The Messier, The Better at Hageman Library
Outdoor fun for one- and two-year-olds is the plan for this summer at Hageman Library, Westchester Public Library’s branch located at 100 Francis Street, Porter. Four Tuesday mornings this summer, one- and two-year-olds are invited to enjoy outdoor programs designed especially for them, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Each program will begin at 10 am. Registration is required for each program.
On June 17, children will have a chance to get messy at That’s Not a Brush! Attendees will paint with a sponge bottle washer and tempera paint.
Edible Necklaces will be the focus of the July 8 program. What could be better than a necklace that can be eaten? Children will make necklaces from cereal and candy laces.
Kool-Aid Ice Painting will take place on July 22. Have some cool fun painting with (unsweetened) Kool-Aid ice pops on white poster board.
Attendees will enjoy The Pig’s Picnic on Tuesday, August 5. Parents please bring a small picnic lunch for each child to eat as he or she listens to stories and music. Ice cream will be provided.
For more information or to register, please call Hageman Library at 926-9080.
Summer Reading Program for Children: Neighbors of the World
Children age 2 through grade 5 are invited to Neighbors of the World, Westchester Public Library’s 2014 summer reading program for children. The program, which will run June 15-July 26, will take place at Thomas Library, located at 200 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, and Hageman Library, located at 100 Francis St., Porter. When each child registers, he or she will receive a reading record passport. Record the books read and turn in the ticket stub for that week for a chance at the weekly drawing.
Registration will begin at the program’s kick-off party on June 8. The party will take place at the Library Service Center, 100 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, at 3 pm, and will feature Mystic Drumz. Bring the whole family to laugh and learn together as you track down “The Legend of Marshmallow Island.”
Mystic Drumz are international providers of World Music education, specializing in bringing interactive percussion experiences to attendees. Their unique rhythm and sound programs excite and engage audiences of all ages. Hands-on interactive performances showcase eclectic percussion instruments sourced from around the globe. They link geography to sounds, rhythms to science, and laughter to learning.
Participants will enjoy an interactive exploration of world cultures at Friday Adventures this year. All Adventures will take place at the Library Service Center, 100 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. On June 20, attendees will take a look at the culture of China. Peru will be the focus of the June 27 Friday Adventure. On July 11, children will enjoy a live video call to caretakers at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee during the program about Zimbabwe. The final Friday Adventure, July 18, will take a look at Poland.
Mexico will be celebrated at the end of the summer reading party. Family Fiesta will take place at Thomas Centennial Park on Saturday, July 26, from 10 am-2 pm, at the same time as the European Market. The park is located at the corner of Broadway and Calumet in downtown Chesterton.
Each week of the summer reading program, both Thomas and Hageman Libraries will host storytimes. Toddler Storytimes for 2s and 3s will take place Mondays at Hageman Library and Wednesdays at Thomas Library, both at 10 a.m. Stories and Kicks for 4, 5, and 6 will take place Tuesdays at Thomas Library and Thursdays at Hageman Library, also at 10 a.m.
For more information, call the Children’s Department at Thomas Library, 926-7696, or Hageman Library, 926-9080. A calendar of events is available at either library.
Summer Concert Series Begins with Valparaiso University/Community
The Valparaiso Community/University Band, directed by Jeff Doebler, Director of Music Education and Bands at Valparaiso University, will perform at the Hawthorne Park Gazebo, 500 Ackerman drive, Porter, on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 pm as part of Westchester Public Library’s summer concert series. There will not be a movie following the performance in Hawthorne Park, but concert goers are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnics and relax as they listen to the music. In case of rain, the concert will be held indoors. Library concerts are free and open to the public.
Enjoy the music of approximately 50 members of the community as they perform a variety of traditional band music. The band is open to all persons high school age and above without fee or audition. Rehearsal is year-round, every Tuesday, from 7:15-9:15 p.m. in the Valparaiso University Center for the Arts, room 1518.
For more information about the concert at Hawthorne Park, call Hageman Library at 926-9080.
The summer concert and film series will continue on Friday, June 13, at Thomas Park in Chesterton with the Valparaiso Community/University Band. The 7 pm concert will be followed by a family friendly film. The complete list of concerts and films can be obtained at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, Hageman Library, 100 Francis St., Porter, or the Westchester Township History Museum at 700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton. For more information, call the library at 926-7696.
Memoir, Short Story and Essay Writing for Adults at Thomas Library
Westchester Public Library will host Memoir, Short Story and Essay Writing for Adults in four sessions on Monday, June 23 and 30, and July 7 and 21, from 6-7:30 pm. The four classes will take place at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, in the Bertha Wood meeting room. Registration is required and will begin June 9, 14 days prior to the first class date. Visit or call the Reference desk to register. Those who sign up should plan to attend all sessions.
Adults are invited to join David Rodich in this series of classes that will provide inspiration for writing memoirs, short stories, and essays. The classes will provide distinctions of styles as well as prompts born out of class discussions about life experiences and personal opinions.
Rodich has a passionate interest in education. He is a graduate of Indiana University with both a B.A. in History and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. His experience ranges from teaching elementary school classes to helping prepare oral histories for the Library of Congress to freelance writing and research to tutoring. He is a published creative writer who has traveled across Europe, New Zealand and the United States.
For more information or to register, call Thomas Library at 926-7696.
Adult/YA Role-Playing Games Group
Adults and young adults 15 years and up are invited to join Jon Johnson at Westchester Public Library’s monthly group, Role-Playing Games, on Wednesday, June 4, from 6-8:30 pm in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. No registration is necessary.
Role playing is a great opportunity to use the imagination to pretend to be anything, whether a super hero, a knight, or even an elf. Players can explore different worlds, planets, or even historical periods. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with this easy way of playing.
Create an adventure using guide books to help move the journey along; create your own character, choose skills, spell, weapons and gear, or become a Grand Master and run or make your own world. Have fun with this unique venue for teamwork and social interaction.
Role-Playing Games takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at the same time and in the same place.
For more information call Thomas Library at 926-7696.
Poetry Appreciation Group at Thomas Library
If you enjoy reading poetry, or if you enjoy writing poetry or have always wanted to write poetry, the Poetry Appreciation Group is for you! The group will meet on Monday, June 9, in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, from 6-8 pm. Registration is not necessary; attendance is free.
Share and discuss the craft of poetry at the Poetry Appreciation Group. The group serves as a forum for learning and discussion of the various forms and techniques of writing poems. Attendees will read and listen to poetry being read aloud by individuals among the group, including published authors’ work and/or original works done by local aspiring amateur poets who may want an audience or a constructive critique.
Those who enjoy reading, writing, or listening to poetry are encouraged to attend.
For more information, call Westchester Public Library, Thomas branch, at 926-7696.
Young Adult Poetry
Young adults are invited to join David Rodich in Westchester Public Library’s four-session Young Adult Poetry. Young Adult Poetry will take place in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, on Monday, June 23 and 30, and July 7 and 21 from 3:30-5 pm. Registration is required and will begin June 9. Visit or call the Reference desk to register. Those who sign up should plan on attending all sessions.
Young Adult Poetry will be oriented towards modern, non-metered poetry. Sessions will focus on narrative poetry, prose poetry, and poetry’s relationship to music as well as with collage art.
Rodich has a passionate interest in education. He is a graduate of Indiana University with both a B.A. in History and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. His experience ranges from teaching elementary school classes to helping prepare oral histories for the Library of Congress to freelance writing and research to tutoring. He is a published creative writer who has traveled across Europe, New Zealand and the United States.
For more information or to register, call Thomas Library at 926-7696.
Abstract Art for Young Adults
Young adults are invited to Westchester Public Library’s Abstract Art program. The three-session program will take place in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Cheserton, on Tuesday, June 3 from 4-5:30 pm, and June 10, and 17 from 1-2 pm. Registration is required and is underway. Sign up at the Reference desk.
Attendees will learn some tips and tricks about the art of Zentangle, also known as abstract art. Zentangle, and easy-to-learn art, creates images by drawing with patterns and shapes. Increase focus while being creative as you learn this method used all over the world.
For more information or to register, call Thomas Library at 926-7696.
Beach Bag Crochet for Adults at Thomas Library
Adults are invited to Westchester Public Library’s three-session Beach Bag Crochet class in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. The program will take place from 6-7:30 pm on June 10, 18, and 24. Registration is required and is now underway. Sign up at the Reference desk.
For this easy-skill-level class, attendees will need 1 H crochet hook, 2 skeins of Peaches & Cream cotton yarn in whatever color desired (3 skeins if multicolor yarn is chosen), 1 darning needle, 1 safety pin, and scrap yarn in contrasting colors for markers.
Participants will be able to complete their beach bag during the three-session class.
For more information or to register, please visit or call the Reference desk at 926-7696, ext. 1112.
Beach Bag Crochet for Young Adults at Thomas Library
Young Adults are invited to Westchester Public Library’s three-session Beach Bag Crochet class in the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. The program, led by Amber Erazo, will take place on three different Mondays. On June 9 and 16 the class will meet from 2-3:30 pm. The final class will take place from 1-2:30 pm on June 23. Registration is required and is now underway. Sign up at the Reference desk.
For this easy-skill-level class, attendees will need 1 H crochet hook, 2 skeins of Peaches & Cream cotton yarn in whatever color desired (3 skeins if multicolor yarn is chosen), 1 darning needle, 1 safety pin, and scrap yarn in contrasting colors for markers.
Participants will be able to complete their beach bag during the three-session class.
For more information or to register, visit or call the Reference desk 926-7696.