Events & News at SSCHPL
January 2025
January Events for Adults
Monday Matinees: Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
Monday, January 5th at 1:00pm
Join us for a screening of Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Nora Ephron’s beloved romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. A widowed father’s late-night radio call sparks a charming, serendipitous love story in this timeless classic about finding love when you least expect it.
Help Applying For Human Services
Tuesday, January 6th at 1:15pm
Representatives from Respond Now will be available to offer guidance and support with your applications. Don't miss this opportunity to get the help you need!
Knitting & Crochet Club
Wednesday, January 7th at 10:15am
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, join us for a cozy, creative session with an expert teacher sharing top tips & tricks. Bring your projects, your questions, and your love for all things yarn!
Chair Yoga
Thursday, January 8th at 12:00pm
Take a break and join us for a refreshing Chair Yoga session with Those Fitness Chicks! This class is perfect for all levels and offers a gentle way to stretch, build strength, and relax. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and empowered. Come recharge with us and add some calm, strength, and rejuvenation to your day!
Help Applying For Human Services
Tuesday, January 13th at 1:15pm
Representatives from Respond Now will be available to offer guidance and support with your applications. Don't miss this opportunity to get the help you need!
Knitting & Crochet Club
Wednesday, January 14th at 10:15am
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, join us for a cozy, creative session with an expert teacher sharing top tips & tricks. Bring your projects, your questions, and your love for all things yarn!
Classic Movie Night: Ocean's 11 (1995)
Thursday, January 15th at 5:30pm
Celebrate the 65th anniversary of Ocean’s 11 (1960) this January at our Classic Movie Night! Starring the Rat Pack, this stylish caper follows WWII veterans plotting a daring New Year’s Eve heist on five Las Vegas casinos. Enjoy retro Vegas flair and free popcorn with this swinging classic.
Senior Bingo
Wednesday, January 21st at 11:00pm
Join us for a fun and social afternoon of Bingo designed especially for seniors! Enjoy exciting games, friendly competition, and the chance to win great prizes. Coffee and refreshments will be provided to keep you energized and cozy. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and have a great time!
Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees
Thursday, January 22nd at 7:00pm
Join us for the monthly Board of Trustees meeting where library policies, budget, programs, and future plans are discussed. Stay informed, engaged, and have your voice heard—public input is often welcomed!
Spice Of The Month: Cajun Seasoning
January Events for Kids & Families
Family Movie Matinee: Heidi (1937)
Saturday, January 17th at 2:00pm
Join us for a Family Movie Matinee featuring Heidi (1937), the beloved classic starring Shirley Temple. This heartwarming tale of a spirited young girl in the Swiss Alps is a timeless favorite for all ages. Popcorn provided—bring your favorite snacks and enjoy a cozy afternoon at the movies!
Morning Storytime
ages 5 and younger with caregiver
Bring your littlest ones for a time of stories, crafts, and play!
Evening Storytime
ages 5 and younger with caregiver
Bring your littlest ones for a time of stories, crafts, and play!
Take & Make Kits Available!
Take-and-Make crafts are now available at the library while supplies last! These fun and creative craft kits are perfect for all ages, from kids to adults. Simply pick up a kit, follow the instructions, and let your imagination run wild! Whether you're looking for a fun project to do at home or a way to spark creativity, our Take-and-Make crafts have something for everyone. Stop by the library today and grab yours before they're gone!
January Staff Recommendations
All staff recommendations are available throughout the month on our
display shelf at the Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library.
Click an item’s picture to place a hold through sts.swanlibraries.net
Ana's Pick
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean is a dark, imaginative fantasy set on the Yorkshire Moors, where a secret society survives by eating books and absorbing their contents. Devon, born into an ancient clan of book eaters, is raised on fairy tales and cautionary stories while the men feast on adventure. Her life unravels when her son is born with a far more dangerous hunger—not for books, but for human minds—forcing Devon to confront the brutal rules of her family and fight for her child’s survival.
Asheligh's Pick
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? by Caitlin Doughty is a fascinating, funny, and surprisingly comforting exploration of death through the curious questions of children. Drawing on her experience as a mortician, Doughty provides candid, science-based answers about dead bodies, decomposition, and what really happens when we die—covering everything from Viking funerals to groaning corpses. Beautifully illustrated and written with warmth and humor, this bestselling nonfiction favorite invites readers of all ages to confront death with curiosity rather than fear.
Betty's Pick
The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts is the thrilling conclusion to the Lost Bride Trilogy, where a centuries-old curse reaches its final reckoning. Living in the haunted Poole Manor, Sonya MacTavish must uncover her ancestors’ secrets and confront a malevolent spirit responsible for the deaths of seven brides and the theft of their rings. As illusions turn deadly and fear becomes a weapon, Sonya prepares for a battle across two realms to reclaim the house—and secure her future once and for all.
Colleen's Pick
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall is a lyrical, suspenseful literary thriller set in a flooded future New York City. After melting glaciers transform the world, young Nonie and her family survive atop the American Museum of Natural History, preserving humanity’s knowledge while living by strict rules of survival. When a superstorm forces them to flee north along the Hudson River, they encounter unsettling new communities and must decide what kind of world can—and should—be rebuilt. Both an adventure story and a meditation on memory, culture, and hope, this novel asks what is worth saving when everything else is lost.
Evelyn's Pick
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a beautifully crafted Nintendo Switch action-adventure that invites players to explore the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom. Taking on the role of the agile warrior Hornet, you’ll navigate mossy grottos, misted moors, and gleaming cities while mastering fast, acrobatic combat and a growing arsenal of tools and abilities. Packed with challenging bosses, haunting mysteries, and an evocative orchestral score by Christopher Larkin, this highly anticipated Switch title blends elegance, danger, and discovery into an unforgettable experience.
Henry's Pick
The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King is the definitive biography of Fred Rogers, the beloved creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Tracing his personal and professional life through decades of work, King highlights Rogers’s devotion to children, his pioneering approach to television, and his enduring commitment to kindness, empathy, and understanding. Drawing on interviews, oral histories, and archival materials, the book reveals the man behind the iconic cardigan, showing how his gentle wisdom and compassionate approach continue to inspire generations.
Jessica's Pick
Near the Bone by Christina Henry is a chilling horror novel about survival and terror on a remote mountain. Mattie has always lived in isolation with William, a man whose anger brings danger, but when she discovers a mutilated fox and hears strange cries in the night, she realizes they are not alone. As three strangers arrive searching for the mysterious creature, Mattie must navigate fear, secrecy, and the lurking menace to survive in this dread-inducing tale from the bestselling author.
Martha's Pick
Santa's Secret by Fern Michaels is a heartwarming, humorous holiday adventure and the third book in the Santa’s Crew series. Four lifelong friends reunite in Italy for laughter, mischief, great food, and a touch of romance. As Francesca helps uncover the secret behind a coveted panettone recipe, her friends explore personal quests, from sightseeing to love and career inspiration. With festive charm, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this story is a delightful celebration of new traditions and sweet surprises.
Melissa's Pick
Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre is a powerful and unflinching memoir from the woman who bravely spoke out against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Sharing her own story for the first time, Giuffre recounts childhood abuse, trafficking by Epstein and Maxwell, and her daring escape at nineteen. With courage and resilience, she confronts systemic corruption, holds her abusers accountable, and advocates for other survivors. Equal parts intimate and fierce, this memoir preserves her voice and legacy, offering a testament to survival, justice, and the strength of the human spirit.
Sal's Pick
Bedtime Stories: 30th Anniversary Edition by Madonna is a deluxe 2-CD set celebrating three decades of her iconic 1994 album. It features the original hits—“Human Nature,” “Take a Bow,” and “Bedtime Story”—alongside The Untold Chapter EP, which includes rare demos, remixes, and new edits. A must-listen for fans, this edition blends nostalgia with fresh takes on Madonna’s groundbreaking work.
Shay's Pick
Life-Size starring Lindsay Lohan and Tyra Banks is a heartwarming family fantasy about a young girl, Casey, who accidentally brings her fashion doll Eve to life while trying to resurrect her late mother. As Eve navigates the real world, she helps Casey heal, reconnect with friends, and strengthen her relationship with her father. Filled with magic, humor, and life lessons, this delightful film is a charming story of growth, friendship, and the unexpected ways love can transform a family.
Victor's Pick
Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 1 by Naoya Matsumoto is an action-packed manga set in a Japan plagued by deadly monsters. Kafka Hibino, a kaiju cleanup worker, dreams of joining the Japan Defense Force, but an unexpected transformation turns him into a kaiju himself. Now caught between his human life and monstrous powers, Kafka must navigate this new reality while striving to fulfill his childhood promise to fight alongside his friend Mina. Filled with thrilling battles, humor, and high-stakes drama, this series delivers a fresh twist on the monster-fighting genre.
Social Services Available
The Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library now has a full-time, Social Worker on staff. The Social Worker is available for 20-minute consultations to provide guidance and referrals to community services. To schedule a meeting, please submit an assessment form.
Care Cabinet
Looking for your next read?
Did you know...
our staff is trained to help you find a book you will love to read?
Whether you're looking for something fun or scary, mysterious or romantic, hilarious or thought-provoking -- there is something out there for every reader. We can also help you find the right format of book for you -- maybe you like holding it in your hand, or maybe you like larger text, or reading on your phone, or maybe you'd like something to listen to while you're driving or working around the house. Let us help you find something that works for you!
Browse through reading lists of different genres by clicking here.
Check out more resources, available online!
Comics Plus
Big news, comic fans! The Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library now offers Comics Plus — unlimited, instant access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga for kids, teens, and adults. Whether you love superheroes, fantasy, slice-of-life, or manga madness, there’s something for everyone. Start reading today by visiting sschlibrary.org/ebooks.
Gale Presents: Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform for adults who want to grow professionally or further develop a personal interest. Choose from thousands of continuously updated, on-demand video courses in business, technology, design, and personal enrichment—and become who you’ve always wanted to be. Log in FREE with your SSCHPL card and start learning today!
EBSCOhost
Look here for accurate information on anything from car repair, legal advice, old newspaper articles, and academic research! Reach out to jess@sschlibrary.org if you have questions about using these databases.
Language Learning & Citizenship Prep Resources
The library now offers all SSCHPL cardholders a free subscription to Pronunciator, a platform where you can study 315 different languages. In addition, patrons studying for the US Citizenship Test can use ProCitizen free with their library card in either English or Spanish.