From summer book clubs to free events – check out libraries fun and facts

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 (and beyond) in Will County.

And welcome again (finally!) to my monthly library picks – along with a few fundraisers to check out.

Just because libraries are still operating remote programs doesn’t mean they aren’t still offering some great events.

But before I share my picks for this weekend, here is a reminder to that summer reading programs are local libraries will begin soon.

Summer reading programs

Fountaindale Public Library District: Begins June 1. Visit fountaindale.org/events/summer-adventure.

Frankfort Public Library Summer Reading Programs: Begins June 7. Visit .frankfortlibrary.org.

Joliet Public Library: Begins June 1. Visit jolietlibrary.org.

Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District: Begins June 7. Visit mpld.org/summerfun.

Three Rivers Public Library District: Begins June 14. For more information, visit trpld.org.

White Oak Library District: Begins June 1. Visit whiteoaklibrary.org/Summer-Reading-Challenge.

And now the events:

Interactive Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

WHEN: All day Friday

WHERE: Three Rivers Public Library District, 25207 W Channon Drive, Channahon

COST & INFO: Our kits have all you need to sing, dance, and act along with the movie of the month! Kits are first come, first serve and do not include the movie itself. One kit per family. No registration required. For more information, visit trpld.org.

Love Your Instant Pot - Via YouTube

WHEN: noon to 1 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Shorewood-Troy Public Library

COST & INFO: Each month home cooks Becky & Kimberlee will show you quick delicious recipes and tricks using the amazing pressure cooker. Watch the video at your own convenience. To register, visit shorewoodtroylibrary.org.

Teen Crafternoon: Build Your Own Kite (Online)

WHEN: All day Saturday while supplies last

WHERE: Fountaindale Public Library District

COST & INFO: Use paper, wooden sticks and string to make your own kite. Then go out and test it!. Watch at fountaindale.org/youtube. For more information, visit fountaindale.org.

Astrology 101

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

WHERE: Plainfield Public Library District

COST & INFO: In this introductory session, uncover how the sun, moon, rising signs, planets, and houses affect your daily life. Learn how to read natal charts, so you can learn your strengths and embrace your best self. To register, visit plainfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Bringing Family History to Life Online

WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. through Saturday

WHERE: Joliet Public Library

COST & INFO: Every family has its stories. Beyond the basic genealogical facts are the stories that are often passed down from generation to generation. These stories can be preserved in writing for the generations to come. Historian Dave Clark will give tips on how to do it. Register at joliet library.org.

Virtual Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament (all ages) or Mario Kart 8 Tournment (all ages)

WHEN: 10 to 11 a.m. (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) or 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday (Mario Cart 8)

WHERE: Frankfort Public Library District

COST & INFO: All ages. Participate from home. Must have own version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Online Play and/or own version of Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Online Play. Register at frankfortlibrary.org.

Virtual Program: Original Dungeons and Dragons

WHEN: 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: White Oak Library District

COST AND INFO: DM Scott will virtually run attendees through the Old School environs of the World of Greyhawk, with just the original 1974-75 Dungeons & Dragons rules. The virtual session will take place on Zoom. The address will be sent to registrants. Adults only. Register at whiteoaklibrary.org.

For more information, contact Scott Casper at 815-886-2030 or scasper@whiteoaklib.org.

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