Waukegan library plans gold medal celebration

The Waukegan Public Library recently struck gold by winning the prestigious National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

To celebrate, the community is invited to a gold medal celebration Saturday, Aug. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. that will feature a variety of gold-themed activities, games, performances, and treats.

“We wanted to celebrate our National Medal with the entire community,” said Executive Director Richard Lee.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ National Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community and celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

Everyone who attends the celebration will receive a free Waukegan Public Library bumper sticker.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with a gold balloon launch and special gold dance by the Rhythm Academy of Dance dancers. Family activities include Wild West gold panning, Olympic gold medal games, Egyptian gold hieroglyphic amulet making, gold trivia, face painting, and a pirate gold coin treasure hunt.

Professional storyteller Megan Wells will tell well-known golden fairy tales, such as “King Midas,” “The Golden Goose” and “Rapunzel.”

In addition, there will be plenty of sweets to enjoy. Children can decorate their own gold medal cookie, dance a leprechaun jig for a chocolate gold coin, or earn a golden ticket good for free ice cream from the ice cream truck at the end of the event.

Children who finish the library’s Summer Reading Club, “Read for the Gold,” by July 28 will automatically receive a golden ticket good for a free ice cream at the celebration.

For more information about the gold medal celebration or the National Medal, contact Rena Morrow, marketing, programming and exhibits manager, at (847) 623-2041, ext. 231.