Area libraries have plenty of free activities: check out some good ones

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend in Will County.

And welcome again (finally!) to my monthly library picks!

Just because libraries are operating on a remote basis doesn’t mean they aren’t still offering some great events. Here are my picks for this weekend and the coming week.

VIRTUAL: LET’S TALK ABOUT RACE

WHEN: 7 to 8 p.m. March 18

WHERE: Frankfort Public Library

COST & INFO: Discuss “White Tears, Brown Scars” by Ruby Hamad. Starting from the slave era, when white women fought in court to keep “ownership” of their slaves, through the centuries of colonialism, when they offered a soft face for brutal tactics, to the modern workplace, this book tells a charged story of white women’s active participation in campaigns of oppression and how we can work to end it. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk one month before the meeting date. Register at 815-534-6173 or visit frankfortlibrary.org.

JUST FOR TWEENS LEGO CLUB

WHEN: 4:30 to 4:45 p.m. March 19

WHERE: New Lenox Public Library

COST & INFO: Sign up, pick up your LEGO kit, and hop on YouTube for awesome LEGO building challenges. Pick up your LEGO kit at the main youith service’s desk after you’ve registered. Return kits within one week of the video date. Registration is required for a LEGO kit only. Viewing the video does not require registration. To register, visit the events calendar at newlenox.librarymarket.com/just-tweens-lego-club-15.

COOKING WITH KIDS

WHEN: March 20

WHERE: Shorewood-Troy Public Library

COST & INFO: Kids will be guided how to make chicken and bacon rollups. Library will provide the dry ingredients. For details, ingredient list and to register, visit shorewoodtroylibrary.libnet.info/event/4873864.

For more information, call 815-725-1715 or email childrensdept@shorewoodtroylibrary.org.

VIRTUAL: THE JOYS OF JELL-O

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Saturday

WHERE: Plainfield Public Library District

COST & INFO:. Revisit past favorite jello trends and recipes, from the broken glass cake to under-the-sea lime molds. Recipes from mid-century through 1990 are also covered in this humorous and nostalgic presentation from cookbook collector Amy Alessio. Register at plainfieldpubliclibrary.org.

VIRTUAL PAINT AND SIP

WHEN: 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. March 20

WHERE: White Oak Library District

COST AND INFO: Create a bicycle with beautiful flowers in a basket, fitting of a wonderful spring day. If you are of age, feel free to grab a glass of wine or another drink while you paint. If not, grab some water, a cup of tea or some hot chocolate. For supply list, visit whiteoaklibrary.org. For more information, contact Ariel Nelson at 815 552-4230 ext. 4235 or anelson@whiteoaklib.orgor visit whiteoaklibrary.org.

ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL: PAST AND PRESENT

WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. March 20

WHERE: Joliet Public Library

COST & INFO: Adults: learn all about the historical canal in this virtual program. Register at jolietlibrary.libcal.com/event/7476361.

TEEN DIGITAL ART SHOW

WHEN: Through March 29

WHERE: Fountaindale Public Library District

COST & INFO: Are you a creative type? Do you love to draw or paint? Be a part of the library’s Digital Art Show from March 8 to March 29 Submit a photo of your artwork at fountaindale.org/teenart to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card. The library will also share the artwork on its blog and social media. For grades six to 12. For information, visit fountaindale.org.

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.