April 1, 2025 Election of Library Trustees

Petitions are available beginning August 20, 2024 at the Beecher Community Library for the April 1, 2025 consolidated election of Trustees for the Beecher Public Library District.

There are three seats to be elected, each serving six-year terms.  Filing dates are November 12, 2024 to November 18, 2024 during weekday hours from 10AM -5PM at the Beecher Community Library, 660 Penfield St.

Pumpkins

3rd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Now with more prizes!

Kids of all ages are invited to decorate a pumpkin based on a book or book character for our annual pumpkin decorating contest.

Winners will be chosen from grades 0-Kindergarten, 1st-3rd, 4th-6th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th. For each group, gift cards will be given to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd. This year will also feature small prizes given to honorable mentions for pumpkins from all age groups.

Pumpkins should be painted/colored with items glued or taped on. Pumpkins should not be carved or punctured. 

October 3rd-15th:  Pumpkins can be picked up from the Library (while supplies last).

October 17th:  Final day to return decorated pumpkins.

October 18th:  Pumpkin judging and winners announced! 

October 21st-28th: Pumpkins will be on display for patrons to enjoy.  They can be picked up the 29th and 30th. Left over pumpkins will be disposed of.

vote

2024 Name Our Ape Election

Tuesday, October 8th - Tuesday, November 5th (Election Day)
Results will be announced on Wednesday, November 6th

You Decide! Voters of all ages can drop into the library to cast your vote to decide the name of our newest staff member: a giant stuffed animal monkey that was donated to the library!

Voters will receive an “I voted” sticker.

Luminaries

Fall Luminaries

Ages 6+
Wednesday, October 23rd, 4PM
Register by Friday, October 18th

Make a fall-themed paper bag luminary that will glow in the night!

Alaska

A Cruise in Beautiful Alaska

Tuesday, October 29th, 7PM
Refreshments will be served.
Alaska, admitted into the United States in 1959 is the 49th state of the Union. It is the largest state exceeding Texas, California, and Montana combined. With 730000 people it is one of the most sparsely populated states.

Join me in a travelogue that will cover two trips. One in 1972 up the Alcan Highway and currently in 2024 on a cruise ship bound for Whitter, Alaska. We will see the many faces of Denali, the effect of the oceans on the weather and a look into the past before the oil line.

Story Time

Story Times

Beecher Bookworm Buddies
Thursdays & Fridays, 10AM

Enjoy stories, activities, games, and crafts!  Call to register.

Special Fire Safety Storytime
Thursday, Oct. 3rd & Friday, Oct. 4th 10:00 AM
Location: Beecher Fire Station
Join us for a special story time with the Firefighters for songs, stories, a take-home craft, and an up-close look at the fire trucks!  This program will take the place of our regular story time inside of the library.

 

Rock and Roll Roadshow: Music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's Program

The Library’s “Rock and Roll Roadshow:  Music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s” was held on Thursday, April 11th.  A large number of patrons came to enjoy the music and musical cookies to match the theme. Board trustees Beverly Wehling and Shirley Biery served the cookies and coffee afterward.

 

Tiny Art Show

Tiny Art Show

For Kids, Teens, And Adults Of All Ages
Patrons of all ages and artistic abilities can pick up a 4x4 inch canvas and paint supplies to create their own masterpiece to display at the Library!  Our tiny art show will run May 3rd - May 18th. 

Important Dates:
April 15th - May 1st:  Canvas and art supplies are available for pick up on a first come first serve basis.  Supplies are limited.
May 2nd:  Return finished art by this date.
May 6th -  May 30th:  Art is on display at the Library!
May 31st:  Artists can pick up their canvases.

Chess

Chess Nights

Tuesday, May 28th & Tuesday, June 25th
6:30-8PM, last game 7:50
Call to register if you haven't done so already.

Enjoy an evening playing chess.  Any age player is welcome, but players must already know how to play the game.  Please bring along a chess set if you have it.

The History of The Chicago Auto Show

Library trustees Beverly Wehling and Shirley Biery helped serve cookies in the shape of automobiles at the special program, "The History of the Chicago Auto Show" on Sunday, February 4th. A record number of patrons attended and enjoyed seeing photos dating from the first auto show in 1901.

SWAN Libraries + App

New App for Physical Items Now Available!

The SWAN Libraries + app is available for iOS and Android devices. If you used the old SWAN Libraries app, you can delete it after logging in to the new app.

(Note: The new app is named the same as the old app, just with a “+” at the end.)

pumpkin decorating

Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

We are once again hosting a pumpkin decorating contest for kids!  Decorate a pumpkin based on a book or book character.

Winners will be chosen from 0-preschool, K-5th grade, and 6-12th grade.  For each group, first prize will a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble, with small prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.

October 21st—27th:
Pumpkins will be on display for patrons to enjoy.  They can be picked up the 27th and 28th. Left over pumpkins will be disposed of.

Congrats to Our Winners!
Everyone did a fantastic job of decorating their pumpkins, and judging was extremely difficult!

0-PreK
1st:  Liam L. (Spot)
2nd:  Lainey N. (Sesame Street)
3rd:  Andi R. (The Grinch)

K-5
1st:  Aubrey L. (Pigeon)
2nd:  Addison B. (Turtle)
3rd: Violeta R. (Coco)

6-12th
1st:  Zoey M. (Where the Red Fern Grows)
2nd:  Jaxon E. (Holes)
3rd:  Aaralyn M. (If You Give a Mouse A Cookie)

Here is how judging worked:  All pumpins were assigned a number, so children were anonymous.  Four staff members served as judges.  For each age group, the judges collectively pulled 5 top pumpkins.  The judges then privately ranked the 5 pumpkins from 1 for the best down to 5, and the scores were tallied.  The pumpkins with the lowest total scores won. 

roku

Roku Player with Pre-Loaded Streaming Services Now Available

Connect a Roku to your TV and enjoy preloaded streaming services for free!  Apple TV+, Britbox, Disney +, Hulu, Max (HBO), Netflix, and Paramount are available!

Requires a wifi network and an HDMI port on your TV.

Beecher Community Library cardholders over the age of 18 may check out a Roku for 2 weeks and renew twice if there are no holds.  Overdue fines will be $1 per day. Please return hotspots at the circulation desk.  $5.00 will be charged if put in the book drop.

hotspot

Wifi Hotspots Now Available!

The Beecher Community Library is now circulating wifi hotpots!  Hotspots can be taken anywhere to connect mobile devices, like laptops, tablets or phones, to the internet.

Beecher Community Library cardholders over the age of 18 may check out a hotspot for 1 week and renew twice if there are no holds.  Overdue fines will be $1 per day. Please return hotspots at the circulation desk.  $5.00 will be charged if put in the book drop.

Hotspots can be placed on hold here* or ask at the circulation desk to check one out. 

* "Ask Staff" in the online catalog means the hotspot is available for checkout.  Ask for the hotspot at the circulation desk.

frog

We’re Growing a Frog From a Tadpole!

From Mid-May through July, the Library will be the temporary home of a tadpole.  Visit the Library to watch its progress as it grows into a frog!

During the first month, we’ll also be taking name suggestions for our new friend.  Look for updates posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Beecher Bookworm Buddies with Miss Jennie

Thursday/Friday Morning (10AM)
Enjoy stories, activities, games, and crafts!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Congratulations to everyone who entered pumpkins into our pumpkin decorating contest!  Everyone did a wonderful job, and both adults and children have enjoyed looking at the pumpkins on display.  Don't forget to pick up your pumpkins on Friday 10/28 or Saturday 10/29.  Anything left over will be disposed of.

The winners for the contest are:
Birth - PreK:  1st Place:  Ruby Bivian, 2nd Place:  Davina Hood, 3rd Place:  Ellie Walker
K-5th Grade:  1st Place:  Zoey Manning, 2nd Place: Gabino Bivian, 3rd Place:  Emily Ryan
6th-12th Grade: 1st Place:  Madison Gibson, 2nd Place: Delila Magana, 3rd Place: Marios Killis

                     

 

 

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

 
The goal of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is to encourage caregivers to read to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Reading is important in early childhood - it sets kids up to learn to read and is an indicator of future academic success. Plus it's fun for adult and child!
 
1,000 books may seem like a lot but this goal can be reached in less than 3 years just by reading 1 book per day. Children receive a sticker and prize for every 100 books read. At 1,000 books, the child will receive a free book, certificate of achievement, and get their picture taken for our bulletin board! Sign up at the Library.

Library Study Rooms Now Available!

The library study rooms are now available.  Study rooms are available for two hour sessions for a max of four people.  Read more about the policies regarding study room use here.

Hoopla Now Available!

Hoopla Digital is now available for Beecher Community Library card holders!

Ebooks, music, audiobooks, comics, TV shows, and movies for all ages are available for checkout and can be enjoyed on all smart devices.

Patrons may check out a set number of items per month.  Best of all, checkouts are immediate…no waiting for holds to be filled!

Visit hoopladigital.com or download the app.

Beecher Sesquicentennial Books Now Available for Sale!

The Beecher Sesquicentennial Book is now available for sale at the Beecher Community Library! It celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Beecher and covers the years 1995-2020. Also available is the Beecher Quasquicentennial Book (1870-1995). Both were edited by Shirley Biery.

Price is $25 each or $40 for both. Stop by the Library during our curbside hours (M W F 10-2; Tu, Th 3-7), park in a curbside pickup spot, and call one of the phone numbers listed on the sign. Make checks out to Village of Beecher.

Downloadable E-Books and Audiobooks

The Library offers free ebooks and audiobooks through Media on Demand.  To get started, download the Libby (by Overdrive) app on apple and android tablets and smartphones, or for basic ereaders or other devices, click here for further assistance.  Books are available for adults, kids, and teens. 

Books are also available in foreign languages, such as Spanish. 

Need help?  Call (708-946-9090) or visit the Library.  

Tumblebooks Icon

Tumblebooks: Read Along Books for Children!

Tumblebooks is a digital collection of animated, talking picture books for children, whether they are learning to read or are already reading! To access TumbleBooks, click here and enter your Beecher Community Library card number. 

Can't Find What You're Looking for in the SWAN Catalog?

If you can't find a books or other materials in our SWAN Online Catalog, the Beecher Community Library may be able to find it for you through statewide interlibrary loan.  Call the Library (708-946-9090) to submit a special request for the material. 

Handicapped Sign

Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service Available

The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS), offered through the state of Illinois, supports the activities of the Illinois Network of Libraries Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped in providing excellent public library service to any Illinois resident who is unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability.  Through this service, citizens can borrow talking books, braille materials, and more.

For more information and to apply, visit the Talking Book and Brialle website.  The Beecher Community Library also offers audiobooks and large print materials for patrons with impaired vision.

Book Club

Join a Book Discussion at the Library

Looking for great reading and wonderful discussion? Try joining one of our book discussion groups.

Call the library for more information.

Computer

One-on-One Computer Instruction

The Beecher Community Library is offering 30 minute one-on-one computer sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2PM-5PM.  The following topics can be covered during the session:

  • Basic Computer Use
  • Using the Internet
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, or PowerPoint

Patrons should have a Beecher Library card and call the library to register for a session at least a day in advance.

Museum Adventure Pass

Museum Adventure Pass Program

Come to the library to get free or discounted tickets to 15 Chicago area cultural destinations, including the Brookfield Zoo and Legoland Discovery Center. Passes are available for Beecher Community Library cardholders on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can call the library to find out if passes are available. Visit www.museumadventure.org for more information.

Book

Library Board Meetings

Library board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of month at 7P.M. at the library and are open to the public. Visit the library board page for more information.