Calendar

11/05/26 @ 6:00pm - 11/05/26 @ 8:30pm Conference Room Bloomingdale Public Library

Community Group

11/12/26 @ 6:00pm - 11/12/26 @ 8:30pm Conference Room Bloomingdale Public Library

Community Group

11/12/26 @ 7:00pm - 11/12/26 @ 8:00pm Virtual Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 11/12/2026 @ 7:00pm VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Presents, Author Eve L. Ewing, PhD

Engage in an important and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Eve L. Ewing, acclaimed author, educator, poet, and cultural organizer whose work explores race, education, identity, and community. Through writing that blends scholarship, storytelling, and activism, Dr. Ewing has become one of today’s most influential public voices on culture and education.

Explore the power of language and storytelling as Dr. Ewing reflects on how words shape public memory, challenge systems of inequality, and help communities imagine new futures. From classrooms and libraries to poetry and popular culture, this conversation will consider the many ways stories influence how we see ourselves and one another.

Perfect for librarians, educators, students, writers, and readers alike, this event invites attendees to think critically about the role of literature, learning, and community in times of change. Whether you are familiar with Dr. Ewing’s work or discovering it for the first time, this conversation promises insight, inspiration, and meaningful discussion.

Moderator
Brandis Friedman will moderate the event. Friedman is a writer and anchor for WTTW’s Chicago Tonight and Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, and also serves as a champion for libraries.

Please note, we will be sending the URL (Zoom link) at a later time.

09/17/26 @ 7:00pm - 09/17/26 @ 8:00pm Virtual Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 09/10/2026 @ 7:00pm VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Presents: Inside the Empire of AI with Author Karen Hao

Join a timely conversation with Karen Hao, award-winning journalist and author of Empire of AI. In this virtual event, Hao will explore the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the social, political, and ethical questions surrounding AI development today, and the questions posed in her work – Will AI produce broad-based societal benefit for all? Or return us to an age of empire? The path forward is in our hands. Whether you’re excited about AI, cautious about it, or just trying to understand the hype, this event offers an accessible look at one of today’s biggest technological shifts.

Karen Hao is the instant New York Times bestselling author of Empire of AI and named one of the most influential people in AI by Time. She is lead designer of the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight series as well as co-host of BBC’s podcast, The Interface. The first journalist to ever profile OpenAI, Hao was formerly a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. Her work has been cited by Congress, featured in university curriculums, and remade into museum exhibits.

Moderator
Reanna Esmail, Lead Librarian for Instruction at Cornell University and a prominent voice in critical digital pedagogy and intellectual freedom, will join Karen Hao in conversation.

Please note the URL (Zoom link) for this event is coming soon!

 

10/20/26 @ 7:00pm - 10/20/26 @ 8:00pm Virtual Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 10/20/2026 @ 6:30pm VIRTUAL: Illinois Libraries Presents: Preserving History with Author and Television Host Geoffrey Baer

Tag along for a special conversation with Geoffrey Baer, beloved Chicago historian, storyteller, and host of numerous PBS programs exploring the architecture, history, and hidden stories of the city and surrounding region. Known for bringing local history to life, Baer has helped audiences connect more deeply with the places and communities around them.

Perfect for librarians, archivists, educators, history lovers, and lifelong learners, this event offers an engaging look at the people, places, and stories that define Chicago. Whether you're passionate about local history or simply curious about the stories hidden in your own community, you'll leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of preserving and sharing the past.

Moderator
Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, an Emmy Award-winning Chicago historian, cultural worker, and social media educator, will join Geoffrey in conversation. Known for making Chicago history accessible and engaging, Dilla has amassed more than 40 million views across social media and become a leading voice in telling the stories of the city he proudly calls home.

Please note the URL (Zoom link) for this event is coming soon!

08/24/26 @ 5:30pm - 08/24/26 @ 6:30pm Conference Room Bloomingdale Public Library

10/07/26 @ 1:00pm - 10/07/26 @ 2:00pm Room C/Makerspace Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:00am Registration end: 10/07/2026 @ 1:00pm

Homeschool Hangout Series (Registration Required)   

Families  

Wednesdays, October 7 & November 11 | 1:00-2:00 p.m.  

Join us to explore a new topic each month with books, crafts, and activities specially designed for each grade level.   

10/07/26 @ 4:00pm - 10/07/26 @ 5:00pm Room C/Makerspace Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 10/07/2026 @ 4:00pm

Boo-ti-ful Stories and Crafts (Registration Required)   

Grades K-2  

Wednesday, October 7 | 4:00-5:00 p.m.  

Enjoy some slightly spooky stories and jokes while making Halloween themed crafts to keep. 

10/08/26 @ 4:15pm - 10/08/26 @ 5:00pm Makerspace Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 10/08/2026 @ 4:15pm

Makerspace Club: STEM Time (Registration Required)  

Grades 3-6  

Thursdays, October 8 & November 12| 4:15 – 5:00 p.m.   

Libraries are a great place to learn about science and technology while making cool stuff. Come join the fun! 

10/12/26 @ 12:00am - 10/16/26 @ 12:00am Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:00am Registration end: 10/12/2026 @ 12:00am

Midkid Craft Kits: Take It and Make It (Registration Required) 

Grades 3-6 

October: Sushi Pompom Keychain 

October Pickup- October 12-16  

November: Monochromatic Mosaic I Spy 

November Pickup: November 9-13 

Pick up supplies to make this craft on your own time.  

un! In October, we will make light up Halloween décor and in November, we will make a kaleidoscope.  

10/13/26 @ 10:30am - 10/13/26 @ 11:30am Room C/Makerspace Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 10/13/2026 @ 10:30am

Playing with STEM (Registration required)  

Ages 2-5  

Tuesdays, October 13 & November 10 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.  

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are important learning areas for kids of all ages. Start your child early with our fun play to learn program. In October, we will focus on apples and in November we will focus on leaves. 

10/22/26 @ 4:15pm - 10/22/26 @ 5:00pm Makerspace Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:43pm Registration end: 10/20/2026 @ 9:00pm

DIY Halloween Decor (Registration Required)  

Grades 3-6 

Thursday, October 22

4:15- 5:00 p.m.

Create some Halloween crafts to decorate your space while hearing about some spooky books you may want to take home.

10/26/26 @ 6:00pm - 10/26/26 @ 7:15pm Room A Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:00am Registration end: 10/26/2026 @ 6:00pm

Beginning Crochet (Registration Required)  

Grades 3-8  

Mondays, October 26 & November 2| 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.  

This is a two session program. Session 1- learn the basics: how to hold your yarn and hook and the single crochet stitch. Session 2 - learn how to start a project and read a pattern.  

10/28/26 @ 10:00am - 10/28/26 @ 10:30am Room A Bloomingdale Public Library

Baby, Let’s Make Music (Drop-In)  

0-24 months  

Wednesdays, October 28, November 4, November 11, November 18| 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.  

Join us for a parade of fun! We will explore the world of music and movement using an array of instruments, flannel stories, rhymes, and songs.  

10/29/26 @ 5:30pm - 10/29/26 @ 6:00pm Room B Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:00am Registration end: 10/29/2026 @ 5:30pm

Happy Books Happy Cooks (Registration Required)   

Ages 3-Kindergarten

Thursdays, October 29 and November 12|5:30- 6:00 p.m.  

 A story time for all the budding chefs! Read a food-filled story and create a tasty treat. Please let us know of any allergies at the time of registration.  

10/29/26 @ 6:15pm - 10/29/26 @ 6:45pm Room B Bloomingdale Public Library

Please let us know of any allergies at the time of registration. 

Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:00am Registration end: 10/29/2026 @ 6:15pm

MidKid Snacks (Registration Required)   

Grades 1-4  

Thursdays, October 29 and November 19 | 6:15-6:45 p.m.  

Learn life skills and make tasty snacks while getting the scoop on our newest middle grade titles. Please let us know any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of registration. 

11/02/26 @ 6:00pm - 11/02/26 @ 7:15pm Makerspace Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 09/21/2026 @ 9:00am Registration end: 10/26/2026 @ 6:00pm

Beginning Crochet (Registration Required)  

Grades 3-8  

Mondays, October 26 & November 2| 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.  

This is a two session program. Session 1- learn the basics: how to hold your yarn and hook and the single crochet stitch. Session 2 - learn how to start a project and read a pattern.  

11/04/26 @ 10:00am - 11/04/26 @ 10:30am Room A Bloomingdale Public Library

Baby, Let’s Make Music (Drop-In)  

0-24 months  

Wednesdays, October 28, November 4, November 11, November 18| 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.  

Join us for a parade of fun! We will explore the world of music and movement using an array of instruments, flannel stories, rhymes, and songs.  

11/06/26 @ 10:00am - 11/06/26 @ 11:00am Room A/B Bloomingdale Public Library

Explore with Your Senses (Drop-In) 

Under 3 years old with caregivers 

Friday, November 6 | 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Come participate in different activities designed to develop sensory processing skills. Explore texture, sound, smell, colors and patterns. 

11/09/26 @ 12:00am - 11/13/26 @ 12:00am Bloomingdale Public Library Registration is required. Registration starts: 12/31/1969 @ 6:00pm Registration end: 11/09/2026 @ 12:00am

Midkid Craft Kits: Take It and Make It (Registration Required) 

Grades 3-6 

October: Sushi Pompom Keychain 

October Pickup- October 12-16  

November: Monochromatic Mosaic I Spy 

November Pickup: November 9-13 

Pick up supplies to make this craft on your own time.  

un! In October, we will make light up Halloween décor and in November, we will make a kaleidoscope.