As the state of Illinois remains under a stay-at-home-order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many local organizations are turning to virtual events. Here are this week’s top picks.
Together We Remember: 24-Hour Global Vigil
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
April 30, all day
Join in for an unprecedented 24-hour online global vigil to conclude Genocide Awareness & Prevention Month, the #TogetherWeRemember Campaign. Included are name-readings, insightful speakers, and inspiring performances to honor victims of hate-based violence and to celebrate upstanders who risked their lives to save others. Visit Together We Remember’s Facebook Page at any time on April 30 to view the live broadcast.
Explore Now: Celebrating the Life and Work of Tomie dePaola
Niles-Maine District Library
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4255580
April 30, all day
Sadly, beloved children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola passed away on March 30. Together, let’s celebrate and explore dePaola’s life story and his brilliant work. Go online to watch and listen to Mr. dePaola read his book “Strega Nona” by watching this video. Watch him share more stories from his life in interviews and videos.
Dorothy Kilgallen
North Shore Senior Center
April 30, 1-2:30 p.m.
Free, but registration Closes on April 30 at 12 a.m. Barry shares the life story of Dorothy Kilgallen, American journalist and television game show panelist. Email for more info: [email protected] or call 847-784-6030.
Adult Book Discussion on Goodreads: Weather
Skokie Public Library
April 30, 2-3 p.m.
We’re reading “Weather” by Jenny Offill. It is available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook on Overdrive. Although people are welcome to join the discussion on Goodreads at any time, the staff posts questions and moderates discussions at these times: chapters 1-3 were discussed April 23; discussing chapters 4-6 on April 30 from 2-3 p.m.
Stay-at-Home Movie Party: Animated Shorts
Eisenhower Public Library District
April 30, 7- 8:30 p.m.
eisenhowerlibrary.org/stay-at-home-movie-party-animated-shorts/
Join on their Facebook page for an online screening of a selection of animated short films for the entire family—adults, teens and kids. Head over to the online theater where chatting is encouraged. Answers Desk: 224-585-8029.
Kids Write Away Redux via Zoom
Eisenhower Public Library District
April 30, 4-5 p.m. https://bit.ly/2zt53o9
For grades 4-6, who want to become the next famous author. Join on Zoom video chat to participate. The themes for each class are, “Comics Away,” “Let’s Write a Song,” and “How Long Can You Write?” Parents, please register your child to receive a Zoom video chat link for this program. Links are emailed one day before the event. Registration is required.
Anonymous Teen Writers – Virtual Discussion Group
Eisenhower Public Library District
April 30, 4-5:30 p.m.
Writers in grades 7-12 are invited to join in on Zoom video chat for some socializing, discussion, and, of course, writing! Share your poems and stories in a supportive space or listen to others read. Join the live chat at https://zoom.us/j/724545079 or phone in at 312-626-6799. Answers Desk: 224-585-8029
Facebook Live Storytime with Ms. Tiffany
Eisenhower Public Library District
April 30, 1- 1:15 p.m. https://eisenhowerlibrary.org/facebook-live-storytime-with-ms-tiffany/ Join in on their Facebook page for a quick storytime, live online with Ms. Tiffany every Thursday afternoon in April and look for more recorded Storytimes on other days of the week! Answers Desk: 224-585-8029
Hot Shots Sports – Lil’ Dribblers
Community House Winnetka
April 30-May 28, Thursdays 1-1:30 p.m. https://www.mycommunityhouse.org/programs/sports/virtual-classes-sports
Costs: $35 each sport
Zoom link will be sent by HotShots Sports once your registration is complete. Visit the link for list of equipment needed. Some other sports are offered; having just begun, there may still be openings.
Hot Shots Sports – Basketball Ball Handling and Footwork
Community House Winnetka
April 30-May 28, Thursdays 4-4:30 p.m.
mycommunityhouse.org/programs/sports/virtual-classes-sports
Costs: $35 each sport. Zoom link will be sent by HotShots Sports once your registration is complete. Visit the link to register and see list of equipment needed.
Stay-at-Home Program – Super Stolie Show
Skokie Park District
Thursdays and Mondays, noon
Free, but you can provide tips. A Skokie Park District favorite, Super Stolie Show is on Facebook Live @superstolie with a 45 minute show for 0-7 year olds including music, dancing and other surprises. If you miss the live feed, just visit the Super Stolie Facebook Page and watch at a time that best fits your new routine.
Virtual Adult Book Discussion: “Caroline” by Sarah Miller
Park Ridge Public Library
April 30, 7-8 p.m.
parkridgelibrary.libcal.com/event/6659606
Join in for a virtual book discussion of “Caroline” by Sarah Miller, a re-telling of the beloved Little House on the Prairie novels from the perspective of Caroline Ingalls– “Ma” in Laura Ingalls’s beloved books. Register with an e-mail address in order to receive a Zoom link. Get your e-book or e-audiobook on Hoopla: https://www.hoopladigital.com/artist/8348246
Make Now: DIY Time Capsule
Niles-Maine District Library
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April 30, all day
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4244940
Make a time-capsule with journal entries, newspaper clips, photos or items that will remind future generations of the time spent in quarantine to save humanity.
Virtual Wee Play
Northbrook Public Library
April 30, 10-10:30 a.m.
visit.northbrook.info/event/4244615
This event is held live using an online meeting platform, RingCentral Meetings. Once you have registered, please check your email on the morning of the program for a link. Library card number needed to register.
Virtual Thursday Tech Tutorials – Online Grocery Delivery
Evanston Public Library
April 30, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
This class teaches adults the technology of how to schedule prepared-food and grocery deliveries online. Please register with your email address so we can send you information on how to join the online class.
Virtual Alzheimer’s Family Support Group
North Shore Senior Center
April 30, 2:30-4 p.m.
For more information, call 847-242-6250 or email [email protected].
Explore from Home – Live Virtual Classical Concerts
Morton Grove Public Library
April 30-May 3
Most are free, some registration or subscriptions needed. NPR Music compiles a list of live audio and video streams from around the world, categorized by date and genre, with links out to streaming platforms. This is a living document, updated every day until it’s no longer needed.
Brain Games
North Suburban YMCA
May 1, 9:15-10:45 a.m.
nsymca.org/virtual-program-schedule
To participate via video conference using Chrome, use this link at 11:00 a.m.: http://uberconference.com/nsymca or call this number at 11:00 am: 847-576-3011 to participate via phone.
Caregiver Support Group
North Suburban YMCA
May 1, 10:30 a.m.– noon
nsymca.org/virtual-program-schedule
To join, use this link: http://uberconference.com/nsymca or call this number 847-576-3011at 10:30 on Friday.
Virtual Memory Cafe
North Shore Senior Center
May 1, 1-2 p.m.
For people with dementia and their care partners. Join them for an hour of fun and a sense of community. Call 847-242-6250 or email: [email protected] to learn more.
Friday Night Jazz Concert
Wilmette Public Library
May 1, 7-8 p.m.
For teens and adults to enjoy a virtual concert with jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown. This husband/wife team bring you soothing music from their home to yours and they are taking requests.
Pen and Paper Table Top Adventure Virtual Game
Eisenhower Public Library District
May 2, 1-3 p.m.
For grades 6-8. Grab pencils, dice, and device to go on an adventure. See what’s happening in this epic Dungeons and Dragons story. Participants need to register to get the Zoom video chat link. Links are emailed the day before the program.
Explore from Home – Bang on a Can Marathon
Morton Grove Public Library
May 3, 3-6 p.m.
NPR Music compiles a list of live audio and video streams from around the world, categorized by date and genre, with links out to streaming platforms. Most are free, some registration, or subscriptions. This is a living document, updated every day.
El Greco and the Spanish Renaissance
North Shore Senior Center
May 4, 1-2:30 p.m.
Free, but Registration Closes on May 4, at 12 a.m. Popularly known as El Greco, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541-1614), was an important artist during the Renaissance era. Jeff Mishur discusses the Spanish master’s work in portraiture, landscape, and religious subjects. Email for more info [email protected] or call 847-784-6030.
Social Club Dinner
North Suburban YMCA
May 4, 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
nsymca.org/virtual-program-schedule
To join, use this link: http://uberconference.com/nsymca or call this number 847-576-3011.
Virtual Film Series: The Last Laugh
Eisenhower Public Library District
May 4, 6-9 p.m.
On Monday evenings in May celebrate the best films of 1924 for adults and seniors with online Watch Parties on our Facebook Page. Anyone can watch and comment on the videos. May 4 is “The Last Laugh,” directed by F.W. Murnau.
Book Group: American Dirt (and the Surrounding Controversies)
The Book Stall, Winnetka
May 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
This is a free discussion group led by book group leader Alice Moody, on “American Dirt” and the surrounding controversy by Jeanine Cummins. Participants should email [email protected]. After signing up, a Zoom link will be sent to participants.
Play at Home Virtual Classes
Glencoe Park District
May 4-6
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Costs vary. The park district’s three-week Play at Home programs start next week. All classes take place online, live, at a scheduled time. Some classes are already underway, but with availability.
May Virtual Storytime
Northbrook Public Library
May 5, 10-10:15 a.m.
visit.northbrook.info/event/4267022
Register to receive the link to our prerecorded storytime, which will be available to view for 24 hours. These events are not live. Once you have registered, please check your email on the morning of the program for a link.
Virtual Book Bites, Grades 6-8
Park Ridge Public Library
May 5, 4:15-5 p.m.
An event for those in middle school to talk about what they’re reading and to get book recommendations. This program will take place via Zoom.
Intro to Python – SmartLab
North Suburban YMCA
May 5, 4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
registration.nsymca.org/cgi-bin/ymweb.pl
$30 per session or $120 for all four. This is a four-session course for students ages 7 and older who want to jump into Python, a real coding language used by coders around the world. Tuesdays are: May 5, May 12, May 19, and May 26. Participants need a computer or laptop/tablet with, preferably, a mouse. To register visit the link and search for Virtual.
Appreciating Classical Music
Northbrook Public Library
May 5, 7- 8:30 p.m.
visit.northbrook.info/event/4252745
Learn about classical music through a seminar by the classical music specialist, librarian Madison Carroll. Each month features a different topic in classical music. This event will be held live using the RingCentral Meetings platform. Once you have registered, please check your email on the day of the program for a link.
Virtual Fiber Arts Meet Up
Northbrook Public Library
May 6, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
visit.northbrook.info/event/4260343
If you knit, crochet, sew, embroider, quilt, spin, or weave, here is the chance to meet your fellow makers. We can talk about what you do, what you’re making, or we’ll just chat. Held live using an online meeting platform, once you have registered, please check your email on the morning of.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
Evanston History Center
No specific date or time; Upcoming Mother’s day.
evanstonhistorycenter.org/self-guiding-walking-tours/
Free for most tours. If you are heading out for a walk, stop by the Evanston History Center to pick up a historic walking tour map to follow. Maps are located on the side porch, inside the door. You can also download a PDF to print at home or to use it on your mobile device.
Stay-at-Home Programs
Skokie Park District
No specific dates or times.
skokieparks.org/programs/stay-at-home-programs/
Check the page frequently for new stay-at-home classes and activities. Also find many of these programs on social media at #SkokieShelterNPlay. See here to access a Jeopardy-style American history game for high school students set up by Skokie Heritage Museum. Expect events from Emily Oaks Nature Center like 50 Ways to Have Fun Outside with Your Family and an Animal Signs Guidebook and video to build your own fairy house.
50+ Free Online Resources for Adults
Park Ridge Public Library
parkridgelibrary.org/freeonlineresources/
The staff compiled this list of some of the best free online resources available now. They will add to this page as they find more fantastic opportunities to help you through your time at home.
50+ Free Online Resources for Families
Park Ridge Public Library
parkridgelibrary.org/50-plus-free-online-resources-for-families/
The staff compiled the following list of awesome free sources of education and entertainment to help get younger patrons through this time. They will maintain and add to this list. Remember, you can also email [email protected] and even Google chat with any questions or if you need suggestions.
S.T.A.R., or Seniors Together at Recreation
Centennial Activity Center, Park Ridge
prparks.org/Facilities/Centennial-Activity-Center/STAR-Programs
Activities can be found on their Facebook group page or at their website. Check in daily for ways to connect, activities, challenges, and projects that you can do in the safety of your own home while practicing social distancing.
Park Ridge Plays in Place
Park Ridge Park District
prparks.org/Programs/Park-Ridge-Plays-in-Place
Daily activities are posted suitable for kids of all ages. Connect with other members of the Park Ridge community by sharing on social media a photo or video of your family participating in the activities using #ParkRidgePlaysInPlace as well as the hashtag of that day, like #FitnessFoodAndFunFriday.
Y on the Go
Leaning Tower YMCA of Metro Chicago, Niles
ymcachicago.org/pages/yonthego
This is the Family Hub where you can find lots of activities to do with your whole family, all of which enhance social emotional learning, healthy living, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).
Y on the Go – Health and Fitness
Leaning Tower YMCA of Metro Chicago, Niles
ymcachicago.org/pages/yonthego
See videos with activities for active older adults. Also Tabata workout, Barre, Bootcamp, Yoga, Zumba, Dance Fusion.
Connect-2-Play
Northbrook Park District
Check here for a new series of Park District programs that you can participate in from home. Click on the categories for activities to enjoy and play every day. Select from a few activities in either of the days of the week: Movie it Monday; Artsy Tuesday; Off the Wall Wednesday for Laughs; Throwback Thursday; or Family Friday.
Your Library at Home – Just For Kids
Glenview Public Library
glenviewpl.org/free-online-resources-for-kids/
There is an extensive selection of free online tools for kids to use while school is closed, so check it all out. One example is Scholastic Learn At Home, providing about 20 days of cross-curricular learning journeys. Each day, users can access four separate learning experiences that last about three hours that include virtual field trips, reading challenges, stories, and more.
To submit your group’s virtual event, email [email protected]