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player ready...It’s hot outside, but summertime is no time for cabin fever. So what’s there to do while staying cool if you don’t have a pool? You’ll have it made in the shade with this sampling of Saturday indoor activities offered at libraries in the Southland, where besides the scheduled fun, air conditioning is one of the main attractions.
Space is cool
Nothing is cooler than a trip to the moon, and the Homewood Public Library is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that first lunar trip with an “all-day, all ages event,” according to event coordinator Ashley Sander.
It’s actually a series of activities, including storytime sessions featuring videos of astronauts reading kids’ books from space, a walk-through exhibit about the lunar launches and a talk by James “Joel” Knapper. An officer with the Kankakee County Stargazers, Knapper is billed as a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
The Homewood event is capped by a rebroadcast of the 1969 news coverage of the moon landing as it was originally presented on CBS by Walter Cronkite.
“He’s the most trusted guy ever,” Sander said.
The Moon Landing Event includes several events from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. A complete schedule and more information are at https://www.homewoodlibrary.org/events/moon-landing-event-srhpl.
Escape to Westeros
Winter is coming. Eventually. But for now, fantasy and comic fans can cool their heels at OPPLCon, the mini comic convention taking place Saturday at the Orland Park Public Library.
The winter will come in the form of ice cream treats for the kids while a crew of role players called MidWesteros will wander the library dressed as characters from the popular books by George R.R. Martin and television show “Game of Thrones.”
Another group, Costumers with a Cause, will be bringing various Disney characters to the event, and there will be a Royal Tea Party. Vendors will offer comic books and pop culture items as well as the event marks its fifth year at the library. An artists alley will feature 20 local artists.
“We want to make it similar to C2E2 or WizardWorld (conventions),” said Kristen Holding, a graphic designer with the library who helped organize the event. She said they created a “Game of Thrones” prop for photo opportunities, and there will be a green screen photo element as well.
“If you want, you can sit on the Iron Throne,” she said.
And kids can showcase their powers with a Superhero Challenge, which includes such features as “Hulk Smash,” where kids can knock down a fake brick wall.
OPPLCon is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, 14921 Ravinia Ave. More information and a schedule is at https://www.orlandparklibrary.org/comiccon/.
And more…
As things continue to heat up, other area libraries are offering cool programs as well as respite from the relentless humidity. Here’s some more options. Note that most of these programs require registration, and some may fill up, so give them a call beforehand.
Caturday in Evergreen Park: Feeling crafty and want to make life a little better for a shelter animal? Bring an old shirt, sheet or pillowcase to the Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S Troy Ave., from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and turn it into a toy for a cat or sot at the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago. As a bonus, teens can earn service hours. Info: 708-422-8522 or evergreenparklibrary.org
“Hamilton” Karaoke in Oak Lawn: Celebrate the music of the Broadway hit “Hamilton: An American Musical” with karaoke at 1 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Warm up your vocal chords and belt out your favorite Hamil-tunes. Lyric sheets will be provided. Costumes are encouraged! All ages welcome; advance registeration requested. Info: 708-422-4990 or www.olpl.org.
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Make and Take Legos in Mokena: Kids ages 3 to 9 can make it a Lego day from 10 to 1:45 p.m. at the Mokena Community Public Library District, 11327 195th St. Bring a friend to shar and create a fun Lego design. Registration and info: 708-479-9663 or www.mokenalibrary.org.
Steamy day STEAM Room in Midlothian: The Midlothian Public Library opens up its STEAM Room from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library, 14701 Kenton Ave., for kids to try out art materials and explore different STEAM materials. Info: https://www.midlothianlibrary.org
Virtual castle visit in Tinley Park: Join curator Margaret Schlesinger from the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry for a tiny tour of Colleen Moore’s enchanted Fairy Castle at the Tinley Park Public Library, 7851 Timber Dr. It’s a chance to see inside and up close the hand-painted artwork and delicately crafted miniature artifacts as if you were 5 inches tall, as well as a “behind-the-fairytales” story of how the Castle came to be. Registration and info: 708-532-0160 or https://www.tplibrary.org.