Picasso Focus of Program at Forest Park Public Library

Event Tuesday night to prep people for major exhibition at the Art Institute.

If you're into art and love Picasso, now's the time to brush up on both as the Forest Park Public Library will present a program on the Spanish artist and his life and work in Paris. The lecture, "Picasso and the Parisian Avant Garde," will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. It is free and open to the public. Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions will lead the program, which will concentrate on the artist's life and work in the City of Light during the 1920s. This event takes place shortly before a major exhibition "Picasso and Chicago" opens to the public Feb. 20 at the Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibit will focus on the special 100-year relationship between the Spanish artist and the city. Refreshments will …

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Zombie Fans to Head to Forest Park Public Library

Fans of the undead, super-heroes and Japanese graphic arts welcome at event Saturday.

If you happen to see zombies floating around the Forest Park area this Saturday afternoon don't panic. They are likely to be fans of one of the hottest characters around heading to the annual Minicon at the public library. This year's event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 12 at the library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. Youngsters in eighth through 12th grade are especially encouraged to come. Although The Reading Dead: Zombies at the Library will feature a lot of material for fans of the undead, the event will bascially be a pocket-sized version of the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, Kunkle said. This weekend's festival will have something for everyone. Comics in general will be featured too. The art of Brian Denham, who has drawn for …

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Boo and Cheer at an Interactive Screening of 'It's a Wonderful Life'

'It's a Wonderful Life' (Interactive) comes to a local library near you.

Christmas is fast approaching and Forest Park is continuing to get into the mood. Hiss and Cheer during a Favorite Holiday Film In the spirit of The Sound of Music and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, folks can now cheer, boo and sing during their favorite parts of a film to be shown next week at the Forest Park Public Library. It's a Wonderful Life will be shown at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20 at the library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.—and the crowd is encouraged to get in on the action.  Viewers can boo at Old Man Potter, sing along to Buffalo Gals and ring their own bells. You can even cry at the end of the movie—we won't judge—just as long as you get into it. According to the library, whether you've seen the movie a hundred times, or if you're …

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Zuzu's Petals, Holiday Gift Ideas: the Week Ahead

Catch silent movies, holiday carols and more in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest this week.

The holiday's getting closer. Here are a few ways to take in the cheer. Willard Elementary School Principal Merryl Brownlow will share some of her favorite stories during Local Celebrity Spotlight at 4 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the River Forest Public Library , 735 Lathrop Ave.  This kid-friendly event is great for elementary school children ages 5 and up. And it's free. Call 708-366-5205 for more information. The Artist , the 2012 winner of This year's Academy Award for Best Picture, will be shown at 1:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Maze Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 845 Gunderson Ave. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, this romantic comedy is about the transition from silent film to talkies. It's a silent picture with great scene …

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Thinking About Getting Your Child a Book? How About a Classic

New takes from the area's book experts on some old favorites.

Trying to decide what to get your child for the holidays can be a monstrous challenge. But when it comes down to it, the solution can boil down to one word: classics. Of course there are other options as well, and three experts in what youngsters like to read recommended some books that might keep kids - and their parents - glued to the leaves after the holiday. Settling on a book for a child usually boils down to several factors, according to Iris Yipp, an owner of the Magic Tree Bookstore in Oak Park: whether the child's a good reader, the child's age, whether they like fiction or non-fiction, whether it's for a boy or a girl. One genre that will keep children - and their parents - engaged is the classic children's book. "Youngsters are …

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The Week Ahead

Election Night Dinner, Watching at the Buzz: The Week Ahead

Anti-bullying video and more

“The Tyler Milsap Show” has been a popular program at Oak Park and River Forest High School. The latest episode packs quite a wallop: Tyler conducts powerful, emotional interviews with some brave OPRF students who share openly about being bullied. The show on television and the web from OPRF Studios focuses on topics important to Oak Park and River Forest high school students. The Buzz Cafe will host an Election Night 2012 dinner and watching party from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 905 S. Lombard Ave. An all-American dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and apple pie will be on the menu. Watch the election results live; licensed therapists will be available for advice and guidance - just in case. Call 708-660-0894 to make a reservation…

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P.T. Barnum Comes to Forest Park

Program at public library to highlight life and career of a great showman.

With Forest Park being the home of the Showmen's Rest, it only seems logical that one of the greatest circus entrepreneurs comes to town. The life of P.T. Barnum will be the focus of a program at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. Performer and historian William Pack will present the story about the showman extraordinaire who founded the circus that became Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information call the library, 708-366-7171. Get breaking news alerts and follow us on Facebook for more news:

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The Week Ahead

Michael Myers Revisits and More: The Week Ahead

Two movie series end at Oak Park Public Library, the "War" returns and other happenings around the area.

There's a load of stuff happening around the area this week. Here's but a sample. Do Your Duty Vote early (but only once) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Colbert Film Tribute Concludes The Oak Park Public Library's tribute to film legend Claudette Colbert concludes Monday with a showing of "So Proudly We Hail" at 1:30 p.m. at the main library, 834 Lake St. Colbert leads a group of untested Army nurses, caught behind enemy lines, fighting to survive during the Japanese invasion of Bataan and Corregidor in World War II.The 1943 film also stars Paulette Godard and Veronica Lake. Film Historian Doug Deuchler will lead the discussion. The movie is free and open to the public. The War Returns A …

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Halloween Events A'Plenty in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest

Stories, s'mores -creepiness - and more.

Who doesn't like Halloween? Well, witness by the number of events in the area, everyone seems to. There's a bunch o'things that are going on in the Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest area. Tuesday, Oct. 23 Even the littlest hands can get ready for Halloween. How? Come to the Toddler Halloween Craft program from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta St. No registration required.  Get dressed up in your best Halloween costume for the Kids Spooktacular Halloween Party at 5:15 p.m. at the Park District of Forest Park's east-side facility, Sansone Drive and Hannah Avenue. Treats and pumpkin decorating also will highlight the festivities, and of course, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Cost is $10 for …

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The Week Ahead

Firefighters Read to Kids Today and More: The Week Ahead

Sharpen your skates, get ready for spring and more.

Loads are happening this week in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest. Here's just a smidgen. Get local news from Patch in your email inbox daily. Click here to sign up for the Forest Park Patch Newsletter. Click here to sign up for the Oak Park and River Forest Patch Newsletter. Open chess play for players of all ages and skills will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, in the Book Discussion Room of Oak Park's main library, 834 Lake St. The weekly event is free and open to the public. Call 708-383-8200 for more information. Learn about lifestyle changes and early-detection options women can use to decrease their risk of breast cancer during a program at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 in the Rush Medical Office building at Rush Oak Park …

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