Arlington Heights library explores world of fairy tales

This winter, Kids' World will transform into an interactive storybook playground when "Once Upon a Time…Exploring the World of Fairy Tales" debuts at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Children can step inside seven beloved stories, each with a distinct imaginative environment and interactive components, Jan. 16 to March 26, 2016.

The library invites cardholders to celebrate the storybook playground's opening at the Fairy Tale and Fantasy Gala from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, with events scheduled throughout the library, including live entertainment, an all-ages costume contest, fantasy photo booth, fairy tale scavenger hunt, storytelling with Mother Goose, costumed characters, refreshments, activities and more.

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite storybook character.

From an African jungle to a giant's castle, visitors will enter the larger-than-life pages of multicultural fairy tales from around the globe staged throughout Kids' World and in the Lindsey Room.

The play exhibit is designed for children ages 3 to 10 and their caregivers. Each tale was selected because it allows a window into another time and culture and is brought to life with its own large-scale environment.

The tales include: Anansi and the Talking Melon, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Jack and the Beanstalk, Lon Po Po and Thumbelina.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the library is planning fairy tale and fantasy-themed programs for all ages from January through March, including author visits, family movie nights, puppet shows and plays, book discussions, crafts and more. For fairy tale programs and special event information, visit www.ahml.info/fairytales.

Registration for the Fairy Tale and Fantasy Gala is open to Arlington Heights Memorial Library cardholders only. Register at the Info Desk or Kids' World Desk, (847) 392-0100, or at www.ahml.info. Cardholders can register up to four people on one account.

This exhibit is made possible by a gift from the Friends of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, a not-for-profit organization that raises funds to provide gifts for the library.

The Once Upon a Time nationally touring exhibit is a collaborative effort of The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum and the St. Louis Public Library, and is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.