Evanston Public Library kicked off its annual celebration of National Library Week with a magic performance and a puppet show Saturday.
Libraries around the country will observe National Library Week this week, which is promoted by the American Library Association to show the role of libraries in community life. The week includes National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, National Bookmobile Day on Wednesday and Celebrate Teen Literature Day on Thursday.
“Service to the community has always been the focus of the library,” EPL director Karen Danczak Lyons said in a news release. “Here in Evanston we will continue to grow and evolve in how we provide for the needs of every member of the Evanston community.”
More than 80 people attended Greg Whalen’s magic show at the library’s Chicago/Main branch, which included simple tricks that wowed an audience of children and adults, branch manager Connie Heneghan said. Local puppeteer Marilyn Price performed an interactive puppet show at the library’s north branch. The Evanston Public Library Friends, an independent organization aiming to strengthen library outreach and programming, sponsored both events.
Heneghan said the events were well-attended and a good way to start the week-long celebration.
“They really enjoyed the programming,” she said. “It’s been a positive reaction so far.”
The library will host a variety of events this week, including story readings in Spanish, gaming sessions and computer software tutorials.
The EPLF will visit the North Branch at 2026 Central St. to show residents how to get involved with library events 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20.
