Miyazaki Mondays
Join Forest Park Public Library’s Miss Amy for Miyazaki Mondays in the month of December in the YA Lounge at the library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. Works of anime legend Hayao Miyazaki will be explored, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke. Participants must be between 12 and 18. The events will be held on Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Storytime coffee break
Regular story times at the Forest Park Library may be on break, but parents and caregivers can still catch up at our meetup in the cozy downstairs lounge at Counter Coffee, 7324 Madison St. on Dec. 2 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Bring the kids and grab a coffee or a cafe treat with us. We will have some books and toys available to entertain the kids while the grown-ups chat.
Holiday shopping just for kids
Lantern Haus is sponsoring a shopping event for kids up to age 16 on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lan 7414 Madison St. Kids 6 and over are invited to shop under elf supervision, while parents enjoy a break (on premises). Kids 0-6 can shop with their parents and make final purchases in the secret checkout lane. All gifts will be below $15. A free gift-wrapping station is available, and hot cocoa and snacks will be served.
Clothing and toy drive
Riveredge Hospital, 8311 Roosevelt Rd., is accepting donations for a Chance the Rapper and SocialWorks collaboration to collect clothing and toys for people in need. Now through Feb. 7 you can drop off new or gently used clothing, ties, socks, gloves, toys, board games and electronics at Riveredge. Call 708-209-4181 with questions.
Proviso Township Facility Master Plan meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Hillside Village Hall,
425 N. Hillside Ave. in Hillside
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Village of Maywood Board Room Chambers, 125 S. 5th Ave. in Maywood
The Proviso Township High School District 209 is holding two town hall meetings to inform the public about the new Proviso East and Proviso West Math & Science Academies and the Facility Master Plan.
Independents Day
Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St., celebrates independent bookstores with visits from local and national authors who will sit with readers one-on-one to talk about their books. Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Bazaar
Shop for ornaments, gifts, soaps, lotions, cookies and candy from the nuns at the famous St. John Chrysostomos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Wisconsin. The event is held at Always in Style at 7516 ½ Madison St. on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Irene at 708-366-9583 for more information.
Polar Express and Snowman storytime
Join the Forest Park Public Library at Junction Diner, 7401 Madison St., from 12 to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 for a special reading of favorite winter stories. To guarantee a space, sign up here: bit.ly/37ttmP5
