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Celebrate Earth Day!

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  On April 22, we honor our planet with the celebration of Earth Day. This is a day to be conscious about our environmental impact on Earth, and make necessary changes to improve the quality of life on the planet. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, when US Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed it as a day to educate the people at large about environmentalism. In the decades since, it has been adopted by nearly 200 countries. Each year, there is a theme for Earth Day. In 2024, the theme is “Planet vs. Plastics,” and the goal is to reduce plastic production by 60% by the year 2040. There are many ways to show you care about our Earth. You can be more conscious about what you recycle versus what you throw in the waste bin, upcycle instead of throwing items away, plant a tree, or start composting. To learn more about composting, you might be interested in attending the program “Urban Composting 101 with Hood to Table” on Saturday, April 27th, which you can register for here . Listed below a

Autism Awareness Month

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  As we observe Autism Awareness Month this April, we understand that it is crucial to foster acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in many different ways, varying from person to person, resulting in a wide range of unique perspectives and experiences. This month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the stories of people with autism around the world. Let’s join together in raising awareness and nurturing an inclusive community. Below is a number of selections of books for various ages that can be used to educate and entertain, with an emphasis on characters and authors who are neurodiverse. Youth Picture Books with Characters Who Are Neurodiverse Youth Books with Characters Who Are Neurodiverse Youth Books on the Topic of the Autism Spectrum/Neurodivergence Youth Books by Authors Who Are Neurodiverse Teen Books with Characters Who Are Neurodiverse Teen Books by Authors Who Are Neurodiver

The Cover Was Green

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  As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the world prepares to don shades of green, celebrating the spirit of Ireland and its patron saint. Here at the Grayslake Library, we are preparing by showcasing books with festive green covers for adults, teens, and kids! The cover is often the first thing you notice about a book, and these verdant images are sure to spark your imagination and curiosity. Adult: Youth: Like this blog post? Consider clicking the Kudos button below!

Female Heroes You Need to Know

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  The month of March is Women’s History Month, and it is a time to celebrate the contributions of women and girls to the history of the world. While many names might come to mind when you consider women’s history–Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo, and so on–there are many women whose stories have fallen through the cracks of history and have gone overlooked. To celebrate these under-appreciated historic heroes, we have compiled a list of books dedicated to preserving their contributions to history. The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt unveils the hidden contributions of pioneering women who defied gender barriers at Disney Studios, shaping beloved characters and narratives while enduring adversity. Their journey highlights their resilience in battling sexism and advocating for more empowering portrayals of female characters in animation for generations to come. The Girls Who Fought Crime by Mari K. Eder chronicles the remarkable life of Mary "Mae" Foley, an e

Best Pictures of Oscars Past

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  The Academy Awards, fondly known as the Oscars, are a beacon of excellence in the film industry. The institution traces its origins back to May 1927, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was established. The inaugural ceremony took place in 1929, where awards were handed out for Best Actor and Actress, Cinematography, Directing (Comedy and Dramatic), Writing (Original and Adaptation), and more. Of course, the most sought after award was for Best Picture or, as it was originally called, Outstanding Picture. Over the course of the next century, the Oscars have become a worldwide phenomenon, with millions of viewers tuning in to see their favorite films, actors, actresses, directors, and more get the recognition they deserve. Here at the Grayslake Library, we are proud to offer up many of the films that have graced the Oscars’ stage. Listed below are the Best Picture winners from the very beginning, from “Wings” to “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” All of these films