Children’s programing, volunteer opportunities and more Jan. 16 and beyond
School may be out, but January 16 is a “day on, not a day off” in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advancing social justice. The Evanston Public Library has opportunities for service and learning for all ages this MLK Day and beyond:
For children
Learn about Dr. King and his legacy. Watch short films “Martin’s Big Words” and “March On!,” do a craft, and listen to a stirring segment of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream,” speech, presented by Rev. Eddie Reeves. It’s all happening in the children’s department of the Main Library from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. “Martin’s Big Words” will screen at 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. “March On!” will show at 1:45 and 2:30 p.m., and Rev. Reeves will present the moving re-enactment of “I Have a Dream” that brings Dr. King to life at 3 p.m. No registration required – just drop in. Learn more.
For teens
Looking for a service opportunity? More than 20% of girls miss school during their periods – while many other girls simply drop out. Join the staff of The Loft in the community room at EPL’s Main Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help make reusable sanitary pads for Girls 4 Ghana, an organization working to keep girls in school by addressing their period needs. All materials will be provided. Designed for grades 6th-12th but all are welcome – especially if you have a little sewing-know how. Donations are also welcome. Registration helpful but not required. Get the details.
For adults
Most of the year, our EPL volunteers shelve books, help with programs, or greet you at the library door. On Jan. 16, they’ll be gathering to participate in the Walk for Warmth, hosted by Interfaith Action Evanston. The two-mile circuit passes by the downtown Evanston faith communities that each host an overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Interested in getting involved as an EPL volunteer? Learn more.
Continue the conversation with Dedicated to the Dream
Conversations about race and justice aren’t over after MLK Day – and they can be especially tough to explain to kids. But when adults stay silent, children make their own meaning. That’s why staff at Evanston Public Library, in collaboration with artist, illustrator and dollmaker Cozbi A. Cabrera, developed Dedicated to the Dream, a series of fun, creative, kid-friendly workshops that affirm all shades of skin, help kids explore their cultural and racial identities, teach accurate history, and give kids a space to talk about what they’re learning and how they feel.
Now in its second year, Dedicated to the Dream offers multiple formats, from in-person kid-friendly workshops to small groups and DIY home activities so busy families can participate. The first in-person Getting Started Workshops are Saturday, Jan. 21, 3:30 to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register.
For more programs and events visit epl.org/events.
