The Buzz on Cicadas

Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library

What’s all the buzz about? Learn everything there is to know about cicadas, including their impact on the ecosystem, then dive into their astonishing world that bustles right beneath our feet. This presentation will be led by Brookfield resident, conservation commissioner and Forest Preserve Steward Wyatt Widmer. 3541 Park Ave.

First Saturday Storytime

Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. , Riverside Public Library

Is your week busy and you can’t make it to storytime during the week? Have no fear- head to the Riverside Library on the first Saturday of the month for an all-ages storytime. Let your child immerse themselves in child-friendly stories with other kids in the community. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Beginners Chinese Calligraphy for Teens

Wednesday, May 8, 4 p.m., , Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library 

Dive into a new culture practice at the library. This is your chance to learn basic calligraphy strokes and test your knowledge by writing a few Chinese characters. How cool is that? Not many can admit that they know Chinese Calligraphy! Register for classes and events online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917 or in person at the library. Walk-ins welcome, where applicable.  3541 Park Ave.

COMPOST… Nature’s Climate Champion!

Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library

Compost is nature’s way of recycling; it’s quite a sustainable solution. You can  celebrate International Composting Awareness Week with the Brookfield Conservation Commission at the Library. Discuss the benefits of composting with local experts and cover various composting methods, from DIY to hired services. Do the planet a favor… after all, it was just Earth Day… 3541 Park Ave.

Monday Mystery Games

Mondays, 5 p.m., Galloping Ghost Arcade

Ease your Monday blahs with a new game at Brookfield’s popular arcade. New drops each week. 9415 Ogden Ave.

Brookfield Women’s Club Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, May 8, 7 to 8 p.m., Zubar

Are you looking to meet like-minded women who make a positive impact on local organizations and communities? With philanthropy, social gatherings and community leadership as their foundation, Brookfield Women’s Club strives to be an integral support for local nonprofit organizations and surrounding communities. Curious to know more? Join the next meeting. You don’t need to be an active member to check out a meeting.  For more information: www.brookfieldwomensclub.com/member. 8436 Brookfield Ave., Brookfield

Cinco De Mayo

Sunday, May 5, 12 – 2 p.m.

North Riverside Mall is hosting a fun, culturally rich Cinco De Mayo celebration featuring: mariachi singer Luis Alfredo, folkloric dancers from La Academia, a Mexican dance academy and a juegetas workshop with artists Miriam Salgado and Alejandro Camacho for kids under 14. For more information: https://northriversideparkmall.com/cinco-de-mayo-5.  7501 W. Cermak Rd.

Cinco de Mayo & Chef Pepe’s Birthday

Sunday, May 5, La Barra Riverside

Celebrate Mexico’s beloved holiday and say feliz cumpleaños to Chef Pepe in this special evening featuring authentic Mexican taquiza (a kind of buffet), music and Modelo (or your choice of bebida). For reservations: www.labarrariverside.com/ or 708-887-7700. 2 E. Burlington St. at Longcommon Road

Makerspace DIY Kits

The Spot, Riverside Public Library, Appointments available May 1 – 31 

Creating with technology can be intimidating. That’s why the Riverside Library created The Spot DIY Kits. For just the cost of materials, kits come with everything you need, along with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. The May project is wooden flowers you can make using the library’s Glowforge. Each kit holds enough to make two flowers at a cost of $2 per kit, with a limit of two kits per person. Make an appointment either by calling 708-442-6366 or by submitting an appointment request form at //riversidelibrary.org/spot. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Dressing the Stars with Film Historian Annette Bochenek

Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m. , Riverside Public Library 

Film stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age channeled glamor and influenced fashion, thanks to the talented costume designers working in the studio system. Join Film Historian Annette Bochenek as she presents about classic Hollywood’s top costume designers, iconic costumes and the legacy of these designs today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips and captivating stories. Registration is required at www.riversidelibrary.org or by calling 708-442-6366. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Cinco de Mayo & Chef Pepe’s Birthday

Sunday, May 5, La Barra Riverside

Celebrate Mexico’s beloved holiday and say feliz cumpleaños to Chef Pepe in this special evening featuring authentic Mexican taquiza (a kind of buffet), music and Modelo (or your choice of bebida). For reservations: www.labarrariverside.com/ or 708-887-7700. 2 E. Burlington St. at Longcommon Road