our additional programs tailored for ages 10-18 by clicking the link below! |
| | | | | The Library’s Health Equity program is committed to promoting the health and well-being of our community through health services and education. Key areas of focus are preventative health education, mental health education, case management, and counseling services. |
| | Zumba Fitness
Thanks to our amazing community volunteers, we are now offering classes on Tuesdays at 9AM in addition to the ones currently offered on Mondays at 6PM at the Highwood Rec Center.
Here are the upcoming Zumba dates for January: Mondays from 6PM to 7PM: January 6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays from 9AM to 10AM: January 7, 14, 21, & 28
Feel free to bring a friend or family member to join in on the fun! This interactive, one-hour class is a great way to invest in your well-being, and it’s open to all levels!
Registration is not necessary. We look forward to seeing you at the Highwood Rec Center! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Take a look at this month’s Health Equity programs by clicking the button below. |
| | For additional information on library programs, visit our website: |
| | | | Excited about what's taking place at your library? |
| |  | Or check out our Amazon Wishlist and consider purchasing an item to help families in our community thrive! |
| | |  | | |
|
|
|
|
|