St. Charles library to host seed library, brass quintet and more

The St. Charles Public Library will host several community events beginning Valentine’s Day weekend.

Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff – Feb. 15

The annual Seed Swap and Seed Library program will begin with a kickoff event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 15 in the Huntley Community Room of the library.

At the event, community gardeners will be able to “check out” more than 150 different heirloom seed varieties to grow at home, free of charge.

Master gardeners from the University of Illinois will be at the event to answer gardening-related questions.

The library will continue its gardening series with a “Designing a Flower Bed with Seasonal Interest” presentation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The seed library will be available following the event anytime the library is open.

Black Willow Brass Quintet – Feb. 16

The library will host a performance by the Black Willow Brass Quintet at 2 p.m. on Feb. 16 as part of their Sunday Concert Series in the Carnegie Community Room.

The quintet is known for embracing a wide variety of literature for audiences of all ages. Guests will hear everything from Bach to Brahms, Ragtime to Radiohead, and folksongs to theme songs.

The Black Willow Brass Quintet released their debut album “Sonntag” last year, which features selections from the group’s summertime and holiday music.

An Immigrant’s Journey – Feb. 18

The library will host “An Immigrant’s Journey” featuring St. Charles resident Vito Graziano at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the Huntley Community Room.

Graziano’s presentation will follow the journey from a young man who emigrated from Sicily to the United States in the late 1890s. He will explore the challenges immigrants face during the journey to the U.S. as well as those they face adapting in a new culture.

For more information on upcoming events and programs, or to register for an event, visit the library website, call 630-584-0076 or visit the library at 1 S. Sixth Ave.