Join the Partners of the Evanston Public Library in reading aloud around town
EVANSTON, IL. – The Evanston Public Library turns 150 this year, and the Partners of the Evanston Public Library are inviting everyone in on a Read-a-thon to celebrate!
Library lovers from across Evanston are invited to participate by signing up for a timeslot to read books across Evanston on the weekend of Friday, Sept. 8, Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10.
There are lots of ways to participate. You can read aloud to a public audience or silently among other reading friends. Join in on your own, or sign up your whole Evanston-based community organization and read together.
The Read-a-Thon will be held at EPL’s Main Branch and Robert Crown Branch, as well as other locations around the community. Community groups interested in holding Read-A-Thon events throughout the weekend are invited to join in on the fun – just complete the form expressing your interest.
Here are the events already planned:
Friday, Sept. 8
- Read with the Evanston Police Department. They’ll have a tent at the Robert Crown Community Center. 12-3 p.m.
- The Mather. Read and enjoy snacks with the residents of the Mather on their South Patio. 3-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9
EPL’s Main Library
- Read with Janice Lindquist, Constituent Services Director for State Rep. Robyn Gabel. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Cross-generational Read-aloud Time. Sign up to read to little listeners. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Individual Quiet Reading Time. Check in with us, grab a book off the shelves, and cozy up with a good story on your own. 1-3 p.m.
- Read with the Chicago Ballet Arts. 4-6 p.m.
EPL’s Robert Crown Branch
- Read with Firefighters! Hear a story from the Evanston Fire Department and see a fire truck up close. 10-11 a.m.
- Cross-generational Read-aloud Time. Sign up to read to little listeners. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Evanston Woman’s Club. Members of the Women’s Club will read aloud to all ages. 12-2 p.m.
- Individual Quiet Reading Time. Check in with us, grab a book off the shelves, and cozy up with a good story on your own. 2-4 p.m.
Around Town
- Lighthouse Beach Shelter with the Evanston Running Club. Bring a book and your running shoes for a Saturday morning run followed by silent reading time. 9 a.m.
- Channelside Park, 3219 Main St, Skokie. Read with the Junior Wildkits Football program. 9:45-11 a.m.
- Ridgeville Park District, 908 Seward Street. Drag queen Alexis Hex will be reading children’s books aloud. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- YoFresh Cafe, 635 Chicago Avenue. Read aloud and share your story with staff for a free small cone of froyo (with sprinkles)! 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Read with members of the St. Mark’s community, including PEPL president Seth Himrod. 12-3 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 10
EPL’s Robert Crown Branch
- Read with Firefighters! Hear a story from the Evanston Fire Department and see a fire truck up close. 12-1 p.m.
- Cross-generational Read-aloud Time. Sign up to read to little listeners. 1 – 2 p.m.
Around Town
- Arrington Lagoon with the Evanston Running Club. The running club will read individually after their Sunday morning run. 8:20 a.m.
- Evanston Art Center. Read to each other or individually in the gallery! 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Lee Street Beach with OWLS. Swimmers will be reading their own books after the morning swim, with snacks. 12-1 p.m.
If you or your Evanston-based organization would like to participate in the Read-A-Thon, let the PEPL know. Your organization can participate at one of our sites or host your own!
The Read-a-thon is a project of the Partners of the Evanston Public Library, a new nonprofit organization that supports the work of the library by volunteering, fundraising, and much more. To learn more about the PEPL, visit www.eplpartners.org.
