Library, Panera serve up storytime for kids
The Panera Bread restaurant on Randall Road in Elgin is offering a little literature along with your latte and late-morning breakfast.
The restaurant is offering free storytimes for children and their families a couple of times a month.
The program began at Panera Feb. 7, and Panera General Manager Kevin Allen said it was well received, and he's planning to continue it.
For the storytime, Panera provides the space and sells the coffee and pastries for parents to enjoy.
The folks at the Dundee Township Public Library provide the stories for the kids.
“We started offering it to get stories out there for the kids and to form a better connection with our community,” Allen said. “It's a lot of fun.”
The first two times Panera offered it, he said, there were about six or seven kids in attendance. He said he's hoping that number climbs into the teens.
Kids who participate also get a certificate at the end of the program for a free goody from Panera, Allen said.
Allen said he's hoping Panera can offer more children's programming in the future, and is hoping to do something in conjunction with the library in April to benefit a charity.
Allen suggests you register for the storytime by calling (847) 428-3661, ext. 10. The group, however, accepts walk-ins if people haven't registered.
The next scheduled storytime runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 28, at the restaurant, 2482 N. Randall Road.
Wimpy Fun: To celebrate the release of the new “Diary of the Wimpy Kid” movie, the Borders Books on Randall Road in Geneva and Algonquin are hosting a fun event for kids this weekend.
Starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, they'll be hosting a movie event complete with trivia games, “Wimpy” activities and more.
Fans of the book can also submit a review of the book for a possible publication at Borders.com.
The event is geared toward children ages 8 to 12.
Applications accepted: There still is time to submit an application to show your artwork at the Algonquin Commons Juried Art Fair this fall.
Entries must be postmarked by June 30. They can be found at d300foundation.org/artistapplication.html.
If you have questions you can e-mail organizer Diane Magerko at eventconnection@comcast.net, or call (312) 310-9156.
The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25, at the outdoor mall on Randall Road.
Proceeds benefit the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence.
Artists will get their morning coffee, a breakfast snack and bottled water.
The event is fun for the whole family, with a children's art project and music throughout each day.
Ÿ Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.