'Explore New Worlds,' earn prizes at Schaumburg library

Normally at this time of year I expound on the Schaumburg Township District Library's summer reading programs. But change is in the air, and the library is now featuring a summer "everything" program. Attend movies, concerts, programs, bus trips and more to earn chances for prizes, enjoy free entertainment, acquire valuable information, or enhance skills. Of course, books are still part of the equation. A library is, after all, still a library.

This summer's theme for all ages is "Explore New Worlds," and there is no shortage of exploration opportunities. The worlds of travel, science, cuisine, the arts and more can be accessed through library programs, classes, trips and special events. Details are listed throughout the library's Program Guide, which is mailed to Schaumburg Township residents and available in the library.

Adults can engage in virtual globe-trotting with programs like "An Outlandish Scottish Outlander Event" at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, based on the award-winning fiction series. Or, explore the most visited national park in the country by signing up for "A Taste of the Smoky Mountains" from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, with snacks and recipes provided. Take your exploration out of this world by attending the next Astronomy 101 program at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4. If you choose to Explore New Worlds in the flesh, rather than virtually, check out the library's upcoming day trips to Wisconsin's Germantown, a Hindu temple, the Milwaukee Art Museum, Chicago's sculptures and several theaters. Prefer to travel via movies? Head to Tuscany, Tibet, France and Spain by way of the silver screen in our Audiovisual Department. To register for adult programs, call (847) 923-3347.

Teens are invited to experience "Adventures in Travel" on Monday, June 23, or "Japanese Anime" on Tuesday, Aug. 5, as they engage in the summer program theme and earn tickets for a chance to win a prize. To register for teen programs, call (847) 923-3240.

For our youngest library users, kidsZone is offering countless ways to explore magic, drama, science and more, as well as hear folk tales from around the world. To register for kidsZone programs, call (847) 923-3439.

These are just a sampling of the many programs, classes and trips available in at the library. Check out the Program Guide for a full listing, or go online to www.schaumburglibrary.org. Be sure to sign up for Explore New Worlds at the library or online, and have a summer bursting with exciting experiences.