Human Library lets patrons ‘check out’ people for conversations
The city of Naperville, the Naperville Public Library and Naper Pride are sponsoring a “human Library” event in which people with diverse life experiences can be checked out like a book for a conversation.
The free event will take place between 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.
It is part of the city’s 2024 “Embracing Community: Expanding Our Dialogue, Deepening Our Understanding” series that aims to foster inclusion among generations, cultures and those with different experiences.
The Human Library was created by a Danish nonprofit group to allow for safe personal conversations that can help challenge prejudice and discrimination, a city news release said. Instead of books, people can be “borrowed” to share the stories of their lives. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions.
Topics may include disability, ethnicity, gender and sex, health, ideology, lifestyle, mental health, occupation, religion and sexuality, the news release said.
Registration is encouraged at www.naperville.il.us/embrace-community.
Nature Foundation’s online plant sale continues through April 27
The Nature Foundation of Will County’s annual online native plant sale will run through 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
The sale focuses on pollinators and will feature a variety of monarch butterfly, hummingbird and bee favorites, foundation officials said in a news release. Proceeds benefit the organization, which helps the forest preserve district protect nature, restore biodiversity and preserve natural habitat, according to the release.
Plants can be ordered through the foundation’s website, www.willcountynature.org, and can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, or 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 19, at Isle a la Cache Preserve, 501 E. Romeo Road in Romeoville. Plants will also be sold on site during the same weekend.
Rain barrels can be ordered through the Conservation Foundation and Upcycle at upcycle-products.com/il-programs/wcfpd/ for pickup during the plant sale dates.
KidsMatter opens applications for teen philanthropy initiative
Applications are due Friday, May 3, for the 2024 to 2026 Teen Philanthropy Initiative by KidsMatter.
The two-year program starts in September and will give 30 high school students a hands-on experience in philanthropy, charitable giving, fundraising and community service, officials with KidsMatter said. Sophomores are encouraged to apply, officials said.
Students participating in the program can also earn college credit through North Central College for related coursework.
For more information, go to kidsmatter2us.org/teen-philanthropy-initiative/.
Noon Whistle Brewing releases Hobson Oak White Peach Wood IPA
Noon Whistle Brewing has created a new beer conditioned with Hobson Oak wood staves from the legacy burr oak that stood along Hobson Road near Greene Road in Naperville.
The Hobson Oak White Peach Wood IPA is available on draft and for purchase in four-packs at Noon Whistle Brewing stores, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville and 800 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard.
Noon Whistle Brewing has partnered with the Naperville Outdoor Alliance on the endeavor, a news release said. A portion of sales from the new beer will benefit the Naperville Outdoor Alliance, which provides individuals and families with opportunities to improve physical and mental well-being through outdoor experiences and recreation.
The IPA boasts nuanced oak flavors and is fermented with white peaches, according to the news release.
