Photo by Joe BoyleThe statues of three children outside the Evergreen Park Library currently reminds patrons that the COVID-19 pandemic still exists. The library is not open for regular service hours but curbside pickup is available by calling the library.
By Joe Boyle
The staff at the Evergreen Park Library have not opened their doors the past three months due to COVID-19, but they continue to offer curbside service with a special incentive.
"We will deliver books to seniors or if someone who has a health concern," said Mary Black, marketing and public relations specialist at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy. "We want to help them during this time." Black, who previously worked in the library's teen services department for five years, said that despite the pandemic, the library is offering the Summer Reading 2020 program. The Summer Olympics that was scheduled to be held in Tokyo this year has been postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19. But Evergreen Park Library staff members said they will hold their own version. The Evergreen Park Library Summer Olympics, or "The Games Must Go On," will hold the Summer Reading Challenge through July 31. Patrons can register online at www.evergreenparklibrary.org or beanstack.org. Participants can download the Beanstack app on their smartphone, or download a reading log from the website at evergreenparklibrary.org.summer-reading.
"We have our great summer reading program," Black said. "We are doing it virtually this year, of course," Black said. "We are trying to get the word out. Because we were unable to visit schools this spring because of the pandemic, it is most important that we get the word out for everyone. We know there are people who like to read. We just want to make it fun. And there will be prizes, too."
Black said that although no programs are being held at the library this summer, youths and patrons of all ages can be entertained and take part in a variety of activities into September.
For adults, a 2020 Census Information Live Zoom Session will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 29. Lucia Shah, of AgeOptions, will emphasize the importance of the 2020 Census. Shah will explain how the Census impacts funding and legislative representation in Illinois. Shah will also preview a step-by-step process for completing the Census with the opportunity to ask questions.
The "PBS One Woman, One Vote" documentary discussion will be offered through Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Patrons can first view the PBS documentary "One Woman, One Vote" at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 2. The discussion will be monitored by Dr. Matthew Costello, professor of political science at St. Xavier University.
"Memories of Growing Up on the South Side of Chicago" will be presented by humorist Larry Bergnach by Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Participants will take a trip down memory lane with Bergnach.
The library will also offer a StoryWalk Tour for children and their families at Yukich Fields, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park. Families can visit the Evergreen Park StoryWalk at Yukich Fields and reap the benefits of reading and outdoor physical activity. Families can move along the stations at Yukich Fields and read passages of "We're Going On a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen. The passages will include photos, beginning with the center aisle of the walking path off the Kedzie Avenue parking lot.
The Multi-Library Geocaching event will continue through Aug. 15. The eighth annual ATLAS Multi-Learning Geocaching event includes clues and geographic coordinates to find hidden "geocaches" at participating local libraries. Patrons will earn a chance to win a $25 gift card for each geocache they find.
Participants will need their library cards in good standing and GR code reader app on their smartphone to complete the log and drawing form.
No summer programs will be allowed this year," Black said. "But we will have some changes in the future. More information will be given on that later. But right now we are just trying to have some fun. And we hope that people take the time to read."
Patrons can only enter the library by appointment only for time on the computers, making copes or scans.
Curbside service is by appointment only. Patrons will be contacted by phone to pick up the books or other requested items. Curbside pick-up is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Curbside pick-ups or more information may be obtained by calling (708) 422-8522.