*Register in advance at the Circulation Desk.
For those with disabilities.

Scheduled Programs for May and June
The Big Read
The following program is held at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Advanced registration is required.For more programs at other libraries, see the Resource Guide or visit www.thebigread.org.
An Evening with Elizabeth Berg
Thurs,, May 8, 7 p.m.*
Location: Ashton Place
341 75th Street, Willowbrook
(Southwest corner of 75th Street and Clarendon Hills Road)
Advanced registration is required. Patrons must have a library card from one of The Big Read libraries to register and attend the program, and only four tickets per patron are allowed. Tickets can be picked up at the library.

Join Elizabeth Berg as she talks about her inspiration for Dream When You’re Feeling Blue, the research she did for it, and the response to it. The event also includes a brief reading, questions from the audience, and a book signing. Come with your comments, questions, and memories. Books will be available for sale by Anderson’s Bookshop.

Mount Rainier Climbers
Thurs., May 1, 7 p.m.*
Climbing Mount Rainier in Washington state is never easy; no more than half of all attempts at the 14,400-foot glacial peak are successful. But in August 2007, 16 Chicago-area marathon runners began the trek, and five of the six who reached the top were from Downers Grove! Hear three friends (Paul Bertram, John Hibbeln, and Billy Hois) tell about their adventures training, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and climbing the glaciers.

Our Ever-Changing Earth
Tues., May 13, 7 p.m.*
Modern geology has revolutionized how we look at our planet. Raymond Wiggers offers insight into both the catastrophic events and the slow but powerful forces that shape our world’s landscape, interior, and atmosphere, including plate tectonics theory, earthquakes, tsunamis, climate changes, and asteroid impacts.

Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group
7 p.m., Wed., May 14, Tues., May 27
Great Decisions is a national civic-education program that encourages participants to learn about U.S. foreign policy and global issues, discuss multiple viewpoints in a group setting, and take part in a national opinion ballot survey on policy issues. Contact: Nancy Peraino at (630) 968–8706.

Unlocking the Secrets of Ethnic Ingredients
Thurs., May 15, 7 p.m.*
Ellen Swirsky explores the exotic flavors of Thailand, India, and the Middle East/North Africa. Hear about the ingredients that make up the foods that are commonly found in these countries, and how to find them in your own neighborhood. Learn how to shop the ethnic markets for the freshest ingredients and the best prices, and become familiar with the items needed for some of your favorite ethnic dishes. Sample harissa and tahini from the Middle East, Thai coconut curry sauce served with cold shrimp steamed in fish sauce and lemongrass, an Indian mango lassi, and more! Group limit: 40. Register in person at the Circulation Desk. There will be a nonrefundable $3 fee per person to cover the cost of food and materials. DGPL cardholders only.

The Faces and Places of China
Tues., May 20, 7 p.m.*
Long the world’s most populous country, China now influences politics, economics, and the arts in almost every country on earth. As a corporate executive, Bill Helmuth lived in Hong Kong for three years and traveled extensively throughout China. His slide lecture brings you the hidden wonders of and fascinating insights into this ancient country as it boldly pushes into the 21st century. Bill acquaints you with historical and cultural perspectives, the art, architecture, and religious traditions of this great country, and gives you a glimpse into how life in China has evolved over thousands of years.

Awesome Annuals
Thurs., June 5, 7 p.m.*
This bud’s for you! Pick up some expert tips for your garden this year from Sandy Wentworth of Proven Winners. There will be also drawings for plant giveaways. This program is co-sponsored by the Downers Grove Public Library and the Garden Club of Downers Grove.

Tech Gadgets
Thurs., June 12, 7 p.m.*
If you’re in the market for a digital camera, MP3 player, or GPS navigational system, Vivienne Porter of C3 Solutions will discuss helpful Web sites for comparison shopping and what features are most important for each gadget.

Natural Wonders of Namibia
Thurs., June 19, 7 p.m.*
Enjoy an armchair tour of the country of Namibia, presented by Jeff and Michelle Mishur of Art Excursions. See highlights of the Mishurs’ 2007 adventure, featuring photographs of and commentary on the towering apricot-colored dunes of the Namib desert, the fascinating landscape of Damaraland, game drives in Etosha National Park, and petroglyphs located at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein.


Book Discussion Groups
Future Book Discussions
Whether you enjoy reading fiction or nonfiction books or you just want to discuss books informally, we have a book discussion for you! All books are made available one month before each discussion. Book discussion groups meet in the second floor Conference Room.

Fiction Book Discussion Group
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
May 1, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell
Iris Lockheart is stunned to learn that a spinster aunt she never knew existed faces imminent discharge from a psychiatric hospital after sixty-plus years of confinement. Compelled by a mix of curiosity and responsibility, Iris retraces events preceding Esme’s hospitalization and uncovers some family secrets.

June 5, Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo
New York editor and middle-aged skeptic Otto Ringling reluctantly embarks on a cross-country journey accompanied by a Skovorodinian monk.

Nonfiction Book Discussion Group
Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
May 5, Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
In June of 2005, four Navy SEALs battled Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Luttrell would be the only survivor, depending solely on the protection given him by a group of villagers. This outstanding adventure tale is also a thoughtful look at humanity.

June 2, The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
Walls and her three siblings were raised on the margins of society by nomadic, often neglectful, parents. Instead of Christmas presents, their dad let them pick stars out of the night sky as their gifts. Their self-involved mother adopted the notion that each deprivation was an adventure. Walls navigated chaos and heartbreak, arriving at unconditional love for her dysfunctional family.



Friends of the Library
The Downers Grove Friends of the Library are members of the community whose active support has given the library everything from books on CDs to funds for the Junor Room’s summer reading clubs. A nonprofit, volunteer organization, FOL is supported primarily by dues and contributions from its membership.

FOL Travel Slides
Fridays, 7:30 p.m.
May 16, Paris and a Quick Tour de France
Jeffrey Bockman begins in Paris and then tours the country, including Lake Annecy, the Côte d’Azur, Provence, the Tarn River Valley, Carcassonne, Lot, Dordogne, the Loire River Valley, and Chartres.

Travel slides are not offered in June, July, and August.

Writers Workshop
Aspiring writers share their works.
Second and fourth Mondays, 7 p.m.
May 12; June 9, 23

Teen Advisory Board Meetings
Fridays, 4 – 5 p.m., Meeting Room
Meet one Friday a month with other teens who are interested in getting more involved in the library. We eat food, play games, help plan the Teen Summer Reading Club, and more.
May 2, June 13

In the Gallery
The library gallery features works by area artists in month-long exhibits, which showcase the talents of several local artists’ organizations and a variety of one-person showings. Located in the central lobby directly across from the Circulation Desk, the attractive gallery provides a casual and easily accessible venue for our patrons.

May: Jon Stanicek
June: Carla Schmakel and Bob Strempel

For Those with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities can call the library five days in advance to discuss possible accommodations.