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#7 Doing this more lately! Turned my phone off and put it away (after I snapped the pic!), and enjoyed this view of Meadow Lake at the Morton Arboretum. 

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Library staff working on a jigsaw puzzle.

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Have you seen our Community Puzzle  in the Commons of the Library? We put out new puzzles regularly and are thankful there are dedicated patrons (and staff) who put in time each week to complete the puzzle. It's a great hobby for stress relief or meeting new friends at the library.  If you have a few dusty puzzle boxes at home, we would be happy to accept donations (with all the pieces, please).

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I can't believe this is the last day of our 40 day Summer Challenge! Thank you, Ly, Alicia and Skye for making it fun and creative. I look forward to other FPPL adventures in the future.

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My son has worked really hard for the last two years to prepare for this event.  I have worked hard as well, to make sure we could afford to get here.  Well, the time has come and my son will be among the top bowlers in the country.  I’m go grateful and proud. -Sharonda

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We’ve been watching family pets in Oak Park this week. #36 appreciating « your » pet! 

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We’ve been watching family pets in Oak Park this week. #36 appreciating « your » pet! 

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Susan Beach

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Aaliyah miller with: 3 of my most impressive jokes for today

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Aaliyah miller with: 3 of my most impressive jokes for today

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where do cows go for entertainment? the moo-vies
what did the elevator say when he sneezed? i think i'm coming down with something
and the last one of the day... how do u teach math to a chicken? give it lots of egg- samples hehe i loves telling jokes

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John and I tried a new restaurant on Madison today--Fiore Pizzeria and Bakery. I had the proscuitto egg and cheese with--wait for it--woodfired bread. It was amazing. Best breakfast potatoes I've ever had.

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Today I appreciate the Historical Society of Forest Park for sponsoring another wonderful year of garden walking! :-) And I appreciate my husband John for working so hard with me these past three weeks to whip our yard into shape so we could be on the garden walk! So fun to meet garden lovers, see old friends, make new ones...and appreciate our labor of love through fresh ideas.

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Was there ever a better day for reading a good book and taking a nap (Jammie is my stand in for me napping!)??

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This is the July read for the Gammy Birds book club. Just dug into it today. Love it!

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Hello from Skye- I've been away, learning!

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Hello from Skye- I've been away, learning!

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Have a great day everyone.

Sharonda

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In three weeks my hubby and I are doing a week-long biking trip that takes in 2 days on Mackinac Island--a bucket list item for me! So, I found a series of three cozy mysteries that take place on Mackinac Island! I don't usually read cozies, but these are a treat. I'm on the second one, and found the first on Hoopla, the second on Libby.

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The Library hosted a Sound Bath on Sunday. It was a very interesting experience! We are holding another one on August 10 if you are interested in trying it out. Go to fppl.org/events to sign up.

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Such a great time with 4 grands at Brown Cow, spending my $10 gift certificate from FPPL.
Susan Beach

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#19 & #29 Stock the Pantry and Show Kindness

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#19 & #29 Stock the Pantry and Show Kindness

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Well, it's another two-fer day! My friend Cheryl texted me that she was sick and could I get her medication and other needfuls (read: ice cream) for her. No prob--happy to do a kindness. I drop them off outside her door only to find a bag of nonperishables with another text asking me to donate to wherever I thought best.

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Went to the concession stand at the Park district , yesterday evening and saw another tree of “Love”.  🙂

-Sharonda

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What a gem Trailside is! We judged birdhouses, read a story about spirals in nature, got a craft to take home AND had a delightful walk in the woods.
Susan Beach

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I attended a sound bath this morning with Marissa Grott from "And then there was well" yoga studio. It was so relaxing--I fell right asleep. I'm grateful FPPL is creating more self-care programs for its patrons. Thank you!

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Another beautiful day at the Forest Park Pool. I started reading "The Book Woman's Daughter" by Kim Michele Richardson. This is the book that follows "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" which I enjoyed so much I shared it with my daughter. When I finish this new book, I will share it with my daughter, too.

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John and I have been bustin' our buns on our garden all week long in prep for the garden walk next week. I've earned a month of naps, at the least! Bought these cuties at the Good Earth yesterday to dress up the area around our water barrels. Plenty of cat grass for them to nibble on if they want.

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I was talking with my Best friend this morning about my coffee habit😬 and she sent me this🤣🤣. I have been laughing all morNing.  I hope it makeS you all laugh too.  I’m able
To laugh, despite my worries, concerns, discomfort and sadness. Have a great day everyone. -Sharonda

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Went out this morning to water my annuals and discovered this tiny red beauty on my Mezoo Trailing Red Dorotheanthus. No smell that I can discern, but I'm totally charmed by its cuteness!

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I've got two thick books for my Book Clubs, so I'm digging in! This one is for Reading Awake. Lovely writing.

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Good afternoon everyone.  Does anyone know the name of these?  They are beautiful, but didn’t smell to good🙁.
Sharonda

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Went for a walk on Madison St! It was so hot I had to stop for an iced latte at Kribi Coffee!

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Visited the library today and grabbed a bookmark.  Have a great day everyone.

Sharonda

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I visited the library to get my DIY catnip toy. Jammie is loving it! Wailing on it even now as I write this. Go Jammie!

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Well, I guess I can say I attended a PRIDE parade of sorts! I just toured the PRIDE floats at the library. So cute and clever. I voted for this one because I love collaging, and this used that element a lot. And who couldn't love those wheels!

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Enjoying a quiet moment on the balcony.

Susan Beach

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John and I are just heartbroken by the tragedy in Highland Park. It struck close to home for us as we have a friend whose in-laws live in HP. He, his wife, 9 yo daughter and in-laws were at the parade when it happened, but fortunately on the other side of the street. In honor of those who died today, and as a prayer for an end to gun violence, John and I walked down to the park district and lit two sparklers in front of the stage that should have been playing loud, happy and patriotic music.

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I was so heartbroken, angry, and confused by the tragedy in Highland park today, that I found myself taking deep breaths and counting my exhales frequently.  😢

Sharonda

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At the Library, we planted milkweed the last few years and I think they are starting to really take off. If you look close, you can see a monarch taking a rest!

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#12 & #14 Read a Book from the Summer Reading List/Read a book by a Black author

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#12 & #14 Read a Book from the Summer Reading List/Read a book by a Black author

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Well, I got myself a twofer today. Technically, the summer read is Black Girls Must be Magic, but it's the second in a series, and I'm big on starting at the beginning of a series. So, I figure this counts! :-D

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Went for a walk outside to see the Tree of love    At the PDOFP.  So beautiful🙂

Sharonda

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I bought this book a few weeks back because it takes place (in part) on a reservation near where we were staying on vacation. Whenever I vacation, I like to buy a book by a local author, or someone who writes about the area. I love this author, and authors like this, who use mystery as an opportunity/vehicle to discuss social issues.

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I planted my first herb in my spiral herb garden! It's a tiny Basil plant that my next door neighbor gave to me, which had been a party favor from their daughter's engagement party. It's been patiently waiting in a little tomato paste can until I was ready to plant. Good thing it likes a lot of sun, because today's a scorcher!

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hello, i love the library and i come here mostly everyday and i go to most pf the events for the teens. I also volunteer at the library on Tuesdays. I just got bck from vacation from winsconsin dells. We stayed in air b&bs, went to the zoo, the barn, and restaurants. I enjoy being at the library. My first day coming to fppl was may 22nd, 2022. I love the staff and people at the library.

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I had my first brat of the summer  it was so great with a cold beer after doing the oak Park River Forest Garden Walk in our bikes
Susan Beach

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I finished my “Tiny art show” painting today🙂. I’ll turn it in tomorrow.  If you go to the library, take a look.  I enjoyed the time to let my artistic creativity show.

Sharonda

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As I was reading John Rice's book at the Forest Park Pool today - Local Author, John Rice stopped to say "Hello!" Recently, John has asked me a couple times if I had read his book. I took this photo as evidence I was reading John's book at the Pool - but it was even better proof to have John actually see the proof. Yes, John, I am reading your book at the Pool. When I am reading the lead character's dialogue, I can hear John's voice!

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Well, I guess this falls under #29 Make kindness a habit. Do something small for someone. John and I were out biking the Salt Creek Trail today when this fellow wiped out in front of us and broke is right leg. We stayed with him and I played temporary paramedic until the real guys arrived. I just focused on keeping his mind off the pain by keeping him talking until they came--that was my "small act of kindness." I also took this pic and texted it to him! :-)

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I'm glad I chose to day to drop some things off at the little pantry. It was completely empty!!

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Regarding #16" Try out a free Library app, can you list the apps and where to find them? Is Creativebug one of them? Thanks.

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Today I heard lots of great poetry at the Asian American Poetry workshop. Samina Hadi-Tabassum taught us about the Ghazal form of poetry and I was delighted to learn two of my favorite poets used this form! Hafiz and Rumi! She generously gave us a copy of her own poetry, which I'm looking forward to reading.

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Read 20 minutes of the book “The old Man”, starting to get interesting.  For some reason, I prefer to have the physical book in hand.  Is that odd??

Sharonda

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#36  Appreciating my pets, Moonlight and Sunny:  Who else loves their fur-babies?  

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#36  Appreciating my pets, Moonlight and Sunny:  Who else loves their fur-babies?  

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We visited the Library today and Donated to the free pantry.  🙂. Have a great day everyone.

Sharonda

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Made my first trip to the pool. Such a perfect day. 

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Made my first trip to the pool. Such a perfect day. 

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Susan Beach

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Mini Pride Float with purple wrapping paper and colorful pom poms and decorations.

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Our mini Pride floats are floating in. Come see the parade next week as we showcase our patrons' creative designs and announce a winner. Happy Pride Month! Are you doing anything to celebrate? --Librarian Ly

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The annual outdoor yoga class was last night at the Grove. So fun! We have a bunch of fun events planned at the Library during the rest of June and July. Check them out at fppl.org/events.

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Checked out this book to read before I start to watch the series and the. I read for 20 mins today.  Beginning seems sloooww..

Sharonda

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I'm finally starting my Gammy Birds book club read for July's meeting! Sandy always picks the best books, and I'm especially excited for this summer read about a psychopath!

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I just finished this today and can't wait to discuss it in Skye's book club Reading Awake next Wednesday. It's one of the most touching, revelatory books I've read in a long time.

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Here's a screenshot of my phone right before I hit the "power off" button. My hubby and I are doing this together one hour daily. When the phone goes off, so does any/everything else--computer, tv, radio. We were inspired to do it by our recent vacation in far north Wisconsin which is so peaceful and tree-ful! I'm glad to see it here as part of the Summer Challenge.

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#1 and #6
I visited the library today, picked up my
Art kit and did the story walk at the park district.  I’ve never done the story walk before and I enjoyed reading the boards.

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Marching in the Juneteenth parade was such a great experience !

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Marching in the Juneteenth parade was such a great experience !

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Susan Beach

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#36 I got to appreciate my pet, Jammie, a Trap/Neuter/Adopt, when our cat sitter sent us this picture last week while we were on vacation. We take care of a few ferals in our back yard, as well. In Jammie's case, he was either lost or abandoned--not truly feral and couldn't compete for food. So we brought him in and fell in love. He even has his own song--A Huggle and a snuggle and an itty-bitty kiss/Jammie's dreams are made of this./ He traveled the world, and the seven seas, singin' "give me some lovin', if you please!" One day he wandered into our yard, singin' "Listen, hoomins, it's been hard!" We said, "Well who are we to disagree/but you're as cute as cute can be!/So hop into our arms and give US a kiss/'cause everybody's dreams are made of this:/a huggle and a snuggle and an itty-bitty kiss./Jammie's found his hoomins and it's heavenly bliss! :-) Rose Mattax

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This is my new favorite thing about the library! I'm so excited about the seed library. I picked up a bunch of herbs because I just had a spiral herb garden built in my backyard. IDK if it's too late in the season to get started with herbs. Can someone tell me? I think I can keep them in a cool, dark place for next year. I'm posting a pic of the spiral garden. It just got built so doesn't even have dirt in it yet! Rose Mattax

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#9. Had a lovely conversation with a young lady in Dunkin’ Donuts about Father’s Day and the impact on young children.
Sharonda

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I can check off #18 on the Summer Challenge Activities! Wow! I won't tell you the month nor year, but I so enjoyed seeing the many names of people I recognized from living in Forest Park my entire life.

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We attended the Juneteenth pool party last night.  A bit chilly for me, but the kids really enjoyed themselves.  The Food, Music, people and dancing was just what I needed.

Sharonda

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Today was the perfect day for the Juneeth Parade. It came down Circle right in front of my house

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It was a beautiful day to attend the West Village Juneteenth Parade today!

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Couldn’t sleep last night and read 3 chapters in a new book I picked up from the library, The Cartographers by Peng Sheridan.

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#5.  Explored Hoopla today.  Bridgerton E book looks interesting.  Have a great day everyone.

Sharonda

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A beautiful place to read "Adult Assembly Required" by Abbi Waxman. Swimming was good, too.

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Susan Beach

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This was a good book to start off the FPPL Summer Challenge.

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A snap of my collage made last night at the lovely and magical Collaging Party!

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I am curious. Of the 40 activities suggested for the Summer Challenge, what have you started with?  Do you have more great summer activities that could be included on our “official” idea list?  - Librarian Skye

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I like to start summer reading with a book about the beach.  Currently reading "Malibu Rising"--lots of fun and no surprise that this is so popular.
Carol Stephan

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Interesting reads this morning.  Kiwanis Spreads Happiness. 

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Interesting reads this morning.  Kiwanis Spreads Happiness. 

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Have a great day everyone.
-Sharonda

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Mother daughter reading time. Then a walk. - Kristin P

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I am READY for the Summer Kickoff Party tonight 6:30-8:30!  Are you?

While we prepare for tonight's BIG party, let me also make everyone aware of what will be a very lively and dynamic artsy program next week Tuesday- June 14 at 6:30pm, a Collage Party, with artist Lyndi Wellhausen.

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Let’s get creative with the art of collage. Making a collage can be simple and inspiring:  the form can do anything!  Artist Lyndi Wellhausen will host this light-hearted, art-making program that will give you ideas and space to make a magical collage, start a vision or mood board, or appreciate the creative process while having fun.

Register here.  There's space left....

I'll be there!!!

-Librarian Skye

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Let's get creative with the art of collage. Making a collage can be simple and inspiring: the form can do anything! Artist Lyndi Wellhausen will host this light-hearted, art-making program that...

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So excited to start the summer challenge, my first time.  I also got the hang of the Padlet! Yay!!  Saw these this morning and could not resist the urge to smell them🙂!  Have a great day everyone☀️  Sharonda

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So excited to start the summer challenge, my first time.  I also got the hang of the Padlet! Yay!!  Saw these this morning and could not resist the urge to smell them🙂!  Have a great day everyone☀️  Sharonda

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Explore More Illinois and Museum Adventure Pass logos

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Looking for family activities to do this summer? With your FPPL library card, you have access to many museum, zoos, and attractions in Chicagoland. Explore the Brookfield Zoo or stroll the garden at Contigny Park. Visit or call the library to check availability. Share your visit with us! --Librarian Ly

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This summer , in my self care journey, I’m into reading couple of books and magazines on mindfulness and meditation. Thanks to the meditation circle conducted by the library and to the resources shared during the program. One of the books that inspired me is -“Living Beautifully “ by Pema Chodron. As the name suggests, a beautiful one. The magazines available are awesome. ……Sunitha.

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Participating in the summer challenge for the first time. Happy to be a part of Forest Park Public Library. - Sunitha

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Stop by the Library to pick up your summer challenge kit!

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Stop by the Library to pick up your summer challenge kit!

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You summer challenge kit and tote bag are waiting for you at the Info Desk!

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Free bus services for seniors and Arts in the park.  

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Free bus services for seniors and Arts in the park.  

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Have a great day everyone.
Sharonda

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Always appreciate the great events FPPL puts on!

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So excited to be a part of this!

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Waking up is a blessing.  I am overjoyed that I get to see a new day and hug my son.  Have a great day everyone.

Sharonda

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I cannot believe it is June at last!  Summer is a special time to dive into life… enjoy the happy-inducing sunlight while walking around this beautiful village, make a splashy new connection at a Library program, or float away on a perfect Library book.

I am excited to start the latest Sara Paretsky mystery, Overboard.  I’ve been so looking forward to the thrill of a mystery novel, and now that this Summer Challenge is here, I’m going to make time to scratch that itch.  Sara Paretsky always delivers the adrenaline through V.I. Warshawski’s justice-seeking adventures.  By the way, if fiction is your jam too, we have a flush Mystery section on the New Books shelves: come find your “me time” pleasure at the Library.  Get the summer started right!

What book will you choose to inaugurate the summer?
- Librarian Skye

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Filing cabinet filled with seed packets.

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You can knock out two activities on the summer challenge by visiting the library and planting a seed! Our new seed library is free to all. Located on the main floor of the library.

P.S. Remember to add your name to Padlet posts so we can know who to give points to. --Librarian Ly