Racine Public Library programs and events for April 20 – 27

The following is a list of the upcoming programs at the Racine Public Library.

Library Services & Event Registration

April 20 – 27

Library news

Accepting Donations for Spring Book Sale
Donations of books, magazines, puzzles or games can be brought to the first-floor staff desk anytime the library is open.
We can accept new or gently used:

• Fiction and non-fiction books less than 10 years old, for all age ranges
• Music CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays in their original cases
• Popular magazines less than one year old
• Toys, books and games

We can’t accept:

• Textbooks
• Magazines older than 1 year
• Reader’s Digest condensed books
• National Geographic magazines
• Encyclopedia sets
• VHS and cassette tapes
• Scratched discs
• Seeds
• Items for the Beyond Books Collection
• Items discarded by other libraries
• Items that have been written on or highlighted or are missing pages or parts
• Items that are old, dirty, water damaged or smelly

You can learn more about our donation guidelines at RacineLibrary.info/donate.

All Ages

Pride 365 Reading Challenge
Monday, Jan. 1 through Tuesday, Dec. 31 | RacineLibrary.BeanStack.com
Pride 365 is about celebrating and recognizing the LGBTQ+ community all year round. Earn badges by reading books and completing activities that honor the unique ways we love each other and express ourselves.
Registration is required.

Earth Day Reading Challenge
Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30 | RacineLibrary.BeanStack.com
Complete Earth Day-themed challenges and titles, then log your activity to earn Planet Protector badges.

• Grades K-5: Find books, videos, and games here to keep Mother Earth safe and clean.
• Grades 6-8: Become an Earth activist by learning to recycle right, clean up your community, and decrease pollution and littering.
• Grades 9+ and Adults: Reduce your environmental impact in our air, water and homes through this educational, inspirational challenge.
  Registration is required.

Discover the Solar Eclipse Reading Challenge
Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30 | RacineLibrary.BeanStack.com
Discover the solar eclipse! On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Sun, Moon, and Earth will align in a total eclipse of the Sun. Complete eclipse challenges and titles, then log your activity to earn badges and learn more about how to experience this phenomenal event.
Registration is required.

STEAM Workshops: Tinkering with Tech
Saturday, April 20 | 1 – 2 p.m. | Every other Saturday | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor
Let STEAM surprise you! Spend some time tinkering with robots, games and other fun tech toys.
Registration is required.

Racine Public Library on the Don Rosen Show
Thursday, April 25 | 7 – 8 a.m. | Every two weeks | On the radio – WRJN.com • Racine: 99.9FM & 1400AM • Kenosha: 98.1FM.
The library is joining Don Rosen on WRJN for the Don Rosen Show. The show will feature library teammates every other week to highlight programs and services the library offers beyond the world of books. Our schedule of appearances so far includes:

• Thursday, April 25: Evelin Garcia from the Business Office, 7-8 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 7: Melissa Donaldson from the Innovation Lab, 7-8 a.m.
• Thursday, May 23: Shay King from Marketing, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
  No registration is required.

Spring Book Sale with Friends of the Racine Public Library
Members only: Thursday, April 25 | Noon – 6 p.m. | Open to the public: Friday, April 26 & Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Last weekend of April and October | The Booktique, the Atrium, the Lee Room and the Stacks

Browse the newly renovated and expanded Booktique at our spring book sale. Shop thousands of used paperback and hardcover books, fiction and nonfiction, for all ages. Books are generously discounted, and all proceeds support the Racine Public Library. Se habla Español.

April 25 is for members only. April 26 and 27 are open to the public. Membership starts at $10. To become a member, you can sign up at the first-floor lobby desk, with a Friends volunteer during the book sale, or online at RacineLibrary.info/friends.
No registration is required.

Local Authors Showcase
Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Second Floor, including the Business Center and the Community Room
Visit with our showcase of local authors from the Racine area. Check the line-up for your favorites, and make sure to stop in to their presentations and panels. Throughout the day, authors will visit with community members, sign autographs and sell their products.
Authors include:

Kids

Lit Literacy Bonanza: A Youth-Led Adventure
Saturday, April 20 | 10 a.m. – Noon | Youth Services – 1st Floor | Elementary School Students
Enjoy this amazing interactive event – grab free books, play games, join activities, and try a scavenger hunt to promote elementary reading and math skills for Racine County youth. This event is led by Racine County Youth-in-Governance representatives, who have been organizing book drives at their schools in preparation for this event.
No registration is required.

STEAM Workshops: Dash the Robot
Monday, April 22 | 5 – 6 p.m. | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor | Grades K-4
Dash the Robot is a great learning tool for anyone interested in tech. Dash can respond to voices, dance, and sing, and they can’t wait to show you what robotics is all about.
Registration is required.

Coding Classes: Coding Blocks
Tuesday, April 23 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Second-to-last Tuesday of April and May | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor | Grades K-4
Coding isn’t just about a pageful of text and symbols. You can code even using hands-on tools like physical blocks and games. These methods are fun, easy ways to start learning coding.
Registration is encouraged.

Family Storytime with Miss Gail
Wednesday, April 24 | 10 – 10:30 a.m. | Every Wednesday through May 8 | Youth Services – 1st Floor
When you witness Miss Gail’s storytime, you will meet friends like Mrs. Wishy-Washy, a magic apron that holds wonders within, and a big and gentle spider. Hurry on in for an adventure that is sure to delight listeners. This program is designed with kids in mind, but all ages are welcome.
No registration is required.

STEAM Workshops: Robotics Lab
Saturday, April 27 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor | Grades K-4
Explore how different robots work by trying them out yourself.
Registration is required.

Tweens & Teens

STEAM Workshops: Getting Started with Linux
Saturday, April 20 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor
Bring your PC for help installing the Linux operating system to breathe some new life into your device. Please back up your files before coming, or bring a backup drive so we can walk you through the process. We’ll guide you through set-up and then teach you the basics of Linux.
No registration is required.

Gardening Classes with UW-Extension: Pruning Demonstration Session – Trees, Shrubs & Fruits
Saturday, April 20 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104
Ready, set, grow! Learn the basics of gardening with Vijai Pandian from UW-Extension. Pruning trees and shrubs can be an intimidating task in landscape maintenance. Improper pruning can ruin the health and shape of the plant. This session will teach you about pruning equipment, when to prune, and how to prune apple trees, young ornamental trees, common shrubs, and evergreens. Se habla Español.
Registration is required.

Teen Mess-Around Club: Karaoke Night
Tuesday, April 23 | 5 – 6 p.m. | TeenScene – 2nd Floor
You might have noticed the fancy karaoke machine in TeenScene. Ready to give it a try?
No registration is required.

Stitch N B!tch
Tuesday, April 23 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Every second and fourth Tuesday | The Business Center – Adult Services, 2nd Floor
Whether it’s crochet, cross-stitch, felting, knitting, quilting, embroidery or any other fiber art, bring your WIP and hang out in the company of fellow crafters. Se habla Español.
No registration is required.

Tech Intros: iPhone 101
Thursday, April 25 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Second and fourth Thursdays through May | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor
How do I send a photo? Where do I find my emails? What’s an app? If you have questions about how to use your iPhone, bring them in (along with your phone), and we’ll help you learn your way around the device.
Registration is required.

Adults

STEAM Workshops: Getting Started with Linux
Saturday, April 20 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor
Bring your PC for help installing the Linux operating system to breathe some new life into your device. Please back up your files before coming, or bring a backup drive so we can walk you through the process. We’ll guide you through set-up and then teach you the basics of Linux.
No registration is required.

Gardening Classes with UW-Extension: Pruning Demonstration Session – Trees, Shrubs & Fruits
Saturday, April 20 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104
Ready, set, grow! Learn the basics of gardening with Vijai Pandian from UW-Extension. Pruning trees and shrubs can be an intimidating task in landscape maintenance. Improper pruning can ruin the health and shape of the plant. This session will teach you about pruning equipment, when to prune, and how to prune apple trees, young ornamental trees, common shrubs, and evergreens. Se habla Español.
Registration is required.

Computer Basics: Chromebooks for Beginners
Monday, April 22 | 10 – 11 a.m. | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor
Chromebooks are user-friendly, inexpensive laptops that are great for covering the basics of work or school. If you’re getting started with a Chromebook or are considering trying one out, we can help you get familiar.
Registration is required.

Anti-Racism Zoom Book Club
Monday, April 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Every Monday the library is open | Zoom
This book club meets every Monday to cover books and conversations on the topic of racism.
Registration is required. Email Melissa.Donaldson@RacineLibrary.info.

Senior Art: Abstract Art with Shannon
Tuesday, April 23 | Noon – 2 p.m. | The Community Room – Adult Services, 2nd Floor | Adults 50+
Follow along with Shannon to create a colorful, stylized painting of “springtime on a lake.” We will provide the colors, aprons and tools. Please show up ten minutes early—our session starts promptly at noon.
Registration is required.

Stitch N B!tch
Tuesday, April 23 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Every second and fourth Tuesday | The Business Center – Adult Services, 2nd Floor
Whether it’s crochet, cross-stitch, felting, knitting, quilting, embroidery or any other fiber art, bring your WIP and hang out in the company of fellow crafters. Se habla Español.
No registration is required.

Transition to Senior Living 101
Wednesday, April 24 | Noon – 1 p.m. | The Community Room – Adult Services, 2nd Floor
Making the move to a senior living community for yourself or a loved one is an important transition. Let us guide you with this informative traveling 4-part series created by Waterford Place. Free lunch and refreshments are provided. On April 24, learn about advance directives Medicaid enrollment, power of attorney, living wills, and do not resuscitate orders with Sippel Law Offices. We’ll also teach you how Medicaid can affect your search for a community.
RSVP is encouraged: Email JGarwood@EncoreCares.com.

Classes for English Citizenship Exam with Voces de la Frontera
Wednesday, April 24 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Every Wednesday in 2024 | The Business Center – Adult Services, 2nd Floor
Get ready to take your English citizenship exam with the help of Voces de la Frontera. Participants must have had a residency card for 5-14 years or have been married to a US citizen for 5-14 years. To register, contact Jeannette Arellano at 414-236-0415 or Paola Barragan at 262-346-4027. Se habla Español.
Registration is required.

Seasonal Screams
Wednesday, April 24 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Last Wednesday of every month | The Lee Room – Atrium, 1st Floor
Do you like horror and being scared? You’re in good company. Dive into the wide genre of horror with us for stories and discussion that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Visit RacineLibrary.info/suggestions for the reading list.
Registration is required. Email Rebecca.Leannah@RacineLibrary.info

Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, April 25 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Second and fourth Thursday of every month in 2024 (except Nov. 28 and Dec. 26) | The Community Room – Adult Services, 2nd Floor
Talk about things that matter over coffee, tea and cookies. Spend time with thoughtful people who can listen, laugh, learn and exchange ideas from all backgrounds.
No registration is required.

Tech Intros: iPhone 101
Thursday, April 25 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Second and fourth Thursdays through May | The Innovation Lab – 2nd Floor
How do I send a photo? Where do I find my emails? What’s an app? If you have questions about how to use your iPhone, bring them in (along with your phone), and we’ll help you learn your way around the device.
Registration is required.

Author Visits: Sacred Listening & Storytelling with Caitlin Wilson
Thursday, April 25 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Google Meets
“Service is love made visible,” in the words of Tom Thibodeau, a great servant leadership teacher. Caitlin Wilson would add to that that “listening is an act of love.” Wilson is the author of “Cultivating a Servant’s Heart.” Today, she will help you explore sacred listening and storytelling as transformative acts of servant leadership and share tools and templates to inspire your own projects.
Registration is encouraged.

Anime Night for Adults
Thursday, April 25 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Last Thursday of every month | Twin Dragon Games, 500 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, WI 53403
Watch and discuss your favorite anime, try fun activities, and discover something new with fellow anime lovers. Learn more about your hosts, Twin Dragon Games, at facebook.com/TwinDragonGamesWI.
No registration is required.

About the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library’s mission is to lift up the lives of the people of the Racine community by embracing community diversity, promoting inclusion, creating opportunity and supporting the development of community literacy through a love of literature, learning and civic engagement. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, the Racine Public Library first opened its doors in 1897 and has served the community from its 75th Street location since 1958.

Come and see our newly renovated space!