Library to Close for Good Friday and Easter
Both branches of the Westchester Public Library, the Westchester Township History Museum, and the Library Service Center will be closed for Good Friday, April 3, and Easter Sunday, April 5. The library and the museum will be open regular hours on Saturday, April 4. The Westchester Township Trustee’s office, located in the Library Service Center, will also be closed on Good Friday. All library buildings will resume regular hours on Monday, April 6.
Thomas Library, located at 200 W. Indiana Ave., is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Hageman Library, located at 100 Francis St., Porter, is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 1-5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. The Library Service Center, located at 100 W. Indiana Ave., is open as needed for meetings. The Westchester Township History Museum, located in the Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave., is open Wed-Sun 1-5 p.m. and by appointment.
Crochet Club at Thomas Library
Calling all crocheters— Westchester Public Library’s Crochet Club will take place at the Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton; the second Thursday of every month from 4:00 - 5:30 pm, beginning on Thursday, April 9.
Adults and young adults of all skill levels interested in crocheting are encouraged to attend. There is no instruction; this is a great opportunity to relax and meet other crocheters in the area; knitters are welcome as well.
For more information, contact the Reference Department at Thomas Library, 926-7696.
Mad About Mysteries
Join the Museum Registrar, Joan Costello, for the April session of Mad About Mysteries at the Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Ave., Chesterton. Mad About Mysteries will take place on Wednesday, April 8, with a repeat presentation on Saturday, April 11. Both sessions take place at 2pm. Light refreshments will be served.
Costello will present Susan Elia MacNeal’s debut mystery series featuring Maggie Hope, originally as Mr. Churchill’s secretary. The series highlights some of the unprecedented challenges that WWII brought to Great Britain. Maggie Hope is an intelligent, spirited woman working in a world that uses her gender to hold her back. But during the war, she is exposed to people, worlds, and intrigues that force her to find balance between duty and survival.
The museum is a free cultural and educational service of Westchester Public Library and is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 1-5 pm., or by appointment. For more information please call the museum at 983-9715.
Minecraft Meet-up at Westchester Public Library, Thomas & Hageman
Children six and up who enjoy playing the educational game, Minecraft, are welcome to attend the Minecraft Meet-up being held at both Thomas and Hageman Branches. Those looking to attend the meet-up at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, in the Bertha Wood room, will want to mark Wednesday, April 15, from 4:30 - 7 PM, on their calendars. Hageman’s meet-up will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 1:30 - 4 PM, at 100 Francis St., Porter. Hageman attendees are asked to bring their own laptops, or devices to play on.
Registration is required, and can be done in person at your branch of choice. The WPL Gaming Policy and Rules of Conduct will be available, and needs to be signed upon registration.
This program will allow children to play in a group setting, meet other Minecraft players, share gaming strategies, and show off their skills. Parents are welcome, but required for youth under 10 years old. Many skills, including reading, writing, math, geometry, and social skills can be gained from playing Minecraft. The game is rated E for everyone.
Future Minecraft meet-ups for Thomas are scheduled for the third Wednesdays, May 20 & June 17, from 5 - 7 PM. Hageman’s future meet-ups will take place on the second Saturdays, May 9 & June 13, from 2 - 4 PM.
For more information, please contact Julia at the Thomas Reference Department 926-7696; or Hageman Library, 926-9080.
Teen Library Council at WPL
Westchester Public Library’s Teen Library Council will meet at the Thomas Library 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, on Thursday, April 2, from 4-5 pm.
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to help make a difference at the library and in the community. Members of the Teen Library Council will recommend library programs, books, and more for Teen Services.
No registration is necessary, and there is no charge for attendance. This group meets the first Thursday of the month— including May 7, and June 4. Community service hours are available for TLC members.
For more information please call Julia, Reference and Youth Services Librarian, at 926-7696.
Learn More About Urban Chicken Farming at Thomas Library
Have you ever thought about having chickens? Westchester Public Library welcomes you to join a presentation led by Chesterton Feed & Garden educating the public on the proper care and maintenance of urban chickens. The presentation will be held at the Library Service Center, 100 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, on Wednesday, April 8, from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. There is no registration required, and attendance is free of charge.
The Chesterton Town Council recently approved the first reading on an ordinance that would allow residents who live on lots of a half-acre or smaller to keep chickens. Some town council member see this as a continued innovation for Chesterton—as larger cities such as South Bend, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Portland allow urban chickens.
The presentation aims to keep residents informed on the ever-evolving animal laws, and prepare them for what to expect, and how to care for urban chickens
For more information, contact Leslie, 926-2790.
Yoga Kids at the Library Service Center
Join in the fun of learning yoga! Children ages 6-11 are invited to join yoga instructor Andrew Morris for yoga instruction at the Library Service Center on Friday, April 17 at 6:30 pm. Children will strengthen their bodies, improve flexibility and coordination through fun and creative poses. They will also learn the importance of deep breathing and relaxation for better focus and concentration. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a towel or yoga mat if you have one.
Yoga Kids will take place at the Library Service Center, 100 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. Registration is necessary. For more information or to register, contact the Children’s Department at Thomas Library, 926-7696.