Happy New Year!

The Library will be closed on

Saturday, December 31 through Monday, January 2

in observance of New Year's Day.

We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3 at 9:00 a.m.

For access to our online services 24/7, please visit our website.

The Friends of the Bloomingdale Public Library will be holding their first meeting for 2023! The next Friends of the Library meeting is Wednesday, January 26 at 7:00pm in Room C.  If you have any questions/comments/concerns, please contact the Friends at [email protected]

Winter Reading continues for all ages. It's not too late to register!

For adults & teens (7th grade and up):

Cozy up with a warm drink and read! For every 120 minutes logged, earn an entry into our grand prize drawing.

Register online, by phone at 630-924-2730, by email, or in person at the Adult Reference desk.

The Great Decisions discussion program is a civic education program administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. In preparation for the discussion, participants read the relevant chapter on a foreign policy issue in the Great Decisions briefing book that will be available for check out, followed by a moderated discussion among participants.

Our Great Decisions group has openings for 2023! For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 630-924-2730.

Selections for our Book Discussion Groups are available at the Circulation Desk one month in advance of the discussion. If you have any questions, please call the Reference Desk at (630) 924-2730. 

Historical Book Discussion

His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope

by Jon Meacham

Tuesday, January 3

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

to register, contact Julie Deeke at [email protected]

Monday Night Page Turners

The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig

Monday, January 16

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

to register, contact Jessica Frazier at [email protected]

Kick off your shoes and relive a classic sock hop. Feel like a teenager again with your favorite songs from the 1950s. Please join us for an evening of song with Chicago Symphony Chorus Singer Heather Braoudakis.

Famous for his murals at the Harlem branch of the New York Public Library, painted Aaron Douglas blended compelling narratives about Black history and culture with a modernist style. His artwork shows elements of Art Deco style combined with other artistic influences. Art historian Jeff Mishur discusses Douglas and his relationship to the Harlem Renaissance movement during the period between the wars.

Jeff Mishur is co-owner of Art Excursions, Inc.

Whether he’s a charming American in Paris or Singin’ in the Rain, Gene Kelly is one of the most memorable and beloved actors of all time. His contributions to film – as an actor, dancer, singer, director, producer, and choreographer – are simply unparalled.

Presented by retired teacher and film expert Steven Frenzel.

The ascension of television led many of radio's biggest stars and shows to leave the old medium for the new one. This presentation examines how radio evolved as its Golden Age ended and a new age began, with news, talk, music and a new generation of comedy!

Presented by Steve Darnall, host of "Those Were the Days" radio show. 

BPL Makerspace Crafts details:

Registration Limit: 4 patrons max per session, Bloomingdale Public Library card required, ages 12 to adult. Please sign up for one session only. Sessions are on January 9 and January 17. Registration opens January 3 at 9:00 a.m. for all sessions. Depending on craft complexity, patrons may need to pick up their finished project later.

Learn how to use the library's Makerspace equipment to make a custom bottle opener magnet using infusible ink. Computer experience is required.

For Bloomingdale cardholders ages 12-17, please bring a completed Makerspace waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Adult Bloomingdale cardholders can fill out a waiver at the session.

Registration begins January 3, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

Please click here to register for the January 9 session,

or click here to register for the January 30 session.

As always, check our calendar or the the December/January Almanac to see exciting programming available for all ages!