Honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with activities at EPL

Children's programming, volunteer opportunities and more on Jan. 16 and beyond

School may be out, but January 16 is a “day on, not a day off” in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advancing social justice. The Evanston Public Library has opportunities for service and learning for all ages this MLK Day and beyond: 

For children 

Learn about Dr. King and his legacy. Watch short films “Martin’s Big Words” and “March On!,” do a craft, and listen to a stirring segment of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream,” speech presented by Rev. Eddie Reeves. It’s all happening in the children’s department of the Main Library from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. “Martin’s Big Words” will screen at 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. “March On!” will show at 1:45 and 2:30 p.m., and Rev.  Reeves will present the moving re-enactment of "I Have a Dream" that brings Dr. King to life at 3 p.m. No registration required – just drop in. Learn more.

For teens

Looking for a service opportunity? One in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their periods, losing up to 20 percent of their education – while many other girls simply drop out. Join the staff of The Loft in the community room at EPL’s Main Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help make reusable sanitary pads for Girls 4 Girls Ghana, an organization working to keep girls in school by addressing their period needs. All materials will be provided. Designed for grades 6th-12th but all are welcome – especially if you have a little sewing-know how. Donations are also welcome. Registration helpful but not required. Get the details.  

For adults

Most of the year, our EPL volunteers shelve books, help with programs, or greet you at the library door. On Jan. 16, they’ll be gathering to participate in the Walk for Warmth, hosted by Interfaith Action Evanston. The two-mile circuit passes by the downtown Evanston faith communities that each host an overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Interested in getting involved as an EPL volunteer? Learn more. 

Continue the conversation with Dedicated to the Dream, EPL's workshops for kids and families

Conversations about race and justice aren’t over after MLK Day – and they can be especially tough to explain to kids. But when adults stay silent, children make their own meaning. That’s why staff at Evanston Public Library, in collaboration with artist, illustrator and dollmaker Cozbi A. Cabrera, developed Dedicated to the Dream, a series of fun, creative, kid-friendly workshops that affirm all shades of skin, help kids explore their cultural and racial identities, teach accurate history, and give kids a space to talk about what they’re learning and how they feel. 

Now in its second year, Dedicated to the Dream offers multiple formats, from in-person kid-friendly workshops to small groups and DIY home activities so busy families can participate. The first in-person Getting Started Workshops are Saturday, Jan. 21, 3:30 to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register. 

For more programs and events visit http://www.epl.org/events. 

Please note: The Robert Crown Branch Library, located in the Robert Crown Community Center, will be closed Jan. 16 for the holiday. The Main Library will operate normal hours.

EPL EXTRA

Join a racial healing circle for the National Day of Racial Healing Jan. 17 with Yeefah Thurman

January 17th is the National Day of Racial Healing. In honor, EPL will host a racial healing circle with Yeefah Thurman, racial healing practitioner and somatic transformation coach.

A racial healing circle allows participants to connect through shared humanity, expand their empathy, and broaden their capacity for compassion. It's a way to repair the damage caused by racism and build trust across the racial divide through facilitated conversation, embodiment and mindfulness practices. 

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., and is open to Evanstonians of all races, but space is limited.

Learn more and register