It’s a mystery!
Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd., invites residents to an evening of mystery featuring local author Karen Berg-Raftakis on Thursday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
Berg-Raftakis is the author of the Arianna Archer Mystery Series, and she’ll be discussing her books and reading excerpts from her latest murder mystery, Slaughter on Sanibel Island.
A book signing will follow the presentation and copies of her two most recent books will be available for $11 each.
To learn more about the event or to register to attend, call 708-485-6917 or visit www.brookfieldlibrary.info.
Free movie screenings
• North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., continues its Wednesday Movie Matinee series on April 5 at 2 p.m. with a screening of the 2015 film Spotlight, which won three Oscars, including Best Picture.
The film depicts the Boston Globe investigative reporting team that uncovered an exposed sexual abuse by priests and the archdiocesan cover-up that sought to keep the information from the public.
Spotlight stars Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Liev Schreiber.
Admission is free. Drop-in only. Call 708-447-0869 or visit www.northriversidelibrary.org/events.
• Riverside Township continues its Thursday Afternoon at the Movies series with the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, on March 30 at 12:30 p.m. at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside.
Admission is free.
LTHS College Fair
Lyons Township High School students will have an opportunity to get a glimpse of college life at the annual College Fair scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the North Campus Fieldhouse, 100 S. Brainard Ave. in LaGrange.
Admission representatives from more than 200 public and private colleges, as well as community colleges, will be available to help students and families explore a variety of post-high school options. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which handles all financial aid for the state, will also be present.
Students can register at www.strivefair.com and receive a barcode on their phone that can be used at the fair to demonstrate interest to schools and receive information from them.
Mall opens new play area
North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road in North Riverside, unveils its fully remodeled Kid Safari Play Area on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon in the lower-level concourse near J.C. Penney.
Enjoy music, games, face painting, a balloon artist, prizes and a special appearance by Alvin the Chipmunk.
And more
• The St. Louise Players present Mary Poppins on March 31 and April 1 at 7 p.m. and April 2 at 2 p.m. at the parish center, 1125 Harrison Ave. in LaGrange Park. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for seniors (children 12 and under $7). Buy online at stlouiseplayers.brownpapertickets.com.
• Baseball writer Jared Wyllys presents “Writing for Baseball and Cubs 2017 Preview” on March 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave. The program is free. To sign up call 447-0869 or visit online at www.northriversidelibrary.org/events.
• St. Barbara, Divine Infant and St. Louise de Marillac parishes will host Deacon Allen Tatara who will talk on “How to Listen to God’s Voice in an Earbud Wearing World” on April 4 at 7 p.m. as part of the parishes’ Lenten Mission. The talk will take place at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1144 Harrison Ave. in LaGrange Park.
• Riverside Township hosts its free monthly blood pressure screening on April 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside.
• Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. in Riverside, presents “What the Cool Pigeon Knows,” a solo exhibition of works by painter Kevin Blake in the RAC’s FlexSpace gallery and “Resist the Urge to Press Forward,” a two-person show of sculpture and installations by Brent Fogt and Stacia Yeapanis in the Freeark Gallery through April 15. Admission is free. Gallery hours T, W, Th, Sat from 1 to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd., hosts an exhibit of artwork by local artist Brittany Hanks. The exhibit runs through April.
• North Riverside Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., hosts Messy Mornings for Munchkins (2+ with adult) on April 4 at 10:30 a.m.; Tales and Treats (ages 2-5) April 1 at 10:30 a.m.; Lego Club (1st grade ) April 5 at 3:45 p.m.; Wii Games and Movies (grades 6-12) April 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Friends of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, are selling raffle tickets ($5 each or five for $20) as a fundraiser to support the library. Purchase a chance to win any of the five prize items, which are in display at the library. The prize drawing will be held April 9.
• The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo every Monday night. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. minimum cash payout of $2,275 a night, plus pull tabs, lightning, tic-tac and raffles.
• North Riverside Parks and Recreation hosts a supervised open gym for teens every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. Concession available. $5 fee at the door.
• St. John United Church of Christ, 4500 Prescott Ave. in Lyons hosts the Council’s Odds and Ends Flea Market on April 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 708-299-5031 for info.
