Brookfield Reads 2024: Read, Rest & Retreat
As the election looms ahead, many people find themselves stressed out and overwhelmed by the constant barrage of news coverage. This fall, we invite you to participate in a reading initiative like no other - one that focuses on reading and self-care as a means of escaping the media chaos and bringing peace and balance back into our lives. Join us for silent reading nights, nature outings, and other relaxing activities designed to help you reconnect with yourself, your community, and with nature. Register for special Brookfield Reads activities by clicking on the listings below.
2024 Bookfield Reads Discussion:
Wintering: The Power of Rest in Difficult Times by Katherine May
The 2024 Brookfield Reads book selection highlights the parallels between winter and hardships like illness or job loss. Wintering is a way to embrace hard times by modeling how animals and humans in the past and present survive the winter. Join this discussion on the book and the important lessons it has to teach about endurance, hardship, gratitude, and the passage of time.
Silent Reading Nights - September 13 and October 11
Join fellow Brookfielders at the Library after-hours and enjoy a peaceful night of communal silent reading. Tea and cookies provided.
Adult Sunday Crafternoons - September 22, October 6, and October 20
Enjoy an afternoon of peaceful, drop-in crafting at the Maker Studio. Bring your own project or work on a craft provided by the Library.
Birding 101 in the Oak Savanna - Sunday, October 15, 10:30 a.m.
Local birder and photographer Evan West will present on birding techniques and lead a guided walk through the Oak Savanna. Binoculars are recommended, but not required. Children are welcome accompanied by an adult. Meet at Kiwanis Park.
Self-Care Essential Oils - Monday, September 30, 6 p.m.
Create your own essential oils to take home with unique blended scents. Registration is required.
Gong Immersion Meditation - Wednesday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Relax into the sound and resonance of an expertly played Paiste Symphonic Gong. Bring a yoga mat or a sleeping bag and pillow.
Leaf Walk Storytime - Wednesday, October 9, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the beginning of fall with a special outdoors storytime for early readers with Youth Services at Kiwanis Park.
Mindful Morning Storytime - Tuesday, October 15, 10:30 a.m.
Join Youth Services for a mindful morning storytime for early readers.
Forest Therapy Walk - Thursday, October 17, 10:30 a.m.
Reconnect with nature on this slow-paced, relaxing walk through the Oak Savanna with certified Forest Therapy Guide Barb Cassidy.
Mental Health Resources for Parents of Kids and Teens - Monday, October 21, 6:30 p.m.
A Family Support Specialist from NAMI Metro Suburban and The Loft at Eight Corners will share resources with parents and caregivers to better support the mental health of kids and teens. Childcare will be provided for participating adults in a concurrent Spooky Crafts Class in the Library Classroom.
Self-Care for Teens: Aromatherapy Stress Balls - Wednesday, October 23, 4 p.m.
Practice self-care and learn about the positive effects of aromatherapy on mood and mental wellness in this DIY class. Participants will make their own aromatherapy stress ball with unique scents to take home.
Self-Care for Adults - Monday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.
Isla Lopez from Pillars Community Health will share tried-and-true methods of self-care for adults.
Help us plan for next year's Brookfield Reads by suggesting a title or theme.
Suggest a title/topic
Past Brookfield Reads Titles
- 2023 - Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
- 2022 - The Chicago Cub Shot for Love by Jack Bales
- 2020 - The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
- 2019 - The South Side by Natalie Moore
- 2018 - Rocket Men by Robert Kurson
- 2017 - Believer by David Axelrod
- 2016 - A Wolf Called Romeo by Nick Jans
- 2015 - The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr